Why Costa Rica is a honeymoon that doesn’t feel scripted
Some honeymoons are a resort brochure: a beach, a buffet, a pool photo. A Costa Rica honeymoon is something else — waking up to howler monkeys, soaking together in a naturally hot river at night, massages with rain drumming on the spa roof, and dinners where the “view” is a living rainforest.
If that sounds like your kind of romance, the northern lowlands around Arenal and San Carlos should be at the top of your list. Here’s how to plan it.
The romance formula: hot springs + rainforest + spa
Thermal waters, made for two
There is no romantic setting quite like a volcanic hot spring after dark — warm mineral water, jungle sounds, steam rising into the night air. At El Tucano’s thermal pools, the water is heated by the earth itself and flows through the property as a natural river. Couples tend to claim the quieter upper pools around sunset.
Spa days, together
Book at least one couple’s treatment. The Selva Spa combines massage and thermal hydrotherapy in the middle of the rainforest — the kind of deep reset that makes the wedding-planning stress finally leave your shoulders.
Adventure you’ll retell for years
Balance the slow days with one big shared adrenaline memory: zip-lining over the canopy, a waterfall hike, or white-water rafting. Browse the options on our experiences page — we arrange pickups so you don’t have to think about logistics.
A sample 5-night honeymoon itinerary
- Night 1: Arrive, thermal soak, welcome dinner at the restaurant.
- Day 2: Sleep in. Late breakfast, pool day, sunset soak.
- Day 3: Arenal Volcano hike in the morning; couple’s massage in the afternoon.
- Day 4: Waterfall day — Río Celeste or Catarata del Toro. Private dinner.
- Day 5: Canopy tour or coffee tour, final long evening in the hot springs.
When to go
For guaranteed sunshine, honeymoon between December and April. For maximum privacy and green-season prices, September is the insider pick — see our month-by-month guide.
Which room to book
For honeymoons we recommend the Master Suite — our largest room, with a living room and a private balcony over the rainforest — or the Junior Deluxe with its sitting area. Compare all seven room types on our rooms page, or check live availability on the booking engine. Mention it’s your honeymoon when you book direct — we take good care of newlyweds.