Costa Rica travel guide: Where to stay and what to do in this bucket list destination

Cosmopolitan

16-06-2025

Calling all adventure enthusiasts! Costa Rica is a bucket list destination that needs to be top of your travel list. Known for its lush rainforests, incredible wildlife (hello, sloths and toucans!) and stunning beaches, it's a paradise for explorers and nature lovers alike. Whether you're zip-lining through the jungle, soaking in hot springs, or enjoying some of the best surf spots in the world, there's something here for everyone.
It's hard not to adopt the 'Pura Vida' lifestyle while you're there. This Costa Rican mantra literally translates to 'pure life' but is used by way of greeting, farewell, thanks and everything in between, to reflect the country's way of living that celebrates happiness, simplicity and joy. This is a country whose democratic government abolished its army in 1949, after all.
We'd recommend planning your trip for the dry season, between December and April, to make the most of the endless sunshine and all of Costa Rica's outdoor activities. We went in mid-November and still had the most unforgettable adventure, although it was wet. Keep reading to find our recommendations for the top spots on where to stay, what to do and what to eat in this tropical paradise!
First things first, you'll need to decide whether you're going to stay on the Caribbean coast or the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Each has its own unique charm with the Caribbean coast offering laid-back, less touristy beaches, ideal for those seeking a quieter and more relaxed experience. The calmer, warmer waters are well suited for family holidays as well as being ideal nesting areas for sea turtles.
The Pacific coast has a more developed tourist infrastructure with plenty of options for hotels and resorts. It is also known for its world-renowned surf spots and great diversity of marine life, making it a great place for snorkelling, diving and adventure lovers.
Arenas Del Mar
We opted for the West Coast, specifically Manuel Antonio and stayed in the area's only luxury beachfront resort, Arenas Del Mar. The five-star resort sits tucked between verdant rainforest and the Pacific Ocean within a private, 11-acre nature reserve, offering sustainable, luxurious lodgings immersed in a tropical setting with wildlife right on your doorstep. Literally. We woke up to capuchin monkeys perched on our balcony and sloths snoozing high up in the surrounding trees.
With two pools, two private beaches, a wellness centre and two gourmet restaurants and bars, it's an ideal location to spend relaxing afternoons after early-morning bird-watching tours led by the in-house naturalist guides. That is, if you can drag yourself out of your room, with the comfy beds, spacious living and kitchen area plus private terrace jacuzzis that most of the 37 rooms and suites feature. Golf cart transfers, organised via a quick call to reception, definitely make it easier to take you from pool to bar to bed.
What truly sets Arenas Del Mar apart is its sustainable credentials. As part of Beyond Green, a global portfolio of planet Earth's most sustainable hotels, the resort adheres to strict criteria, including operating with environmentally friendly practices, supporting the protection of natural and cultural heritage and ensuring the social and economic well-being of local people.
Even the buildings have been intentionally designed to blend into the surrounding environment. It's hard not to be aware of the proximity to the wildlife with monkeys perched on the window ledges at breakfast and a family of raccoons peering out of the darkness at dinner. It's more reassuring than you might initially think to know your stay isn't harmful to the area.
SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge
If you want a truly immersive experience, it's worth travelling a little further South to SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge. Located within Costa Rica's remote Corcovado National Park, the resort is a secluded Costa Rican jungle retreat set above a palm-fringed beach and surrounded by 189 acres of pristine rainforest on the Osa Peninsula. It's known as the most biologically intense place on earth.
Fair warning – it's an adventure in itself to get there as the property is accessible only by boat. Specifically, a 90-minute-long boat trip through mangrove wetlands occupied by crocodiles before crossing onto the Pacific Ocean to journey down the coast. It can occasionally be a rocky ride, so ponchos and lifejackets are provided. Any seasickness is worth it once you reach your final destination, and you may even be lucky enough to spot whales and dolphins when you're out on the ocean.
SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge was designed with sustainability at its core and reflects SCP's ethos of 'Soul, Community, and Planet.' Committed to advancing the concept of regenerative travel, an impressive 70% of the hotel's needs is provided using renewable energy. Unsurprisingly, it is also a member of Beyond Green's global portfolio of the world's most sustainable accommodations.
This sustainable ethos extends to the resort's accommodations, that were designed to bring visitors closer to nature. We stayed in one of the resort's treehouses, built on stilts off the jungle floor and connected by elevated trails. As well as a queen-sized bed, our room had an open-air shower that led onto an expansive balcony with a plunge bathtub. Despite its off-the-grid feel, it was nothing short of luxury. Alongside all the usual suspects, rooms come equipped with torches, wellies and umbrellas (it's not called the rainforest for nothing). There's even air conditioning! I felt like Jane from Tarzan, specifically the Disney animated original, IYKYK.
What's truly magical about Corcovado Wilderness Lodge is the staff. Recognising the limitations of its remote location, the Lodge employs people from the local area. Everyone was so warm and welcoming throughout our stay, we were truly treated like members of the family. There was no better embodiment of the Pura Vida spirit.
Manuel Antonio National Park covers 68,170 acres and is known for its beaches, hiking trails, tropical forests and diversity of wildlife. No wonder it's the most popular of all 30 of Costa Rica's national parks. I'd definitely recommend hiring a local guide to take you through the park. They are experts at spotting the local wildlife and happily lug around a telescope to ensure you get an up-close view at the animals in their natural habitat high up in the treetops. Hikes start early to give you the best possible chance of seeing as many animals as possible, along with the floral and fauna.
We were lucky enough to see capuchin and howler monkeys, toucans, snakes including the venomous fer-de-lance vipers (from a safe distance) along with boa constrictors and – most excitingly – three-toed *and* two-toed sloths. Advanced warning: absolutely no food is allowed into the park and your bag will be checked upon entry. This is for the protection of the animals as those monkeys can be incredibly cheeky.
Going to the beach in Costa Rica is an absolute must. With its miles of pristine coastline, you can soak up the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters and enjoy some of the best surf spots in the world. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, there's always a wave waiting for you. If you're less of an adrenaline junkie, snorkelling is a less intensive water activity to enjoy.
At SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, there are plenty of activities right on your doorstep. While it's tempting to spend most of the time in your room or lounging at the pool, you'd be remiss to miss out on exploring some of the on-site trails that start and end at the hotel, weaving their way through the surrounding jungle. Nature on-site includes birds, monkeys and tapirs, with very occasional sightings of pumas reported, too.
If it's the water you want to explore, the Lodge has partnered with Innoceana, a global marine conservation organisation. Join the scientists on their whale monitoring excursions, learn about the amazing animals and help collect water samples on a day trip to Drake Bay. There's also a PADI dive centre at the Lodge with an on-site dive instructor if you've ever wanted to learn how to scuba dive.
We really felt no need to leave the Arenas Del Mar resort with its multiple restaurants and extensive menus that focus on fresh, local ingredients in line with the resort's sustainability principles. Thanks to its coastal location, seafood featured heavily – think ceviche and fish tacos!
Breakfast was delicious. Along with vibrant, colourful fruit platters, the menu ranged from acai bowls to chocolate chip pancakes. Lunch is a laid-back affair served either poolside or on the beach. The quesadillas were a firm favourite for us. Along with a more formal restaurant setting for dinner, one night during our stay saw the resort host a beach party with a buffet and live music all taking place on the sand.
Similarly, at SCP Corcovado Lodge, dining elsewhere isn't really an option. Luckily, Chef Paolo and his team cook up a storm night after night with a set menu of two or three options that change daily. The food is all sustainable and often plant-based and nothing organic goes unused in line with the Lodge's 'Zero Waste' restaurant concept.
Finally, you can't mention Costa Rican cuisine without talking about coffee. The country is renowned for its high-quality beans, specifically the Arabica beans, which are slightly less acidic than the average coffee bean.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there's nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she's passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!