Margaritaville Beach Resort Costa Rica (For Families!)

This post may contain affiliate links.

Margaritaville Costa Rica is the perfect place for families looking for flexible accommodations, an all-inclusive option, and a serene beach atmosphere.

About Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo

So before you say a word let me tell you that Margaritaville in Costa Rica will change everything you think about what a Margaritaville is. It’s not just a bunch of Jimmy Buffet fans drinking heavily on the beach. It’s a great place for families– and this review should tell you exactly why we love it.

The building itself used to be the Flamingo Beach Resort and Spa, and it was rebranded on November 1, 2018, to Margaritaville. One thing to note about the property is that it is franchised, and the property retains 100% Costa Rican ownership.

The resort boasts a beachfront pool, which is not always easy to find in Costa Rica due to zoning laws. There are all-inclusive plans, multiple configurations of rooms for families, and more.

Make sure to scroll to the end of the post for special booking deals only available through November.

Location

Margaritaville is located at Playa Flamingo, a ½ mile long white sand beach known for its perfect waves and spectacular sunsets. It’s closest to the Liberia Airport.

The town of Flamingo is popular with ex-pats and locals alike. It’s situated on a little hill just steps from Margaritaville. There are a couple of mini-supermarkets, liquor stores, and several dining options within walking distance of the resort.

This area of Guanacaste is the area we chose for my oldest daughter’s first trip to the beach in Costa Rica. We chose it because of the amazing beach hopping possibilities right from Flamingo beach, and because the vibe has the perfect mix of happy hour fun and family-friendly nights out. In fact, this area is one of my top places to stay in the entire country- more on that below.

Related post: 7 Days in Costa Rica – With Kids!

Getting There and Away

The easiest way to get to Flamingo Beach and Margaritaville is to fly into the Liberia International Airport in Guanacaste. I highly recommend renting a car with Adobe Rental car so you can beach hop. Then just head 40 minutes southeast of the airport on the 911 highway and you will be there.

Beaches nearby include Portero, La Penca, Danta and Dantita, Brasilito, Playa Grande and Playa Conchal. I cannot recommend enough that you rent a car to visit some of these beaches when you head to Margaritaville as they are the best in Costa Rica.

If you just want to get to Flamingo and hang out there- that’s great too! I recommend booking a shuttle through Adobe Rental car and enjoying not only the amazing food at Margaritaville, but also walking the tiny town of Flamingo. This area is very safe and you can feel secure walking outside the resort.

Accommodations

So we first were introduced to Margaritaville because of the family rooms available. We look for a few different things when picking a room. First, do the girls have to share a bed? Second, is there an option for a second bedroom for the kids? Third, is there a kitchenette option so we can keep snacks and drinks on hand? We used to also check if the resort had a crib.

The great thing is that Margaritaville has all of these options.

You might also like: 10 Best Luxury Family Resorts in Costa Rica

The Studio Family Suite has a kitchenette (microwave, refrigerator, and wet bar) and can sleep up to 5, which is great for families with 3 kids.  There is no stove or cooking allowed in the suite for fire code regulations.

The Family Bunk Bed Junior Suite has two sets of bunk beds and a double bed, making it easy to sleep up to 6 people in the room. (This room is not recommended for a crib as it’s just too tight a fit.) This room is ideal for kids age 4 – 14.

The JB Suite has two bedrooms, which is perfect when mom and dad need some privacy at night. (😂)

All of the rooms have Wifi, air conditioning, ceiling fans, a coffee maker, and a choice of garden or ocean view.

Related post: Should I Take a Stroller to Costa Rica?

Dining

Ok so this is one of the coolest parts of the Margaritaville resort. There are three types of plans for families! This means you can make the resort all-inclusive if you want to.

Option 1: You can do just the room with no food included at all. Obviously, this is a cheaper option, but you do have to find all of your meals or pay a la carte at the hotel. This is a great option if you plan on going out on tours everyday.

Option 2: Breakfast only. You have breakfast at the resort (for the best of Costa Rican flavors, try the gallo pinto) and then fend for yourself for lunch, dinner, and snacks. Again, I’d get the Studio Family Suite if you go with this option so you can have snacks on hand. Remember there is no cooking allowed in the kitchenettes, but you can prepare salads, cereals, and microwavable snacks.

Option 3: All Inclusive Option. I like this option the best because food and drinks are included for everyone and you don’t have to leave the property for anything. This means ultimate relaxation. Plus, when the kids get hungry or thirsty you don’t have to run back to the room for snacks. You can get a less expensive room this way too.

For the breakfast plan and the all-inclusive plan, the amazing thing is that kids 0-5 stay and eat free (free breakfast on the breakfast plan, and all meals and snacks on the all-inclusive plan). This makes the resort a perfect spot for families with young children.

Activities

The crown jewel of included activities at Margaritaville Costa Rica is the pool. There’s the main pool which is beachfront. But then, there is a covered kids’ pool that helps keep the sun off of your littles. It’s such a Costa Rican touch- to remember that kids just can’t take the same level of su as adults and to then cover the pool. And there’s an adjacent playground to the tot pool. Genius.

Included activities at the resort include:

• pool tables
• ping pong
• foosball table
• mini-movie theatre
• fitness center
• tennis court
• You can join the staff for activities such as water aerobics, pool games, salsa lessons, eco walks, craft classes, and more
• Live music and dancing on weekends

Additionally, the tour concierge on property will help you find an array of local tours that fit your budget and needs. There is excellent scuba diving and snorkeling in the area, sunset tours, and even day trips to hot springs, whitewater rafting, zip lining and more. The resort even has it’s own yacht offering snorkeling and fishing excursions from the nearby marina.

There’s also a spa on the property with an array of body treatments, facials, and massages.

Deals/Booking Info

Right now there is a special offer for booking 2023 family vacations.  Book by November 30 / travel Jan 2 – Dec 22, 2023 and save 15% off all rooms and suites. 

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Margaritaville Beach Resort Costa Rica.

Want custom Costa Rica travel advice from me? Jump on a 15-minute call– no sales- and I’ll give you recommendations tailored especially to you and your trip.