The 17 Best Spa Resorts in Costa Rica

Choose a spa hotel in Costa Rica by its spa and you will find big differences in size, water and style. Among the largest is Nimbu Spa & Wellness at Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. The spa covers about 27,000 sq ft, is reached by a suspended bridge and has a large hydrotherapy pool, private spa suites and ocean-view saunas. Treatments use Chorotega pottery, volcanic mud and Juanilama oils, for example in the Harmonic Monochord Healing.Hacienda AltaGracia Perez Zeledon · Santa MartaCasa de Agua at Hacienda AltaGracia Perez Zeledon covers more than 20,000 sq ft, with water, heat and steam experiences and a heated jet pool. It is home to the Estée Lauder Skin Longevity Institute, and the River Bath ritual takes place in the Calientillo River. Vogue named Casa de Agua among its 100 Best Spas in the World in 2025 and 2026.

At Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique the spa covers about 17,000 sq ft, with eleven treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms and a jacuzzi; signature treatments are Chorotegan Cacao Healing and the Mariola Body Experience with Melipona honey. ONDA Spa at Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo (about 11,000 sq ft) follows the lunar cycles, with rituals using pitahaya, cacao and volcanic minerals; dry saunas and a Beauty Bar were added in 2025.

Thermal water is the second big theme. At Arenal, the thermal river of Tabacon Thermal Resort La Fortuna flows through 23 natural pools and waterfalls at 22 to 38 °C, unlimited for hotel guests. Treatments take place in open-air bungalows beside the river, with thermal water, volcanic mud, cacao, aloe and pineapple. Travel + Leisure ranked the resort No. 2 Best Destination Spa in the World in 2024.

At Rio Perdido the hot Rio Perdido meets the cool Rio Blanco, with dozens of natural pools along the canyon. The signature treatment is volcanic mud body painting in a hot river pool, and yoga happens in cliffside pods 43 meters above the river. Nayara Gardens La Fortuna has the Termas, seven mineral hot spring pools in the rainforest, and spa pavilions above the ravine, each with its own jacuzzi and outdoor shower.

Other properties choose calm over size. Vida Mía Healing Center and Spa at The Retreat Costa Rica Atenas (about 8,000 sq ft) offers more than 80 treatments from Ayurveda to detox, plus an infrared sauna; Condé Nast Traveler readers voted it the No. 1 Best Destination Spa in the World in 2025. Esencia Spa at El Silencio Lodge has a conical aromatherapy room, Shirodhara, Reiki, a sauna and the Coffee Ritual.

By the ocean, Orquidea Spa at Los Altos Resort Manuel Antonio has open-window treatment rooms facing the sea and the jungle, a couples' suite, sound healing and stone and quartz crystal therapy, plus outdoor yoga three times a week. At Hotel Nantipa Santa Teresa de Cobano, the Numu Wellness Center runs daily yoga, meditation, breathwork and Pilates in the Yoga Shala.

A night at the spa resorts in Costa Rica in this selection starts at 215 € at Rio Perdido and goes up to 1,575 € for the residences at Waldorf Astoria Residences Costa Rica Punta Cacique. At Hacienda AltaGracia Perez Zeledon, from 1,480 €, meals, activities and the charter flights from San José are included. The table also shows each property's spa and a selection of suitespot benefits. You'll find every property with availability in the hotel list below.

On top with suitespot: breakfast is included at all 17 properties, usually for two, and for three at Hotel Nantipa Santa Teresa de Cobano. You also get an upgrade plus early check-in and late check-out, each subject to availability. Twelve properties add a 100 USD credit, in some cases for the spa or activities, and Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve adds 150 USD. There is no booking fee.

Points and status are available at ten of the 17 properties: Marriott Bonvoy at four, Hilton Honors with double points at both Waldorf Astoria addresses, World of Hyatt at Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo, I Prefer at two and Leaders Club at Nayara Gardens La Fortuna.Rio PerdidoGood to know when planning: The Retreat Costa Rica Atenas requires a minimum stay of two nights. Hacienda AltaGracia and The Westin Reserva Conchal operate all-inclusive, and the hot springs at Tabacón are open to hotel guests without time limits.