Costa Rica is a destination with all-inclusive resorts, but the selection is smaller and more concentrated than in Mexico or the Dominican Republic. The five options below are on the Pacific coast, mainly in Guanacaste near Liberia and the Papagayo Peninsula. Costa Rica's tourism board lists resorts that bundle dining, drinks, activities and entertainment into one package.
Best Area for an All-Inclusive Resort in Costa Rica
Guanacaste is the best region for a traditional all-inclusive beach vacation. The province has Pacific beaches and easy access from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia.
| Resort | Best For | Location |
|---|---|---|
| The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa | Families, golf and upscale resort facilities | Playa Conchal, Guanacaste |
| Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton | Families, pools, entertainment and themed dining | Papagayo area, Guanacaste |
| Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica | Adults-only romantic trips | Papagayo Peninsula |
| Hotel Riu Guanacaste | Families, activities and a large beachfront resort | Playa Matapalo, Guanacaste |
| JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive | Luxury and a quieter coastal setting | Guanacaste |
Marriott identifies three Costa Rican properties in its all-inclusive portfolio: The Westin Reserva Conchal, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton and JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa.
RIU advertises 24-hour all-inclusive service at Hotel Riu Guanacaste. Hyatt identifies Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica as an adults-only all-inclusive resort.
What Is Usually Included?
An all-inclusive rate in Costa Rica usually covers accommodation, meals, snacks, selected beverages, pools and resort activities. Depending on the property, it may also include:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Alcoholic drinks
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Non-motorized water sports
- Evening entertainment
- Kids' clubs or children's activities
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica states that its typical all-inclusive rate covers rooms, meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, non-motorized water sports, children's activities, taxes, service fees and gratuities.
What May Cost Extra?
An all-inclusive package covers the resort's listed inclusions, not every activity in Costa Rica. Guests may still pay separately for:
- Spa treatments
- Excursions to volcanoes, waterfalls or national parks
- Zip-lining and wildlife tours
- Airport transfers
- Motorized water sports
- Premium alcohol or specialty services
- Laundry
- Some private experiences
Check the exact package before booking because inclusions vary by resort.
Is Costa Rica Good for an All-Inclusive Vacation?
Costa Rica is a good choice if you want an all-inclusive beach resort alongside nature and outdoor activities. It suits travelers who want to add rainforest tours, wildlife viewing, surfing, volcano visits or zip-lining to a resort stay.
Costa Rica is less suitable if you want to spend the entire trip inside a large resort complex with extensive nightlife and many neighboring all-inclusive properties. The country also has à la carte hotels, eco-lodges, boutique resorts and rainforest accommodations, so an all-inclusive resort is only one part of the country's tourism market.
Bottom Line
For a resort-first trip, choose Guanacaste. It offers the broadest choice of all-inclusive properties, Pacific beaches and easy access from Liberia. To include more of Costa Rica's landscapes, spend several nights at a Guanacaste resort and add an eco-lodge or nature hotel near a rainforest, volcano or cloud forest.