Costa Rica has quickly become one of the most requested destinations we plan at The Shameless Tourist.
And honestly? It’s easy to see why.
Few places balance extraordinary nature and refined hospitality as effortlessly as Costa Rica. Think lush rainforests, volcano views, wildlife encounters, and golden beaches—paired with world-class resorts, private guides, wellness experiences, and exceptional service.
Add easy nonstop flights from major U.S. cities, relatively short travel times, and some of the warmest, most welcoming people you’ll meet, and Costa Rica becomes one of the easiest luxury trips to plan well.
You’ll hear the phrase Pura Vida everywhere you go. It translates loosely to “pure life,” but it’s more than a saying—it’s a mindset. Slow down. Appreciate nature. Enjoy the moment.
Getting to Costa Rica
Most travelers from the U.S. arrive through one of two international airports:
San José (SJO)
Best for:
- Arenal Volcano
- Rainforest lodges
- Coffee farms
- Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Cultural experiences inland
Liberia (LIR)
Best for:
- Guanacaste beaches
- Peninsula Papagayo
- Tamarindo
- Luxury beach resorts
A Shameless Tip
For one of the best Costa Rica itineraries, I often recommend flying into San José and out of Liberia. This allows you to combine rainforest and beach without backtracking—one of the smartest ways to experience Costa Rica.
How Long to Stay in Costa Rica
When clients ask how long to go, I usually recommend 7 to 10 nights.
An ideal first-time luxury itinerary often looks like:
- 3–4 nights in Arenal
- 3–5 nights in Guanacaste or Peninsula Papagayo
This gives you the two sides of Costa Rica that make it so special: adventure and restoration.
Arenal Volcano & Rainforest Region
The Arenal region is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landscapes, known for dramatic volcano views, waterfalls, dense jungle, and incredible biodiversity.
Popular experiences include:
- Soaking in natural hot springs
- Zip-lining through the canopy
- Private wildlife and birding tours
- Coffee and cacao farm visits
- Hiking around Arenal Volcano
- Exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest
Costa Rica is home to nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity, so even walking the grounds of your hotel can feel like a wildlife encounter.
Best Luxury Hotels in Arenal
Nayara Resorts
The Nayara collection remains one of the best luxury resort experiences in Costa Rica.
Options include:
- Nayara Gardens — family-friendly
- Nayara Springs — adults-only villas
- Nayara Tented Camp — safari-style luxury in the rainforest
Private plunge pools, outdoor showers, volcanic views, and truly exceptional service make this one of my favorite places to send clients.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
For travelers drawn to hot springs, Tabacón is legendary.
Natural thermal rivers flow throughout the property, creating a series of jungle pools, waterfalls, and spa spaces. Guests also have access to the adults-only Shangri-La Gardens.
The Guanacaste & Peninsula Papagayo Regions
While Costa Rica’s Caribbean side has tremendous appeal, many of the country’s top luxury resorts are concentrated on the Pacific coast.
Why many travelers choose this region:
- Easier logistics
- Warm water beaches
- More luxury resort options
- Quick access from Liberia Airport
Best Luxury Beach Resorts in Peninsula Papgayo & Guanacaste
Peninsula Papagayo
Just 30 minutes from Liberia Airport, Peninsula Papagayo is one of the most exclusive resort enclaves in Central America.
It combines beaches, golf, marina access, protected nature preserves, and some of Costa Rica’s best hotels.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
Consistently one of the most requested properties we book.
Highlights include:
- Two beaches
- Arnold Palmer golf course
- Excellent dining
- Private villas and suites
- Strong wellness programming
Insider Tip: The Canopy Suites feel like luxury treehouses suspended in the jungle.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort
A great option for travelers who like contemporary design and a more social atmosphere.
Expect:
- Beautiful bay views
- Spacious entry-level rooms
- Multiple pools and beaches
- Strong dining options
- Great value within luxury
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
For privacy and ultra-luxury, Nekajui has quickly become one of the most exciting openings in Costa Rica.
Highlights include:
- Ocean-facing suites and villas
- Treetop accommodations
- Destination dining experiences
- Exceptional spa and wellness
- Highly curated private adventures
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
Another exciting addition to Costa Rica’s luxury hotel scene is the Waldorf Astoria at Punta Cacique.
Positioned between Papagayo and Playa Hermosa, it brings a sophisticated new option for travelers looking for a resort that blends contemporary luxury with Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
Reasons I’d consider it:
- Dramatic clifftop ocean views
- Beautiful beach access
- Strong wellness focus
- Waldorf service and residential-style accommodations
- Excellent option for clients deciding between classic resort luxury and newer openings
For travelers who want something fresh, elevated, and slightly under the radar—for now—it’s worth considering.
Tamarindo & Southern Guanacaste
Further south is Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic beach towns.
It offers:
- Excellent surfing
- A lively atmosphere
- Great restaurants
- Long beaches
- Easy access to day excursions
Consider a Private Villa Here
For Tamarindo and surrounding areas, I often encourage clients to consider a staffed luxury villa, particularly for families or groups.
Why villas work well here:
- More privacy
- Space for multi-generational travel
- Private chefs and household staff
- Concierge-arranged surf lessons, fishing, and boat charters
- Better value than multiple resort rooms in some cases
In certain parts of Guanacaste, a villa can be the best luxury option—not just an alternative.
There’s Much More to Costa Rica Than This
While Arenal and Guanacaste are often where I start clients, they’re far from the full story.
There is so much more to explore if you want to go deeper into the country:
- The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado
- Remote eco-lodges
- Coffee regions
- The Nicoya Peninsula
- Caribbean culture on the east coast
- Wellness retreats and regenerative travel experiences
- Conservation-focused journeys and private expeditions
If you want a more in-depth cultural itinerary—or something beyond the classic first-time route—we can absolutely design for that.
Planning Your Luxury Costa Rica Vacation
That combination of adventure, nature, and hospitality is exactly why travelers return again and again.
If Costa Rica is on your radar, we’d love to help design the right itinerary for you.
Kaleigh Kirkpatrick
Kaleigh Kirkpatrick is the founder and CEO of The Shameless Tourist, a luxury travel agency specializing in bespoke, culturally immersive itineraries worldwide. She is a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor and Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist, recognized among the top travel experts globally.
Known for her firsthand destination knowledge and trusted global partnerships, Kaleigh regularly travels to vet hotels, guides, and experiences—ensuring her clients receive seamless, highly personalized journeys with exclusive access. Her expertise has been featured in Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, and many other publications.
