Tag Archives: Costa Rica family adventure

Best Family-Friendly Resorts in Costa Rica

It may seem as if the Christmas holidays were just 5 minutes ago but, before you know, the next school holiday will be at your doorstep. Want to plan an incredible family vacation that is bound to earn you double-brownie points with the kids? Then look no further than Costa Rica…one of the most affordable, unforgettable and family-friendly destinations this side of the Panama Canal!

Here are just a few of the best family-friendly resorts in Costa Rica:

Westin Golf Resort, Playa Conchal

Westin Golf Resort & SpaThe Westin is like a bigger, slightly more deluxe version of the Secrets and, for this reason, costs a little more too. Yet its beach is absolutely pristine and is arguably the main reason some families choose it over the Secrets, extra fees notwithstanding. The Westin Kids Club is phenomenal and runs a great kids’ program that will entice kids between the ages of 4 and 12.

There are outdoor and indoor play areas, plenty of arts and crafts in which to indulge their young minds, and kids are free to enjoy the club as any hours as they wish. What’s more, exciting outings are also organized by the experienced and professional teams, so your kids will not just be in great hands, but will also have an absolute blast. Included in the cost of your stay – yet another benefit of an all-inclusive family resort – your biggest challenge will be tearing the kids away from the club. Meanwhile, you have a sparkling freshwater pool, 18-hole golf course, breath-taking stretch of beach, great spa and fitness studio in which to indulge. It’s a win-win!

Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Corcovado

Lapa Rios Ecolodge CorcovadoOn the absolute opposite end of the spectrum 0- in essence, not style – is where you’ll find the Lapa Rios Ecolodge, a simply divine resort that’s tailor-made for discerning families who love nothing more than to spend time together in pristine wilderness. There are no TVs here, no phones, no internet, not even air-conditioning.

Just you, your family, and the amazing nature for which Costa Rica is so renowned.

Rated by National Geographic as one of the most unique accommodation choices in the world, Lapas may not come cheap, but when a resort such as this – with inspiring bungalows set on 1,000 acres of outstanding forest, in the heart of the Osa Peninsula and brimming with wildlife – a stay here promises to be quite the unforgettable adventure. After watching your kids play with the resident toucan at breakfast time, you may well surmise the experience to be a totally priceless one, after all. Visit in Green Season (May to October) for the best deals and do remember that rates are all-inclusive here too.

Tulemar Bungalows and Villas, Manuel Antonio

Tulemar Bungalows and Villas Manuel AntonioTulemar continues to top all the lists of ‘best family-friendly resort in Costa Rica’ and for very valid reasons. What’s not to love? Several families traveling together can enjoy interconnecting rooms, the compound is large enough for kids to get ‘lost in’ but superbly secure so you know they just can’t get into any mischief.

There’s a private beach, a stunning jungle, activities galore, plenty of hiking and active stuff (to wear them out!) and even macaws, toucans and sloths happily living in the property. At Tulemar, it’s like the best of Costa Rica comes straight to you, and is the primary reason its popularity continues, year after year. You won’t just find happy kids here, but plenty of happy parents too. With those views…who could blame them? The unique aspect of Tulemar is that, unlike all the others, this is not a resort per say, but a residential complex with the added service you’d normally find in a hotel. You have a choice of accommodation and price ranges, and plenty of wonderful staff to help make your stay a memorable affair.