An anniversary is a chance to step out of daily life and rediscover each other, and Costa Rica offers an unusual number of settings for it. You might choose a hilltop boutique hotel above the Pacific, a villa with a private pool and a chef, or a rainforest resort with hot springs, depending on how you like to celebrate. Because an anniversary does not carry the pressure of a honeymoon, it can be the best moment to try something quieter, or more adventurous. This guide explains how to choose and plan a celebration that feels personal.
Decide the mood of your celebration
Start with the mood. Do you want a quiet retreat with few people around, or a lively place with dining and nightlife? Do you want nature and wellness, or sun and sea? Answering these questions narrows your choice quickly. A hilltop boutique hotel suits couples who want intimacy. A villa suits couples who want freedom. A resort suits those who want everything handled.
Boutique hotels and adults-only stays
For a quiet, adult-focused stay, consider an adults-only property. Nayara Springs offers villas with private plunge pools near the Arenal volcano, and Los Altos de Eros is a hilltop boutique hotel above Tamarindo. See our adults-only hotels and resorts and adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica.
A villa for two
A private villa gives you a world of your own: a pool, a terrace, a chef who prepares your favorite dishes and a team that respects your privacy. It also gives you the freedom to set your own rhythm, with breakfast whenever you wish. Browse our private villas and read our guide to a private chef in a Costa Rica villa.
Milestone anniversaries
For a milestone, such as a tenth, twenty-fifth or fiftieth anniversary, consider adding something memorable: a private dinner with a menu planned in advance, a photographer for a session at golden hour, a sunset sail or a family gathering in a larger villa. Tell the property early, so the team can prepare. For family celebrations, see homes for groups.
Ideas to make it special
- A private dinner on a terrace or on the beach.
- A couples’ spa day or a soak in the hot springs.
- A sunset sail along the coast.
- A photo session with a local photographer.
- A tasting menu or a cooking class together.
- A night in a different setting, such as a treehouse or a jungle lodge.
When to go
The dry season, from roughly December to April, offers the most reliable weather. If your anniversary falls in the green season, the country is lush and quiet, and the rates are often lower. Ask about holiday rates if your date falls near Christmas, New Year or Easter. Read holiday rates and minimum stays.
Combine two settings
A well-paced anniversary trip might combine three nights at a rainforest retreat with three nights on the coast. Use private transfers, and leave time to rest. Our 7-day itinerary shows how to do it.
Insider notes
The most successful anniversary trips are built around a few rituals rather than a long list of activities. A special dinner on the first night, a spa afternoon in the middle and a sunset on the last evening can be enough. Communicate your plans to the property in advance, and ask for suggestions. If you are celebrating a big milestone, consider writing a short note to each other and reading it at the final dinner. These small gestures cost nothing and often become the memory you keep.
Finally, protect the calm. Choose a place where you can switch off your phones and put the camera away for a while. A good villa or resort team makes this easy by managing the details, so you can focus on each other.
Questions to ask before you book
Before you commit, ask about room categories with the best views, quiet locations away from common areas and any anniversary touches the property offers. Confirm the dining options on site, and whether the kitchen can adapt to dietary needs. Ask about transfers, spa availability and cancellation terms. If you are traveling around a holiday, ask about minimum stays too, and book the dinner or experience you care about most before you arrive.
A note on pacing
Resist the urge to fill every day. An anniversary trip works best with one planned highlight per day and long stretches of nothing at all.
Plan your stay with Allure
Tell us your dates, the size of your group and the atmosphere you want, and we will prepare a tailored selection of villas and resorts. Send us your request or browse our luxury resorts and private villas.
Frequently asked questions
Where is a good place for an anniversary trip in Costa Rica?
Arenal for hot springs and volcano views, Guanacaste for beaches, and the Tamarindo hills for quiet boutique stays.
Is a villa or a resort better for an anniversary?
A villa offers privacy and flexibility. A resort offers services and dining. Choose based on your style.
Can the property arrange a special dinner?
Most luxury properties can arrange private dinners. Ask in advance.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, roughly December to April, has the most reliable weather.
