Special places to stay in Costa Rica (with kids or without)

Last updated on April 16, 2026

Costa Rica stole our hearts not just for its sloths and surf, but for its incredible accommodation scene. From treehouses to island glamping resorts and private nature reserves, there are some amazing places to stay in Costa Rica, and many welcome families with open arms.

If, like us, you’re hunting for family stays that go beyond soulless cookie-cutter resorts, here are our absolute favourites from Costa Rica, all tried and tested by us.

Special places to stay in Costa Rica

Rio Celeste Hideaway

Hideaway Rio Celeste was our first stay in Costa Rica and one of the most luxurious of our trip. It felt a bit like The White Lotus, albeit more down-to-earth.

Nestled on its own 80-acre rainforest reserve, this eco-lodge has wooden casitas with indoor-outdoor showers, furnished patios, hammocks and tasteful décor. Our Garden View Casita, with two queen beds overlooking tropical gardens, felt like a private rainforest hideaway.

A beautiful pool and a games room kept our boys entertained. And adults can unwind with treatments at the Studio Spa, rainforest yoga sessions in the open-air pavilion, or workouts in the jungle-view gym.

One of the highlights of the property is that guests have access to an exclusive swimming area of the Rio Celeste – special as this is forbidden in the national park itself. You get there via a lovely jungle trail through the resort’s own onsite Tapir reserve.

Don’t miss the complimentary night walk where we saw tree frogs and snakes – or for something even gentler, just stop by the frog pond, which was filled with a chorus of amphibians.  

With three on-site dining venues and a beautiful breakfast buffet of fresh fruit, granola, green juices and gallo pinto, there’s little reason to leave. But make sure you don’t miss Tenorio Volcano National Park as the entrance is only 5 minutes away.

Check availability and book now.

Finca Amistad Cacao Lodge

What child doesn’t want to stay on a chocolate farm?! Finca Amistad is one of Costa Rica’s largest cacao farms, supplying beans to international chocolatiers and producing its own celebrated line of chocolate that we spotted everywhere in the country. You can visit to do workshops or a tour, or best of all, stay there like we did.

The lodge has a rustic, off-the-beaten-path feel – you’ll need a 4WD to handle the rocky drive in. There’s a small spa area with warm and cool plunge pools, a jungle-view yoga deck, and even cocktail service by the pool. Guests can reserve the spa for an hour of private use, which makes for an incredibly relaxing way to unwind in the heart of nature.

The rooms themselves are rustic but nicely styled – the kind of place where you definitely need a mosquito net, but will love having morning coffee on the deck.

A farm tour is included with your stay, and you can also book a chocolate-making workshop if you want to dive deeper into the process. And yes, there are complimentary chocolate treats when you arrive. The chocolate milkshake was a standout!

Check availability and book now.

El Silencio del Campo, La Fortuna

El Silencio del Campo is a mid-range hot-spring resort that feels far more intimate – and affordable – than some of the bigger La Fortuna players. Tucked just off the main road, its modest pool area gives little hint of the truly special thermal springs hidden beyond. The hotel’s own gorgeous complex of aesthetic thermal pools amid lush vegetation is a standout highlight of the whole place.

Family facilities include a playground, mini farm and trampoline that kept our boys happily busy, while breakfast and dinner at the on-site restaurant never disappointed.

A massage at the spa is worth every colón – seriously, one of the best massages I’ve ever had, and set in jungle-view treatment rooms that make it extra special.

Wildlife encounters here are a given: we saw a sloth up a tree and all sorts of lizards and birds.

Check availability and book now.

Cabana y Mirador Los Tucanes (Treehouse Airbnb)

Cabana y Mirador Los Tucanes, a treehouse we found on Airbnb, is a really special find in La Fortuna. It’s only about 10 minutes from the centre of town, but it feels like a secret hideaway in the Arenal foothills.

Rustic yet thoughtfully designed, the simple wood-and-thatch interiors invite you to slow down and listen to the rainforest. The cabin’s wraparound terrace has epic views of sunrise on one side and Arenal Volcano on the other, which is one of the best views I woke up to in Costa Rica (and that’s saying something, considering all the amazing places we went!).

It’s on a working farm, and if you’re lucky, the gardener will show you round. And there’s a small pool at the entrance to the property, which is shared with a few other bungalows. It’s a welcome spot for cooling down on hot, humid days.

Finding the treehouse can be an adventure in itself – the road sign reads “Cabañas Rous & Campos” – with no mention of Los Tucanes, so do watch out for that!

Check availability and book now.

Hotel La Mansion Inn Arenal

Hotel La Mansion Inn Arenal, perched on the lakeside about 30 minutes from La Fortuna, is a serene countryside retreat. The infinity pool has epic views of Lake Arenal and is a magical place to end the day. We discovered it by accident when looking for a stopover between La Fortuna and Monteverde, and hadn’t expected it to be so special.

The rooms are in individual bungalows with multiple bedrooms, and well-appointed for families.

There’s an onsite restaurant, which isn’t remarkable, but good enough for an overnight stay, and with excellent lake views.

This is an ideal and worthwhile budget stop if you’re road tripping between La Fortuna and Monteverde.

Check availability and book now.

Ananta Forest Dome

Ananta Forest Dome delivers “wow” from the moment you arrive. Its geodesic structure houses a gorgeously styled interior where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the misty cloud forest.

A suspended outdoor net invites you to sip morning coffee or read a book while floating above the treetops, and a private hot tub lets you soak as you watch the clouds drift.

Although you can see nearby homes and buildings, the setting still feels lofty and remote. And our host’s warm hospitality (and the provision of pancake-making supplies) helped elevate the experience further.

Families should note that the upstairs bed comes with a very low balcony railing, so we kept our kids downstairs.

Ananta Forest Dome is just a ten-minute drive from both Selvatura Park and Santa Elena town, so is very handy for visiting Monteverde.  

A more luxurious dome option in Monteverde is Chira Glamping, which has a family dome, complete with a slide and climbing wall. Sadly, this was out of our budget in peak season, but if you want to splash out, have a look!

Check availability and book now.

Monteverde Lodge

Monteverde Lodge impressed us with its blend of polished comfort and cloud-forest ambience. As part of the Boena eco-luxury collection, it avoids any cookie-cutter feel through thoughtful touches like an aesthetic natural pool and private trails winding through its own reserve.

Our Toucanet room, complete with two queen beds, nightly turndown service, and plush bathrobes, opened directly onto the gardens.

Dining at the onsite restaurant, El Jardín, was a highlight with inventive Costa Rican-inspired dishes and a dedicated vegetarian menu sourced from the lodge’s onsite greenhouse. Kid-friendly Beyond Burgers and pasta kept our little ones happy.

Though within walking distance of Santa Elena, the lodge retains a wonderfully secluded atmosphere, perched nearly a mile above sea level for refreshingly cool mornings. For families or couples seeking refined comfort and direct access to cloud-forest adventures, Monteverde Lodge is ideal.

Check availability and book now.

Si Como No, Manuel Antonio

If you ask our kids, this was their favourite hotel in Costa Rica, mostly thanks to the winding waterslide and endless wildlife sightings.

Perched above the rainforest with sweeping ocean views, Si Como No feels like a destination in itself. Every room has a balcony overlooking the jungle and the sea, and the high sunken jet baths are a luxurious touch.

The pool’s slide feeds straight into a swim-up bar, so parents can sip cocktails while keeping an eye on the kids, and there’s also an adults-only pool for a quieter moment.

On-site amenities include a cinema room showing nightly kids’ films and complimentary entry to the butterfly garden across the road.

Dining at Rico Tico serves up delicious breakfasts (pancakes galore) and standout dinners – don’t miss the veggie Thai curry – while the warm staff elevate every stay.

Ideally located next to Manuel Antonio National Park, Si Como No is one of Costa Rica’s best family resorts.

Check availability and book now.

Isla Chiquita Glamping

Isla Chiquita is hands-down one of the most special places to stay in Costa Rica. The glamping resort is on its own semi-private island (there’s just one other campsite on the opposite side), and it feels like a true retreat.

The whole place is luxurious yet delightfully down-to-earth, nailing the barefoot style.

Just off the Nicoya Peninsula, the safari-style tents blend into the jungle, each with a spacious balcony where we spotted howler monkeys and relaxed every morning.

The pool and paddling pool are perfect spots for both splashing and sunset cocktails at the palapa bar. And the kids adored the climbing frame, swings, cornhole area, and exploring by kayak and paddleboard (all included). I couldn’t resist a massage in the hillside spa hut overlooking the ocean.

Dining at Donde Tía Nora and Harry’s Bar is a treat with beautiful views across the water, and a menu of fresh fish, Costa Rican classics, and indulgent à la carte breakfasts, including pastries and made-to-order mains.

The unforgettable bioluminescence tour – where the water sparked with every paddle – was the cherry on top of an already magical stay.

Check availability and book now.

Blue Surf Sanctuary, Santa Teresa

Our time at Blue Surf Sanctuary was one of the most memorable parts of our trip. The laid-back boutique hideaway, where the jungle meets the sea in Santa Teresa, is one of those rare guesthouses that stay with you long after you’ve left.

Just a short stroll from a white-sand beach famed for gentle waves and epic sunsets, Blue Surf Sanctuary is centred around four stylish bungalows arranged around a shady pool and communal rancho kitchen. Inside the bungalows, high-ceilinged rooms with natural finishes are both cosy and effortlessly chic.

One of the highlights is on-site surf instructor Toro, whose patience and skill help turn nervous beginners into confident riders. I can’t recommend him enough. And the lovely concierge Leah was always on hand to arrange everything from kayak trips to horseback riding.

Evenings at nearby Rocamar, with live music and a rope swing over the beach, became family rituals. I can’t imagine a better beachside bar.

For families craving genuine community vibes and superb surf tuition, Blue Surf Sanctuary is unbeatable. This is a place I dream of going back to.

Check availability and book now.

Domo Hotel Boutique

Domo Hotel Boutique is a standout newcomer in Nosara, transforming an older landmark into a Moroccan-inspired oasis that’s chic yet warmly family-friendly.

From the moment you step through its arched entryway, you’ll be struck by meticulous design details – ornate lanterns, a fabulous dark-tiled pool, and plush poolside nooks with built-in fans.

Our spacious two-bedroom suite, complete with a full kitchen, provided the perfect home base for our family.

Nearby Playa Pelada is just a short walk away, and nearby gems like Sunrise Coffee and the renowned La Luna restaurant are some of the best places to eat in all of Nosara.

Though it could pass for an adults-only retreat, children are welcome and Domo is easily one of Nosara’s most stylish stays for families.

If you want something more family-focused and with a resort-like feel, I recommend having a look at Lost Iguana too.

Check availability and book now.

Lagarta Lodge

High on a jungle-laden hill above Nosara, Hotel Lagarta Lodge is a gorgeous retreat where the real luxury lies in its panoramic views. The jungle canopy stretches beneath you toward the Pacific, and the series of elegant pools – each framed by lush landscaping – provide a front-row seat to epic views and unforgettable sunsets.

Opt for an ocean-view room to wake up to views over the sea, and keep watch from your balcony: we spotted an entire family of howler monkeys swinging through the treetops.

Beyond the pools, you can wander down into the hotel’s own biological reserve.

While the décor leans traditional rather than trendy, the warm staff and effortless access to both nature and Nosara’s beaches make Lagarta Lodge a great choice for families seeking picture-perfect horizons and genuine Costa Rican charm.

Note that it’s outside of Nosara’s main towns (Guinones and Playa Pelada), so choose somewhere different, like Domo or Lost Iguana, if you want to be right in the mix.

Check availability and book now.

Hotel Amavi, Jaco

I didn’t love Jaco, but if you’re going to visit, I highly recommend the stylish Hotel Amavi. The sleek, hip decor, lounge areas, and quiet courtyard pool felt more Santa Teresa than Jaco, and all the pool floats kept the kids happy for hours. It’s also only a 5-min walk to the beach, where you can catch some fabulous sunsets.

Check availability and book now.

A few more unique places to stay in Costa Rica

We stayed at all the places on the list above, but here are a few more that are on my bucket list…

Chira Glamping – luxury glamping in Monteverde

Topo Tree House – on the Caribbean coast

La Caravana – airstream glamping in Samara

Pacuare Lodge – another hotel from the Boena collection, but just east of San Jose

La Leona Ecolodge – beachfront stay in Corcovado National Park

727 Fuselage Home – Stay in a converted Boeing 727 in the jungle!

Nayara Tented Camp – ultimate luxury glamping in La Fortuna

Tips for booking hotels in Costa Rica

• Book early in high season (Dec–Apr) to secure family-sized rooms.
• 4×4 required for remote gems like Finca Amistad.
• Embrace downtime—all these places are crafted for lingering, so plan a lazy day by the pool.

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