Costa Rica has earned its place on the global map not just for its biodiversity and Pura Vida lifestyle, but as a serious contender in the world of medical tourism. With affordable, high-quality healthcare and world-class professionals, the country attracts thousands of international patients each year. Yet the real magic lies in how Costa Rica blends clinical excellence with soothing surroundings that are ideal for recovery.
This is not just about getting well—it’s about healing deeply. If you’re considering Costa Rica for a medical procedure, you’ll want more than just a hospital bed. You’ll want a place where you can rest, restore, and return home stronger. The following hotels and resorts offer exactly that. They combine proximity to top clinics with tranquil environments, personalized service, and amenities that support physical and emotional healing.
Here are 10 exceptional hotels and resorts in Costa Rica that stand out for medical tourists seeking more than just a place to sleep.
1. The Retreat Costa Rica – Wellness Resort & Spa
Location: Atenas, Alajuela
Rating: ★ 4.8 (208 reviews)
Hidden in the crystalline hills of Atenas, The Retreat Costa Rica is not your average wellness hotel. It’s a destination designed specifically for transformation and recovery. Picture this: clean mountain air, panoramic views, organic cuisine made from ingredients grown on-site, and a no-shoes-required policy that reminds you—you’re here to relax.
View this post on Instagram
What makes it perfect for medical tourists?
- Holistic Healing Programs: Yoga, meditation, plant-based nutrition, and personalized wellness coaching.
- Spa & Detox Services: Post-procedure massages, lymphatic drainage, and body therapies.
- Proximity: Around an hour’s drive from major hospitals in San José.
Best for: Patients recovering from procedures involving fatigue or stress, like orthopedic treatments, hormone therapy, or cosmetic surgeries.
2. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection
Location: Pérez Zeledón
Rating: ★ 4.8 (373 reviews)
If luxury is a part of your recovery plan, look no further than Hacienda AltaGracia. This mountain-top sanctuary is set within 180 lush acres of coffee farms and rainforest, offering absolute seclusion.
View this post on Instagram
Why medical tourists love it:
- Comprehensive Wellness Programs: The on-site Well spa is run in partnership with THE WELL from New York, known for its integrative treatments.
- Personalized Service: Each guest has a dedicated “comedor” (host) who ensures every dietary and wellness need is met.
- Gourmet Healing Foods: Locally sourced, anti-inflammatory meals are standard.
This resort isn’t cheap, but for patients who need serious rest in luxury, it’s worth the splurge.
Best for: High-net-worth individuals undergoing cosmetic, dental, or hormone replacement treatments.
3. El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Location: Bajos del Toro
Rating: ★ 4.8 (477 reviews)
View this post on Instagram
Nestled in the cloud forests of central Costa Rica, El Silencio Lodge is where nature whispers and stress disappears. The altitude, clean air, and isolation make it ideal for deep recovery.
What stands out:
- Private Villas with Outdoor Jacuzzis
- In-Room Wellness Services
- Shuttle Access to La Fortuna and San José hospitals
Service here can be hit or miss depending on the season, but the natural environment more than compensates.
Best for: Post-op patients needing solitude, especially after orthopedic or cardiovascular procedures.
4. Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge
Location: Manuel Antonio
Rating: ★ 4.6 (812 reviews)
Perched between the jungle and the sea, this charming resort offers a relaxed atmosphere and access to Costa Rica’s most iconic beach town. It’s lively but not overwhelming.
View this post on Instagram
Why it’s a good fit:
- On-Site Spa Treatments
- Scenic Ocean and Jungle Views
- Reasonably Close to Private Clinics in Quepos and San José
The atmosphere is upbeat but not noisy—a good balance for those wanting serenity without total isolation.
Best for: Dental or dermatological patients looking for a more vacation-style recovery.
5. Las Cumbres Inn
Location: Escazú, near San José
Rating: ★ 4.5 (69 reviews)
Las Cumbres Inn was built for medical tourists. Literally. It’s just minutes away from top hospitals like CIMA and Clínica Bíblica.
Why it works so well:
- Wheelchair-Accessible Rooms
- Nursing Assistance and Special Diets
- Daily Transport to Appointments
View this post on Instagram
It’s not flashy, but it is exceptionally functional and calm. The staff understands what recovery looks like, and that makes all the difference.
Best for: Post-surgery patients needing medical support on-site (plastic surgery, bariatric procedures, or orthopedic surgeries).
6. Casa Cielo Vista
Location: San José Area
Rating: Not listed, but highly recommended by local healthcare providers
View this post on Instagram
Casa Cielo Vista is more of a recovery house than a traditional hotel. It’s small, private, and meticulously managed for people recovering from surgery.
Highlights include:
- 24/7 Nursing Staff
- Nutritious, Customized Meals
- Private Transportation for Appointments
It’s secure, clean, and very focused on client care. Think of it as a bridge between the hospital and home.
Best for: Patients undergoing more intensive procedures, such as plastic surgery, IVF, or cancer treatment.
7. Oxygen Jungle Villas
Location: Uvita
Rating: ★ 4.6 (349 reviews)
Want luxury with a view? Oxygen Jungle Villas offers private, Balinese-style villas tucked into a jungle hill with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
View this post on Instagram
Ideal for:
- Solo Recovery or Couples
- Spa Services and Aromatherapy
- Strong Privacy and Minimal Distractions
Be warned: the access road is steep and bumpy, so arrange a private driver if mobility is limited.
Best for: Patients recovering from minor to moderate procedures, especially wellness or mental health-focused treatments.
8. ECOTICA Boutique Hotel
Location: Playa Hermosa
Rating: ★ 4.2 (72 reviews)
ECOTICA blends nature with comfort. It’s not a major chain, but that’s what makes it intimate. You get spa treatments, yoga sessions, and outdoor showers in a lush garden setting.
View this post on Instagram
What works well:
- Calm Vibe
- Holistic Therapies
- Short Drive to Jacó Clinics and Escazú Hospitals
Service can be inconsistent, but the vibe is healing and staff are accommodating.
Best for: Mild procedures or post-detox healing.
9. Pacuare River Lodge
Location: Pacuare River Area
Rating: ★ 4.8 (98 reviews)
This is not your typical recovery spot. You get there by river raft or off-road vehicle. Yes, really. It’s a luxury eco-lodge in the jungle, where nature is the main therapy.
View this post on Instagram
Why it works:
- Absolute Silence and Solitude
- Immersive Nature Experience
- Organic Meals and Natural Spring Water
It’s not for everyone—mobility is required—but for the right person, it can be life-changing.
Best for: Long-term wellness retreats, light recoveries, or stress-related issues.
10. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Location: Osa Peninsula
Rating: ★ 4.8 (106 reviews)
Accessible only by boat, Playa Nicuesa is one of the most remote wellness destinations in Costa Rica. Yet it’s fully equipped to support a slow, mindful recovery.
View this post on Instagram
Features include:
- Yoga Deck Overlooking the Ocean
- Organic Farm-to-Table Cuisine
- Guided Mindfulness Hikes
Expect no distractions, no city noise—just waves, birds, and your body healing at its own pace.
Best for: Deep recovery, mental health breaks, or post-treatment sabbaticals.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Stay for Your Recovery
When recovering from a medical procedure, your environment matters as much as your medication. A peaceful space, access to nature, supportive staff, and nourishing food can accelerate healing in ways clinical care alone cannot.
Before booking, ask yourself:
- What kind of recovery do I need—active or restful?
- Do I need nursing care or just peace and quiet?
- How close should I be to my doctor or hospital?
- What budget am I working with?
Costa Rica offers a range of choices, from full-on wellness resorts to practical, recovery-focused inns. Choose the one that aligns best with your healing goals, and let the beauty of the country support your journey to full health.
If you’re looking for a seamless experience, consider booking through a medical tourism facilitator who can coordinate your treatment, lodging, transport, and even post-op care in one go.
Your body will thank you—and so will your spirit.
