Sometimes, holiday plans come together at the last minute. And sometimes, those spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment celebrations are the most memorable. Luckily, hotels in sunny destinations around the world still have spots available this holiday season, and they’re more likely to reserve such prime space for preferred partners. Please note that availability, especially this time of year, is highly volatile. At the time of writing, the hotels mentioned below do indeed have availability, but this may change. Even more reason to reach out to snag your last-minute spot. Read my article on Fora Travel to see where to go!

It’s no surprise that a vacation to Costa Rica, a paradise in Central America straddled by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, promises one of the dreamiest tropical getaways imaginable. A dedication to a slower, more intentional and joy-filled way of life is ever-present. Pura vida, after all, is the country’s national motto. And Costa Rica's world-class resorts make any vacation to this lush paradise even more special.

Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite Costa Rican hotels and resorts, all of which exert a deep respect and appreciation for their natural locales. These magical properties help immerse you even more deeply into Costa Rica’s unique way of life, where the pace slows, and pressing obligations fade away.