Costa Rica is one of those destinations that looks incredible on paper, but choosing the right luxury hotel is what truly makes or breaks the experience. Not all “eco-luxury” is created equal, and not every five-star property delivers the same level of service, design, food, or sense of place.
We’ve spent time on the ground at Costa Rica’s top luxury hotels, and this is our straightforward, detail-oriented take on the properties that consistently deliver for our clients, plus who each one is actually best for.
Getting There: Start the Trip the Right Way
Flying into Liberia International Airport (LIR) is by far the most efficient arrival for Costa Rica’s top luxury resorts. The airport services both commercial and private flights, and proximity matters here.
Upgrade your arrival experience
We always recommend adding our Hotel Plus service, which includes:
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Meet & greet directly at the gate
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VIP Fast Track through immigration and customs
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Luggage assistance and porter service
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Escort straight to your waiting vehicle
From LIR, most Papagayo-area resorts are about 30–45 minutes away. Transfers arranged through top-tier hotels like Four Seasons arrive stocked with cold towels, bottled water, local cerveza, popcorn, and dried plantains; small touches that feel very welcome after a travel day.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Best for: Families, multigenerational trips, first-time Costa Rica travelers, travelers who want everything done exceptionally well.
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Best for: Couples, adults, older teens, travelers seeking privacy and architectural drama.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
Best for: Active travelers, families with teens, modern design lovers.
Andaz strikes a strong balance between adventure and comfort. The resort feels lively without being chaotic and blends contemporary design with Costa Rican culture beautifully.
Why It Works
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Four restaurants, three beaches, four pools
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Excellent kids and teen programming
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Access to Peninsula Papagayo amenities, including golf, tennis, marina, and bike trails
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Newly introduced Andaz Residences with private pools
The complimentary minibar, family-friendly energy, and extensive on-property activities make this a great option for travelers who want variety and movement.
Bottom line:
Not as polished as Four Seasons, but more energetic. A great choice for families with older kids or travelers who like a little buzz.
Nayara Tented Camp
Best for: Honeymoons, couples, wellness-focused travelers.
This is one of the most romantic stays in Costa Rica. Built on stilts with minimal environmental impact, Nayara blends safari-style luxury with rainforest immersion.
Each tent includes:
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A private mineral hot spring plunge pool
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Outdoor showers
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Hammocks overlooking Arenal Volcano
The newer Spring Villas feel like a resort within a resort, complete with private check-in and expansive layouts.
Bottom line:
Ideal for couples who want quiet, romance, and total immersion in nature.
El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Best for: Nature lovers, slow travelers, couples seeking soul-level calm.
Hidden in the cloud forest between national parks, El Silencio feels worlds away from beachy Costa Rica.
With just 24 private cabins, each featuring a jacuzzi and forest views, the experience here is intimate and deeply rooted in place. Highlights include six miles of hiking trails, daily forest immersion walks, and cultural visits to the nearby village of Bajos del Toro.
Don’t Miss
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Private yoga in the open-air spa pagoda
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Escencia Spa treatments tucked into the forest
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Daily complimentary Costa Rican hot chocolate happy hour
Bottom line:
This is where you go to disconnect, reset, and experience Costa Rica beyond the coast.
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
Best for: Wellness lovers, families with teens, travelers who prioritize space, pools, and spa time over dining.
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique is a newly built, wellness-forward beach resort set on the cliffs of Guanacaste, just 30 minutes from Liberia Airport. The 188-room property feels modern and expansive, with Indigenous-inspired design, 11 pools spread across the grounds, a large kids club, and one of the most impressive spas in Costa Rica, blending traditional treatments with ritual-based wellness elements.
Building choice matters here: higher, corner rooms, especially in Building 4, offer better views and privacy, while casitas in Buildings 6 and 7 are ideal for families or friend groups wanting full-sized private pools. Rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, though bathtubs are located outdoors, which may not suit guests who value privacy. Dining is adequate but not a highlight, making this a strong option for travelers focused on relaxation, wellness, and easy airport access rather than food-driven travel.
Final Take: Which One Is Right for You?
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Best overall: Four Seasons Costa Rica
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Best for adults & privacy: Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
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Best modern energy: Andaz Costa Rica
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Best romance: Nayara Tented Camp
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Best cloud forest escape: El Silencio Lodge & Spa
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Best spa-focused luxury: Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique
Costa Rica rewards thoughtful planning. The right hotel doesn’t just give you a beautiful room—it shapes your entire experience. And that’s where working with someone who knows these properties firsthand truly matters.
For independent travelers who love researching luxury accommodations, we offer our Hotel Only service, designed just for you. When you already know where you want to stay, let us handle the booking without any fees, so you receive our exclusive amenities and personalized VIP treatment at no extra cost.
- Exclusive offers include complimentary nights, upgrades, double upgrades, and more.
- Room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and maximum property credits.
With VIP status, hotel management and staff eagerly await your arrival. - First priority of the best rooms and suites available.
- Guaranteed lowest rates.
Ourisman Travel participates in nearly every major invitation-only preferred partner program, including Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Rosewood Elite, Hyatt Privé, Peninsula Pen Club, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club, and Virtuoso Travel. These programs recognize agencies that provide high-quality service to large volumes of clients, granting our clients priority access to room upgrades and VIP benefits. From the moment you book, you’ll receive elevated status and exclusive perks that surpass what’s offered through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts.
Two weeks before your arrival, we always reach out personally to our hotel partners to confirm every detail of our clients’ stays, guaranteeing a smooth, memorable experience.
For those who would like us to do a deeper dive into consultation or concierge assistance, we offer our Hotel Plus service, which includes thorough research for a fee. Let us handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your vacation.
Doing research for a bucket-list escape? Our Tailored Luxury service offers end-to-end itinerary design, personalized support throughout your journey, and access to our unparalleled global partnerships, ensuring every moment is flawlessly curated and effortlessly memorable.
If you’re still exploring your options, we have several resources to help you, including our hotel reviews, complimentary booking tool, a Preferred Hotels Map, and detailed blog posts.
Becoming a client is easy!
To get started, please fill out a Travel Request Form, and we will get back to you within one business day. From there, we will have you fill out a client profile form. And from then on, any hotel stay booked through us unlocks exclusive and complimentary perks.
We can’t wait to work with you.
