Best Costa Rica All Inclusive Resorts

Costa Rica is not like Mexico or the Dominican Republic where the coast is monopolized by mega resorts. Nevertheless, true all-inclusive resorts (meals, drinks, activities) are available, but most of the top all-inclusive options in Costa Rica are actually resorts that provide all-inclusive plans, meal plans, or bundled packages rather than a single, universal definition.

This is, in fact, good news for tourists who want both: a resort and to experience the real highlights of Costa Rica (rainforest tours, sloths, ziplining, volcano hot springs, snorkeling, wildlife).

Costa Rica All Inclusive: What It Includes

Before booking, it is best to confirm a few things:

• Meals (buffet vs a la carte), snacks, and how dining reservations work
• Alcohol (premium vs standard), minibar, and room service rules
• Airport transfers (sometimes included in packages)
• Family perks (kids club, teen activities, babysitting availability)
• Activities (water sports, classes, entertainment)
• Taxes/tips (some brands explicitly include them)

Costa Rica All Inclusive: Locations

Most all inclusive resorts are in the province of Guanacaste at the Gulf of Papagayo on the North Pacific coast, often most convenient via Liberia International Airport (LIR).

You’ll also find a few selections around Puntarenas/Central Pacific for easier access from San José.

Costa Rica All Inclusive: For Families

The Westin Reserva Conchal (Playa Conchal, Guanacaste)

• Best for: Families who want beach + lots of on-site activities
• Location: The Westin Reserva Conchal is a 45-to-60-minute drive from Liberia Airport, potentially longer with traffic.
• Facilities & vibe: A large beachfront resort with a beautiful golf course, multiple restaurants, and a spa (everything you want combined into one).
• Why it works for family trips: If you’re traveling with kids or grandparents, the convenience of having everything at one place saves both time and energy.
• Good to know: Always review the resort’s “inclusions” and what’s excluded (certain premium experiences may cost extra).

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica (near Liberia / Guanacaste area)

• Best for: Families who want entertainment, kids friendly programs, and a modern resort style
• Location: 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport (LIR) 
• Facilities & vibe: All inclusive dining + entertainment with family oriented activities.
• The all inclusive feel: The resort highlights its “everything in one place” idea with dining, shows, and activities.
• Good to know: When comparing prices, check whether your room type has additional perks or benefits.

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica (Playa El Jobo, Guanacaste)

• Best for: Families and mixed age groups that want a classic all inclusive resort vacation
• Location: Beachfront at Playa El Jobo
• Facilities & vibe: The brand highlights the idea of “Unlimited Luxury” by bundling dining/drinks with resort activities.
• Room comfort: The Hyatt Inclusive Collection listing highlights 447 suites and features like a hot tub on each terrace/balcony (varies by room).
• Good to know: This is a first pick, perfect if you want beach time and the all inclusive experience.

Costa Rica All Inclusive: For Couples

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica (Adults-only, Gulf of Papagayo)

• Best for: Couples, honeymoons, and adults who want a quiet and romantic experience
• Location: Adults only all inclusive resort in the Gulf of Papagayo, set on Arenilla Beach
• Facilities & vibe: The branding emphasizes on dining, cocktails, and resort programs which is all included in the stay.
• Good to know: Adults only options sell out quickly in peak season; therefore, it is always good to book earlier.

Occidental Papagayo (Adults-only, Papagayo / Playa Hermosa area)

• Best for: Couples seeking an adults only all inclusive with a more acceptable price point
• Location: Papagayo area
• Facilities & vibe: The brand highlights an all inclusive bundle and a romantic vacation focus for visitors.
• Good to know: As with many Costa Rica resorts, you’ll likely go on small tours off property so make sure to have everything plan out while visitng.

Costa Rica All Inclusive: Best Values

Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica (Matapalo Beach, Guanacaste)

• Best for: Groups who want lots of pools, nonstop food options, and a resort life vibe all day
• Location: Matapalo Beach, Guanacaste 
• What’s included: RIU promotes its 24 hour all inclusive bundle which includes ammenities like meals/snacks, beverages, and entertainment programs.
• Facilities & vibe: Large scale, energetic, and convenient for travelers who don’t want to plan each meal.

Hotel Riu Guanacaste (Matapalo Beach, Guanacaste)

• Best for: Budget travelers who still want the full all inclusive experience.
• Location: Matapalo Beach
• Facilities & vibe: RIU markets it as a mix of nature + entertainment, different compared to RIU palace.

Fiesta Resort Puntarenas (Central Pacific)

• Best for: Families and groups looking for all inclusive beach resorts without going all the way north
• Location: Puntarenas / Central Pacific coast
• Good to Know: If your flights lands in San José, a Central Pacific resort can save you transfer time rather than heading to Guanacaste.
• What’s included: The resort promotes an all inclusive program with multiple restaurants/bars and entertainment.

Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo (Guanacaste)

• Best for: Couples or families who want flexibility including all inclusive meal plans and packages.
• Location: Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste
• All inclusive note: The resort advertises an all inclusive getaway/meal plan
• Good to Know: You can choose the how bundled you want your plan to be because you may want to explore local restaurants and highlights on certain nights.