Billy & Britny Costa Rica reveals itself slowly, which is why seven days in Costa Rica is the ideal amount of time to experience its beaches, rainforest, and volcanic landscapes without rushing. We arrived from Austin in early February, trading winter layers for salt air and warm Pacific light, beginning on the Guanacaste coast before traveling inland toward Arenal’s misty rainforest and thermal springs.
The trip unfolded in carefully chosen stages. It began with modern beach energy at W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, shifted into refined, nature-forward luxury at Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, softened into relaxed sophistication at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, and concluded with full immersion in the rainforest at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa.
For travelers planning a similar route, we’ve curated the exact hotels featured in this 7 days in Costa Rica luxury travel guide in our Expedia Travel Shop, allowing you to view availability and book the same properties in one place.
Costa Rica in Context
Costa Rica’s reputation as one of the world’s most rewarding luxury travel destinations is rooted in intention. After abolishing its military in 1948, the country invested heavily in education, healthcare, and conservation. Today, nearly thirty percent of Costa Rica is protected land, creating an environment where biodiversity and high-end hospitality coexist naturally.
This balance defines Costa Rica luxury travel. Five-star resorts sit beside untouched rainforest, geothermal activity powers natural hot springs, and sustainability is woven into daily life. The philosophy of pura vida is not marketing language here, it is absolutely the cultural infrastructure.
Getting There
Most travelers beginning a luxury Costa Rica itinerary arrive via Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia. Flights from Austin typically connect through Dallas, Houston, or Miami, with total travel time averaging six to seven hours. Gone are the days of a direct flight from Austin.
Transfers from Liberia Airport to Guanacaste resorts take approximately forty to fifty minutes. Travel from Guanacaste to the Arenal region generally requires a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive, making it an easy inland extension for a seven-day trip.
Getting Around
Costa Rica rewards travelers who plan transportation carefully. Private transfers are common between luxury resorts and offer the most seamless experience, particularly for longer drives. Rental cars provide flexibility for visiting waterfalls, cloud forest viewpoints, and rural areas, though daytime driving is recommended.
Ride-hailing apps are limited outside major cities, and walking is practical primarily within resort grounds or compact town centers. As soon as you are outside of a city it can all feel very rural.
Seven Days in Costa Rica: How to Experience Beach, Jungle & Hot Springs
Spending seven days in Costa Rica allows travelers to combine Guanacaste’s Pacific coastline with the rainforest and hot springs of the Arenal region. This pairing creates a more immersive experience than staying in a single destination and is especially well suited for first-time visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure within one trip.
Where to Stay
Costa Rica’s luxury hotels reflect geography rather than trend, each shaped by its surroundings.
Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo
Set on a private peninsula overlooking the Pacific, this resort is one of the finest luxury hotels in Costa Rica. Guests choose it for exceptional service, multiple beaches, elevated dining, a world-class spa, and a polished yet relaxed atmosphere.
Read our full Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo review.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, Tabacón is widely considered the best luxury hot springs resort in Costa Rica. Its naturally flowing thermal river, rainforest setting, and wellness-focused experience make it ideal for couples and restorative travel.
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
A Hyatt luxury property blending modern design with Costa Rican culture. Andaz appeals to travelers seeking contemporary style, ocean views, and a relaxed social atmosphere without sacrificing comfort.
“W” Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal
Bold architecture and a lively energy define this modern beach resort. Located along Playa Conchal, it is ideal for travelers who want a vibrant take on Costa Rica luxury hotels.
Best Regions to Explore
The Papagayo Peninsula offers a secluded, design-forward coastal experience. Playa Conchal is known for its white-sand beaches and calm water. La Fortuna serves as the gateway to Arenal Volcano and surrounding rainforest, while Monteverde’s cloud forest introduces a cooler climate and exceptional biodiversity.
Together, these regions showcase why Costa Rica is uniquely suited to a seven-day luxury itinerary.
Iconic Experience: Arenal Volcano & Thermal Springs
Arenal Volcano defines northern Costa Rica, shaping both the landscape and the travel experience. Even when the peak is hidden by cloud cover, geothermal activity fuels hot springs and supports lush rainforest growth.
At Tabacón, mineral-rich thermal waters flow naturally through stone pools surrounded by jungle. Unlike artificial hot springs, these waters move continuously, creating an experience that feels organic and deeply connected to place. Evenings, when steam rises through the canopy, are particularly memorable.
Culture Beyond Museums
Costa Rica’s cultural identity is best understood through experience rather than institutions. Wildlife reserves allow close encounters with sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds. Coffee and cacao farms reveal the country’s agricultural roots, while cloud forest preserves showcase ecosystems found nowhere else on earth.
These experiences emphasize participation over observation, a defining feature of Costa Rica travel.
What to Eat in Costa Rica: From Local Classics to Refined Dining
Food in Costa Rica mirrors the country’s broader philosophy: fresh ingredients, minimal manipulation, and a strong connection to land and sea.
At Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, oceanfront dining highlights locally sourced seafood prepared with restraint and precision. At Tabacón, La Reserva offers a refined tasting experience built around Costa Rican ingredients and modern technique. External link to La Reserva.
Local sodas remain essential to understanding Costa Rican cuisine, serving casado plates of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and protein. Along the coast, casual cevicherías and beachfront grills deliver some of the country’s most satisfying meals.
Bars & Evening Atmosphere
Nightlife in Costa Rica emphasizes ambiance rather than excess. Four Seasons Papagayo offers elegant lounges for sunset cocktails, while W Costa Rica introduces a livelier, DJ-driven atmosphere. At Tabacón, evenings often end quietly with a nightcap after thermal soaking.
Practical Travel Tips
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season from December through April. The Costa Rican colón is the official currency, though U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Spanish is the primary language, with English commonly spoken in tourist areas.
Tipping is not expected, as service charges are often included. Costa Rica is considered very safe in resort regions. Dress is resort casual during the day and polished but relaxed in the evening.
Why Costa Rica Is Perfect for 7 Days
Seven days in Costa Rica offers enough time to experience both the Pacific coast and the rainforest without constant transitions. This length is ideal for couples, anniversary trips, and travelers who want variety with depth.
Compared to destinations like Hawaii or Mexico, Costa Rica offers greater biodiversity and landscape contrast within a single week, making it especially rewarding for luxury travelers.
What to Wear in Costa Rica
Lightweight, breathable fabrics are essential. Linen, neutral tones, and elevated resort wear transition easily from day to evening, while closed-toe shoes and light layers are necessary for rainforest excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Costa Rica?
Seven days in Costa Rica is ideal for first-time visitors, allowing time to experience beaches, rainforest, and hot springs without rushing.
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
December through April offers the most consistent weather.
Is Costa Rica expensive?
Luxury resorts can be costly, but service, setting, and experiences justify the investment.
Where should you stay your first time in Costa Rica?
A combination of Guanacaste beaches and the Arenal region offers the best balance.
What should you wear in Costa Rica?
Resort casual clothing with breathable fabrics works best. Here are a few of my favorite warm weather outfits from Revolve!
