Riu Guanacaste

Riu Guanacaste, on Playa Matapalo in Guanacaste

Riu Guanacaste sits on Playa Matapalo, near Sardinal, with a 1,300 metre beach in front of it and the dry forest of Guanacaste behind. It is a large all-inclusive built for families, with pools, a water park and children's entertainment that runs all day.

It works for families who want the children happy and the logistics simple, and for groups of friends who like a lively resort.

Why we choose it

• Made for children. There is a children's pool with slides, the Splash Water World water park and the RIU Land kids entertainment.
• Two-bedroom family rooms. The Superior Family Room has two bedrooms looking over the pool, which is rare in a big beach resort.
• A long beach out front. The resort faces 1,300 metres of Playa Matapalo, so there is always room to spread out on the sand.

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Rooms and views

The Standard double room looks over a courtyard, and the Double Room with sea view faces the Pacific. For families there is the Superior Family Room, with two bedrooms and a view of the pool.

The Suite with sea view is the one we suggest for a honeymoon or an anniversary. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 12:00.

On the property

The pools include a children's pool with slides, and Splash Water World adds a full water park. RIU Land runs the kids entertainment. Renova Spa does the treatments, and there is a gym and a tennis court.

Meals are at the buffet and the themed restaurants, with seven bars spread around the resort. Riu Guanacaste is one of our team's favourites for family trips on the Pacific side.

Location and getting there

Riu Guanacaste is beachfront on Playa Matapalo, Sardinal, on the Papagayo coast, and Liberia is the airport to fly into. From here we arrange snorkeling, sailing, sport fishing, horseback riding and day trips inland to the volcanoes and national parks of Guanacaste, with a private driver and a guide.

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