To Stay

Manuel Antonio - A beautiful beachside resort area on Costa Rica's West coast. Also has one of the country's more famous parks with a number of indigenous and exotic animals.

San Jose - The capital city, and although not as exclusive and beautiful as the former, is the most populated, diverse, and nightlife-heavy location in the country.

Paradisus Playa Conchal - A lust and seductive all-inclusive hidden within a thick patch of trees and Costa Rican flora. Incorporates tropically chic décor with the calming atmosphere that only a sprawling pool and a Rober Trent Jones II-designed 18-hole course can provide.

To Do

National Museum - Includes authentic vestiges of old-world Cost Rica in the form of pre-Columbian artifacts.

Gold Museum - Features the legendary floor full of gold.

Arenal Volcano and Hotsprings - An active volcano available to experience through a number of tours. Although a little touristy, the volcano erupts as an enormous cloud of red every evening.

Café Britt - Costa Rica's infamous coffee plantation tour. See how coffee is made, and sample any and every variation including your standard cup of café to coffee liqueor.

Monteverde Cloud Forest - Considered the only reason to visit Monteverde; includes incredible views, amazing plant and wildlife, low-drifting clouds, suspension bridges, howler monkeys, and a countless number of bird species.
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Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who enjoys traveling in the Americas and Caribbean. When visiting Costa Rica, she stays at luxury Costa Rica resorts like Paradisus Playa Conchal.