| |

15 Best All Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica for Families

All Inclusive resorts in Costa Rica are something every family should be looking for when traveling to the area. These resorts offer the best combination of proximity to local sites along with the comfortable living, specialty restaurants, and exciting activities that come with inclusive properties. An inclusive hotel can be the best way to experience an area if you have kids.

Best All Inclusive Costa Rica Resorts for Families

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Costa Rica is known as a tropical paradise. Lush, vibrant rain forests, amazing wildlife, beautiful beaches, and outdoor adventures in spades can be found in spades. The country offers an endless amount of natural beauty and an equally massive amount of Costa Rica accommodations for families.

Best Family All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica

With so many inclusive resort options available, it helps to know where to start. Costa Rica is heavily populated with motels, hotels, and resorts that run the gamut from small boutique experiences and mom and pop lodgings to expansive, beachfront resorts offering unlimited luxury experiences.

Arenal-Volcano-Costa-Rica-Kids-Are-A-Trip

With so many options available, we’re sharing the best of the best all-inclusive family resorts in Costa Rica to make it easier for you to choose an inclusive experience that’s perfect for you and your family.

1. Occidental Tamarindo

If your family loves to get away from it all but still be close to the action, Occidental Tamarindo is the resort to choose. This gorgeous, five-star resort is located just about a mile from downtown Tamarindo, offering families the best of relaxation and city exploration.

Occidental Tamarindo beach property Costa Rica aerial view
Photo credit: Occidental Tamarindo

In addition to offering all the amenities you’d expect to find in an all inclusive resort like free meals, complimentary drinks and snacks, the Occidental also sits along Langosta Beach within the Las Baulas National Park.

The beach boasts Costa Rica’s highest honor for Sustainable Tourism. It’s widely known as one of the country’s safest and best beaches to enjoy.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT OCCIDENTAL TAMARINDO

2. El Mangroove

Located on the Gulf of Papagayo, El Mangroove is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The resort offers stand alone hotel reservations and all inclusive options that include your meals.

El Mangroove Resort Papagayo Costa Rica

The resort is located just 20 minutes from Liberia International Airport, making it perfect after a long day of travel. There is direct access to the beach from the resort, and a gorgeous outdoor pool surrounded by cabanas.

Families have use of the resorts complimentary bikes and kayaks, a kids’ club for ages 4 and up, and a stunning beach. Since the resort sits on a bay, the water is quite calm and the sand is perfect for sandcastle building.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT EL MANGROOVE

3. Lapa Rios Lodge

Lapa Rios Lodge on the Osa Peninsula is one of the most unique of the Costa Rica all inclusive resorts. The lodge is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a rainforest, learning about everything that surrounds you. This resort revolves around ecosystem education, but it’s 100% fun.

There are 17 accommodations on site, each with a spacious veranda, hammocks, and indoor and outdoor showers. Rooms do not have air conditioning, but they do have ceiling fans, and some villas have private plunge pools. The lodge is 100% powered by renewable energy.

Families will be able to hike in the rainforest, swim in the pool, try surfing lessons, take a wildlife spotting tour, and even learn to cook traditional Costa Rican food.

Connect with nature with their Pura Vida wellness classes or have a massage overlooking the ocean while wild birds serenade you. If you’re looking for an opportunity to escape from it all, you’ve found it.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT LAPA RIOS LODGE

4. JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

Although Guanacaste Resort & Spa isn’t technically all-inclusive, it’s very close to it. Guests can reserve packages that include meals and activities to round out their stay at a reasonable price.

JW Marriott Guanacaste pool ocean view
Photo credit: Marriott

This family-friendly resort is surrounded by jungle and sits next to a gorgeous beach. It offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean for those who love to kick back and relax. Guests will also find water sports, infinity pools, kids’ pools, a kids’ club, and five restaurants located right on the resort grounds for easy dining. There’s even a golf course that guests can access.

Their beautiful guest rooms and suites are wonderfully appointed and feature balconies (some with ocean views), spa-like amenities, and 24-hour room service.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT JW MARRIOTT GUANACASTE

5. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica

A true paradise for both kids and adults, the Hotel Riu Palace is one of the best inclusive vacations in Costa Rica for all ages.

The kids will be absolutely glued to the RiuLand kids’ club, kids’ pool, and the fantastic playground. Parents will enjoy four swimming pools, eleven restaurants and bars, the Renova Spa, and even a casino.

Riu Palace Costa Rica All inclusive
Photo credit: Riu

There’s also a wide variety of available water sports including an introductory scuba diving lesson. The resort is right on the beach, so all-day beach time is a completely viable option. All rooms offer all of the major resort amenities, and most of them feature amazing views of the surrounding area.

Related
How to Plan an Action-Packed Family Trip to Costa Rica

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT HOTEL RIU PALACE

6. Hotel Riu Guanacaste

Situated next to the Hotel Riu Palace, the Hotel Riu Guanacaste is a secluded getaway for families. And we do mean secluded. The only thing that the resort borders is the Hotel Riu Palace.

This relaxing escape boasts a quiet, private beach, access to the adjacent jungle, and a relaxing pool with waterfalls, swim-up bars, and beach volleyball. It’s perfect for nature lovers who want to take in their surroundings.

Riu Guanacaste Costa Rica hotel with kids pool
Photo credit: Riu

The resort’s kids’ club, RiuLand, is made for kids aged 4 to 12 and offers a variety of crafts and activities. There’s no club for teens, but that’s okay. They can take advantage of water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

Finally, families both large and small will enjoy the beautiful, and incredibly comfortable suites at the resort that offer two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a mini-fridge stocked daily with soft drinks and snacks.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT HOTEL RIU GUANACASTE

7. Fiesta Resort All Inclusive

The Fiesta Resort All Inclusive was formerly the DoubleTree Resort Central Pacific. It’s nestled in the Puntarenas, Costa Rica, about 50 minutes from San Jose, and offers both beach time and a chance to explore the local area. It’s a popular destination for Costa Ricans looking for a city escape from San José.

The kids will enjoy the resort’s kids’ club. It’s specifically designed for kids aged four to twelve and offers games, crafts, movies, music, and other group activities. Teens can and will take advantage of the Teens Club for ages 13 to 17 that offers, among other things, nightly entertainment until midnight along with unlimited drinks and snacks.

Fiesta Resort offers a wide variety of family friendly activities, ten restaurants and bars for both family dining and adult enjoyment, swimming pools, and more.

There are a variety of accommodation options at the resort, but one of the most popular is the Junior Suite. This option is bigger than a room but smaller than a full suite and offers a separate bedroom with a queen bed for the parents and a living area with a sofa bed for the kids.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT FIESTA RESORT

8. Barcelo Tambor Beach

No list of all inclusive family resorts in Costa Rica would be complete without a mention of the Barceló Tambor Beach. When they call themselves family-friendly, they don’t just mean parents and kids. They mean entire families.

This resort keeps family in mind in everything they do. It offers kids programs, entertainment, pools, and suites that sleep up to six guests, so parents, kids, and even grandparents can enjoy the resort.

Barcelo Tambor pool palapas Costa Rica resort
Photo credit: Barceló

Kids aged four to twelve will enjoy the Barcy Club filled with activities and games for the younger set, while the Teen House offers games, socializing time, and more for kids 13 to 17.

This resort offers two swimming pools for families in addition to another pool created just for the kids that offers fun splash and spray areas. Guests will also find tennis courts, volleyball, ping-pong, a climbing wall, putt-putt golf, a giant chessboard, and more.

The Barceló Tambor hotel offers 3 à la carte restaurants, a buffet, and bars that serve snacks all day long.

Finally, before heading off to bed in a beautifully appointed room or suite, adults can enjoy nightly entertainment in the resort’s amphitheater. And we can’t forget the resort’s spa, tailor-made for relaxation with a huge variety of treatments and massages available.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT BARCELÓ TAMBOR

9. Best Western Jaco Beach Resort

When you think of Best Western, you probably think of budget hotel rooms that you’ll find on a road trip, but don’t let that fool you. The Best Western Jaco Beach Resort is one of the best all inclusive family resorts in Costa Rica.

Best Western Jaco Resort All Inclusive Resort Costa Rica
Photo credit: Best Western

This resort’s rates cover everything from lodging to entertainment, activities, meals, drinks, and more. Every room is super comfortable and attractive and offers all the amenities you’d expect at a resort.

Located just a few steps from a gorgeous, white sand beach, the Best Western Jaco offers endless fun in the sun, but families can also set out for adventure on a variety of off-site excursions like hiking at Carara National Park or fishing trips leaving from Herradura Bay’s Marina.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT BEST WESTERN JACO

10. Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

If you’ve stayed in a Mexico all-inclusive resort or spent time in the Caribbean, you’re probably familiar with the name “Dreams”. This Costa Rica arm of the popular resort chain offers all of the amazing amenities, excursions, and more that Dreams is known for in both Mexico and the Caribbean.

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica resort
Photo credit: Dreams

Eight restaurants offer a variety of dining options for everyone in the family, while kids and teenagers can zip off to enjoy hours of fun at the Explorer’s Club and the Core Zone Teens Club.

In addition to fun on the beach and water sports in the ocean, families – especially the kids – will enjoy pools that boast jungle waterslides. At the end of a hard day of relaxing, families can relax in suites that offer everything they’d ever want in a resort including complimentary WiFi, minibars, amazing ocean views, and fully furnished private patios or balconies.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT DREAMS LAS MAREAS

11. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort

This resort was designed with both adults and kids firmly in mind. Located on the Papagayo peninsula, the Andaz Resort offers its famous CAMBI kids’ club for children and Camp Jaguar for teens, both of which offer an absolute ton of age-appropriate activities.

Andaz Costa Rica pool food truck
Photo credit: Hyatt

Adults can take advantage of the resort’s babysitting program while they enjoy one of six spa rooms to relax and unwind. Three of those rooms are located outside for even more relaxation and beauty.

Related
15 Reasons To Take an Adventures By Disney Costa Rica Tour

While this resort isn’t technically all inclusive, there are all inclusive rates available if you wish to upgrade.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT ANDAZ PENINSULA PAPAGAYO

12. Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo

Margaritaville is one of the best all inclusive family resorts in Costa Rica. It offers accommodations for up to six guests, a ton of kid and family-friendly activities like a movie theater, kids-only and general pools, a family activity center, and much more. Guests will also enjoy on-site activities, excursions, entertainment and dining options, and much more.

Margaritaville Costa Rica Aerial view
Photo credit: Margaritaville Resorts

Of course, the resort offers all of the amenities you would expect to find in any five-star resort including babysitting and rooms with free WiFi, kitchenettes, and connecting rooms. Guests can buy the inclusive package that includes 3 meals a day, snacks, unlimited drinks, and food and beverage tips.

There are some amazing adult entertainment options at the resort including a swim-up bar, a spa for ultra relaxation, salsa lessons, and for the whole family, water sports.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT MARGARITAVILLE PLAYA FLAMINGO

13. Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

Located in the jungle-covered hills just north of Manuel Antonio National Park, Si Como No offers the best of adventure and pure relaxation. The resort touts its vibe as “barefoot luxury”, and it shows in every aspect.

Si Como No Resort Costa Rica ocean view
Photo credit: Si Como No

Guests can take advantage of the nearby beach, a spa, pools, amazing dining, and outstanding, four-star accommodations.

In addition to on-site amenities and entertainment, guests can enjoy the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, the hotel’s Wildlife Refuge & Butterfly Atrium, and local tours.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT SI COMO NO

14. The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal

This is not your traditional inclusive Costa Rica resort because this one has hot springs running throughout the grounds. The resort sits on 165 acres and offers a spectacular view of Arenal Volcano, five restaurants and a stunning world-class spa.

Springs Resort Arenal Costa Rica

Families will love the resort activities including a mini golf course, water slide, game room, and kids’ club. All ages can try river tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, and rock climbing at the property’s Club Rio Adventure Center. There’s also a night walk through the rainforest that you won’t want to miss.

Rooms have all of the modern amenities you would expect, and some offer volcano views. There’s even a family suite so your crew can spread out. This is one luxurious hotel in Costa Rica that doesn’t disappoint.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT THE SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

15. W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal

Beauty, excitement, and relaxation are all waiting at W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal. This Costa Rica resort hotel is surrounded by tropical landscapes and the white sandy beaches of Playa Conchal.

W Costa Rica pool
Photo credit: Marriott

Guests have access to Reserva Conchal golf club, a fitness center (along with HIIT and yoga classes), and full-service spa. Kids will love the on-property zip line, swimming pools, and tennis courts. The property also offers snorkeling gear, kayaks, bookie boards, and bikes to explore the resort and surrounding area. There’s also a Kids Club with fun activities and programs for ages 4 to 12. Parents with younger children can use the hotel’s babysitting services.

Rooms are colorful and bright, with many offering private balconies and views. Consider booking one of the luxurious suites with a plunge pool for a memorable experience everyone will be talking about for years to come.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT W RESERVA CONCHAL

Whether your family is all about the beach or looking for adventure, you’ll find just the thing at these all inclusive in Costa Rica resorts. From the eco-friendly adventure properties to the luxurious resorts, you’re sure to find the perfect place for your family vacation.

Want more Costa Rica ideas? Don’t miss our favorite things to do in Costa Rica with kids and how to plan a one week Costa Rica vacation with kids.

Book Your Flights

You can find discounted fares using sites like Momondo or Skyscanner. If you want to keep an eye on discount fares, we suggest signing up for Going, a daily newsletter with flight sales around the world.

If you travel frequently, consider investing in a Priority Pass for airport lounge access. It’s nice to have a space where you can relax before your flight.

Book Your Accommodation

We regularly use Expedia.com and Hotels.com to find lodging when we travel. It’s a great way to compare vacation rentals, hotels, and resorts.

If your family knows they want to stay in a vacation rental, we recommend looking at VRBO and Plum Guide.

Book Your Transportation

For rental car agencies, try Rentalcars.com. We tend to use Hertz simply for the quality of service.

Book Your Tours and Travel Photos

We regularly used companies like Viator and GetYourGuide to book tours when we travel. Both have great communication and a large variety of activities that work for all ages.

If you’re visiting a city with multiple attractions, be sure to check out a discount pass, such as CityPASS or Go City. Both are worthwhile investments.

Context Travel is another option and they offer more educational-based activities. The former teacher in me loves their tours.

One of our favorite things to do annually is taking photos with Flytographer. They have photographers around the world and we’ve used them on four separate occasions. This is our favorite travel souvenir.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

With the state of travel these days, it’s important to have some type of travel insurance to cover any unforeseen accidents, illnesses, threats, or cancellations. We always travel with insurance and would recommend SquareMouth, Travelex, or Medjet as good options. And if you want to compare different insurance options, use Travel Insurance Master to find the best policy for your group.