Top Accommodations in Costa Rica (suitable for families or solo travelers)

Costa Rica, a tropical paradise known for its lush rainforests, exotic wildlife, and stunning beaches, offers a plethora of unique accommodations that go beyond the conventional resort experience. For families seeking a more immersive and culturally enriching vacation, these alternatives provide a richer, more diverse experience.

One such example is the Blue Surf Sanctuary in Santa Teresa. This boutique hideaway, where the jungle meets the sea, boasts four stylish bungalows arranged around a shady pool and communal rancho kitchen. Evenings at nearby Rocamar, with live music and a rope swing over the beach, are a family ritual at Blue Surf Sanctuary. On-site surf instructor Toro helps turn nervous beginners into confident riders.

Another unique accommodation is Isla Chiquita Glamping, a glamping resort on a semi-private island. The resort offers a pool, paddling pool, palapa bar, climbing frame, swings, cornhole area, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and a hillside spa hut. Dining at Donde Tía Nora and Harry's Bar at Isla Chiquita Glamping offers beautiful views and a menu of fresh fish, Costa Rican classics, and indulgent à la carte breakfasts.

For families interested in nature and local agriculture, Finca Amistad Cacao Lodge in Costa Rica is a chocolate farm that supplies beans to international chocolatiers and produces its own chocolate. The lodge offers a small spa area, jungle-view yoga deck, and cocktail service by the pool.

The Rio Celeste Hideaway, nestled on a 80-acre rainforest reserve, is an eco-lodge that provides a serene escape. The resort offers a beautiful pool, a games room, Studio Spa, rainforest yoga sessions, and a jungle-view gym. Guests of the Rio Celeste Hideaway have access to an exclusive swimming area of the Rio Celeste. The lodges' wooden casitas feature indoor-outdoor showers, furnished patios, hammocks, and tasteful decor.

In Nosara, Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort caters to families seeking wellness and tranquility with family suites and yoga classes. The Gilded Iguana is another local hotel known for its laid-back environment suitable for families wanting a less touristy atmosphere.

For families seeking a more adventurous experience, Hotel Tropico Latino in Nosara combines jungle immersion with ocean access, surrounded by lush nature. Hotel Belmar offers a working farm experience where kids can milk cows and interact with farm animals like pigs and donkeys, providing an educational and hands-on stay.

Lastly, Si Como No, Manuel Antonio is a resort perched above the rainforest with sweeping ocean views and endless wildlife sightings. The resort features a winding waterslide, adding a fun element to the family-friendly experience.

Domo Hotel Boutique, a Moroccan-inspired oasis in Nosara, offers a dark-tiled pool, plush poolside nooks, and a full kitchen in spacious two-bedroom suites. Monteverde Lodge, a luxury eco-lodge, features private trails winding through its own reserve and an onsite restaurant, El Jardín.

Cabana y Mirador Los Tucanes is a treehouse on Airbnb in La Fortuna, with epic views of the Arenal Volcano and sunrise. El Silencio del Campo, La Fortuna is a mid-range hot-spring resort with a playground, mini farm, trampoline, and thermal pools. Hotel Amavi in Jaco offers a sleek, hip decor, lounge areas, and a quiet courtyard pool, and is only a 5-minute walk to the beach.

Hotel La Mansion Inn Arenal is a serene countryside retreat perched on the lakeside, about 30 minutes from La Fortuna. Hotel Lagarta Lodge is a retreat high on a jungle-laden hill above Nosara, with panoramic views, a series of elegant pools, and a biological reserve.

These unique accommodations provide a more diverse cultural and ecological experience compared to standard beach resorts, appealing to families interested in nature, local agriculture, and wellness within Costa Rica. Additionally, wildlife refuges and national parks near these accommodations offer unique day activities such as sea turtle watching, mangrove kayaking, and waterfall rappelling, enhancing the family adventure experience beyond resort pools and typical attractions.

The Blue Surf Sanctuary, Isla Chiquita Glamping, Finca Amistad Cacao Lodge, Rio Celeste Hideaway, Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, Hotel Tropico Latino, Hotel Belmar, Si Como No, Domo Hotel Boutique, Monteverde Lodge, Cabana y Mirador Los Tucanes, El Silencio del Campo, Hotel Amavi, Hotel La Mansion Inn Arenal, and Hotel Lagarta Lodge are unique accommodations that cater to families seeking a lifestyle richer in nature, local agriculture, wellness, and adventure within Costa Rica's home-and-garden and travel destinations.
In addition to their distinct accommodations, these eco-lodges and resorts offer day activities such as sea turtle watching, mangrove kayaking, and waterfall rappelling, providing a travel experience beyond the conventional beach resort tourist attractions, making Costa Rica more than just a tropical paradise, but a cultural and ecological adventure for families.