Costa Rica’s 11 Best Resorts: Handpicked Gems, Avoid 2
Tour Costa Rica’s 11 best hotels & resorts with this guide. I paid for 29 hotel stays to bring you honest recommendations, but only 11 made my final list. WARNING: I’ll also show you 2 resort rip-offs to avoid. From the lush Osa Peninsula to the stunning beaches of Santa Teresa, I’ve narrowed it down to the most unforgettable gems. Whether you’re after luxury, adventure, or family-friendly retreats, this list has something for everyone.
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This video covers standout destinations like the Andaz Papagayo, perfect for families with its kid-friendly pools, on-site activities, and chic design, just 30 minutes from Liberia Airport. For adventure seekers, there’s the Pacuare Lodge, where you’ll raft your way to eco-luxe bungalows deep in the jungle. And if it’s pure relaxation you’re after, Nantipa offers beachfront bliss with modern lines and a stylish restaurant, right in the heart of Santa Teresa. Each resort comes with a unique story, great design, and insider tips on what makes it special.
I’m Don, and I’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to—visiting over 40 hotels across Costa Rica and paying out of pocket to bring you honest, firsthand reviews. From the best architecture and wildest adventure resorts to the ultimate glamping experience, these are the places you’ll want to book. Ready to plan your dream escape? Watch now, and visit my website for exclusive rates, perks, and more travel insights!
OUR FREE COSTRA RICA VALUE GUIDE IS HERE: https://tinyurl.com/mpb4xj4y
Links to each hotel tour and review:
THE ANDAZ PAPAGAYO: https://youtu.be/zNnMaW1z3WU
THE COCO PODS UVITA: https://youtu.be/5V3KMqAdY90
Lost River: https://youtu.be/LPuxDdi900g
Clear Aguas Hotel: https://youtu.be/sM7vPZNKAiU
THE GOLFO DULCE RETREAT: https://youtu.be/-HVogaPOQU8
THE ART VILLAS UVITA: https://youtu.be/MqWHn5e6y-A
THE MINT SANTA TERESA: https://youtu.be/IqR_4VOp4gs
THE SILVESTRE NOSARA: https://youtu.be/-bQunVNlPCs
THE PACUARE LODGE: https://youtu.be/ZizDWB9Vs8Y
Nantipa in Santa Teresa: https://youtu.be/LXLzOvkCzHk
THE ACHIOTE VILLAS: https://youtu.be/q-G195kdT60
TWO TO AVOID:
CASA CHAMELEON AT LAS CATALINAS: https://youtu.be/jtC9So2NhKQ
House Chameleon Mal Parents: https://youtu.be/Gc71IVroRhE
AND MY VIDEO ABOUT WHY YOU MIGHT NOT BE STAYING ON THE BEACH IN COSTA RICA: https://youtu.be/T4a6TVOjXSo
Equipment I Use to Film These Videos:
Want to support the channel? Using these links helps me keep everything independent and ad-free. I only recommend gear I actually use and travel with:
Camera + Phone:
Canon R6 Mark II – excellent low light performance: https://amzn.to/4lhB2d3
iPhone 16 Pro Max – shoots 4K and fits in your pocket: https://amzn.to/4eHDjM2
Drone:
DJI Air 3 – cinematic shots, compact design: https://amzn.to/4nCJ2Xv
Lenses:
Canon RF 24–70mm f/2.8 – versatile everyday lens: https://amzn.to/3GA0NpH
Canon RF 70–200mm f/2.8L – sharp, fast telephoto: https://amzn.to/4eWAtmF
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro – compact and great for detail shots: https://amzn.to/407VJ2u
Mics:
RØDE Wireless Go II – my go-to wireless setup: https://amzn.to/4ksShqv
Hollyland Lark M2 – easy to use, great sound: https://amzn.to/3I9q3nk
Tripod:
Peak Design Travel Tripod – lightweight and reliable: https://amzn.to/44AV5M6
Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a small commission — at no cost to you. It helps support the work I do here, and I really appreciate it.
The Swank Guide is supported by you. Our recommendations are 100% unbiased; we choose what we think is best. We’ve partnered with Booking.com because that ensures we can get you the lowest price. In most cases, you also have ample time to cancel.
Our goal is to save you time by finding the best hotels and experiences for you, and eliminate the stress of paying for something before you understand if it’s right for you. We work with total editorial independence. That means nothing appears in our videos as a recommendation unless we’ve tried it and loved it. These are the hotels and activities we choose for ourselves and recommend to our family and friends.
We curate unusual, independent, and sustainable boutique hotel experiences. We’re a small team of 3.5 people – for now. Our founder Don is an American who’s lived about half his life overseas and has traveled to over 60 countries – always looking for that perfect hotel, and often being disappointed. Before starting Swank, Don worked as an entrepreneur in the clean energy space, and then sustainable housing – one of the reasons sustainability is in our DNA.
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