The 10 Best Beach Hotels in Costa Rica for a Luxurious Coastal Escape

Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers who value both natural beauty and elevated hospitality. With its vast stretches of Pacific and Caribbean coastline, the country offers an impressive range of luxury stays close to the sea. This guide features some of the best beach hotels in Costa Rica, selected for their consistently high ratings, prime coastal locations, and exceptional guest experiences.

Each property in this list reflects a different expression of luxury—whether through design, setting, service, or atmosphere. From boutique beachfront escapes to expansive resorts with curated amenities, these are some of the most luxurious beach hotels in Costa Rica for travelers looking to relax, recharge, and enjoy the coast with style and comfort.

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At A Glance: Best Beach Hotels in Costa Rica

1. Corcovado Wilderness Lodge by SCP

2. Hotel Nantipa—A Tico Beach Experience

3. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort—A Concept by Hyatt

4. Azul Hotel & Retreat

5. W Costa Rica Resort—Playa Conchal

6. Makanda by The Sea Hotel—Adults Only

7. Hotel Villa Caletas

8. Ocho Artisan Bungalows

9. Crocs Resort & Casino

10. The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

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Why These Hotels?

In curating this list, we focused on hotels that consistently deliver an exceptional standard of comfort, style, and location. Each property is highly rated by discerning travelers and offers close proximity to the coast—many with direct beach access, others perched just above with panoramic sea views.

Our definition of luxury goes beyond stars or square footage. We’ve chosen stays that prioritize thoughtful design, attentive service, and a distinctive sense of place. Whether it’s a secluded eco-lodge in the jungle or a modern resort with full-scale amenities, each hotel offers an experience that feels elevated, refined, and deeply connected to Costa Rica’s coastal charm.

These are the places we’d recommend to travelers who expect more than just a beachfront—they want something memorable, beautifully executed, and worthy of their time.

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Our Top Picks: 10 Highly-Rated Luxury Beach Hotels in Costa Rica

1. Corcovado Wilderness Lodge by SCP

Located near San Pedrillo Beach on the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado Wilderness Lodge offers a quiet, nature-focused stay with upscale comfort. The setting is remote and peaceful, surrounded by rainforest and close to the edge of Corcovado National Park. Rooms are open-air bungalows with modern finishes and plenty of privacy.

This is a strong option for travelers who want something different from the typical resort—something more personal, low-impact, and grounded in nature. It’s one of the most luxurious beach hotels in Costa Rica for those who value space, quiet, and connection to the environment.

Why We Love It

What stands out about Corcovado Wilderness Lodge is how well it balances simplicity and substance. The experience is focused—no unnecessary extras, just thoughtful hospitality in a rare location. We like that it doesn’t try too hard. You’re not isolated from nature here—you’re part of it. For us, that makes it one of the best beach hotels in Costa Rica, especially for travelers who prefer depth over flash and want a stay that feels genuinely rooted in place.

How to Book

Check availability and explore rates on Booking.com or Expedia to start planning your stay.

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2. Hotel Nantipa—A Tico Beach Experience

Set along the sands of Santa Teresa Beach, Hotel Nantipa offers a quiet blend of modern design and relaxed coastal living. The architecture is minimal but thoughtful, with standalone bungalows and beachfront suites that open up to the sea or garden. The on-site restaurant, Manzú, highlights local ingredients and ocean views without being overdesigned or overly curated.

Nantipa feels personal—never too large or too polished—and that’s part of its charm. It’s one of the best beach hotels in Costa Rica for travelers who want comfort without excess and design that lets the setting speak for itself. The pace is slow, the setting is immersive, and the details are intentional.

Why We Love It

There’s a balance here that’s hard to find. Nantipa doesn’t push a luxury narrative—it lives it quietly. The staff are genuinely warm, the rooms are built for privacy, and the beach is just a few steps away. In a region full of surf lodges and backpacker hotels, this is a refined alternative. For us, it’s among the most luxurious beach hotels in Costa Rica because it manages to stay rooted while still offering an elevated experience.

How to Book

Explore availability and reserve your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

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3. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort–A Concept by Hyatt

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is set on a hillside overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo, with rooms and suites tucked into the forest canopy and a tram that connects guests to two small, quiet beaches. The style is modern but natural—lots of wood, open spaces, and local touches throughout the property. It’s a larger resort, but it doesn’t feel crowded, and the service is consistent across every part of the experience.

This is one of the most luxurious beach hotels in Costa Rica for travelers who want a resort environment that still feels connected to its surroundings. There’s a calm pace here, along with strong food options and a wellness program that isn’t just an afterthought.

Why We Love It

Andaz manages to offer a full-service experience—multiple pools, restaurants, curated activities—without losing its sense of place. The beach access is easy, but the real luxury here is in how well everything flows: service, design, layout. It makes our list of the best beach hotels in Costa Rica because it delivers consistency and comfort without being generic.

How to Book

Find rates and availability through Booking.com or Expedia.

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4. Azul Hotel & Retreat

Azul Hotel & Retreat sits on Playa Azul, a quiet and less-developed stretch of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The property is small, with a laid-back, boutique feel. Rooms and villas are simple but elegant, with natural textures and a focus on comfort rather than flash. The on-site restaurant serves fresh, local food, and the beach is just steps away.

This is more personal, more grounded. For travelers who prefer a slower pace and a stay that feels intimate, Azul stands out as one of the best beach hotels in Costa Rica.

Why We Love It

Azul does not try to be something it is not. It is calm, well-managed, and perfectly in tune with its surroundings. There is no noise, no crowds, just a quiet beach and thoughtful hospitality. It earns its place among the most luxurious beach hotels in Costa Rica not through scale, but through balance—simplicity done well.

How to Book

Plan your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

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5. W Costa Rica Resort–Playa Conchal

W Costa Rica sits within the Reserva Conchal area, offering direct access to Playa Conchal and a modern, design-forward take on the coastal resort experience. The aesthetic is bold—colorful interiors, sculptural elements, and plenty of contrast to the surrounding natural calm. Rooms are spacious, many with ocean views and private plunge pools, and the resort includes multiple dining options, a large spa, and two outdoor pools.

For travelers who want full-service amenities in a vibrant setting, this is one of the most luxurious beach hotels in Costa Rica. It offers energy and style, without sacrificing comfort or location.

Why We Love It

W Costa Rica delivers a different kind of luxury—more dynamic, more contemporary. It brings a sense of identity that is not typical of large resorts, with a strong design language and well-executed details. Its beachfront access and upscale environment make it a standout among the best beach hotels in Costa Rica, especially for travelers who want personality with their polish.

How to Book

See available dates on Booking.com or Expedia.

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6. Makanda by The Sea Hotel–Adults Only

Makanda is set above the coastline of Manuel Antonio, surrounded by jungle with views out toward the Pacific. The property is adults-only, which adds to its quiet, upscale atmosphere. Suites and villas are modern and open, many with private pools or terraces. The beach is a short walk or shuttle ride down the hill, giving guests access to the water while preserving a sense of privacy and seclusion.

This is one of the best beach hotels in Costa Rica for couples or solo travelers looking for a peaceful, elevated stay with attention to design and detail.

Why We Love It

Makanda is about space and stillness. The property is built into the hillside, and every part of it feels intentional—from the layout of the rooms to the way the pools overlook the treetops. The staff is attentive but unobtrusive, and the experience feels calm without being minimal. It easily belongs among the most luxurious beach hotels in Costa Rica, especially for those who value privacy and natural surroundings.

How to Book

Reserve your spot through Booking.com or Expedia.

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7. Hotel Villa Caletas

You come to Villa Caletas for the view. It is bold, high above the coastline, and unlike anything you get from a typical beachfront stay. The property feels theatrical—grand columns, antique touches, carved stone—but not in a way that overwhelms. It is confident, curated, and full of intention.

This is not the place for direct beach access or minimalism. Instead, you get perspective—both literal and in the design. The hotel has its own rhythm, one that leans into elegance and setting. Among the best beach hotels in Costa Rica, this is the one that feels like a scene from a film.

Why We Love It

Villa Caletas has style that takes a stance. It is not trying to blend in, and that works in its favor. The views, especially at sunset, are unmatched. Its mix of privacy, elevation, and atmosphere places it firmly among the most luxurious beach hotels in Costa Rica, even without being right on the sand.

How to Book

Booking.com or Expedia are your best bet for current offers and availability.

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8. Ocho Artisan Bungalows

Ocho Artisan Bungalows is a beachfront hideaway in the center of Tamarindo that feels more like a private compound than a hotel. Each bungalow is hand-built with local materials and a strong design personality—polished wood, natural textures, and open-air layouts that keep you close to the elements. The beach is right outside your door, no shuttle or walk required.

This property stands out because it does not rely on scale or status—it delivers luxury through attention, warmth, and detail. For travelers looking for something independent but elevated, this is easily one of the best beach hotels in Costa Rica.

Why We Love It

There is no gloss here, and that is part of the appeal. You get the sound of the ocean, handcrafted architecture, and the kind of low-key setting that still feels thoughtful. Ocho has earned its place among the most luxurious beach hotels in Costa Rica, not by being polished, but by being real.

How to Book

See current availability through Booking.com or Expedia.

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9. Crocs Resort & Casino

Crocs is a large, amenity-packed resort located on the northern end of Jacó Beach. It blends the convenience of an all-in-one resort with access to a lively coastal town. The rooms are spacious and contemporary, and while the beach is right across from the property, the focus here is just as much on what’s inside—pools, restaurants, a full casino, and a fitness center.

This is not a boutique retreat, and it does not try to be. For travelers who want activity, access, and variety, it is a strong contender. Among the best beach hotels in Costa Rica, Crocs stands out for its range—it gives guests options without sacrificing comfort.

Why We Love It

The location is walkable to everything in Jacó, and the service holds up despite the size. You can spend the day at the beach or never leave the property—it works either way. For those who want a more dynamic kind of luxury, Crocs makes a case for being one of the most luxurious beach hotels in Costa Rica that does not rely on seclusion.

How to Book

Find your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

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10. The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

This is one of Costa Rica’s most established resort experiences—set along the sands of Playa Conchal, with expansive grounds, a golf course, and all-inclusive service. The Westin Reserva Conchal is ideal for travelers who want everything in one place: restaurants, pools, spa, and beach access without needing to leave the property.

What it may lack in intimacy, it makes up for in scale and consistency. Families, groups, and travelers used to full-service resorts will find it reliable and easy to settle into. For many, it remains one of the best beach hotels in Costa Rica for comfort and convenience.

Why We Love It

The location is prime, and the service is professional. It is not trying to be boutique or edgy—it is straightforward, refined, and well-run. As one of the most luxurious beach hotels in Costa Rica with all-inclusive amenities, it delivers on expectations without overpromising.

How to Book

Check available dates through Booking.com or Expedia.

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Takeaway

Luxury in Costa Rica is not one-size-fits-all. It can mean a remote eco-lodge surrounded by rainforest, a modern resort with everything at your fingertips, or a beachfront bungalow steps from the surf. What connects the hotels on this list is not just location, but the quality of experience—each one offers something distinct, with a level of care and design that stands out.

For travelers looking to stay near the ocean without compromising on comfort, these properties represent some of the best beach hotels in Costa Rica. And whether you lean toward refined simplicity or full-service indulgence, each one earns its place among the most luxurious beach hotels in Costa Rica by delivering more than just a place to sleep—they deliver a sense of arrival.