Costa Rica: Wild Luxury Meets Pura Vida Reality

Written By Krista Nannery

This is the time of year when I get a lot of last minute requests for Costa Rica — specifically for the holiday season. While nothing is impossible, last minute festive season Costa Rica trips are HARD. There just aren’t enough properties — or enough flights. If you really want to visit Costa Rica during peak festive season and spring break time, I strongly recommend booking 9 months in advance. Ready to talk Costa Rica? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

This is one of those destinations that sounds effortless—lush jungles, volcano views, and beaches on two coasts—but in reality, it takes a bit of strategy and effort. The country rewards planners, not improvisers. Between pricey flights, long drives, and resorts tucked deep in the forest, you have to know what you’re signing up for. When you do, though? It’s magic.

Getting There Isn’t Cheap—Book Early

Let’s start with flights. Costa Rica looks close on a map, but airfares routinely punch above their weight. Demand from both coasts stays strong year-round, especially into Liberia for Guanacaste and Papagayo. I’ve seen last-minute economy fares that rival Europe in summer. The best move? Book as far in advance as you can and keep an eye out for flash sales. Business class can sell out months ahead, so if you want to arrive fresh, don’t wait.

Guanacaste & Papagayo

Most first-timers land in Liberia and head west to Guanacaste. This is Costa Rica’s “Gold Coast”—sunny, dry, and dotted with resorts perched above the Pacific. Think volcanic cliffs, not sugar-sand shores. Let’s clear that up right now: Costa Rica isn’t about picture-perfect Caribbean-blue beaches. The sand can be dark, the surf rough, and because you can’t legally build directly on the beach, every resort sits back from the waterline. It’s a good thing for nature; it just means your “oceanfront” suite usually involves a short stroll or golf-cart ride to the waves.

Up here, the big news is the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Papagayo, finally giving the region a true five-star anchor. It’s sleek, modern, and perched dramatically on a hillside with jaw-dropping Gulf views. The vibe is polished-eco: expect infinity pools that blend into the landscape, strong sustainability cred, and service that’s far more “quietly anticipatory” than “beach-butler.” If you want high-end, Papagayo now competes head-on with best of Mexico’s Riviera Maya and the Caribbean.

Just down the peninsula, the Four Seasons Papagayo remains the OG of Costa Rican luxury—still stellar and still the gold standard for families and golfers.

Ready to book one of these incredible properties? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

What to Know About Roads, Transfers & Timing

Here’s the part people gloss over: driving distances in Costa Rica look short on Google Maps and feel much longer in real life. Roads are narrow, winding, and slow. A “three-hour drive” from Papagayo to Arenal can easily stretch to five. That’s not a reason to skip it—it’s just reality. The country’s terrain is mountainous and the infrastructure’s improving but not there yet.

If time is precious, consider splitting your stay: one base in the jungle, one on the coast, with a private driver handling the transfer. Self-driving sounds adventurous until you’re white-knuckling through switchbacks behind a banana truck. If you can swing it, consider a helicopter transfer. I can organize that for you…

Arenal & La Fortuna: Volcano Views and Hot Springs

Now for the lush heart of the country. La Fortuna, home to the Arenal Volcano, is what most people picture when they dream of Costa Rica: rainforest mist, toucans overhead, hot springs steaming in the jungle. It’s also where the driving gets hair-raising, but it’s worth every pothole.

For resorts, you’re spoiled. The Springs Resort & Spa is the classic pick—massive, cinematic views of Arenal, and more pools than you can count. It’s unapologetically grand, with a mix of adventure and comfort that hits the sweet spot for families.

Then there’s Peace Lodge, smaller and quirkier, tucked inside La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Think hummingbirds at breakfast, hand-carved wood everywhere, and the soundtrack of actual waterfalls outside your balcony. It’s romantic in an over-the-top, storybook way.

And no Costa Rica list is complete without the Nayara properties—two sister resorts that define luxury in the rainforest. Nayara Gardens is the original, tropical-boutique perfection with private decks and outdoor showers. Nayara Springs takes it further: adults-only villas with plunge pools fed by natural hot springs, all wrapped in rainforest privacy. Service here is world-class—the staff somehow remembers your breakfast order, your spa preferences, and probably your favorite wine.

Luxury Traveler Tips: The Smart Way to “Do” Costa Rica

A few truths from the trenches:

  • Don’t over-schedule. It’s tempting to pack zip-lines, hot springs, hikes, and sloth-spotting into one day. Don’t. The roads alone will slow you down. Plan for one main activity per day and leave time for the pool or the spa.

  • Go private for transfers and tours. It’s worth it. Shared shuttles are slow and exhausting; private drivers cost more but feel ten times easier.

  • Hot-spring etiquette: Bring a dark swimsuit. The minerals can discolor lighter fabrics. And note: many resorts have their own on-property springs, but Tabacón remains the granddaddy if you want the full open-air jungle experience.

  • Weather patterns matter. The Pacific side (Guanacaste/Papagayo) is driest November–April, while Arenal stays greener year-round. If you want to see both regions in one trip, aim for December–March for the best balance.

  • Leave room for spontaneity. Sometimes the highlight of Costa Rica isn’t the big-ticket excursion but the howler monkey that strolls past your balcony or the local soda (restaurant) that serves the best gallo pinto of your life.

What Costa Rica Does Best

Costa Rica isn’t for people who want perfectly manicured, beach-club luxury. It’s for travelers who appreciate the balance of comfort and wildness. You’ll have five-star service, yes, but you’ll also have the sound of rain on the roof, frogs in the night, and maybe a gecko sharing your patio. That’s the charm.

The country runs on “Pura Vida”—literally “pure life,” but really a shorthand for rolling with it. Flights delayed? Pura Vida. Road washed out? Pura Vida. Your bartender just remembered your favorite cocktail? Definitely Pura Vida.

Luxury here isn’t about marble floors; it’s about the feeling that nature is the real show, and you have a front-row seat.

If You Go

  • Best airport for Guanacaste/Papagayo: Liberia (LIR)

  • Best airport for Arenal/Peace Lodge/Nayara: San José (SJO)

  • Ideal trip length: 7–10 days if you’re splitting beach + volcano; 5–7 if you’re sticking to one region.

  • Sample combo: 4 nights Papagayo (Waldorf Astoria or Four Seasons) + 3 nights Arenal (Nayara Springs or The Springs).

  • Packing note: Casual rules. Even the fanciest resort dinners are “nice sundress” or “collared-shirt with sandals.” Leave the stilettos at home.

Final Thought

Costa Rica rewards the traveler who understands the rhythm: slower, greener, and less polished than other five-star playgrounds—but all the more special for it. It’s the kind of place where your spa robe might pick up a bit of volcanic dust, and you’ll love it anyway. Because that’s the whole point.

Pura Vida indeed.

P.S. Need an alternative to Costa Rica? Consider Belize!

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad, and have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England. My background and 20 year career in the investment management industry have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation to anyone looking to plan their next trip.

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Krista Nannery
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