It's often said that money can't buy happiness -- although it can buy amazing luxury vacations at spectacular 5-star resorts. One of the happiest places on Earth, according to a recent Gallup poll, is Costa Rica. As a group, Costa Ricans are among the planet's happiest people, and not because of the country's beautiful beaches. An ethical culture of being at peace with nature means no army (since 1948) and a strong focus on bettering the lives of people and the natural health of the country (25% of Costa Rica is protected land) come together in a recipe for happiness. Luxury travel fans are aware of the mental health benefits of a well-planned vacation abroad; staying in one of the best luxury resorts in Costa Rica combines luxury with a wide variety of outdoor activities and perhaps, a chance to soak up some of that Costa Rican happiness.
Best Luxury Resorts in Costa Rica
Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort:
This is a sustainably run hotel on the beaches of Manuel Antonio along the central Pacific coast. The Manuel Antonio National Park is a pristine and natural environment, and the Arenas del Mar melds the environmental ethos of the area with high standards of luxury and pampering. The spa and restaurant overlook the ocean, and the resort has many great family-oriented outdoor activities.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica:
The Four Seasons family of resorts are always top-notch. This Four Seasons, at Peninsula Papagayo along the northwest Pacific coast, represents the company well. The architecture and grounds fit right in with the property's two beaches, tropical forest and indigenous spa. The Four Seasons Costa Rica offers a teen center and children's program, golf and tennis, and an array of outdoor activities like hiking and sailing.
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort:
This is the best hot springs resort in Arenal Volcano. The thermal springs make for a different vacation experience than one on the coast (though this is at the narrow part of the country, and both coasts are around a 60-mile drive away). The resort has a view of the volcano, and the hot springs are a 5 minute walk away. An active, outdoorsy vacation with luxury accommodations is easily had at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort.
Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort:
This Costa Rica luxury resort is among the best in the Marriott family of hotels. Right on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, on over a thousand acres of rain forest, Los Suenos tops lists (such as Travel + Leisure) for best luxury resorts in the region as well. The pool is extensive and fun for kids, but the birdwatching, surfing, canopy touring and other on-site activities make for a luxury vacation with a sense of place.
Hotel Punta Islita Luxury Beach Resort & Villas:
A very private resort property near Guanacaste, the resort rooms, suites and villas are both environmentally friendly (as befits Costa Rica) and luxurious. It's an extremely romantic resort, and was Conde Nast Traveler's #1 resort in Central and South America in 2008. The beachfront property is tiered to give maximum rooms ocean views, and while romance is key here, there is babysitting available for families as well.
Why Costa Rica is a Great Luxury Travel Destination
Costa Rica is a great choice for a luxury vacation. Eco-tourism and volunteering opportunities abound. Costa Rica's Sustainable Tourism Program was given the "Tourism for All" award for innovation in tourism by the III Virtual Congress on Latin American Tourism Industry. Have a pampering, luxurious travel experience while supporting the culture that discovered the secret to happiness, in Costa Rica.
Best Luxury Resorts in Costa Rica
Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort:
This is a sustainably run hotel on the beaches of Manuel Antonio along the central Pacific coast. The Manuel Antonio National Park is a pristine and natural environment, and the Arenas del Mar melds the environmental ethos of the area with high standards of luxury and pampering. The spa and restaurant overlook the ocean, and the resort has many great family-oriented outdoor activities.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica:
The Four Seasons family of resorts are always top-notch. This Four Seasons, at Peninsula Papagayo along the northwest Pacific coast, represents the company well. The architecture and grounds fit right in with the property's two beaches, tropical forest and indigenous spa. The Four Seasons Costa Rica offers a teen center and children's program, golf and tennis, and an array of outdoor activities like hiking and sailing.
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort:
This is the best hot springs resort in Arenal Volcano. The thermal springs make for a different vacation experience than one on the coast (though this is at the narrow part of the country, and both coasts are around a 60-mile drive away). The resort has a view of the volcano, and the hot springs are a 5 minute walk away. An active, outdoorsy vacation with luxury accommodations is easily had at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort.
Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort:
This Costa Rica luxury resort is among the best in the Marriott family of hotels. Right on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, on over a thousand acres of rain forest, Los Suenos tops lists (such as Travel + Leisure) for best luxury resorts in the region as well. The pool is extensive and fun for kids, but the birdwatching, surfing, canopy touring and other on-site activities make for a luxury vacation with a sense of place.
Hotel Punta Islita Luxury Beach Resort & Villas:
A very private resort property near Guanacaste, the resort rooms, suites and villas are both environmentally friendly (as befits Costa Rica) and luxurious. It's an extremely romantic resort, and was Conde Nast Traveler's #1 resort in Central and South America in 2008. The beachfront property is tiered to give maximum rooms ocean views, and while romance is key here, there is babysitting available for families as well.
Why Costa Rica is a Great Luxury Travel Destination
Costa Rica is a great choice for a luxury vacation. Eco-tourism and volunteering opportunities abound. Costa Rica's Sustainable Tourism Program was given the "Tourism for All" award for innovation in tourism by the III Virtual Congress on Latin American Tourism Industry. Have a pampering, luxurious travel experience while supporting the culture that discovered the secret to happiness, in Costa Rica.
Comments