Central America All-inclusives | Places to Stay in Central America

May 2, 2023 Claudia Navarrete

Discover the best All-inclusives in Central America including Tulemar Resort, Nayara Gardens, The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, Hotel Lomas del Volcan, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica, Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience, Fiesta Resort, Hotel Riu Plaza Panama.

1. Tulemar Resort

Tulemar Gardens, Manuel Antonio, Quepos 60601 Costa Rica
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2616 reviews

Tulemar Resort

Tulemar Resort is a full service resort set in the peaceful 33-acre gated and secure Tulemar Gardens Condominium. A wide variety of standalone accommodations are available for our guests, including the famed Tulemar Bungalows & Villas, as well as our luxurious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom Buena Vista Luxury Villas. The property itself is spectacular, nestled in a lush rainforest overlooking the beautiful Manuel Antonio coastline. Surrounded by nature, Tulemar Resort features incredible gardens, walking paths, thriving wildlife, and the ONLY exclusive sandy beach in the region. At Tulemar Resort you will enjoy the luxury and privacy of your very own villa, along with the amenities of a high end resort, including concierge service, daily maid service, 4 swimming pools, beach bar, spa services, tour desk, and the best sunset bar and restaurant in town. We invite you to review our website for photos and details, then book one of these magnificent villas or bungalows and experience the most unforgettable vacation of your life!

Vacation of a Lifetime!

Reviewed By Tarheel_Jen

This was the most amazing trip we have ever taken as a family...part of it was the incredible beauty of Costs Rica + its people and the other part was due to our time at Tulemar. We came with our kids, son (14) and daughter (11), it was their first time. My husband and I had been to La Fortuna before, but it was our first time in Manuel Antonio....and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT! We balanced our time between a few excursions and a few days of relaxation at Tulemar. We worked with Alex, our concierge, prior to arriving in order o get things planned out and booked. He was extremely helpful and friendly, it was great to have him on hand as a resource. We arrived on a Saturday and the "boys" went fishing Sunday on the offshore, 3/4 day tour. They slayed wahoo and mahi...we had more fish than we could handle. But, not to worry, we had a private chef come Monday night and they used some of it and TuleCafe used some and cooked it for us as well. Tuesday we went on the full day waterfall tour with Waterfalls Heaven (Pawel was our guide - AMAZING!). This was the highlight of our trip, we did a private tour where we jumped off cliffs, over waterfalls and swam in the middle of the rainforest. It was a perfect day, filled with adrenaline and memories we will never forget. Wednesday we relaxed at the resort and private beach. We took in some wildlife and that night we took a Nigh Jungle Tour. It was not nearly as good as we expected, but that's the way it goes sometimes. Thursday was our day for zip lining...we went with El Santuario Canopy Adventure and they did a fantastic job. There were 10 lines and one was almost a mile long! We all enjoyed the thrill of zipping through the treetops of the Costa Rican rainforest. Finally, Friday was a relax day, we were able to get our COVID tests in our casa, which were needed for a return to the US. The trip went amazingly, absolutely perfect...everything from the weather to the tour guides and of course, the staff at Tulemar (Alex, the drivers: Harry + David and the private chef: Marlon). Thanks to all and we will definitely be back again!!!!

2. Nayara Gardens

702 Road 21007, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 21007 Costa Rica
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4062 reviews

Nayara Gardens

Nayara Gardens is a five-star luxury boutique hotel that is widely recognized for providing premium luxury amenities and ultra-personalized service at surprisingly affordable rates. Located on the outskirts of the amazing Arenal Volcano, Arenal Nayara is an oasis of tranquility, where guests can experience a profound and organic immersion with nature while living in luxury at the same time. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, each one of our 50 spacious casitas (bungalows) provides an exclusive, ultra-luxurious retreat. Each expansive casita (ranging from 855 to 1905 square feet) includes a secluded garden with an outdoor shower and a beautiful terrace overlooking the volcano with a private, intimate Jacuzzi for two.

Best service, amazing views!

Reviewed By Alyssa S

Staying at Nayara Gardens was the best vacation experience we have ever had. We stayed for our honeymoon. The grounds and atmosphere are incredibly romantic. We never felt like the resort was too crowded. Many casitas have private pools, so the resort pools were never crowded. Our room had a view of the volcano directly out of the balcony with a hammock and outdoor hot tub - magical. The view was perfectly framed by the forest, yet the groundskeepers maintain the trees and bushes for privacy so that your balcony is never visible to the guests walking the grounds. Each of the restaurants had a unique experience. Our favorite was Amor Loco which had a jazz lounge atmosphere, the food here was excellent. The Nostalgia wine and tapas bar provided self-serve automated wine tastings from Chile and Argentina curated by an extremely knowledgeable sommelier. We wish that we got to stay longer to try all the restaurants. We ended up taking a taxi one night into the La Fortuna town to experience the life of the town and a local restaurant. There are many bars and restaurants, with many catered toward tourists and a few more local places. One day we went to Tabacon to check out the hot springs there. We absolutely loved the grounds at Tabacon, but highly recommend staying at Nayara instead, and getting a day pass to Tabacon if you want to experience the hot spring waterfalls. The service and experience at Nayara cannot be beat. Nayara also has hot springs access in their tented camp area and all Nayara grounds are accessible to guests at any one of the three resorts. It is all walkable, though be ready for steep hills as it is at the base of the volcano! The service was impeccable. From the golf cart rides through the grounds to towel and umbrella service, every need had been considered and taken care of before it arose. We enjoyed the daily housekeeping as well as the nightly turn down service. Each night the staff left a little surprise on the bed as well as fresh cool water at the bedside. It was fairly inexpensive to take a taxi here. Uber is cheaper but we were told that it is illegal currently in Costa Rica and so if you are pulled over by police, you will have to get out and call a taxi from where you are left. We took an Uber one time and the driver went off route through a neighborhood to avoid a police car. The hotel recommends using a taxi instead.

3. The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

Playa Conchal 50308 Costa Rica
Excellent
66%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6382 reviews

The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

Great Honeymoon

Reviewed By EmanMoss

This resort is amazing all around. The site is beautiful, the food is great and the service is on point. John, our concierge was truly fantastic and so accommodating. Jean Karlo and Juan at Bar Imperial went above & beyond every night. Jeon K even wrote us up a bunch of sites to go see in Costa Rica. I have been to many all inclusive resorts and this one was particularly impressive. Thanks for a great stay!

4. Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

10 Km North West From Panama Beach Main Entrance, 50503 Costa Rica
Excellent
71%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4220 reviews

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

Set in the exuberant Arenilla Beach, Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica will offer adults a stunning Unlimited-Luxury(R) getaway in Costa Rica's Gulf of Papagayo. The secure community around Secrets Papagayo provides striking views of native flora and fauna and miles of unspoiled Pacific Coast beach. This all-suite resort boasts 202 spacious suites, each with a private balcony or terrace as well as a superb Unlimited-Luxury(R) experience starting with 24-hour room service, a daily refreshed mini-bar and more. The Preferred Club will provide an enhanced level of luxury with 65 ocean view suites and additional privileges including access to a private lounge, upgraded bath amenities and mini-bar, concierge service, pillow menu and much more. Guests will enjoy limitless gourmet cuisine, without reservations, at four restaurants and one café in addition to five bars that will serve unlimited top-shelf spirits. Days and nights are filled with land, beach and water activities and live entertainment. Two pools and a pristine beach await. Rejuvenation reigns supreme at the Secrets Spa by Pevonia(R), offering massage, body and facial treatments in 13 treatment rooms and a full-service beauty salon. Follow up this rejuvenation at the fully equipped fitness center or by taking part in one of many daily and nighttime activities. Just 20 minutes from the Liberia Airport and a mere 15 minutes from the touristic town of Coco Beach, Secrets Papagayo offers guests a privileged location both within the resort and throughout the area for an ideal Unlimited-Luxury(R) getaway on the Pacific Coast. We’re committed to redefining your travel journey with our best-in-class CleanComplete Verification™ practices. While health and safety have always been our top priorities, these new protocols further elevate our standards of quality and cleanliness, enabling you to vacation at any AMResorts® property with the ultimate peace of mind. Our 360-degree quality, safety and hygiene system takes into account every aspect of resort operations, backed by the highest-level third-party certification. We will be evolving and innovating our procedures continuously and will share the newest developments as they are implemented. Our protocols begin the moment you start planning a vacation to the time you return home! To learn more about our quality, safety and hygiene practices, please search for AMResorts CleanComplete Verification™ in your favorite browser.

The place is FUN!

Reviewed By Robert M

First off, not the four seasons. But who cares!!! This is a place for people who want to have a good time. Whether sitting by the pool or beach, walking the trails, or partying it up play the pool bar with Henry. It’s plenty clean and well kept. Loved the hills, served a substitute for working out. The guys at the beach were not that bad at all, you tell them no and they stop asking. Actually Leo was very helpful to us and we went on a great jet ski tour with his company. If you are looking for the four seasons it’s right across the bay. But if your looking for a well kept beautiful property with an A+ staff to take care of anything you need and have a great time meeting other like minded fun loving people, THIS IS YOUR PLACE!!! PURA VIDA

5. Hotel Lomas del Volcan

Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 21003 Costa Rica
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2218 reviews

Hotel Lomas del Volcan

Lomas del Volcán Hotel is a warm mountain hotel that maintains it's rustic style with wood cabins, each one with 2 decks that invites you to enjoy nature, one with a view to the Arenal Volcano and the other with a view to the tropical forest.

Truly wonderful!

Reviewed By Louise W

The setting and views at this hotel are breathtaking, it is an absolute gem of a place to stay. The wildlife was amazing from the toucan that came each evening outside of our lodge to survey his territory, to the lady hummingbird that had a nest with chicks in a tree just outside the bar, to all the frogs and toads that came out when it rained. We ate lunch and dinner at the hotel and the food was good, great that you can have the same menu in the bar as the restaurant so you don’t have to get dressed up after a 5 hour hike! All of the staff were so helpful and friendly, I would return to this hotel without hesitation.

6. Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Playa Manzanillo, Culebra Costa Rica
Excellent
78%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3675 reviews

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Vacation like a Star ™ at the new Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica. Guests of all ages can get close to authentic Hollywood memorabilia and enjoy themed experiences in this natural and breathtaking beachfront setting on the famed Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Guests can choose from a variety of all-inclusive dining venues and bars or indulge in extra services at the PH Spa & Beauty Bar. • Sleep Famously™ atop our PHabulous Beds™, a handcrafted custom mattress with bedding developed • Plugged In™ Unlimited high speed Wi-Fi resort-wide, for all your devices • Main Event Guarantee™ Never miss big entertainment moments! • Your Soundtrack™ Pick your music theme during your stay in paradise • Crave - Global culinary experiences • PUMPED Fitness Center - First-class work out with professional instructors, daily classes, and the latest cardio and strength training equipment

Excellent Hotel

Reviewed By cm19w5

My cousin and I spent 1 week at this hotel and just recently left. We did not upgrade to Star Class and contrary to some other reviews if you do not have Star Class you will not be treated like a step child. We received a lot of attention from staff and any queries or questions we had they were quick to assist. We rented a Cabana for 2 days and had a spa treatment. We received a coupon booklet at check in for booking PH experiences. We got to eat at all restaurants on property. So overall we do not feel as though we missed out or anything at all by not upgrading to Star Class. The rooms were clean and modern. The closet door was broken once reported someone came to fix it with 5 minutes and we never had a problem after. The staff were super friendly and accommodating 24/7. Truly a happy bunch. Shout to to Dillan, from the pool wait team and Negar from the entertainment team. The only con, I would say is that the resort is in a bit more isolated part of Liberia and entertainment and everything else ceases at 11pm. So if you are someone who loves nightlife and partying this is not the resort for you.

7. Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Playa El Jobo, El Jobo 51001 Costa Rica
Excellent
57%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 5768 reviews

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

We’re committed to redefining your travel journey with our best-in-class CleanComplete Verification™ practices. While health and safety have always been our top priorities, these new protocols further elevate our standards of quality and cleanliness, enabling you to vacation at any AMResorts® property with the ultimate peace of mind. Our 360-degree quality, safety and hygiene system takes into account every aspect of resort operations, backed by the highest-level third-party certification. We will be evolving and innovating our procedures continuously and will share the newest developments as they are implemented. Our protocols begin the moment you start planning a vacation to the time you return home! To learn more about our quality, safety and hygiene practices, please search for AMResorts CleanComplete Verification™ in your favorite browser.

Perfect Honeymoon Trip

Reviewed By Reviewing101

Me and my wife traveled everywhere in the world and we decided to return back to Costa Rica for our Honeymoon and it was the best decision ever. The staff is phenomenal, the food is amazing, and the views are breathtaking. I highly recommend this resort, we felt like home throughout our whole stay. I do advise all men to bring some jeans or slacks or else they wont allow you into the italian restaurant. So just take that into consideration, but overall the experience was amazing. Clean pools, great food, and great drinks.

8. Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience

7 Km Oeste del Centro de la Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 21007 Costa Rica
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4033 reviews

Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience

At VOLCANO LODGE AND SPRINGS, located in La Palma, La Fortuna de San Carlos, at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano, our hot springs and lush tropical garden gives you joy and relaxation to our guests and companions. Undoubtedly, our location allows you to witness the imposing Arenal Volcano from a vantage point. QUALITY SERVICE: Knowing that service is the main reason of hospitality, the Volcano Lodge & Gardens’ team, will do our best to make your stay a very fond memory to take home. FACILITIES: All our 66 rooms are Superior and non smoking, have deluxe finishes, 2 comfortable full size beds or 1 king size bed, TV/cable, telephone, air-conditioned, coffee maker, hot water shower, hairdryer and a nice terrace facing the Volcano. We also offer 4 rooms for handicap. RESTAURANT:Sura Restaurant, capacity: 120 people, we’ll be offering you our traditional local and international food, while you enjoy the majestic view of the volcano, birds surrounded nature. You can ask for room service too. OTHER FACILITIES: *Two swimming pools for adults, two swimming pools for children and two Jacuzzis, all of them with view to the Volcano.*Laundry service, Private parking, Internet Access / Wireless Free, Tours information, nature trail, Playground.* Massages Service from 9 am to 9 pm.

Volcano views

Reviewed By Jessica G

The picture you see with the volcano? It doesn't even begin to portray the amazing views! The hot springs, the breakfast, the beautifully kept grounds, the staff and close location to the sights? Perfect. We would absolutely recommend to anyone going to la fortuna. We also were very lucky the weather cleared and had a full view of Mt. Arenal. Even the locals were stopped to look. Special thanks to Daniella!

9. Fiesta Resort

El Roble 23, Chacarita 60115 Costa Rica
Excellent
44%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
8%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 4407 reviews

Fiesta Resort

The closest all-inclusive resort to San Jose! Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Costa Rica is a modern, full-amenity, all-inclusive resort hotel. This beachfront Costa Rica Hilton hotel is perfectly situated on the Central Pacific region outside the port city of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Located only 50 minutes West of Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and the Costa Rican capital city of San Jose, and two hours south of Liberia International Airport (LIR). Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily. Snacks and drinks available all day long. Two a-la-carte restaurants open for dinner. All-day activities for adults, teenagers or children, nightly entertainment and lounge.

Weekend get away

Reviewed By 310mauricioo

Excellent all way around from the facilities , my room was extremely spacious and clean , I had everything I need and more, the staff was welcoming and very pleasing of any and every need , food was oustanding, very greatfull of the invitation from the GM., Mr, Pronovost to one the signature restaurants got to enjoyed a complete 4 course meal, every single item was outstanding. In overall highly recommended, excellent choices of food in the buffete and choices of drinks alcoholic and not alcoholic, and the entertainment was great as well. Just a short 90 minutes from the main airport in Costa Rica. Recommended 100%

10. Hotel Riu Plaza Panama

Calle 50 con 53 este Urb. Marbella, Panama City Panama
Excellent
51%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 3518 reviews

Hotel Riu Plaza Panama

TThe Hotel Riu Plaza Panama is located in the heart of the banking and business district of Panama City and very close to most attractive entertainment and shopping centers. Only 250m from the luxurious "Soho Mall" Panama and Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is approx. 21 km away. This hotel is ideal for both leisure and business travel. The 644 modern and elegant decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi offer maximum comfort and in our 23 stylish and modern conference rooms you can successfully organize your events and meetings. Relax at the Renova Spa or get in shape in the gym. You can also unwind in our outdoor pool. For gastronomy lovers, we offer a live cooking station at our buffet restaurant, an á la carte restaurant, as well as 2 bars. Crown Level Executive lounge service free for guests staying in Executive rooms and Suites as well as hotel guests holding RIU Class Gold and RIU Class Diamond cards.

Luck of the draw, could be bad or good depending on your luck - are you feeling lucky?

Reviewed By Alex L

I am giving Plaza Riu a very mixed review because of my experience there - I was there for 5 nights for a conference and I had both good and bad experiences. Let's start with the bad experiences: I met some really incompetent and rude staff, in particular there was Endy the night duty manager who was shockingly rude to me. I tried explaining to him the problem I had and he didn't seem to understand my English, so I switched to Spanish given that I spoke Spanish well and he had the audacity to get insulted at the fact that I switched to Spanish with him - he was like, "sir I speak English perfectly well, you don't need to speak Spanish with me." And I had to tell him, well if you claim to speak English well, you don't seem to understand what I have just explained to you in English and that's why I offered to explain it to you in Spanish. The staff at the hotel seem to be really proud of the fact that they speak English well but really, the standard does vary and whilst I don't expect them to be fluent in English, it was shocking that Endy could take offence at me trying to explain the problem to him in his native language. I was placed in a no win situation - he couldn't understand me in English and got upset with me trying to explain my problem to him in Spanish, which was his mother tongue. Talk about frustrating! Good grief, so few people in Panama speak English well and I usually get grief for not being fluent enough in Spanish in Panama but this was the one time someone gave me grief for trying to speak Spanish in Panama. Aura was another member of staff who was lacking in empathy when things went wrong, there was that look on her face like, "yeah things didn't go as planned, I just work here, see if I care." Then there were members of staff who were super nice like Glory and Marino - ironically, both of them were quite happy to speak to me in a mix of Spanish and English, happily allowing me to switch back and forth between the two. I got along well with the both of them and wondered why other members of staff weren't as brilliant as these two. It is worrying though that you can have some members of staff who are absolutely great when it comes to dealing with guests when things go wrong and others who have that, "see if I care, I know you're upset but I can't be bothered" attitude. There is no quality control when it comes to their staff training, with some staff being very good with guests whilst others being downright rude with that classic "I really can't be bothered to help you, I don't care" attitude. So it's really your luck of the draw which member of staff responds to your query whenever you need something - are you going to get a rude person who can't be bothered or a genuinely nice member of staff who knows the meaning of empathy for their guests? Look, I was there for a conference, I was super busy most of the time - I wasn't there for a holiday. I didn't have time to split hairs with the staff, all I wanted was for someone to respond when things went wrong. As for the rooms, yeah my room was nice but for my first night, I had someone check into the room next door very late and then was very noisy all night long, disturbing my rest. Then I got lucky, that person must have left and the rest of my stay was very peaceful at night. So noise can travel between rooms and whether or not you get a restful night's sleep will depend on what kind of people are in the room(s) adjacent to yours. Breakfast was pretty good though the quality of the coffee was disappointing. The pool area looked nice but alas, as I was on a business trip, I didn't get to spend much time there. But hey, the conference facilities at the hotel were pretty good.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.