Where to Stay in Guanacaste: Best Beach Resorts & All-Inclusives (2026)
Complete guide to beach resorts in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. From ultra-luxury Papagayo to all-inclusive family resorts and boutique Tamarindo hotels.
Contents
Guanacaste: Costa Rica's Gold Coast
Welcome to Guanacaste, Costa Rica's driest and sunniest region—a paradise of golden beaches, world-class resorts, and endless Pacific sunsets. Unlike the rest of Costa Rica, Guanacaste enjoys a true dry season with minimal rain from December to April, making it the country's premier beach destination.
From the ultra-exclusive Papagayo Peninsula to the surf-town vibes of Tamarindo, Guanacaste offers something for every type of traveler. This guide will help you find the perfect beach resort for your Costa Rica vacation.
Understanding the Guanacaste Region
Key Beach Areas
Papagayo Peninsula: Ultra-luxury, gated community with world-class resorts Playa Conchal: White-sand beach near all-inclusive Westin Tamarindo: Surf town with restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels Playa Flamingo: Upscale marina vibes, white sand Playas del Coco: Local atmosphere, affordable options Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste): Quiet, laid-back getaways
Flying In
Fly into Liberia Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) for easy access to most Guanacaste resorts—it's much closer than San José.
Best Ultra-Luxury Resorts
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Perched on a hillside overlooking the Pacific, Four Seasons delivers world-class luxury with four swimming pools, spa treatments, top-class dining, and two secluded beaches. Activities include surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Just 30 minutes from Liberia Airport.
Best for: Luxury seekers, special occasions Price: From $800 USD/night Highlights: Two private beaches, golf course, spa, multiple pools
Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Secluded, cliffside luxury with private villas featuring individual pools—each feels like your own slice of paradise carved into the jungle. This Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers the ultimate in exclusive, personalized service.
Best for: Ultra-luxury travelers, honeymoons Price: From $1,000 USD/night Highlights: Private villa pools, cliffside setting, Ritz-Carlton service
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo by Hyatt
A stylish, design-forward resort highly rated by both families and couples. The contemporary Costa Rican aesthetic blends seamlessly with the jungle surroundings.
Best for: Design lovers, families, couples Price: From $500 USD/night Highlights: Modern design, family-friendly, Hyatt quality
Best All-Inclusive Resorts
The Westin Reserva Conchal
An excellent all-inclusive just an hour from Liberia Airport. All food, drinks, and on-site activities are included—fitness center, tennis courts, pools, snorkeling gear, kayaks, boogie boards, and bikes. Features both family-friendly and adults-only pools plus a championship 18-hole golf course.
Best for: Families, golf lovers, value seekers Price: From $450 USD/night (all-inclusive) Highlights: Golf course, included activities, family and adults pools
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Adults-only resort nestled in a secluded bay with a private beach, offering a romantic and tranquil setting. Gourmet à la carte dining, unlimited top-shelf spirits, and activities designed for couples.
Best for: Romantic getaways, adults-only Price: From $500 USD/night (all-inclusive) Highlights: Adults-only, private beach, gourmet dining
Riu Palace Costa Rica
A 4.5-star all-inclusive perfect for families with direct beach access, full-service spa, multiple dining options, kayaking, surfing, free supervised childcare, and access to a water park.
Best for: Families with children Price: From $300 USD/night (all-inclusive) Highlights: Water park access, kids' club, multiple restaurants
Riu Guanacaste
Lively atmosphere with multiple pools, diverse dining options, and entertainment programs. The beachfront location provides stunning ocean views and easy beach access at a more accessible price point.
Best for: Value-conscious families Price: From $250 USD/night (all-inclusive) Highlights: Beachfront, entertainment programs, good value
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica
A vibrant Hollywood-inspired experience with themed dining, movie memorabilia, entertainment for all ages, multiple pools, full-service spa, and kids' club. Perfect for families seeking an energetic, fun-filled vacation.
Best for: Families wanting entertainment Price: From $350 USD/night (all-inclusive) Highlights: Themed experience, kids' club, entertainment
Occidental Papagayo
Adults-only property in the stunning Papagayo Gulf offering a polished setting and private beach at a more moderate all-inclusive price.
Best for: Adults seeking value Price: From $280 USD/night (all-inclusive) Highlights: Adults-only, private beach, polished setting
Best Tamarindo Hotels
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel
An eco-chic boutique hotel in Tamarindo with incredible ambiance. From the grounds, you'll see monkeys and other wildlife—all while being close to Tamarindo's restaurants and nightlife.
Best for: Couples, boutique seekers Price: From $200 USD/night Highlights: Wildlife on property, eco-chic design, near town
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
A 4-star haven in the heart of Tamarindo with direct beach access. Nearby activities include fishing, ziplining, and horseback riding.
Best for: Active travelers, beach access Price: From $180 USD/night Highlights: Beachfront, central location, activities nearby
Occidental Tamarindo
Technically all-inclusive but with easy access to Tamarindo's exciting town. Perfect for those who want resort convenience but also want to explore the surf-town atmosphere.
Best for: All-inclusive with town access Price: From $220 USD/night (all-inclusive) Highlights: Near town, all-inclusive convenience, beach access
Choosing Your Beach Area
| Area | Best For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Papagayo | Luxury, seclusion | Exclusive, serene |
| Conchal | All-inclusive, golf | Resort-focused, white sand |
| Tamarindo | Surf, nightlife, dining | Lively, social |
| Flamingo | Marina, upscale | Sophisticated, picturesque |
| Playas del Coco | Budget, local feel | Authentic, affordable |
| Playa Hermosa | Quiet escape | Peaceful, laid-back |
Best Time to Visit
- Dry season (Dec-Apr): Best weather, highest prices, book early for holidays
- Green season (May-Nov): Lower prices, afternoon showers, still swimmable
Guanacaste is the driest region in Costa Rica—even during green season, mornings are typically sunny.
Practical Information
Getting Around
Most resorts offer airport transfers from Liberia. Renting a car is useful if you want to explore beaches, but not necessary if staying at an all-inclusive.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen (tropical sun is strong)
- Light, breathable clothing
- Swimwear
- Water shoes for rocky beaches
- Hat and sunglasses
Combining Guanacaste with Other Destinations
From Guanacaste, consider visiting:
- Arenal Volcano (3 hours)
- Monteverde (3 hours)
- Rincón de la Vieja National Park (1 hour)
For more Costa Rica planning, see our best eco-lodges guide.
Conclusion
Guanacaste offers Costa Rica's best beach weather and widest variety of resorts. Whether you're seeking ultra-luxury at Papagayo, all-inclusive family fun, or boutique charm in Tamarindo, you'll find your perfect Pacific paradise here.
Book early for dry season (December-April) when resorts fill quickly, especially around holidays. Use our search widget below to compare options and find the best rates!
