Costa Rica is truly the land of enchantment filled with a variety of flora, fauna, wildlife and filled with a rich cultural heritage and a contemporary view of eco-tourism, however over the past decade, a collection of opulent hotels and resort communities has been developing quite fast, complemented by marinas, golf courses, gourmet restaurants, hot springs and other world-class facilities.
Costa Rica’s new upscale properties are as elegant and comfortable as any other in Latin America. Here are the best regions and stays for putting a little service and Chardonnay into your sand and scenery. Arenal Volcano: The gold standard is Tabacón Grand Spa and Thermal Resort, with excellent rooms and restaurants, as well as a river of steaming natural water, which feeds extravagant gardens and spas.
Guanacaste Beaches’ top-end options are well-established, such as the sprawling The Westin Resort & Spa Playa Conchal and plush rental properties at Reserva Conchal.
However, there are other interesting options, including the JW Marriott resort at nearby Hacienda Pinilla resort, which sits astride three miles of superb shoreline.
Program summary:
Day 1: San Jose
Day 2: Arenal Volcano
Day 3: Arenal Volcano
Day 4: Arenal Volcano
Day 5: Guanacaste Beaches
Day 6: Guanacaste Beaches
Day 7: Guanacaste Beaches
Day 8: Guanacaste Beaches
Day 9: Departure Transfer (LIR)
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 // SJO INT’L AIRPORT – SAN JOSE
Arrival at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). A Swiss Travel representative will meet and greet you upon your arrival and will provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need during your trip, itinerary and the main contact information and phone numbers in case further assistance is required.
Then, you will be transferred to Costa Rica Marriott where you will be staying the first night in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Marriott hotel stands-out for its beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture with elegant arches that welcome guests, a central patio where gourmet restaurants are located and invite everyone to taste exquisite local and international dishes, as well as large corridors decorated with bricks, stones, adobes and the beautiful water fountains that will make you feel a pleasant stay all time.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast
At mid-morning, we will depart from your hotel and head towards the Northern Lowlands, which present a variety of pastures, wetlands, jungles, rainforests, cloud forests and river webs. Along this route, you will cross-different mountain towns such as San Ramon, Bajo los Rodriguez and Chachagua.
Enjoy the diverse scenery with pastures, wetlands, jungles, rainforests, cloud forest, and river webs. Depending on the season, you might see fields filled with pineapple, banana and sugar cane, important products of this area. Arrive in the pleasant town of La Fortuna late in the afternoon, located near the foot of Arenal Volcano, the country’s youngest at 7,000 years old, and until recently, it is most active volcano. Easily recognized by its impressive conic shape, Arenal has been alive but resting since 2010, as part of its natural evolutionary process. It remains one of Costa Rica’s greatest highlights.
Check In at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort and stay 3 nights
You have the rest of the afternoon to unwind, sunbathe by the pool, enjoy a massage in the spa and try some infusions and cocktails in the bar. With two restaurants on-site, you can choose where you dine this evening.
The Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort is a luxury mountain hotel set right at the base of the Arenal Volcano and surrounded by pristine lush tropical gardens, forests and natural streams. Its privileged location offers a lovely and breathtaking views of volcano like no other making it perfect place for a family vacation or a honeymoon getaway.
The highlight of this resort it its own natural hot springs complex built around a mineral water river that runs from the base of the volcano, an oasis embedded in a primary rain forest, featuring twelve natural thermal spring pools and lagoons, cascading from one to the other.
Day 3 & 4: ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast
Days are at your disposal to enjoy the different tourist attractions nearby Arenal Volcano. For adventures, we recommend the visit to the Sky Tram & Sky Trek. This tour combines the ascent to the top of the mountain by an aerial tram, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Arenal Lake, while the descent is through the famous canopy tour, which goes from one mountain to another, making you feel the adventure and fun. For nature lovers, we recommend the visit to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, where it is offered boat tours in the banks of the Rio Frio in search of different species of birds, mammals and reptiles.
Day 5: ARENAL VOLCANO – GUANACASTE BEACHES
Breakfast
Today travel to Guanacaste Beaches located in the northwest on the Pacific Ocean. This area features a drier climate than the rest of Costa Rica with a mixture of forest, beaches, extensive plains and an impressive volcanic range indented with bays and peninsulas.
A significant number of protected areas, including coastal, mountainous, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, give rise to stunning wildlife-best viewed between November and April, when little if any rain falls and gorgeous plant life as everything turns a radiant green.
Stay 4 nights at one of the following selected hotels:
JW Marriott® Guanacaste Resort & Spa — Relax amid lush tropical splendor on Costa Rica’s northwest coast. This stunning oceanfront resort offers hacienda-style accommodations and luxurious amenities featuring authentic Costa Rican flair:
- Direct Access to Mansita Beach
- Outdoor infinity-edge pool
- On-site dining options, including 4 restaurants and 2 bars
- SPA, with 10 treatment rooms and a post-treatment relaxation area
- Adjacent to an equestrian center, 18-hole golf course and tennis courts
The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal — Nestled between lush forest and the sparkling azure waters of the magnificent Conchal Beach, this luxury all-inclusive property offers everything you need to revitalize and thrive.
- Direct Access to Conchal Beach
- All meal, snacks and drinks
- Eight restaurants / Five bars
- Westin Kids Club (ages 4-12)
- 18-hole golf course and tennis courts
Day 6, 7 & 8: GUANACASTE BEACHES
Meals according with the selected hotel
Days at leisure for you to enjoy the hotel grounds, the beach and even consider on taking an optional (extra cost) day tours in the area.
The region is recognize for its extensive nature reserves that house an incredible concentration of flora, fauna and natural beauty. Therefore the are several reserves, natural attractions and many activities which can be done from the area at an extra cost, as: Rincon de la Vieja National Park, which holds an active volcano, thermal mud baths, and a variety of forests; there are also canopy tours, river rafting, horseback riding, forest hiking, fishing and much more for you to explore
Day 9: GUANACASTE BEACHES – LIR INT’L AIRPORT
Breakfast
According with your international flight schedule, we will provide you with the transfer to Liberia International Airport (LIR) where you will board your flight back home.
END OF SERVICES
Deluxe Category with JW Marriott, Guanacaste
| Location | Name of the Hotel | Category | Type of room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Real Intercontinental | 5 stars | Deluxe | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Tabacon Grand Spa | 5 stars | Orchid | 5 |
| Guanacaste | JW Marriott Gte. | 5 stars | DLX Garden | 4 |
Deluxe Category with Westin Conchal Beach, Guanacaste
| Location | Name of the Hotel | Category | Type of room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Real Intercontinental | 5 stars | Deluxe | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Tabacon Grand Spa | 5 stars | Orchid | 5 |
| Guanacaste | Westin Conchal Beach | 5 stars | DLX Jr. Suite | 5 |