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There are so many reasons to plan a honeymoon in Costa Rica. Beach lovers will find magical spots to explore on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, while lush jungles teem with spider monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds. Not surprisingly, with such a varied landscape and so much of life centering around the great outdoors, the opportunities for adventure are endless. Legendary swells have attracted surfers for decades, and zip-lining through the leafy canopy is an adrenaline-fueled highlight for many newlyweds. Rather trek to volcanos or swim in waterfalls? Go for it!
Of course, if you’re still running on fumes from wedding planning and would rather dedicate a large portion of the trip to R & R, Costa Rica is still the perfect place. It has some super romantic stays that really bring the Pura Vida philosophy to life through beautiful settings, nature-inspired architecture, warm hospitality, and spa rituals.
Scroll on for the best honeymoon hotels and resorts in Costa Rica
The Best Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts in Costa Rica
- Best Overall: Nayara Tented Camp
- Best for Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
- Best for Wellness: Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection
- Best Adults-Only: Rancho Pacifico
- Best for Hot Springs: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
- Best for Privacy: Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas
- Best for Beachfront: Hotel Nantipa
- Best Eco-Lodge: Pacuare Lodge
Best Overall : Nayara Tented Camp
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Set high on a hill, luxury tents with air-conditioning, plunge pools, and views of Arenal Volcano are tailor-made for honeymooners.
Glamping tents with plunge pools, spa, pool, poolside bar, yoga classes
Stunning natural setting
Complimentary perks like laundry service and breakfast
Wine pairings, mixology classes, and coffee tastings
Expensive
Not adults-only
Rarely does a property manager to master laid-back luxury in a way that Nayara Tented Camp does. Consistently ranked among the best resorts in Central America, this stunning rainforest retreat at the edge of Arenal Volcano National Park offers an unmatched level of service. No need (or want, for that matter) goes unmet, and the friendly staff makes catering to guests’ every whim seem effortless. The caliber of the amenities, food, and accommodations is similarly unmatched.
Newlyweds can decompress with a soak in the hot springs or with spa treatments that harness the restorative power of nature. The cuisine fuses delectable local flavors and modern techniques. There’s truly no better place to call your honeymoon HQ than the glorious glamping tents, which feature canopy beds, soaking tubs, outdoor showers, and plunge pools.
Best for Luxury : Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
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This luxurious resort honors the breathtaking natural beauty of the Papagayo Peninsula while providing unparalleled service and amenities.
Six restaurants and bars, two beaches, championship golf course, surf school
Award-winning spa
Four outdoor pools
Serviced beach cabanas
Not adults-only
Many family-focused activities
When a stay begins with cold towels and freshly cracked coconuts in an airy, beautifully decorated lobby, you know it’s going to be spectacular. The welcome amenities are just a little taste of the luxury that’s to come at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo.
One of only a few Forbes Travel Guide Five Star-rated hotels in Central America, it sets the bar extremely high in every facet of the guest experience. It boasts a litany of first-class amenities, including four outdoor pools (one for adults only), beach cabanas, tennis courts, a championship golf course, and mixology classes at the rum bar. The elegant Italian restaurant, Pesce, turns every dinner into a celebratory occasion with its fresh seafood, extensive wine list, and splendid ocean views. And the full-service spa summons honeymooners to wind down with indulgent couples treatments inspired by local healing traditions.
Best for Wellness : Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection
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A one-of-kind stay filled with couples massages, horseback riding, and farm-to-table fare awaits newlyweds at this tranquil resort.
Private villas with outdoor pools, equine stables, adults-only infinity pool
World-class spa
Gourmet dining with ample vegan options
Plenty of activities, including tree climbing and bird-watching
Expensive
Remote location is difficult to reach
Tucked away in the foothills of Pérez Zeledón, Hacienda AltaGracia is a halcyon haven of luxury and wellness with organic gardens, equine stables, and a spa sanctuary that takes well-being to new heights. THE WELL at Hacienda AltaGracia nurtures guests through an extensive range of transformative treatments, expert-led workshops, and mindful movement. Outdoor activities are aimed at inspiring participants to rediscover the wonder of Mother Earth and, perhaps, even unearth something within themselves. Partake in a guided meditation and natural river bath or saddle up for a horseback tour to a local coffee farm.
Hacienda AltaGracia’s culinary program is rooted in the interrelatedness of humans and nature, with foraging expeditions, cooking classes, and gourmet meals that celebrate indigenous ingredients. Expansive casitas featuring neutral hues and cloudlike beds guarantee a restful night’s sleep. Simply put: A stay at this divine resort will leave you floating on cloud nine for weeks after returning to reality.
Best Adults-Only : Rancho Pacifico
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It’s impossible not to fall head over heels for this adults-only paradise overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the heart of the Costa Rican rain forest.
Infinity pool, hot tubs in some villas, spa, gourmet breakfast
Adults-only
Exceptional service
Extensive on-property hiking trails
Remote location is difficult to reach
Food is not available at all times
Stationed on a leafy nature preserve and gazing over an endless sea of blue, Rancho Pacifico is a five-star, adults-only boutique hotel that consistently wows with its lush surroundings, the design that allows the region’s tropical beauty to shine, and one-to-one personal service. Luxury villas have separate living and sleeping areas, expansive decks with plunge pools or hot tubs, and heart-stopping ocean or mountain views.
There are more picture-perfect visions to be had throughout the property. Watch the sunrise from the yoga deck or hike to the waterfall, stopping along the way to marvel at the majestic birds flying through the sky. At the day’s end, book a sunset massage or body scrub at the award-winning spa, which is accessed via jungle boardwalk. Afterward, gaze out at the famous whale tail formation in Marino Ballena National Park while you sip cocktails in the lounge. Then cap things off with a divine dinner under a canopy of stars.
Best for Hot Springs : Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Thermal hot springs, stylish accommodations, and volcano tours are the foolproof formula for romance at this five-star, eco-conscious resort.
Spa, two restaurants, four bars, private dining experiences
Thermal hot springs
Access to Shangri-La Gardens, Tabacón’s adults-only area
Tons of adventure tours
Not adults-only
Spotty Wi-Fi
Natural mineral pools at the base of the famous Arenal Volcano are a pretty incredible place to unwind after the stress of wedding planning and the excitement of the big day itself. Newlyweds checking into Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa can bank on a sublime stay that blends scenic beauty, relaxation, and adventure.
Surrounded by tropical foliage, this five-star, the eco-conscious retreat gives guests access to Shangri-La Gardens, an adults-only oasis at the hot springs. The spa also provides a rejuvenating experience with couples treatments performed in open-air bungalows with private Jacuzzis and the sounds of wildlife as background music. Honeymooners can book romantic private dinners in the middle of the rainforest, as well as outdoor activities like ATV tours, waterfall hikes, and bike rides around Lake Arenal.
Best for Privacy : Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas
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Honeymooners hoping for plenty of alone time will love the private villas with saltwater infinity plunge pools and sweeping vistas of the Guanacaste coast.
Infinity plunge pools, farm-to-table restaurant
Adults-only
21 villas with terraces
Admirable sustainability focus
No TVs in rooms
No on-site spa facility
Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas ticks all the boxes for a Costa Rica honeymoon. It’s the perfect marriage of hillside haven and beachfront bliss, puts an emphasis on sustainability (its water conservation efforts are particularly admirable), and caters exclusively to grown-up guests.
Privacy is paramount at this retreat on the Guanacaste coast. All 21 contemporary villas flaunt comfy beds, terraces, and saltwater infinity plunge pools where couples can live out their newlywed fantasies in peace and quiet. You don’t even have to leave your little love nest to relish a spa treatment. In-room massages are just one of the many posh privileges at Casa Chameleon. Then again, the outside world is pretty darn tempting, too. Stroll down to the beach for a seaside picnic, bond over a thrilling zip-lining adventure, or go for a sunset horseback ride.
Best for Beachfront : Hotel Nantipa
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Barefoot honeymoon dreams come true at this sustainability-minded 21-key boutique hotel on the palm-fringed sands of Playa Santa Teresa.
Wellness center, restaurant
Beachfront location
Private bungalows with outdoor pools
Eco-chic design
Limited on-site activities
Only one restaurant
Perched on Playa Santa Teresa, Hotel Nantipa rolls out the welcome mat for guests with refreshing coconuts to sip while strolling the jungle-framed pathways that lead around the property. The biggest draw at this eco-conscious boutique Eden is, unsurprisingly, the wide beach, which is backed by palm trees and caressed by warm, clear blue water. The swells make it a great place to go surfing or enroll in a lesson. It’s equally pleasant to post up in one of Nantipa’s hammocks with a cocktail in hand or to grab a low-slung table and some tasty Tico fare at the all-day restaurant Manzú and just watch others dance with the waves.
Sustainability takes center stage in the honeymoon-worthy stand-alone bungalows that showcase rattan chairs, local art, indoor-outdoor showers, and tree-shaded terraces with hammocks and plunge pools. There’s also an intimate wellness center that’s ideal for couples.
Best Eco-Lodge : Pacuare Lodge
This eco-lodge on the banks of the Pacuare River has a romantic side, pampering perks, and plenty of outdoor adventure.
Villas with spring-fed plunge pools, spa, organic garden
Eco-adventures like waterfall hikes and rafting
Acclaimed culinary program with many plant-based options
Spotty Wi-Fi
Remote location is difficult to reach
Searching for a honeymoon hideaway that will allow you to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life? Pacuare Lodge is an off-the-grid eco-lodge hidden deep within the rainforest. Here it’s all about focusing on the beauty that surrounds you and cultivating a deeper connection with your partner. Built with a deep respect for nature, the villas and thatched-roof suites have candles to set the mood and eco-friendly toiletries, and some have canopy beds and spring-fed plunge pools.
If you do need to plug in, there is Wi-Fi in the reception area, though, fair warning, it can be a bit spotty. All the more reason to switch your phone off and be totally present for indigenous spa treatments, riverfront yoga, and stargazing with your soulmate.
Final Verdict
Because Costa Rica has such a staggering diversity of natural scenery, we’d recommend splitting time between two properties: one inland and the other coastal. Don’t miss the unmatched Nayara Tented Camp, which adds relaxing natural hot springs to an already intoxicating jungle retreat. On the coast, Hotel Nantipa provides the perfect opportunity for seaside romance. If you don’t feel like switching hotels or are short on time, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo combines the best of both worlds.
Methodology
We evaluated dozens of honeymoon-worthy hotels and resorts to select those that would provide the absolute best experience for newlyweds. When examining properties, their ambience played an important role in our decision-making process, and we also took amenities, dining options, and activities into consideration.
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