A firsthand look at Costa Rica's different regions, beautiful places to stay, and why thoughtful itinerary planning makes all the difference.
Early mornings in Santa Teresa
I've been to Costa Rica before, but returning this October reminded me just how much this relatively small country has to offer. Volcanoes, lush rainforests, misty cloud forests and beautiful Pacific beaches. Each region is different, and that's what makes traveling here so interesting.
Something else I've always loved about Costa Rica is the respect for nature. Sustainability isn't just a buzzword. It's ingrained in everyday life, from the way hotels operate to how guides talk about the wildlife and environment. And the hospitality feels just as genuine.
On this trip, I visited San José, Arenal, Monteverde and Santa Teresa, staying at four very different hotels, meeting their teams and spending time with local partners.
I came home with plenty of ideas, but also a reminder of something important: Costa Rica is a country where the way you put a trip together really matters.
First, choose the right combination of regions
Costa Rica looks small on a map. In reality, getting around can take much longer than you'd expect. Mountain roads are winding, distances can be deceptive, and a transfer between two hotels can easily take up a good part of the day.
That doesn't mean you should avoid combining regions. Quite the opposite. It's one of the best things about Costa Rica, provided you plan it well.
On this trip, we traveled by road, crossed Lake Arenal by boat and took domestic flights. I loved experiencing all these different ways of getting around.
The boat crossing was beautiful and made the journey part of the day rather than just a transfer. Domestic flights can save hours, especially when traveling to the Pacific coast. They're on small aircraft, though, so they're not for everyone. Luggage limits and weather also need to be considered.
When planning for clients, I look carefully at how much time they'll actually spend enjoying each destination, not just how many places we can fit into the itinerary.
Arenal: Adventure, wildlife and time to relax
Where I stayed: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Arenal is one of my favorite regions for combining outdoor activities with a beautiful hotel.
There are volcano views, hiking trails, hanging bridges (loved, make sure to visit with a guide), waterfalls, wildlife excursions and plenty of opportunities for adventure. Some travelers want rafting or canyoning, while others prefer a gentle guided walk. Both work beautifully here.
I stayed at Tabacón, where the natural thermal rivers are extraordinary. The setting alone is worth experiencing. I also toured the different room categories and especially loved the renovated rooms with private plunge pools. And the food was outstanding, including a private Ephemeral Table dining experience.
This is exactly why I like seeing hotels firsthand. I initially thought of Tabacón primarily for couples and honeymooners. After staying there and exploring the area, I can absolutely see families loving it too. My own teenagers would happily spend an afternoon in those hot springs.
Knowing which rooms suit different travelers, what activities are available nearby and how to organize the days makes it much easier to recommend the right stay.
Monteverde: A different landscape, a different pace
Where I stayed: Senda Monteverde
Monteverde is cloud forest country. It's cooler, mistier and completely different from Arenal.
I stayed at Senda, a beautiful boutique property with wonderful views. The team was lovely, and I appreciated the thoughtful little touches.
It's not traditional five-star luxury. The luxury here is in the location, the nature and the care.
Monteverde is wonderful for travelers who enjoy the outdoors, whether that's hiking, wildlife spotting or exploring the cloud forest. And one of my favorite things: ziplining in the cloud forest!
It's also somewhere I would always discuss the weather with clients. Clouds and mist are part of the experience, and those beautiful views aren't guaranteed every moment of the day.
That's not a reason to skip Monteverde. It's simply about knowing what to expect and deciding whether it suits the trip.
Santa Teresa: Finish with a few days at the beach
Where I stayed: Nantipa
After exploring the mountains and forests, the Pacific coast offers a lovely change of pace.
Santa Teresa has a relaxed, slightly bohemian atmosphere, with surfers, restaurants, cafés and a real local community. I loved being able to walk along the beach and into town. Lots to do, boat days are ofcourse a big hit and I truly enjoyed the horse back riding.
Nantipa was right up my alley. It's barefoot luxury without being overly formal, with beautiful accommodations and genuinely warm service.
I especially loved the beachfront bungalows and the three-bedroom villas. With two villas next to each other, there are interesting possibilities for larger families and multigenerational trips.
But Santa Teresa isn't right for everyone. The surf can be strong, and the beach isn't always suitable for swimming. For someone dreaming of calm, turquoise water all day, I might recommend a completely different part of Costa Rica.
And that's an important part of planning: knowing not only which places are beautiful, but which ones are right for the people traveling.
What about San José?
Where I stayed: Hotel Presidente
San José is often treated as somewhere to fly in and out of, but I enjoyed spending time in the city. I wouldn't necessarily add several nights in San José, but for clients whose flights work well with an overnight stay, it's worth considering instead of an airport hotel.
It's not the prettiest capital, but I like seeing how people live and exploring places beyond the main tourist areas.
Hotel Presidente is a fun, characterful hotel in the center. Its rooftop restaurant, Azotea Calle 7, has excellent cocktails, good food and a lively atmosphere with plenty of locals.
Costa Rica works for so many different travelers
One of the things that makes Costa Rica interesting is the range of activities.
Families with teenagers can go rafting, ziplining or canyoning. Families with younger children might prefer wildlife excursions, gentle hikes or hanging bridges. Couples may want a little adventure followed by spa time, beautiful meals and a few relaxed days on the beach.
It doesn't have to be an extreme adventure trip. There are so many different ways to experience the country.
Why firsthand experience and local relationships matter
A hotel website can show you beautiful rooms and a destination guide can tell you what to see. Both are helpful, but they don't tell the whole story.
During my trip, I had the chance to stay at the hotels, tour room categories, meet management teams and get to know local guides and experience providers. We talked about everything from activities and transportation to the small details that can make a stay more personal.
These are relationships I can draw on when planning for clients. Knowing whom to contact, which room categories to consider, what can be arranged and what to expect makes a difference.
Just as important is knowing when not to recommend something. Not every beautiful hotel is right for every traveler, and not every region needs to be included.
For me, a well-planned Costa Rica trip brings together the right destinations, hotels and experiences, with enough time to actually enjoy them.
📌 Planning Your Costa Rica Itinerary?
Whether you're planning a multigenerational family adventure, an active honeymoon or a wellness-focused escape, finding the right combination of destinations, hotels and experiences is where we start.