Costa Rica Vegan Resort Guide: 17 Places for a Vegan-Friendly Escape
Once you step into this lush green paradise, you’ll understand why pura vida (simple or pure life) is a phrase synonymous with Costa Rica. Everything moves a bit slower here, with a little more intention —it’s no surprise it’s one of the happiest countries in the world. It might also be one of the happiest countries because of its environmental commitment. Costa Rica is on a path to becoming carbon neutral (almost all of its energy comes from renewable sources)! Pretty awesome, right? Well, it doesn’t end there — you’ll also find fantastic vegan resorts in Costa Rica.
No matter if you want to stay on the beach or tucked away in the jungle, there’s a gorgeous option for you. So, stop stalling and start planning your pura vida vacation at one of these stunning places!
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Vegan & Vegan-Friendly Resorts in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
This list is broken up by popular areas you might be interested in visiting in Costa Rica to make your travel planning easier! These hotels are all in or near Guanacaste/ the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its great beaches.
Mother Earth Vegan Hotel
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Mid-range, vegan boutique hotel, close to the beach.
Just steps from the popular Tamarindo beach is this private vegan paradise. The eco-boutique hotel celebrates Costa Rican culture without sacrificing its plant-based values. Before heading out for a hike or exploring Tamarindo, guests are spoiled with their delicious vegan breakfast options — pancakes, chickpea omelet, avocado toast, and more (breakfast is included with your stay)!
The tantalizing food options don’t end at breakfast! You can also pop into the restaurant for lunch, dinner, or a snack — the globally-inspired menu features something everyone will enjoy.
If you feel like getting your Zen on, check out their Healing Studio. You’ll find a fantastic lineup of restorative therapies like Reiki, massage, sound healing, meditation workshops, and yoga classes. This is also a terrific resort to consider for a vegan honeymoon getaway in Costa Rica.
Bodhi Tree Resort
Nosara, Costa Rica
Mid-range, vegan-friendly resort with an emphasis on fitness & wellness
If you love yoga, surfing, or seeking a wellness escape, look no further than this gorgeous resort. This little slice of paradise tucked into the lush Nosara Jungle was creatively designed around the jungle to be as eco-friendly as possible. In addition to sustainable building practices, the vegan-friendly resort also has an extensive water recycling program, uses solar energy, and is plastic-free! When it’s time to eat, the onsite restaurant has a very vegan-friendly menu that includes spicy tofu, hearty veggie-packed bowls, coconut crème brûlée, and more!
Suitree Experience Hotel
Sardinal de Carrillo, Costa Rica
Mid-range, vegan-friendly resort with treehouse suites.
If you’re looking for a unique stay, high up in the rainforest, this is for you! This beautiful boutique hotel is tucked away in the lush landscapes of Guanacaste — the perfect place for a peaceful getaway. Unlike regular hotels, here you have the opportunity to stay in one of their modern treehouse suites elevated above the forest, providing stunning views and an immersive experience in nature.
While being one with nature is nice, it’s also important that properties are taking steps to protect it as well. At Suitree they have prioritized environmental conversation from the beginning with the design and concept of these tree houses. In addition, they also use renewable energy sources, water saving practices, and source locally as much as possible.
It’s onsite restaurant, Taru, offers vegan options all day long. You can start the day with a savory veggie sausage bowl and wrap it up with creamy orzo with fresh veggies! Of course, if you’re looking for something special, let them know after you make the reservation!
Book Your StayYlang Ylang Beach Resort
Puntarenas Montezuma, Costa Rica
Mid-range, vegan-friendly resort.
Want to relax on a white sand beach, watch wildlife in the jungle, or enjoy a yoga class? You can do that and more at this beachfront boutique resort! This lovely slice of paradise offers a variety of experiences for its guests to unwind or work up a sweat, all while enjoying scenic views.
The unique property only offers 23 guestrooms, designed in harmony with nature — think tropical treehouse! Every stay includes breakfast and dinner, which includes a ton of terrific vegan options! All the options are well-marked, or you can just scan the handy vegan menu — start the day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast and end it with a blackened tofu steak topped with passion fruit sauce!
Vegan-Friendly Resorts Near Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna
If you want to explore the lush jungle and cloud forests, head to Arenal or La Fortuna and stay at one of these spots! If you’re worried about missing out on the beach, don’t worry, many of these hotels have fabulous pools.
Finca Luna Nueva Lodge
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Mid-range, vegan-friendly & regenerative resort
This sustainable rainforest eco-lodge and educational center is on a mission to protect Mother Nature and offer guests a little bit of peace, adventure, and luxury. If you’re into adventure, this location is stellar — you’re only 25 minutes from La Fortuna. There you can enjoy white water rafting, strenuous hikes, and the opportunity to swim in a crater lake!
Although you’re close to many fantastic activities, many people never leave the property grounds — Finca Luna offers hiking trails, farm tours, yoga, chocolate-making classes, and more!
When you get hungry, their open-air onsite restaurant prepares breakfast (included with your stay), lunch, and dinner utilizing ingredients grown on the farm or locally sourced. They are skilled at preparing delicious vegan and gluten-free dishes.
Essence Arenal Hotel, Spa & Bio Farm
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Budget-friendly, vegan-friendly hotel
Get off the beaten track at this charming eco-lodge tucked into the lush jungle with majestic views of Arenal Volcano. The lodge is made up of a variety of unique guest accommodations — a glamping jungle treehouse, private rooms, and one-bedroom casitas with a kitchen and living space. You’ll also sleep well here knowing that the lodge is working to protect Mother Nature by utilizing 90% solar energy, locally sourced spring water, and has been pesticide/chemical free for 13 years!
Once you’ve had a chance to relax, you’ll want to check out the onsite vegetarian restaurant, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The chefs are skilled at catering to guests’ needs, whether for a detox smoothie or a hearty vegan and gluten-free dinner — you won’t leave hungry.
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Mid-range, vegan-friendly resort with great volcano views.
Nestled against the backdrop of the magnificent Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs offers a blissful retreat surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. The resort seamlessly combines modern comfort with natural beauty, providing guests with spacious accommodations adorned with contemporary amenities and breathtaking views of the volcano. A highlight of the experience is the rejuvenating hot springs, where thermal waters flow through beautifully landscaped pools, creating a tranquil oasis for relaxation.
On the dining side, you will be happy to find a full vegan menu filled with globally-inspired delights. From refreshing grilled watermelon salad to a hearty risotto, you won’t have to worry about going hungry!
Selina Monteverde
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Budget-friendly & vegan-friendly resort.
Perched in the misty cloud forests of Costa Rica, Selina Monteverde offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and vibrant communal living. This hostel and co-living space in Monteverde captures the essence of the surrounding cloud forest with its rustic yet cozy accommodations. You can choose from a variety of lodging options, including shared dorms or private rooms, all designed to foster a sense of community.
Selina Monteverde also serves as a hub for adventure enthusiasts, offering a range of activities from ziplining through the treetops to exploring the mystical cloud forest trails. On the dining side, you’ll find plenty of options on the menu at the laid back HOWM. The well marked menu features coconut smoothie bowls, fresh salads, house-made soups, veggie-packed bowls, and much more.
Amor Arenal
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Luxury, vegan-friendly resort.
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes surrounding the iconic Arenal Volcano, Amor Arenal in Costa Rica offers a serene escape immersed in natural beauty. This boutique hotel is a sanctuary of tranquility, providing guests with intimate and luxurious accommodations that blend seamlessly with the lush tropical surroundings. Each uniquely designed villa or suite offers breathtaking views of the volcano, creating a romantic ambiance for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its eco-friendly practices, from solar-powered amenities to locally sourced materials. After enjoying the surroundings, head down to their onsite restaurant to check out their no-meat menu, which features a mix of globally-inspired vegan options like cheese covered nachos, burgers, pasta, and more. The resort is also a short drive into La Fortuna which also boasts a few vegan-friendly spots!
Lands in Love Vegan Experience Hotel and Resort
La Fortuna, Costa Rica (an hour south of La Fortuna)
Budget-friendly, vegan hotel + animal sanctuary.
Tucked away in the Cloud Forest is one of the most eclectic vegan resorts in Costa Rica, and it wants to ensure you can share in its love for nature and animals. Before breakfast, you’ll want to wander out to your private porch to enjoy the gorgeous views of the jungle and listen to the calls of some of Costa Rica’s famed monkeys!
When you get hungry, you’re in good hands — the onsite vegan restaurant offers a diverse mix of globally-inspired dishes. Start the day with a stack of golden pancakes or a loaded burrito and end it with Pad Thai or a veggie-packed salad. One more bonus, your stay helps provide much needed funds to support their animal shelter which is home to over 1,000 animals! As you can imagine between food and vet bills its not cheap to keep it going!
Vegan & Vegan-Friendly Resorts near Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
If you’re interested in spotting diverse wildlife while enjoying picture-perfect beaches you can’t miss Manuel Antonio and the surrounding area.
Farm of Life (Finca de Vida) Retreat & Hotel
Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica (an hour and a half south of Manuel Antonio)
Budget-friendly, vegetarian resort
The options at this tranquil jungle retreat are perfect for every type of traveler! If you’re on a budget, you can prepare all your meals and juices in their communal kitchen, which is stocked with an abundance of seasonal and locally produced fresh fruits and veggies. No matter what you want to whip up, you’ll find all the tools, like a blender, juicer, dehydrator, and more! One note, meat and alcohol aren’t allowed in the kitchen.
If you’d prefer to have everything taken care of for you, they can do that too! Every day, guests can enjoy dinner at The Harvest House, which includes a hearty main dish, a superfood salad, or a detox salad. Check out their all-inclusive resort options if you’re interested in a fully catered meal program.
Book Your StayWaterfall Villas
Dominical, Costa Rica (an hour south of Manuel Antonio)
Mid-range, vegan wellness retreat
Want to go on a complete vegan adventure that includes a week full of incredible food, fresh juices, waterfall hiking, and more? This vegan wellness retreat offers that and much more; there’s something for everyone! Whether you want to make your getaway all about food or adventure, they can help!
As if a week of vegan food and waterfalls wasn’t enough, this charming jungle lodge also offers a variety of specialty workshops and nature tours. When you’re ready to relax, it’s only 30 minutes from eight stunning beaches and five national parks — how awesome is that?!
IGLOO Beach Lodge
Quepos, Costa Rica
Mid-range, vegan-friendly resort
Igloos in the jungle? Yes! These eco-friendly igloos aren’t made of ice but with an air foam method that uses 50% less energy than traditional building materials. The technique allows for harmony with the jungle while creating a special place to stay.
These beach igloos are also the perfect place to explore Costa Rica. You’re only a short walk to Espadilla Beach and less than a mile to Manual Antonio, one of the best national parks.
The hotel worked with Matthew Kenny to open a fully vegan restaurant, Casa Planta, but sadly it has closed. All hope isn’t lost, they did incorporate some of the vegan dishes into the main menu at Casa Lamia! Also, when you go to eat, let them know you’re vegan and it’s quite possible that they can whip up other items for you too.
Parador Resort & Spa
Quepos, Costa Rica
Mid-range, vegan-friendly resort.
Perched atop a majestic bluff, The Parador offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the lush rainforest that envelops Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s location is a huge selling point because aside from the views it’s also near the famed Manuel Antonio National Park — here you can enjoy nature and beautiful amenities. On the dining side, you will be happy to see that the menu is well marked for vegan and vegetarian options — no guessing games needed! Each restaurant has its own menu and options, you’ll find a great diversity of options — heart of palm ceviche, eggplant fajitas, watermelon tartar, and more!
Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Luxury, vegan-friendly resort.
Arenas Del Mar is a sanctuary of sustainable luxury. Situated on the pristine Manuel Antonio coastline, the resort seamlessly combines luxury accommodations with a deep commitment to environmental conservation. The resort stands as a model of eco-conscious hospitality, with initiatives such as rainforest preservation, wildlife protection, and organic dining experiences. A private nature reserve allows you the opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna, while the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park offers further opportunities for adventure.
For vegan diners, you will have nothing to worry about (as a side note, I have sent multiple clients here and all of them have raved about their experience). Their dining menus are all well marked with a variety of tasty options! For lunch enjoy a savory falafel wrap with a side of fried green plantains and at dinner enjoy house-made empanadas, chile relleno, and much more.
Vegan-Friendly Resort Near San Jose
Need to stay close to San Jose? Then you must check out this wellness haven!
The Retreat Costa Rica
Atenas, Costa Rica (an hour from San Jose)
Luxury, vegan-friendly resort with an emphasis on wellness.
How does mastering the art of resting sound? Or maybe get your glow on with a Farm to Spa ritual (I’ve got my eyes on the Mini Miracle-Coffee Scrub treatment)? Well, you can do all that and much more at this luxury wellness resort perched on a mountain overlooking the Nicoya Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean!
In addition to extensive spa and wellness packages, two onsite restaurants offer top-notch vegan options. Many of the dishes are created with produce that’s been grown on the property or is locally produced. At the lunch café, Gratitude, you can enjoy portobello tacos, jack fruit sliders, vegan crab cakes, and much more. Tea and wine lovers will also enjoy their rare teas and organic, biodynamic wines.
One more bonus — this resort is less than an hour from the San Jose International Airport!
Vegan Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica
This lovely vegetarian/vegan retreat is the perfect place to work on your yoga practice.
AmaSER
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Budget-friendly, vegetarian/vegan yoga retreat.
If you’re looking to improve your crow pose while relaxing on the beach, you’ll want to check out this warm and welcoming yoga retreat! AmaSer offers its yogi-loving guests a rustic near-to-nature experience with its open-air casitas, and yoga classes are included with your stay.
Some casitas include kitchens, but if you’d rather skip cooking, head over to their onsite vegan and gluten-free café! The menu includes a huge breakfast and lunch lineup — I don’t think you’ll want to do much cooking after taking a look! Start the day with a stack of cinnamon French toast topped with passion fruit strawberry compote, then come back for cashew curry or coconut and plantain ceviche!
Book Your StayIs Costa Rica Vegan-Friendly?
To be completely honest, I think Costa Rica is more vegetarian-friendly than vegan-friendly, but it’s far from a vegan desert! You’ll have the best luck finding a diversity of options in San Jose — the city is home to multiple vegan restaurants and quite a few vegetarian restaurants.
Costa Rican cuisine focuses a lot on locally grown veggies, fruit, rice, and beans which are naturally vegan-friendly.
It’s essential that before you go, you learn key phrases like:
- Does this contain dairy?
- I don’t eat milk or animal products.
- I am vegan, not vegetarian.
Good to know: if you join my newsletter, you’ll receive seven language cheat sheets, including one in Spanish!
Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Costa Rica
If you’re in San Jose (or close by), check out these vegan and vegetarian restaurants. The staff will also be an excellent resource for other vegan-friendly spots throughout the country!
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