
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: North Pacific coast, from Liberia airport 45 mins time.
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.
Playa Manzanillo Bahia Culebra Guanacaste Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste Province
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.
Acceso a Playa El Jobo, Provincia de
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.
North West from Panama Beach Main Entrance, Papagayo Golf and Country Club, 10 Km, Papagayo
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.
255 Blvd. Playa Hermosa 800 metros al norte 48-5000 Golfo Guanacaste Province, Guanacaste Province
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.
Playa Matapalo, Carrillo, Guanacaste Province
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.
Sardinal de Carrillo, Playa Matapalo
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.
23, Provincia de
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.
Costa Rica All Inclusive FAQs
Are there true all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica?
Yes—there are true all-inclusive resorts, especially around Guanacaste and Papagayo, but Costa Rica also has many resorts offering meal plans and packages rather than one standard “all included” format.Where are the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica?
Many popular all-inclusive options cluster in Guanacaste / Gulf of Papagayo.Which Costa Rica all-inclusive is best for families?
Family-forward picks often include large resorts with lots of dining and activities, such as The Westin Reserva Conchal, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, and Dreams Las Mareas.Which Costa Rica all-inclusive is best for couples?
Adults-only all-inclusive resorts like Secrets Papagayo and Occidental Papagayo are frequently chosen for honeymoons and quieter getaways.



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