Summary
I went to Costa Rica during our Kids’ Spring Break week in March 2025 with my wife and our two young children (10 son, 7 daughter) along with close friends with children the same age. We flew directly into Guanacaste (Liberia Airport) which was a quick 30 minute drive to Papagayo. This trip was wonderful – it was a great family bonding with friends and we left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated with added exhilaration. The kids were a perfect age to enjoy We stayed in the beautiful peninsula on the western side of the country – secluded from the hustle and bustle of the daily life. The weather cooperated nicely – 70s-90s every day, breezy nights and no rain. The flight is a bit long (5 hours +) from NY so a week is best for all the adventure and restoration in store.
Accommodations
During our visit to Costa Rica, we stayed in Peninsula Papagayo at the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo. The Four Seasons is the anchor resort with a number of great options including Andaz, Exclusive Resorts and a new Ritz Carlton Reserve. This planned community is an amazing destination with spectacular views, tons of activities and peacefulness. The hotel is also right on the beach and the service is spectacular – the experience overall was outstanding and we can’t wait to return.
Select Favorites
Activities
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- Costa Rica is one of the best activity capitals of the world (at least of the Americas) and we made the most of it – age appropriate for the children.
- Special highlights included UTV Off-Roading Adventure (offroading) and Sailing Almaco (snorkel, caves, swim, subwing, dolphins)
- At the hotel, we loved Tennis – Peninsula Papagayo Club, Pickle – Peninsula Papagayo Club, Spa and the Kids Club & Teen Center for pockets of time away from the sun and wonderful kids activities
- Best of all was the Buena Vista Del Rincon Adventure Park with amazing thrills like Cabalgata Horseback Trip, Las Pavas Zipline, Toboggan Water slide and Rincon Trails / Hikes to Waterfall
Dining
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- The best dining was at the Four Seasons – both quantity and quality
- Favorites included: Anejo (Asian), Pesce (Italian), Bahia (Latin), Namare (Steakhouse) and Virador Beach Club (Mediterranean)
- At the Andaz, we enjoyed the pop up La Piazza (Italian) and Rio Bhongo (International)
Recommendation
I would highly recommend an extended week-long break to Costa Rica. The weather, the dining, the activities are so much fun. Make reservations and plan excursions well ahead of time to get the spots and experiences you want. Enjoy!
