Honeymoon Vacations in Costa Rica

After spending time exploring Costa Rica’s lush landscapes and coastal retreats, I’ve come to see why it’s one of the world’s most romantic destinations. From secluded beaches and luxury eco-lodges to rainforest adventures and hot spring hideaways, this tropical paradise offers countless ways for couples to celebrate love. These are the places and experiences I’d recommend most for an unforgettable honeymoon in Costa Rica.

1. Embrace Luxury Living in Nature at The Preserve at Los Altos

We drove from San José to Manuel Antonio, a journey of about three hours that wound past coffee plantations, rolling hills, and glimpses of the Pacific. By the time we reached Quepos, the rainforest pressed closer, and the road curved into ocean views. The Preserve at Los Altos sat tucked into lush green hills, its balconies stretching toward the sea.

My plan was simple: unwind at the resort, explore Manuel Antonio National Park, and spend time between rainforest and beach. We wanted both adventure and stillness in equal measure on our romantic getaway.

Manuel Antonio felt alive at every corner—scarlet macaws flashing through the trees, the ocean breaking against rocky shores, and the humid air heavy with the scent of flowers and salt. The Preserve carried that same rhythm, where luxury and jungle lived side by side.

I stepped onto the balcony of our suite, the sound of howler monkeys carrying through the canopy, and thought, “This is what it feels like to be surrounded by life.”

I enjoyed the private beach below the property, reached by a short trail through the jungle. The sand was soft and pale, the water warm, and the only company came from crabs darting across rocks and pelicans diving just offshore.

Where We Ate Dinner at Karola’s Restaurant, the resort’s open-air dining room, was both elegant and relaxed. The sound of tree frogs accompanied every bite.

A downside? The steep hills around the property made walking a workout. Shuttles were available, but I found myself wishing for flatter ground after long, hot afternoons exploring.

2. If You Crave Clifftop Views and Romance, Hotel Villa Caletas Is for You

We drove west from San José, a little over 90 minutes along winding roads that passed coffee fields, mountain ridges, and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. As we climbed the hill above Jacó, the rainforest thickened, and then suddenly Hotel Villa Caletas appeared, perched high above the ocean, like a retreat suspended between jungle and sky.

Villa Caletas felt like a world of its own. Classical architecture with columns was very romantic. We admired the stonework set against the untamed rainforest. The air carried a mix of salt and hibiscus, while scarlet macaws wheeled across the horizon.

I stood on the amphitheater terrace at sunset, the Pacific glowing in gold, and thought, “Some views stop you, others hold you.”

I enjoyed the infinity pool carved into the hillside, where the water seemed to merge with the ocean below. Iguanas sunned themselves on stone walls, while the sound of cicadas echoed through the evening heat.

Romantic Dining: Dinner at Anfiteatro Restaurant, the hotel’s open-air terrace dining, was a perfect match for the setting. We loved how the ocean horizon stretched endlessly beyond the table.

A downside? The steep hills of the property meant walking was strenuous, especially in the afternoon heat.

3. Splash, Soak, and Savor Pure Bliss at The Springs Resort and Spa

We drove north from San José, a little over three hours through winding mountain roads and lush valleys. Clouds gathered over the highlands, and then suddenly Arenal Volcano appeared—its perfect cone rising from the rainforest. The Springs Resort and Spa sat on the hillside, overlooking the volcano with terraces that seemed to float above the jungle.

The resort carried that same energy, blending luxury with untamed nature.

I stepped into one of the thermal pools, steam rising against the cool evening air, and thought, “This is where fire and water meet in peace.”

I enjoyed the variety of springs, some tucked into quiet groves, others opening to wide volcano views. Each pool carried its own heat and mineral scent, and moving from one to another felt like a slow journey through the landscape itself.

Romantic Honeymoon Dining: You can have dinner at Las Ventanas, the resort’s fine dining restaurant.

4. Cristal Azul Hotel

We drove west from San José, nearly five hours across mountains, valleys, and winding coastal roads. The journey itself was part of the adventure, passing coffee farms, rivers, and finally glimpses of the Pacific. By the time we reached San Miguel on the Nicoya Peninsula, the road narrowed, and Cristal Azul Hotel appeared, perched on a hilltop with a sweeping view of the ocean below.

My plan was to disconnect completely, trade noise for waves, and let the remote setting set the rhythm. This wasn’t a stop between places; it was the destination itself.

San Miguel felt wild and untouched, an endless beach below, jungle canopy alive with the calls of howler monkeys, and skies that stretched into forever. The hotel blended into that landscape, more retreat than resort, its open-air spaces inviting the outside in.

I stood on the terrace, the Pacific rolling out in shades of blue, and thought, “This is the kind of view that empties your head and fills your heart.”

I enjoyed the infinity pool, cut into the hillside with the ocean beyond. Hummingbirds darted through the gardens, and the only sound was the surf below. It felt like a private corner of the world.

A downside? The remote location meant the drive in was long and often bumpy.

5. Relax by the Jungle and Sea at Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort

We drove south from Limón, about an hour along the Caribbean coast, where the road hugged beaches and dipped into jungle. By the time we reached Puerto Viejo, reggae drifted from roadside cafés, and the air carried both salt and the sweetness of tropical flowers. Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort sat nestled between the ocean and rainforest, a retreat where the sounds of waves and birdsong blended into one rhythm.

My plan was to split time between the beach and the jungle. We wanted to walk barefoot along the sand, listen for toucans in the trees, and let the laid-back Caribbean pace take over on our romantic getaway.

Puerto Viejo felt colorful and untamed, bright murals, palm-lined beaches, and the constant pull of the surf. The resort reflected that same spirit, with wooden bungalows scattered among gardens alive with orchids and hummingbirds.

I stepped out of my room, the sound of howler monkeys rolling through the canopy, and thought, “Here, the line between indoors and outdoors doesn’t really exist.”

I enjoyed walking the path down to Playa Cocles, where the waves crashed wild and steady. Surfers dotted the water, while locals strolled with dogs along the shore. Returning to the pool shaded by jungle trees, I felt suspended between two worlds—ocean and rainforest.

You can enjoy honeymoon dinners at the resort’s SoleLuna restaurant. They serve Italian-Caribbean fusion.

A downside? The Caribbean humidity clung to everything. Even indoors, clothes felt damp, and the jungle sounds at night were loud enough to wake me more than once. It was authentic, but it took adjusting.

6. Rafiki Safari Lodge

We drove south from San José, a little over three hours into the mountains and valleys of the Central Pacific. The paved road gave way to gravel, winding deeper into the Savegre Valley until we reached the lodge, hidden among rainforest hills. Canvas tents stood on raised decks, blending the feeling of safari with the sounds of the jungle.

The Savegre felt alive and untouched with rivers tumbling white through boulders, orchids clinging to trees, and scarlet macaws flashing in the canopy. Rafiki Safari Lodge carried that same energy, balancing rustic charm with thoughtful comforts.

I stepped onto the deck of our tent, the river echoing in the distance, and thought, “This is the kind of place where you feel far away but closer to everything that matters.”

I enjoyed rafting on the Savegre River, which the lodge organized. Returning afterward to a hammock on the deck, I felt both exhilarated and at peace.

Where We Ate: Meals were served at the open-air restaurant overlooking the valley. Every meal felt fresh, as if it had come directly from the land around us.

A downside? The lodge’s remote location meant no quick runs into town. Once you arrived, you stayed. It was part of the magic, but it required being ready for the seclusion.

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.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind Vacation Idea. My husband, son, and I spent years on the road, basing ourselves in each place for one or two months at a time. This has allowed me to experience each destination as a local, and I'm eager to help you with travel itineraries, weekend inspiration, and local tips. I love to chase unique experiences and revisit old favorites, anything from great sunsets to places of mystery. I have 30 years of experience, over 400,000 social media followers, and my work as a travel expert has been mentioned on ABC6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, and USA Today. When I'm not traveling around the USA, I live in Austin, TX. Click for more.

 

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