Costa Rica – Southern Pacific Coast

Most luxury travel advisors know that Costa Rica is lush and green. But many still haven’t been to the Southern Pacific Coast, which means there’s plenty of catching up to do when it comes to the regional Pura Vida. No worries: In this feature, you’ll learn everything you need to know to sell the "wild" Pacific coast!

Costa Rica – Southern Pacific Coast

Most luxury travel advisors know that Costa Rica is lush and green. But many still haven’t been to the Southern Pacific Coast, which means there’s plenty of catching up to do when it comes to the regional Pura Vida. No worries: In this feature, you’ll learn everything you need to know to sell the "wild" Pacific coast!

There’s one thing Costa Rica does exceptionally well: it inspires. This Central American country is an endless grab bag of wildlife and nature experiences. And yet, the country is currently dealing with a drop in visitor numbers. To get those figures back on track by 2026, the luxury travel industry has a role to play. So go ahead – get your clients hooked on the Pura Vida along Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast. Chances are, they'll turn into quick repeat visitors.

The US dollar is losing value against the local colón, making an already pricey destination even more expensive, and flight connections to North America have been cut back. That hurts, considering the US is the strongest source market. Europe also sent fewer visitors in 2025. Across all markets, arrivals in the first nine months were down 2.2 percent compared to the previous year. To be fair, though, 2024 was a record year with 2.9 million international arrivals. There are plenty of reasons why this trend could turn around just as quickly – and most of them can be found right in the country itself. Costa Rica offers countless natural experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Few places can match its range of exotic wildlife – whales, dolphins, sloths, macaws, leopards, pumas, tapirs, turtles, snakes, frogs, coatis, and many more – all in one compact destination. The country covers just about 51,100 square kilometers (550,000 square feet) and is home to only 5.2 million people. That leaves a whole lot of space for wildlife and nature in Costa Rica – and that’s something the Ticos, as they call themselves, fiercely protect. A proud 27 percent of the country is under conservation. Wow!

Popular with visitors: the Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica.

If you want to successfully sell trips to Costa Rica, you’ve got to know the details – because that’s where the trouble usually hides. Anyone planning to drive themselves absolutely needs to rent a 4x4. Without it, things can get tricky fast once you leave the main highways. For the wild Pacific South in particular, it’s essential to understand the transportation options and the conditions on the ground. Reaching Corcovado National Park by boat, for example, is something you should recommend only to adventurous and physically fit clients. Those who go for it will be rewarded with truly unique experiences. With the right budget, though, travelers can get just about anywhere by plane or helicopter. Even remote lodges have solutions ready to go. And while we’re on the subject of accommodations: encourage your clients to choose Costa Rican hotels! They’re run with incredible care and absolutely know how to deliver luxury. You’ll find them all across the country. If travelers prefer internationally known brands, they’ll mostly find those in the north of the Papagayo Peninsula in the province of Guanacaste – Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific Coast.

Costa Rica gets especially "wild", though, along the Southern Pacific Coast – the region LuxuryWise's Senior Editor Cathrin Lührs discovered on a fam trip explored in depth. Beyond the flora and fauna, the luxury travel professionals also discovered plenty of boutique hotel gems: from San José to the Osa Peninsula, including Corcovado National Park and the Golfo Dulce, and back again. Let yourself be inspired!

Hotel Tip #1: Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort · Puntarenas

For travelers coming from San José, the Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort is their first real encounter with the jungle – and it’s a full-on immersion. The hotel sits within view of Manuel Antonio National Park, which stretches across a peninsula. That proximity brings an abundance of wildlife right into the resort, which has just 37 rooms and suites. Guests can choose between Sea View and Rainforest View. The hotel’s biggest USP is its direct beach access – something no other property in Puntarenas can offer. The private beach sits below the pool and can be reached on foot or via the resort’s buggy service. And that service comes in handy, since some of the slopes are quite steep and can be a real workout on foot!

The resort spans about 4.5 hectares (11 acres), though two-thirds of it has been intentionally left undeveloped. This ensures the rainforest is right at the doorstep and gives guests plenty of wildlife and nature encounters. Howler monkeys, for example, love to make themselves heard at dusk. The property has two restaurants: Mirador, with gorgeous views of the Pacific, and Playitas down by the beach. Arenas del Mar is part of the Cayuga Collection and offers year-round activities like yoga, kayaking, and guided nature walks. Depending on the season, whale watching is possible as well.

Trade Contact: Céline Collot, Hotel Representation Room 701

Hotel Tip #2: Oxygen Jungle Villas · Uvita de Osa

Anyone who knows the area around Uvita knows this: the roads are steep, the waterfalls are loud – and Oxygen Jungle Villas, part of the Costa Rica Collection, feels surprisingly calm in the middle of it all. This boutique hotel sits deep in the rainforest, about an hour from Quepos, and is a true retreat for slowing down. The twelve glass villas (from Jungle View to Ocean View Spa Villa) follow a simple principle: step inside, close the door, switch on the ocean or rainforest view. Many feature bathtubs on their private terraces. Good to know: the hotel is adults-only.

A bit removed from the villas, the infinity pool feels like it’s floating above the coast. The restaurant serves local cuisine with views over the treetops, and on the yoga deck, even the best handstand has competition from the wildlife roaming the dense greenery around the property. There’s no shortage of activities: birdwatching, night hikes, and some picturesque waterfalls. And of course, no one has to skip spa time here. In fact, treatments can get especially memorable – massages can be done right in the riverbed in front of a waterfall. Unique experiences, anyone? And by the way: Terraza Bistro serves what’s known as Native Cuisine, creatively reinterpreted by the chefs. Yummy!

Trade Contact: Diana Fernández, Sales & Operations

Hotel Tip #3: Rancho Pacifico · Uvita de Osa

It's all about the view – and from Rancho Pacifico, it’s simply fantastic. This boutique resort sits above Uvita at an elevation of 600 meters (1,968 feet) , right in the rainforest, overlooking the famous Whale’s Tail, a natural sand and rock formation in Marino Ballena National Park. It’s only visible at low tide.

At Rancho Pacifico, there are never more than 20 guests on property at the same time, which boosts the level of privacy. Guests can choose between suites, three unbelievably cool treehouses, and two villas – one of which overlooks the Whale’s Tail. When it comes to peace and nature, the treehouses (pictured: Treehouse Tucán) are unbeatable. The view is completely open, and the terrace features both a bathtub and a swing. And of course, you can open the doors of the double shower and enjoy the view! The accommodations follow an elegant, minimalist design, with artwork adding that unique Costa Rican touch.

Breakfast is included, lunch is served poolside, and in the evening, a four-course menu that changes daily is offered. Everything is fresh, local, and served with ocean views. If guests prefer privacy, all of it can be delivered to their accommodation. The Tree of Life Spa features two treatment rooms and plunge pools. This adults-only hotel offers a range of experiences, including ziplining, horseback riding, surfing, snorkeling, canyoning, rafting, birdwatching, chocolate tours, and visits to wildlife sanctuaries.

Trade Contact: The Reservations Team at Rancho Pacifico

Hotel Tip #4: Vista Celestial · Uvita de Osa

Directly across from Rancho Pacifico is its sister hotel, Vista Celestial, which also welcomes children. The property has nine accommodations that can host up to four guests each. Here too, the Whale’s Tail is right in front of you, and the rainforest surrounds everything anyway. Guests stay either in Ocean Villas with private pools, oversized bathtubs, and decks overlooking the sea, or in the Garden Cottages, which function like small retreat homes: three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a large pool, and a tropical garden.

Culinary options include two restaurants: Nueve Grados in the garden with views of the Pacific, and the clubhouse dinners at neighboring Rancho Pacifico. Vista Celestial is also a wellbeing oasis, perfect for yoga retreats. Guests can enjoy yoga on the jungle platform, a forest spa, a saltwater infinity pool, fire pits, and hidden jacuzzis. Anyone craving more action can book ATV tours, ziplining, paragliding, snorkeling at Cano Island, or a simple hike to a waterfall. The property itself sits within a 20-hectare (50 acres) protected area that includes both primary and regenerated rainforest. Thanks to reforestation, even rare animals like spider monkeys have returned.

Trade Contact: The Reservations-Team at Vista Celestial

Hotel Tip #5: Corcovado Wilderness Lodge by SCP · Drake Bay

If you want to show your clients what "remote" really looks like in the luxury segment, you should introduce them to Corcovado Wilderness Lodge. Getting there? By boat from Sierpe or Drake Bay. Important to know: the ride can be rough and may require switching to a smaller boat shortly before arrival. A wet landing – jumping out of the boat into knee-deep water– is almost always part of the experience. The lodge sits on a 76-hectare (188 acres) property, surrounded by more than 100,000 hectares (247,105 acres) of rainforest in Corcovado National Park – exactly the kind of environment where tapirs, coatis & Co. like to wander through. Corcovado Wilderness Lodge is also the only property located directly next to the national park. Reaching the entrance still requires a solid walk – definitely with a guide, because: wildlife is everywhere!

The villas are split into two areas: a Rainforest Village for guests who prefer waking up to toucans, and Ocean View Villas for anyone who loves a sea view and doesn’t need a pool – though they still get one. The design is deliberately minimalist: lots of wood, lots of open air, lots of nature – because the forest is the real star here. Across the spacious property, you'll find two pools, yoga decks, a spa, an in-house dive center, and guided activities ranging from birdwatching to tree climbing. Guests can even experience a "Monkey Breakfast" – breakfast high up in the canopy. The lodge is part of the Costa Rica Collection, is also included in the Preferred Hotels portfolio, and runs about 80 percent of its operations on solar and hydropower while supporting local environmental projects.

Trade Contact: Diana Fernández, Sales & Operations

Hotel Tip #6: Lapa Rios Lodge · Osa Peninsula

At Lapa Rios Lodge, part of the Böëna Lodges, guests stay just as remote – nothing but the Pacific and rainforest. And that’s exactly what makes the experience so magical. The lodge sits on a 405-hectare (1,000 acres) private reserve on the wild Osa Peninsula – considered by scientists to be one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It’s full of toucans, monkeys, macaws, and so much more. The 17 bungalows, suites, and villas are open in design, offering panoramic views of the rainforest and the Golfo Dulce strait. Each villa is its own special retreat – sometimes with a larger terrace and a pool – but always with sweeping views of Osa’s nearly endless nature.

Kids must be at least six years old to stay at Lapa Rios Lodge. And guests in general should be steady on their feet, as the accommodations are only accessible via a kind of canopy path that gradually slopes upward toward the restaurant. The restaurant itself offers a stunning view. If that’s not enough, guests can join one of the guided walks offered by the lodge to spot even more wildlife and nature. For longer distances, a safari vehicle is available and can also take guests to the beach. Surfers will definitely get their money’s worth here! The lodge also features a spa and a pool with a bar. Good to know: the nearest town, Puerto Jiménez, is about a 45-minute drive away. The small local airport offers connections to San José, and private flights via Xplore Air Costa Rica – also part of the Böëna Lodges – are possible as well. Transfers to and from Puerto Jiménez are included in the room rate.

Trade Contact: Carlos Campos, Sales Trade Specialist at Böëna Lodges

Hotel Tip #7: Finca Rosa Blanca · Santa Barbara de Heredia

Your clients like things colorful? Then Finca Rosa Blanca is the perfect spot. It’s part of the Unique Lodges – and it truly lives up to the name, feeling like one big art exhibition. Everywhere you go, you’ll find artworks, sculptures, and paintings, all tied to Costa Rica. All 14 suites and the two villas have their own style, with wall murals, hand-painted tiles, artisanal ironwork details, and a veranda overlooking volcanoes and valleys. One of the most beautiful views comes from the Rosa Blanca Suite, located in a little tower. Set just outside San José, Finca Rosa Blanca makes a great first or last stop – right after arrival or just before the flight home. It sits at 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) elevation and is only about 20 minutes from San José Airport.

The property includes an organic coffee plantation, which guests can explore on daily guided tours of about two hours. You walk with a guide through the shaded fields, visit the processing and roasting areas, and of course, enjoy a tasting afterward. The coffee is classic estate coffee – everything from cultivation to packaging happens right on the property. The culinary centerpiece is the restaurant El Tigre Vestido, serving Latin fusion cuisine with ingredients from the on-site greenhouse, the garden’s chickens, and neighboring farms – plus complimentary afternoon coffee with homemade cookies. There’s also a small spa offering a coffee detox treatment, private yoga sessions, and one accessible suite.

Trade Contact: Edgardo Quesaro by the Reservations Team

Hotel Tip #8: Grano de Oro · San José

If you want to give your guests an elegant introduction to Costa Rica, the best choice is Hotel Grano de Oro. This 40-room property is set in a former tropical Victorian villa, tucked away on a quiet side street near Paseo Colón – central, yet peaceful. Room categories range from the cozy Standard Room to the Vista de Oro Suite, which features a private staircase, its own jacuzzi, and views of the skyline. There’s also a courtyard garden with outdoor jacuzzis, a fitness room, and a boutique. The real highlight, though, is the restaurant, considered one of the best in the city. Here, guests enjoy classic Italian cuisine with an excellent wine list – and they’ll spot plenty of locals dining, too.

If your clients want more than classic sightseeing, they can opt for curated experiences such as Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a Tortuga Island cruise, ziplining, a Doka coffee tour, or rafting on the Pacuare River.

Trade Contact: Marco Montoya, General Manager

DMC Elemento Natural – In A Nutshell

The DMC Elemento Natural is based in San José and specializes in crafting tailor-made journeys throughout Costa Rica.

Elemento Natural at a Glance:

  • Story Maker: The DMC curates authentic, responsible, and truly memorable experiences
  • Nature meets Service: High-quality travel services delivered with a strong commitment to sustainability
  • Everything Under One Roof: From arrival to departure, every element reflects premium travel service standards
  • Heroes of the Journey: Multilingual local guides accompany all tours
  • Know-How: Elemento Natural employs experts across the country with deep knowledge of Costa Rica
  • Thinking Beyond: The DMC focuses on details, offering innovative and distinctive programs
  • Tailor-Made: Personal time and budget requirements are always taken into account
  • Reliability: Quick responses and professionalism are core pillars of Elemento Natural
  • Conservation Focus: Protecting Costa Rica’s natural and cultural resources is a priority, along with supporting animal welfare
  • Meet the Locals: Close collaboration with local communities fosters genuine intercultural exchange

Trade Contact: Roberto Lizano, Owner