The Best Costa Rica Honeymoon Destinations

Grano de Oro, San José

More than likely you'll fly into Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) north of San José, which is the country's capital and also its largest city. There are ample hotels, restaurants, parks and galleries in the the city. There's even a 24-hour casino: Club Colonial. If you're fans of the green stuff, the unique Jade Museum is home to an immense collection that examines the stone's cultural importance.

Romantics favor Grano de Oro, a charming boutique hotel founded by a couple from Canada who vacationed in Costa Rica, fell in love with the country, and renovated a tropical Victorian home to start welcoming guests. Today it has 34 guest rooms, added an elegant restaurant, and earned top marks from travel connoisseurs.

Soon, though, you'll want to experience the countryside and the beaches. From San José, you can reach Irazu Volcano, go whitewater rafting, or visit an oxcart factory in the city of Sarchi, where colorful carreras are painted.

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Guanacaste

Located on a 1,400-acre, private Pacific-side peninsula near Guanacaste, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort (a Hyatt property) stands where the Gulf of Papagayo meets the waters of Culebra Bay. Its philosophy from the start has been to celebrate the pura vida — which means life is to be enjoyed, natural beauty is to be appreciated, and local culture is to be savored.

Inspired by Costa Rica’s abundant flora and fauna, the eco-chic hotel decor blends modern design with a Costa Rican ethos. Guest rooms are decorated with carvings, bamboo and sustainable woods, and handwoven textiles. From the balcony (all rooms and suites have one), guests can see Culebra Bay or views of the rainforest. Wi-Fi and a mini bar stocked with healthy goodies complimentary. To treat yourselves on your honeymoon, book a suite with a private plunge pool.

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica Beach Resort, Guanacaste

Near Papagayo Peninsula and 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica Beach Resort opened in 2018 with seven restaurants, six bars, and on-site facilities including a juice bar, spa and beauty bar.

The 294 suites feature a hand-crafted custom mattress and high thread count sheets plus curated playlists, aromatherapy with your choice of scents, and in-suite spa treatments. Units all have a private balcony or terrace and 24-hour room service.

For honeymoon couples willing to leave their sensuous nest, cabanas by the pool feature butler service and contain a stocked mini fridge and snacks, flat screen TV, lounge chairs, and a sofa.

Note: Planet Hollywood Costa Rica is family friendly, so prepare to interact with kids at the resort, particularly at the splash pool.

El Silencio Lodge, Bajos del Toro

At 5,000 feet above sea level, El Silencio Lodge is both quiet and cool, nestled in a valley where three mountains come together. Near the tiny town of Bajos del Toro, the Lodge is a two-hour drive from San Jose, up (and down) a narrow, winding mountain road into an isolated cloud forest.

The first Central American member of Relais & Chateaux, El Silencio is perfect for a honeymoon couple that wants to unplug in a serene and elegant atmosphere. There are no TVs in the villas and Wi-Fi is spotty. There are no generators, no compressors, no motorized lawn mowers, or weed whackers at El Silencio. Just the sound of rushing water and twittering birds.

The villas at El Silencio are identical, a large room with a sitting area that has a wraparound couch. The view from the king-size bed, with its wonderfully comfortable mattress, is the valley that is situated between Poas Volcano Park and Juan Castro Blanco National Park. A large bathroom is attached, as is the super-sized shower. Just outside is a private, jetted tub.

One of El Silencio’s staff can guide couples on a trail that leads to three waterfalls, each nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls. Other adventures include zip lining, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting.

Santarena Hotel, Las Catalinas

A bohemian-chic boutique hotel, which opened in 2019, the Santarena Hotel is perched between two of Costa Rica’s loveliest Pacific beaches in Las Catalinas. Crisp, linear design and contemporary sleek-but-mellow touches distinguish its 45 rooms and public spaces. It's walking distance to town, which is car-free. Although you'll definitely want to explore the sea via snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and stand-up paddle boarding.

Parador Resort & Spa, Quepos

This 129-room property stands at the top of a cliff, overlooking tropical foliage to the Pacific Ocean. Most rooms have patios or balconies that face the rainforest or the ocean and are air-conditioned and have ceiling fans. Two connecting infinity pools, with a hot tub between, and the adult-only pool at Hotel Parador are beautiful enough to almost make guests want to forgo walking (10 minutes down, 20 up) to the small, isolated and nearly private beach below. Parador also has a tennis court, miniature golf, a nature trail, and a two-story spa on the cliff’s edge connected to the adults-only pool.

Four Seasons in Costa Rica, Guanacaste

Total luxury in a pristine setting, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo honors the country's “pura vida” ethos with farm- and -sea-to-table dining, customized itineraries and spa treatments, and a one-of-a-kind stargazing and dining experience.

The resort is an hour away from Coco Beach, the most popular sandy stretch in Guanacaste. From the hotel, it is a two hour drive to the 42,000-acre Palo Verde National Wildlife National Park and 35,000-acre Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja. The latter is home to both the guaria morada, a purple orchid that is Costa Rica's national flower and Rincón de la Vieja, the country's active volcano.