Costa Rica is proof that the right destination can make even the most reluctant travelers grab their passports. With its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a “pura vida” vibe that promises to smooth out even your most stubborn stress wrinkles, Costa Rica feels like stepping into a postcard. But here’s the thing: timing matters. This isn’t the place to just “wing it” when it comes to your vacation plans. Dry season? Wet season? Shoulder season? Yes, it matters — especially when you’re headed to the country’s most exclusive resorts, where even nature comes with a curated touch.
So, When Should You Go?
And with properties like Origins Lodge, Four Seasons, Nekajui Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Tierra Magnifica offering experiences that redefine what it means to vacation, Costa Rica isn’t just a destination — it’s an invitation to live your best life with a side of wild life.
Here’s when — and where — you should book your next trip to Costa Rica.
The beauty of Costa Rica is that it offers something magical no matter when you visit. Dry season (December to April) is ideal for sun seekers who want to explore without a raincoat, while the green season (May to November) is a dream for travelers who don’t mind a little drizzle in exchange for lush, crowd-free landscapes.
Origins Lodge
Best Time to Visit: November to April, during the dry season, when the landscape is lush but your shoes won’t be soggy.
Nestled in the highlands of Upala, Origins Lodge isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an experience that feels plucked from the pages of an eco-chic fairytale. The lodge is all about celebrating Costa Rica’s natural beauty, but don’t think that means “roughing it.” This is barefoot luxury at its finest, complete with private bungalows with open-air rooms (you’re one with nature; mosquito netting around the beds) complete with fire-heated plunge pool, infinity pool overlooking volcanoes at the main house, and the kind of food that makes you rethink your life choices every time you take a bite.
What makes Origins unique? Its “off-the-grid” ethos. Start your day with yoga in a jungle pavilion, then head out on a guided tour of the surrounding rainforest. The on-site chef? Michelin-trained. And yes, the lodge has its own chocolate-making class. If you’re into understated glamor with a touch of Tarzan-meets-runway, this is your spot.
Four Seasons Costa Rica
Best Time to Visit: December to April for postcard-perfect weather and whale-watching season.
Perched on the Papagayo Peninsula, the Four Seasons Costa Rica is essentially the Taylor Swift of resorts — iconic, flawless, and impossible to imitate. The property sits on 1,400 acres of lush tropical beauty, offering not one but two beaches (because one is never enough), an 18-hole golf course, and a spa that could probably get your chakras aligned in under an hour.
The rooms? Modern, airy, and filled with natural light. But the real showstopper is the private villas, which come with infinity pools and views that will make you believe in love at first sight. Whether you’re paddleboarding at sunrise, sipping cocktails at sunset, or doing absolutely nothing by the pool (the ultimate luxury, really), this is the kind of place that makes leaving feel like a breakup.
Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Best Time to Visit: December to February, for dry, sunny days and that ideal “holiday escape” vibe.
Located along Costa Rica’s pristine Papagayo coastline, Nekajui is not just another Ritz-Carlton — it’s part of the brand’s exclusive Reserve collection, which is code for “prepare to be spoiled.” This resort feels as though it’s been designed for those who think five-star hotels are “nice” but want something even more exclusive.
Nekajui’s villas are all about privacy, with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in (minus the bugs, thank you). Each villa features a private pool, outdoor shower, and the kind of design that whispers elegance without trying too hard. And if you’re the type who loves a little culture with your luxury, the resort offers curated experiences like visits to local coffee farms and traditional pottery workshops. Think of it as immersion, Ritz-style.
Tierra Magnifica
Best Time to Visit: May to August, when the “green season” brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
Tucked away in Nosara, a laid-back surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula, Tierra Magnifica is what happens when boutique luxury meets Costa Rican hospitality. This adults-only retreat feels more like staying at a wealthy friend’s (very stylish) home than a traditional hotel. With just a handful of rooms and suites, the property is all about intimate, personalized service — your morning coffee delivered to your terrace and staff who somehow always know your name, dietary preferences, and just how you like your cocktails.
What sets Tierra Magnifica apart is its focus on wellness and connection. Days here are spent lounging by the saltwater pool, indulging in farm-to-table dining, and taking yoga classes that come with ocean views so stunning, they might just cure your Instagram envy. And if you’re feeling adventurous, Nosara’s famous surf breaks are just a short drive away.
Hacienda AltaGracia
Best Time to Visit: December to April, when the dry season lets you explore without a soggy safari hat.
In the lush foothills of Costa Rica’s Pérez Zeledón region, Hacienda AltaGracia, an Auberge Resort, isn’t just a resort — it’s a statement. Specifically, the kind of statement that says, “I’ve arrived, and I’m not cutting corners.” With sprawling casitas, personal comaleros (read: adventure concierges), and a wellness program that could make Gwyneth Paltrow weep, this is where exclusivity meets pure indulgence.
Start your mornings with horseback rides through the misty highlands or a private yoga session that feels ripped straight from a wellness influencer’s feed. The pièce de résistance? The spa, a holistic oasis courtesy of THE Well (yes, that Well), offering treatments that involve everything from volcanic mud to sound baths. When you’re not busy being pampered, indulge in farm-to-table dining that makes you wish you had a second stomach. And the views, well, they’re the kind of cinematic landscapes that make even seasoned jet-setters reach for their cameras.
Feature image courtesy of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Peninsula Papagayo
