This Is the Ultimate Honeymoon Destination, According to a Top Travel Advisor

Planning your honeymoon and not sure where to go? Imagine this: lush rainforests, sparkling beaches, abundant wildlife, and luxury resorts. Tucked between the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica has it all. It is the perfect place for newlyweds to create unforgettable memories. Here are my favorite spots, based on my decades of planning honeymoons in Costa Rica.

Arenal

For adventurous couples, Arenal is my go-to destination. This magical region is home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, soothing hot springs, and no shortage of thrilling activities. Begin your honeymoon at the luxurious Nayara Tented Camp, where romance is woven into every detail. There, you can sip wine on your private deck or soak in plunge pools fed by natural hot springs.

During the day, zipline through the treetops, hike along scenic trails, or conquer white-water rapids. Stroll across the hanging bridges suspended over the jungle canopy for breathtaking views and the chance to spot wildlife like sloths and toucans. As the sun sets, unwind in the region’s famous hot springs, and complete the night with the tasting menu at Amor Loco, an adults-only restaurant.

Las Catalinas

If romance by the sea is what you seek, Las Catalinas is a lovely backdrop for a dreamy honeymoon. This walkable beach town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is serene, secluded, and all-around enchanting. Stay at Casa Chameleon, a boutique resort perched high above the ocean, where each villa comes with a private infinity pool—ideal for sharing intimate moments as you watch the sun dip into the horizon, painting the sky in breathtaking hues.

Travelers can paddleboard across calm waters, snorkel hand-in-hand, or kayak along the pristine coast. On land, those who love adventure can tour miles of scenic trails by foot or on mountain bikes. End your day at Sentido Norte, a farm-to-table restaurant, with an elegant candlelit dinner overlooking the sea.

The Osa Peninsula

For a truly magical and intimate journey, venture to the southwestern Osa Peninsula. Known for its biodiversity, this hidden gem is ideal for couples seeking a deeper connection with both nature and each other. Lapa Rios Lodge, an eco-lodge in a rainforest reserve, offers relaxed bungalows with rainfall showers, hammocks, and stunning views.

In this remote paradise, honeymooners can enjoy hikes through Corcovado National Park, dolphin-watching tours that sail into the sunset, or safaris in pristine rainforests. The untouched beauty of the Osa Peninsula sets the stage for an unforgettable love story.

Rachel Gelfer Hornaday is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in Belize, Panama, & Costa Rica trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Hornaday by contacting her at [email protected].