We didn’t plan to be adventurous. But once we arrived in Costa Rica, it just happened. After our morning coffee with toucans in the trees, we went on slow hikes through cloud forests, and relaxed in hammocks afterwards. I kept thinking, “This country doesn’t ask you to fall in love—it just makes it feel effortless.”
Each place we stayed told its own story. Some quiet, some wild, some full of ocean and salt. But all of them gave us time, space, and beauty to hold onto—together.
Best Honeymoon Vacations in Costa Rica
Embrace Luxury Living in Nature at The Preserve at Los Altos
We strolled along the open-air corridor, the ocean glinting beyond the trees. Everything felt wide and quiet. At The Preserve at Los Altos, the jungle didn’t just surround us—it embraced us. Macaws flew overhead, and the scent of salt and hibiscus drifted in through our balcony doors.
Our suite was massive, cool, and still. Each window framed rainforest or sea. In the afternoons, we watched clouds roll over the Pacific as the sun sank low. From the infinity pool, I whispered, “This is where the day can end and begin at the same time.”
What I Loved Most: The blend of luxury and wildness—five-star comfort without losing the pulse of the jungle around us.
My highlights? Dinner at Karola’s Restaurant on the property. I ordered seared tuna with ginger-lime glaze and grilled pineapple. The tuna was tender, nearly sweet, and the pineapple burst with warmth and citrus. It smelled like firewood and fruit, and I ate slowly, listening to the night come alive around us.
Plan your Los Altos honeymoon:
- Location: Manuel Antonio
- Vibe: Modern rainforest luxury
- Best For: Couples wanting ocean views with jungle intimacy
- Rooms: Spacious open-concept suites with panoramic views and full kitchens
- Dining: On-site Karola’s Restaurant with organic local fare
- Activities: Manuel Antonio National Park, ziplining, catamaran tours, wildlife watching
- Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry, sunny days
If You Crave Clifftop Views and Romance, Hotel Villa Caletas Is for You
“We’re in the clouds,” I said as we stepped onto our terrace, and it wasn’t a metaphor. Hotel Villa Caletas sat high above the coastline, where mist curled around the balconies and the Pacific stretched endlessly below. The silence was soft, broken only by birdsong and the sound of wind moving through palm leaves.
Our room was classic and grand—polished wood, wrought iron, and windows that opened to the sky. Every evening, we strolled along stone walkways down to the amphitheater, just in time for the sunset. The view was so wide, I found myself breathing slower without meaning to. Even the light felt golden here.
What I Loved Most: That mix of height and calm—above it all, but never disconnected. It felt sacred, almost.
My highlights? Dinner at Mirador Restaurant. I had red snapper wrapped in banana leaf with coconut curry and roasted yuca. The snapper was flaky and rich, with the curry bringing just the right amount of warmth. The scent was tropical—lemongrass, coconut, something faintly floral. We lingered long after our plates were cleared, the sky still glowing.
Plan your Villa Caletas honeymoon:
- Location: Near Jaco, Central Pacific coast
- Vibe: Romantic, elevated, theatrical
- Best For: Couples seeking mountain views with ocean sunsets and a dramatic setting
- Rooms: Victorian-inspired villas and suites, many with private whirlpools
- Dining: Fine dining at Mirador, plus cocktails and tapas at Anfiteatro Bar
- Activities: Infinity pool lounging, spa, private beach access, day trips to Jaco
- Best Time to Visit: January to March for clear views and golden evenings
Splash, Soak, and Savor Pure Bliss at The Springs Resort and Spa
Steam rose in waves around us as we sank into one of the hillside hot springs. “I didn’t think this kind of quiet existed,” I said, the sound of the waterfall muffled by the mist. The Springs Resort and Spa felt like its own world—layers of thermal pools, lush greenery, and the perfect view of Arenal Volcano, always watching in the distance.
Our room was airy and warm, with wood-beamed ceilings and a terrace that looked out over the jungle. We strolled along winding paths each day, slipping into pool after pool, each with its own heat and scent. Sulfur and stone, flowers and rain—everything carried the weight of the earth.
What I Loved Most: Soaking under the stars, surrounded by nothing but warm water and the sound of night frogs. It felt ancient and new all at once.
My highlights? A simple lunch at Las Ventanas: roasted chicken with tamarind glaze, black beans, and fried plantains. The chicken was smoky and tender, the glaze tangy and sweet. I could smell citrus and char before the plate even touched the table. We ate slow, watching clouds drift across the volcano.
Plan your Springs honeymoon:
- Location: La Fortuna, Arenal region
- Vibe: Secluded, steamy, tropical retreat
- Best For: Couples who love hot springs, jungle settings, and scenic spa days
- Rooms: Volcano-view suites with hammocks, terraces, and stone showers
- Dining: Multiple on-site restaurants from casual to elegant
- Activities: Thermal pools, wildlife sanctuary, horseback riding, rafting, spa treatments
- Best Time to Visit: February to April for clear volcano views and less rain
Cristal Azul Hotel
We strolled along the gravel path just after sunrise, the Pacific stretched far below us. Cristal Azul Hotel wasn’t marked by signs or crowds—just four cabinas tucked into the hillside, where everything felt open and undone in the best way. “We’re guests of the sky,” I said, as a hawk glided silently overhead.
Each morning, we woke to the sound of howler monkeys and the scent of warm earth and fruit. There was no TV, no schedule. Our days moved with the sun—early swims in the saltwater pool, siestas in hammocks, long conversations that didn’t need to go anywhere.
What I Loved Most: The feeling of being unplugged and unseen—but still cared for. Like the world paused and let us catch our breath.
My highlights? A home-cooked dinner arranged by the owners: grilled mahi-mahi with garlic-lime butter, coconut rice, and sautéed greens. The fish was just-caught, flaky and rich. The butter melted instantly, leaving a citrus brightness that lingered. It smelled like the sea and a wood fire, simple and perfect.
Plan your Cristal Azul honeymoon:
- Location: San Miguel, Nicoya Peninsula
- Vibe: Secluded, off-grid, peaceful
- Best For: Couples who want privacy, nature, and unplugged time together
- Rooms: Four open-air cabinas with panoramic ocean views
- Dining: On-site meals by request, often prepared by owners with local ingredients
- Activities: Wildlife watching, beach walks, stargazing, swimming
- Best Time to Visit: November to March for dry skies and clear views
Relax by the Jungle and Sea at Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort
We strolled along a narrow path between palms, the sound of the sea rising through the trees. At Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort, it was hard to tell where the jungle ended and the beach began—and we liked it that way. The air smelled of salt, wood, and ripening fruit. Every step felt like part of something living.
Our bungalow stood beneath towering trees, the roof hidden in green. Each morning we woke to rustling leaves and distant waves. I remember sitting on the porch in bare feet, sipping coffee and thinking, “This is what it means to stay close to the earth.”
What I Loved Most: The blend of wild and warm—rustic enough to feel real, comfortable enough to stay forever.
My highlights? Dinner at the Jungle Restaurant on-site: Caribbean-style chicken with rice and beans, fried yuca, and sweet plantains. The spices were warm and deep—cumin, garlic, a hint of clove. The yuca was crisp outside, soft within, and the whole plate smelled of smoky herbs and coconut. I didn’t say much—just kept eating, the sound of frogs rising in the background.
Plan your Cariblue honeymoon:
- Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Caribbean Coast
- Vibe: Jungle-meets-beach, colorful, laid-back
- Best For: Couples looking for beach access and tropical immersion
- Rooms: Bungalows and suites nestled in lush greenery, some with hammocks or lofts
- Dining: On-site Jungle Restaurant with Caribbean and international cuisine
- Activities: Surfing, jungle walks, Cahuita National Park, chocolate tours
- Best Time to Visit: September and October for Caribbean dry season
Rafiki Safari Lodge
“This feels like another world,” I said as we strolled along the wooden walkway, the Savegre River rushing below. Rafiki Safari Lodge wasn’t just remote—it was wild in the most inviting way. We stayed in a tented cabin built on stilts, surrounded by jungle so thick it sounded like it breathed.
The air smelled of damp earth, river mist, and wood smoke from the nearby kitchen. At night, we lay under mosquito nets while rain tapped gently on the canvas roof. Mornings began with birdsong and warm cinnamon rolls brought to our table as the mist lifted over the valley.
What I Loved Most: Being so far from everything that time slowed—and the line between indoors and outdoors disappeared.
My highlights? Dinner at the lodge: grilled beef skewers with chimichurri, roasted root vegetables, and rice with fresh herbs. The beef was charred just right, the chimichurri sharp with garlic and green heat. It smelled like campfire and citrus. We ate on the open terrace, the jungle all around us, the stars flickering like they had something to say.
Plan your Rafiki honeymoon:
- Location: Savegre Valley, Central Costa Rica
- Vibe: Eco-adventure, glamping, deeply off-the-grid
- Best For: Couples who want nature immersion and light adventure with cozy comforts
- Rooms: Tented cabins with hardwood floors, screened windows, private baths
- Dining: Open-air lodge with fresh, locally sourced meals
- Activities: River rafting, birdwatching, waterfall hikes, horseback riding
- Best Time to Visit: Dry season (December to April) for easiest trail access
Conclusion: The Rhythm We Found
Costa Rica didn’t just give us places to stay—it gave us new ways to stay with each other. In every jungle path, hot spring, and quiet beach, we found pieces of ourselves we didn’t even know we’d lost. Some days were wild. Some were still. But every day brought us back to the same thought: “This is what it feels like to begin.”
From cloud-forest verandas to riverside hammocks, each place reminded us to listen—to the birds, the breeze, and each other. And when we left, we carried more than photos or souvenirs. We carried the rhythm of a country that teaches you to move slowly, breathe deeply, and love with both feet on the ground.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Embrace Luxury Living in Nature at The Preserve at Los Altos
- • If You Crave Clifftop Views and Romance, Hotel Villa Caletas Is for You
- • Splash, Soak, and Savor Pure Bliss at The Springs Resort and Spa
- • Cristal Azul Hotel
- • Relax by the Jungle and Sea at Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort
- • Rafiki Safari Lodge