Family-friendly resorts in Costa Rica
By Sophia LaMonica
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort (Courtesy Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort)
Costa Rica has a magical combination of rainforests, beaches, rivers and mountains, making it an irresistible destination for family vacations. And its collection of family-friendly resorts make it easy for families to visit and explore its natural treasures without leaving behind the comforts of modern life. From eco-lodges to luxury hotels, these five beautiful resorts offer accommodations that complement the landscape while boasting the best kid-friendly amenities and plenty of incentives for enjoying a slice of “la pura vida.”
(MORE: Family Attractions in Costa Rica That Spell Fun for All Ages)
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Completely carbon-neutral, Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort is a five star resort that’s as beautiful as it is sustainable. From the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, the resort’s family-friendly attractions include twelve thermal pools of varying temperatures, several waterfalls, and more than 500 species of plants and flowers flourishing throughout. Connecting superior rooms and large suites are perfect for families, and chefs are happy to prepare a variety of meals or dishes to suit the special requests of children. La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park; 877-277-8291
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa (Courtesy JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa)
This JW Marriott features all the perks the hotel brand is known for, but with extra kid-friendly amenities. While parents enjoy the gorgeous, world-class spa and free classes at the fitness center, young guests can swim in the largest free-form pool in Central America, enjoy lovely Mansita Beach, and play video games and foosball in the resort’s free kids club. Babysitting services are also available. Hacienda Pinilla, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, 506-2681-2000
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo (Courtesy Four Seasons)
Family-friendly amenities are seemingly endless at the secluded and luxurious Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica. Beyond the allure of two stunning beaches and three swimming pools, the resort’s kids club and teen center offer dozens of indoor and outdoor activities under staff supervision. Plus, there are special kid-friendly menus in all of the resort’s restaurants, rollaway beds and cribs are free of charge, and babysitting is available for $20 per hour. 26Km al Norte del Doit Centre Liberia Guanaste, Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, 800-332-3442
Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge
Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge (Courtesy Si Como No Resort)
Si Como No is a beautiful, family-friendly place to experience the Central Pacific coast region of Manuel Antonio. Two pools, two restaurants, and a movie theater with nightly screenings are among the kid-friendly attractions on-site, and across the way, a wildlife refuge with a crocodile lagoon and a butterfly habitat awaits. By booking a Family Tropical Adventures package, kids stay and eat for free at Si Como No Resort, Villa Blanca Hotel and Santa Juana Lodge. KM 4 Manuel Antonio Road, Costa Rica; 506-2777-0777
(MORE: 5 Kid-Friendly Beaches on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast)
Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall and Gardens
Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall and Gardens (Courtesy Peace Lodge)
Close to the capital city of San Jose yet completely immersed in lush natural surroundings, the Peace Lodge is a beautiful place to begin or end a family vacation to Costa Rica. Rustic luxury is found in spacious rooms that are a pleasure to relax in, but the real treat lies in exploring the grounds. Take the frog tour, hike to the waterfall and check out the butterfly aviary. Poas Vara Blanca, La Paz Waterfalls Gardens, Heredia, Costa Rica; 506-2482-210
Sophia LaMonica contributed this to MiniTime. A Los Angeles native, Sophia has roots in Italy and Costa Rica, where she relishes the raw beauty of the rainforest and embarking on unexpected culinary adventures.
