Family Vacation

Costa Rica for kids

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Choosing the right destination for a family is a fine balancing act. Whether you want adventure sports, interactive nature tours, or the safest and most convenient beaches for children of all ages, we are here to guide you in designing the perfect vacation to suit your family. Small Distinctive Hotels is proud to present a whole range of options for that memorable family vacation.

Children are more than welcome here in Costa Rica, and no matter what age, you can rest assured that there will be not just suitable activities here, but there will be plenty of fun and exciting experiences your children can collect and take home making it a memorable family vacation in Costa Rica.

Beaches

Located less than a two hour drive from San José, on top of a rainforest hilltop with breathtaking views and with a picture-perfect secluded beach at its feet, you will find Hotel Villa Caletas. This is an excellent place to relax and peacefully enjoy quality family vacation time and adventures in Costa Rica. Spacious, well-appointed rooms in the Villa Caletas distinctive architecture, a gourmet restaurant, infinity pool and wildlife watching from above are just some of the fun times and spaces for the family. 

On the sunny Guanacaste, located in a privileged area outside of town, at the end of the bay and directly on the beach of Tamarindo, Hotel Capitan Suizo rests on one of the most popular and beautiful swimming beaches in Costa Rica.  With spacious rooms with a terrace or balcony filled with natural light and the ocean breeze, Capitan Suizo also offers a multi-room suite perfect for larger families. 

With a tranquil beach in its front yard and thousands of acres of tropical rainforest in its backyard, this natural playground offers a wide range of activities for children, young and old. What better way to enjoy the best of the Costa Rica Central Pacific than the secluded beachfront Hotel like Alma del Pacifico?

This beautiful property is just a 30-minute drive from the surfer´s paradise of Jaco, and from the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Spend time swimming in pristine, warm waters, exploring the nature trails and spotting monkeys, scarlet macaws, sloths, and even deer during your visit. In addition, the Central Pacific region is a hub for other family-fun adventurous activities such as canopy tours, sport fishing, diving, and rafting.  Just discover it!

The Nicoya Peninsula is home to beautiful light-sand beaches and some of the best surfing spots in Costa Rica, including the trendy, beachside town of Guiones-Nosara. It is the gateway to various swimming, surfing, and nature-rich beaches that invite you to relax, enjoy and recharge. They are also front-row seats for the citrus-orange sunsets that light up the sky every afternoon. 

The island-dotted Gulf of Nicoya, with its turquoise waters, conceals tranquil bayside and island beaches, many protected within nature reserves and only accessible by boat. Delight in the sheltered palm-tree-lined beaches to recharge, crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, bird and wildlife watching, and the Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotel & Villas. Located at the Gulf entrance, enjoy the beautiful property and its neighboring world-famous beaches, including Montezuma, Santa Teresa, and Mal Pais, famous for sun, surf, and yoga. 

Mountain

Costa Rica is a land of forest-laden mountain ranges that run down its center, crafting a natural backbone. In these stunning highlands, pristine white-waters rivers are born, live volcanoes gift us with their medicinal thermal springs and bubbling craters, mystical forests are shrouded in clouds, and cascades plunge into refreshingly carved pools. This majestic continental divide shelters permanent and migratory wildlife, provides unforgettable close-to-nature adventures and is a sanctuary for wellness and forest bathing.

Located at the foot of Costa Rica´s most iconic natural wonder, the Arenal Volcano boasts some of the best views of the sleeping giant, delight in the world-renowned Arenal Kioro Green Luxury Hotel & Suites. Embraced by striking mountains, lush rainforests, meandering rivers, and fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities, this is a symphony of Costa Rican nature-rich experiences.

City

While Costa Rica may be best known for it´s lush rainforests, majestic volcanoes and beautiful, palm tree-lined beaches, it´s cities have their hidden cultural and historical treasures that are visit-worthy.  Enjoy museums, theaters, great dining, architectural gems, and inner-city parks while exploring the walkable cities of Costa Rica.

San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica is located in the beautiful Central Valley and is home to the Hotel Grano de Oro, ideally located in a tree-lined street between the Sabana Park and the city center. This tropical Victorian Mansion has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel with all the modern comforts and details to guarantee a wonderful city stay for the family.

This Small Distinctive hotel is conveniently just 20 minutes from the Juan Santamaria International Airport and the most notable family experiences, unique to the Central Valley and the cities it embraces are easily accessible too. These family fun adventures include coffee plantations, volcano craters and white water rapids!  

Hotel Grano de Oro’s name pays tribute to Costa Rican coffee and its historical and cultural importance, visible in the National Theater, National Museum, and your morning cup to start the day!