Every romantic destination in this guide can be woven into a tailor-made Costa Rica romantic escape — let our local experts design the perfect itinerary for you and your partner.
Costa Rica has been named one of the most romantic destinations for couples on their honeymoon and for good reason. While there’s certainly no shortage of beautiful beaches throughout the region, its the diverse range of settings that make it unique. Whether it be soaking in a natural volcanic hot spring surrounded by the night sky, dining by candle light on an isolated beach with a rain forest humming in the background, or arriving at your jungle lodge by way of the river theres no shortage of options.
Over the past 40+ years of creating romantic escapes and honeymoon itineraries for travelers throughout Costa Rica, we have listed some of our favourite most romantic locations and experiences. Each location listed below is one we have personally visited, researched, and recommended to hundreds of couples traveling to Costa Rica. To eliminate the stress associated with planning your own trip, consider selecting one of our pre-packaged Costa Rica honeymoon itineraries; packages consist of hotel reservations, private transportation, guided excursions, and meals.
1. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa — Where Volcanic Heat Meets Romance
Arenal Volcano Region
Slipping into the thermal waters of Tabacón with the one you love is an otherworldly experience. Unlike the commercial pools found elsewhere around Arenal, Tabacón’s hot springs are the only truly natural thermal springs in the region. These were created when a free flowing volcanic river flowed through 12 acres of tropical gardens. Water cascades over rocks creating numerous warm pools of various temperatures. At night, as steam rises against the backdrop of Arenal Volcano in darkness, it looks like a scene from a movie.
Couples will especially appreciate the Shangri-La Gardens — an adults-only area secluded from the rest of Tabacón. Shan
Want to experience Tabacón with someone special? Our secluded luxury Costa Rica romantic escape combines Arenal’s thermal hot springs with private jungle lodges and personalized guided experiences — curated for couples by our experts.
gri-La is much quieter, more intimate than the rest of Tabacón, and offers private hot spring pools secluded by thick tropical planting. Guests may enjoy a swim-up bar, a cold water plunge pool for contrasting therapies, and many secluded areas guests can really get lost in.
Plan a late afternoon arrival. After the day trippers have left and as the sun sets behind the volcano, the steam catches the golden light of sunset, the temperature cools slightly making the hot water feel amazing, and thousands of soft lanterns illuminate the gardens. We have no doubt that this is one of the most romantic settings in all of Costa Rica.
2. Sunset Catamaran Cruise Off the Guanacaste Gold Coast
Guanacaste Pacific Coast
There’s a reason this experience shows up on nearly every honeymoon itinerary we create. Sailing along the Guanacaste Gold Coast aboard an elegant catamaran sailing yacht, with the Pacific coastline unfolding before your eyes, is breathtaking. Brilliant white sandy beaches bordered by green palm trees, pastel-colored fishing villages and cobalt blue ocean stretching to the horizon … this is the type of memory-making experience that will linger long after you’ve returned home.
As you sail through crystal-clear turquoise water sipping a cold tropical cocktail, keep scanning the ocean for dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, and if you’re visiting during whale season (August-October) breaching Humpback Whales. The catamaran will anchor in a sheltered, warm cove for you to snorkel together in peaceful waters or take a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand down a deserted beach. Meanwhile, back onboard the ship, your meal will be prepared while you are exploring.
The sail back to port as the sun sets. The sky turns from gold to deep pink to violet, reflected in the water all around you. There’s no better place to be on Earth at that moment. We’ve seen more than a few surprise proposals happen on this cruise.
Sunset Catamaran cruise along the Guanacaste Gold Coast, Costa Rica — romantic sailing experience for couples
3. Kura Design Villas — Forbes’ Most Glamorous Romantic Resort in Costa Rica
Uvita / Costa Ballena
Nestled high above the Uvita Rainforest overlooking the breathtaking Costa Ballena (Whale Coast), Kura is different from everything else in Costa Rica. Kura is adult-only. Architecturally speaking, it’s a stunner – Clean lines, infinity pools that appear to flow directly into the Pacific Ocean and villas built so that your jungle surroundings become part of your decor. According to Forbes Magazine “Kura” is “the most glamorous romantic resort in Costa Rica.” And after sending dozens of couples to Kura, we know exactly why.
It’s the concept of un-rushed luxury that makes Kura stand out from other resorts. When you dine at Kura, brunch is a big deal — not due to pomp and circumstance — but rather because you’re dining with the love of your life, savoring incredible meals, with zero appointments and a view that extends out to the endless horizon. Kura also provides highly personalized service, which enables the staff to learn your likes and dislikes quickly and anticipate what you’ll need prior to asking.
Late morning Brunch on the Terrace. You’ve slept in. Your coffee is top-notch. Your meal is creative and visually appealing. Beneath you lies lush rain forest foliage rolling down to the Pacific Ocean. You have no obligation anywhere. That’s what romance is all about at Kura — giving yourself permission to just be together.
Kura Design Villas infinity pool overlooking the Costa Ballena whale coast in Uvita, Costa Rica
4. Nayara Springs — The Ultimate Couples’ Spa Experience
Arenal Volcano Region
Tabacón represents the enchantment of a warm, spring-fed lake in the dark of the star-filled sky; Nayara Springs offers couples a full sensory encounter in the rainforest. Nayara Springs resort is located within the jungle canopy and nearby Arenal Volcano. Every aspect of the resort was created specifically for couples. Villas have private plunge pools filled with natural mineral water. Showers are outdoors and provide a view of the forest. Gourmet candlelit dinners take place in the piano bar lounge. In short, it is one of the very best locations to honeymoon in Costa Rica.
The true gem of Nayara Springs is the spa. As you sit side-by-side with your partner while receiving a special couples’ massage in an outdoor pavilion (rainforest canopy overhead, tropical birds singing around you, warm volcanic air against your skin), this is something you’ll never forget. The signature treatment is a cacao-based chocolate clay body wrap using local Costa Rican cacao products. Indulgent, aromatic and strangely therapeutic, it’s something you’d never think to do at home and will always remember.
Following your spa treatments you return to your villa. You then slip into your private mineral-spring plunge pool. Toucans land in the trees above you. Perfectly framed in the gaps of the trees is the Arenal Volcano. No one knows where you are. This is what barefoot luxury truly means.
Couples spa treatment at Nayara Springs in the Arenal rainforest, Costa Rica — open-air massage pavilion
5. Playa Cativo Lodge — Unspoiled Beach Luxury & Genuine Adventure
Southern Pacific / Golfo Dulce
Barefoot luxury & genuine adventure await. Situated on a Secluded Beach on the south coast of the Golfo Dulce (only accessible by boat) is Playa Cativo Lodge. The feeling of discovering a location that no one else has discovered yet is what Playa Cativo Lodge provides. The eco-luxury Experience here is exceptional: stylish rooms with jungle views, excellent service, and gastronomic experiences equal to those found in major cities.
As the lodge is so remote, all meals are included as part of your package. This is where the magic happens. The menus are based on inspiration from the surrounding area: organically grown produce picked every day from the on-site farm, freshly-caught fish & seafood from the waters off-shore, grass-fed Costa Rican beef, free-range organic chicken etc. An Experience for the senses – scent, taste, colour & texture. Guests may also book their own personal chef to cook up a multi-course feast in their room or even on the beach under the stars!
Beachside dinner. Bare feet in the warmth of the sand. Candle flame dancing in the gulf breeze. Rainforest symphony – tree frogs chirping, crickets singing, distant calls of a night-bird – your music. Exquisite food cooked especially for you. And the closest other guests are 100 meters away. Romance in its purest form.
Candlelight beachside dinner at Playa Cativo Lodge on the Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica — barefoot luxury dining
6. Pacuare Lodge — Culinary Adventure Alongside One of the World’s Most Scenic Rivers
Caribbean Lowlands / Pacuare River
For the adventurous couple, there is no greater way to express love than by experiencing a little excitement together. Named one of the world’s top five most beautiful rivers is the Pacuare River and situated in a stunning pristine wilderness corridor on its banks is Pacuare Lodge – surrounded by virgin rainforests teeming with wildlife and an endless rushing of water over thousands of years old rocks.
How exciting to arrive at your lodge by navigating the rapids of the Pacuare River by rafting down! There’s bonding involved like nothing else – you’ll laugh together, be soaked to the bone and hang onto each other through the rapids (if rafting doesn’t appeal to you – you can also drive to the river bank and cross via aerial cable car to the hotel – both dramatic and dry).
Horizontes has designed romantic Costa Rica vacations for decades. Our vacation planners are happy to help you plan the perfect romantic getaway to Costa Rica. We can create a custom vacation package based on your interests, budget, and preferences. Whether you want to relax in a secluded villa or take part in thrilling adventures, we’ll tailor a vacation package that will make your experience unforgettable.
Romance in the Evening
Costa Rica is at its most romantic in the evenings. Enjoy a delicious multi-course meal at an intimate private table beneath the starry sky. Listen to tree frogs singing to the sound of the rushing Pacuare River. Your location will have no cell service so there is nothing to distract you from the natural beauty surrounding you. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with the person you love over delicious food and a stunning backdrop.
Fire Pit Dinner — The Ultimate Dining Experience
If you could choose one experience from your romantic Costa Rican vacation, hands down it would be the Fire Pit Dinner. After a fun-filled day of whitewater rafting through the most beautiful sights in the world, you will arrive back at your lodge feeling tired but exhilarated. As the sun sets behind the trees, enjoy a delicious meal next to a roaring fire surrounded by nature. If this isn’t the ultimate romantic moment then I don’t know what is!
The fire pit dinner. Hands down. You’ve spent the day rafting together through some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth. You’re tired in the best possible way. And now you’re sitting by a crackling fire, under a canopy of stars, listening to the river that carried you here. It doesn’t get more romantic than this.
Romantic fire pit and dining setup at Pacuare Lodge along the Pacuare River, Costa Rica — adventure romance for couples”
Planning a Romantic Vacation Package in Costa Rica
As mentioned earlier, the six experiences outlined above may be used individually or collectively to create a custom honeymoon or couples’ vacation package of any length. Below outlines a little taster of what your custom built itinery could look like:
All of our honeymoon packages include private transportation (not bus shuttles); Hand selected lodges & resorts; Guided activities with naturalist guides<
Ready to plan your own Manuel Antonio love story? Our exclusive Costa Rica couples adventure pairs Manuel Antonio’s beaches with Arenal volcano, Monteverde cloud forest, and Pacuare River rafting in a seamless 9-day romantic journey.
/a>; and 24 hour local support. Since 1984 Horizontes has specialized in creating romantic vacations in Costa Rica and many couples who entrust us with their honeymoon also come back and use Horizontes again.
When you book let us know if it’s a honeymoon or anniversary. We will add extra details throughout your trip including a complimentary bottle of local wine at every lodge, room upgrades when possible, a surprise spa credit, and/or a personalized letter from your travel designer. These are not marketing ploys – these are personal gestures made by my team to show you how much we truly value providing you with the best possible vacation ever.
When you’re ready to plan your romantic escape, start with our full Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary for a full 10 and 12-day couples’ route — or see our Costa Rica itinerary guide to choose the trip length that works for your schedule.
Romantic Vacation Packages Frequently Asked Questions
Tailor-Made Honeymoon Experiences in Costa Rica
We’ve been designing romantic Costa Rica experiences since 1984. Tell us about your dream honeymoon, and we’ll make it real – accommodation, experiences, and knowledge that only a local expert can arrange.
