Rest and Relaxation

Many vacationers seek simple relaxation, rest from their normal routine, and time to sip tropical beverages while basking in the sun. If rest and relaxation is the objective of your Costa Rica vacation, these beach locations are great places to enjoy luxury accommodations, swimming, and leisure.

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Playa Hermosa Guanacaste

7 Hotels: Bed and Breakfast, Costa Rica Family Hotels, Luxury
Activities: Costa Rica Sport Fishing, Costa Rica Snorkeling, Costa Rica Catamaran Tours
Accessible by: Private, Shuttle, Rental, Flight
Hermosa, which means "beautiful" in Spanish, is an aptly named gray-sand beach that perches between two mountains. In fact there are two Playa Hermosas, the other being in the Central Pacific Coast near Jaco. Guanacaste's Playa Hermosa is situated between Playa del Coco and Playa Panama, Hermosa is seldom as crowded as its neighbors. It is a fabulous getaway for those seeking quality relaxation. Most visitors bring a blanket and sunscreen to soak up Guanacaste's burning sun, and due to its calm surf, Hermosa is a favorite for swimmers.

Tambor

1 Hotels: Luxury, Beachfront
Activities: Costa Rica Horseback Riding, Costa Rica Snorkeling,
Accessible by: Private, Shuttle, Flight
The small fishing hamlet of Tambor sits not far from Curu National Wildlife Refuge. As a laid back, mixed-community of locals and foreign retirees, Tambor is nestled in an open volcanic valley, surrounded by forested hills. Its beach, Playa Tambor, is an exceptional location for swimming. The surf is calm, and the sea is a gleaming aquamarine.

Playa Panama

2 Hotels: Costa Rica Family Hotels, Luxury, All Inclusive
Activities: Costa Rica Sport Fishing, Costa Rica Snorkeling, Costa Rica Catamaran Tours
Accessible by: Private, Shuttle, Rental, Flight
Panama Beach (Playa Panama) is located a short distance away from Playa Hermosa, on the southern point of Culebra Bay. Panama's 1-mile (2 km) dark-sand beach is ideal for visitors seeking quality rest and relaxation, and it offers a selection of moderately priced to luxurious lodging. Take a stroll under the swaying brazilwood, sarno, and mesquite trees, or enjoy a swim in Panama's calm surf waters.

Playa Flamingo

3 Hotels: Costa Rica Family Hotels, Luxury, Hilltop Hotels
Activities: Costa Rica Sport Fishing, Costa Rica Snorkeling, Costa Rica Catamaran Tours
Accessible by: Private, Shuttle, Rental, Flight
This mile-long, crescent shaped beach, also known as Playa Blanca (White Beach), is as beautiful as any of the famed beaches in Costa Rica. Among the first of Costa Rica's beaches to receive international attention, Flamingo Beach has evolved into one of the country's most lavish areas. It is home to the nation's largest marina, and it is a favorite of deep-sea fishermen.

Playa Potrero

5 Hotels: Costa Rica Family Hotels, Luxury, Beachfront
Activities: Costa Rica Horseback Riding, Costa Rica Sport Fishing, Costa Rica Snorkeling
Accessible by: Private, Shuttle, Rental, Flight
Playa Potrero is a wonderfully tranquil place to pass the day, lying on warm sand and bathing in the sun or reading in the shade of palm trees. On the beach's north end, the small fishing village of Potrero looks to Playa Potrero and its bay. Toward the southern end, sits the chic beach community of Playa Flamingo.

Ocotal

2 Hotels: Bed and Breakfast, Luxury, Hilltop Hotels
Activities: Costa Rica Sport Fishing, , Costa Rica Snorkeling
Accessible by: Private, Shuttle, Rental, Flight
Playa Ocotal is a wonderfully peaceful place to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun. Scenic hills and cliffs hem in the beach, and the Catalina Islands sit just offshore. The quaint village of Playa Ocotal is located a few minutes south of the popular beach town of Playas del Coco, where visitors can find numerous restaurants and nightlife options.

Playa Conchal

2 Hotels: Luxury, All Inclusive, Beachfront
Activities: Costa Rica Sport Fishing, Costa Rica Snorkeling,
Accessible by: Private, Shuttle, Rental, Flight
At Playa Conchal, the sand is composed of millions of tiny crushed shells that rustle beneath your feet. The mesmerizing beach is surrounded by turquoise waters, and it sits in a bay next to Playa Brasilito. The clear waters of Playa Conchal make it a wonderful place for swimming or snorkeling with an array of tropical fish.

Playa Herradura

2 Hotels: Luxury, Hilltop Hotels, Destination Hotels
Activities: Costa Rica Sport Fishing,
Accessible by: Private, Rental
Playa Herradura is a small beach located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, about 3.5 miles (6km) north of the town Jaco. It's Spanish name means "horseshoe", which refers to the shape of the bay of this particular beach. Playa Herradura has different types of hotels, cabins, camping sites and restaurants.