As we look toward 2025, there’s so much to be excited about in Costa Rica! From luxury hotel openings to new, adventurous travel experiences, we’ve got some updates you’ll want to know about. Keep reading to discover what’s coming up and what not to miss on your next adventure!
Upcoming Hotel Openings
Costa Rica’s luxury scene is about to expand with the highly anticipated openings of the Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique and Nekajui, Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the stunning Papagayo Peninsula in early 2025. These properties promise to set a new bar for hospitality, joining the ranks of the iconic Four Seasons Papagayo, which has long been the gold standard. For families, the Astral Hotel (sister property of Origins) is one to watch, as it will cater specifically to family travelers in a remote area, with thoughtfully designed rooms and activities. Over on the remote Osa Peninsula, the newly revamped Drake Bay Wilderness Resort will be named to Tibo Hotel and will open on the west side. This Sandglass brand takeover is bringing luxury to one of the country’s most wild and rugged areas, unlocking new experiences for nature lovers.
Launching New Travel Experiences
We’re thrilled to be introducing our “Microexpeditions,” a fresh way to explore Costa Rica’s incredible landscapes. These one-night adventures, focused on rewilding and “untaming” guest exploration of Costa Rica, push the boundaries of typical travel experiences. Think heli-hiking volcanoes, a Costa Rica first, sleeping under the stars anchored off a secluded archipelago, and adventuring deep into the rainforest to stay with an indigenous jungle community. It’s all about stepping off the well-trodden path and out to the thrilling edge of the comfort zone, blending challenge with ultimate reward.
Destinations in Focus
Nosara, found on Guanacaste´s coastline, continues to grow as a vibrant destination, offering a unique mix of surfing, yoga, and relaxed family-friendly vibes. Stay at one of Sendero Hotel´s new seven villas. Just steps away from the waves of Playa Guiones, this surfer´s paradise is now welcoming guests to private home away from homes with their own swimming pools and the same access to the property’s surf and wellness offerings. The food scene is also booming – we love how restaurateurs are bringing amazing flavors from around world to a laid-back, dirt path kind of town! Check out spots like Coyol, where a 4×4 ride brings you to a remote, hilltop restaurant boasting jungle and ocean views. The bar scene is buzzing too – La Luna is the place to be for sunset cocktails. And don’t miss Tierra Magnifica hotel’s restaurant, with its cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes, perfect after a day of outdoor fun.
Beyond Costa Rica, we’ve been extending our relentless explorations into Panama. From the islands of Bocas del Toro to the exclusivity of Islas Secas Resort, Panama offers the perfect mix of island and city escapes. On a recent trip to Panama City, our team got to test out culinary gems like Cantina del Tigre, Fonda Lo Que Hay, and Maito and we now have access to the head coffee grower at Lamastus Family Estates. Think 1:1 tastings with a project that hand selects every individual bean and has the most expensive coffee in the world. This is an experience for those in the know, and we saw the potential for our travelers.
Start Planning Your Adventure in Costa Rica
From new hotels to wild new adventures, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for travel in Costa Rica and beyond. Explore our sample itineraries for inspiration, and let Journey Costa Rica’s expert travel planners help you craft your perfect trip!
