The golf courses in Guanacaste, Costa Rica are legendary: a collection of oceanside fairways, dramatic elevation shifts, and tropical landscapes where monkeys chatter from the treetops and the Pacific glints at every turn.
For discerning travelers, this region delivers a dreamlike blend of championship play and five-star vacationing, wrapped in the warmth and wild beauty that make Costa Rica so irresistible. So if you’ve been wondering both where to golf and where to stay in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, the answer is simple: in a luxurious private villa where every tee time, transfer, and sunset cocktail is easily convenient and effortlessly arranged by your concierge.
Guanacaste is Costa Rica’s golf capital for a reason. From the coastal contours of Hacienda Pinilla to the sweeping Pacific panoramas at Reserva Conchal, the region (and beyond) offers a rare combination of world-class course design and natural splendor. Whether you’re a dedicated golfer or simply love pairing your vacation with great play, Guanacaste sets the standard.
Let’s explore the top golf courses in Guanacaste, Costa Rica — plus a few elevated honorable mentions beyond the province — and share insider tips on how to elevate your stay.
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course: Guanacaste’s Coastal Classic
Location: Hacienda Pinilla / Playa Avellanas / Playa Langosta / Tamarindo
Designer: Mike Young
Holes: 18 | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,200
If you ask a local golfer where to begin, they’ll point you here: the iconic, ocean-kissed course that set the standard for golf courses in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Just minutes from Tamarindo, Hacienda Pinilla’s oceanfront course blends natural drama with championship design, spanning 7,200 yards of rolling fairways, shady forest corridors, and breezy coastal stretches where the challenges are as thrilling as the scenery.
Designed by Mike Young, the course is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, meaning it was built with the land, not against it. Ancient tree lines were preserved. Wildlife corridors remain open. Natural contours guide the fairways. Here, you’re as likely to spot howler monkeys as you are to sink a birdie.
Salt-kissed breezes complicate long shots, rugged bunkering demands precision, and fairway lines occasionally run so close to forest cover that a wandering iguana (or croc, if you’re lucky!) becomes a natural hazard. The course is strategic, soulful, and unforgettable.
Additional Amenities:
- Golf lessons & clinics
- Pro shop
- Private Beach Club
- Tennis, horseback riding, trails, restaurants
For those choosing where to stay in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, our luxury villas within this community are an easy choice, offering unmatched access to the greens.
Reserva Conchal Golf Club: Where the Jungle Meets the Pacific
Location: Reserva Conchal / Playa Conchal / Brasilito / Flamingo
Designer: Robert Trent Jones II
Holes: 18 | Par: 71 | Yards: 7,021
If Hacienda Pinilla is Guanacaste’s classic, Reserva Conchal is a jewel in the crown. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, this par-71 masterpiece is pure drama: sweeping Pacific views, palm-framed clearings, wetlands alive with tropical birds, and immaculate greens that undulate in the distance.
Named a Top 25 Foreign Golf Resort by Condé Nast Traveler, the course blends beauty with challenge. Undulating fairways force thoughtful shot selection, and water features call for precision without punishing players unfairly. Skilled golfers love the elevated tee boxes and split fairways, while ambitious beginners appreciate that the layout still welcomes them.
This course is also a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, with protected habitats, sustainable landscaping, and wildlife galore: coatis, monkeys, deer, and tropical birds accompany your round.
Additional Amenities:
- Two pro shops
- Private and group lessons
- Full-service Beach Club
- Restaurants, spa, and wellness center
After your game, you can step straight onto Playa Conchal — one of the most beautiful beaches in Central America — and let the turquoise water cool the day’s swing analysis.
The Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo: Costa Rica’s Most Exclusive Play
Location: Peninsula Papagayo
Designer: Arnold Palmer
Holes: 18 | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,788
Some golf trips are memorable. Others are bucket-list. The Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo is firmly the latter: a rare, private Arnold Palmer design ranked among the Top 100 Courses Outside the U.S. by Golf Digest.
Accessible exclusively to Four Seasons guests and Peninsula Papagayo residents, this sanctuary of golf carves through old-growth forest, cliff lines, and volcanic formations, with views so dramatic they seem almost surreal. Elevation changes turn tee boxes into lookouts; ocean wind redefines approach shots; and the only constant is the sound of howler monkeys echoing through the canopy.
It’s difficult to access, but worth every ounce of effort.
Other Courses Worth Mentioning (Beyond Guanacaste)
Though your trip will likely center around the premier golf courses in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, these honorable mentions deserve a spot on our list:
La Iguana Golf Course – Los Sueños Marriott (Central Pacific)
Designed by Ted Robinson Jr., La Iguana Golf Course is a tropical immersion: a rainforest course where scarlet macaws fly overhead and capuchin monkeys sometimes watch your swing from the treetops. Its fairways cut through lush valley terrain with views of Herradura Bay, offering a playful mix of challenging par-5s and scenic, confidence-building par-3s.
Golfers love the conditioning, the quiet atmosphere, and the seamless connection to Los Sueños’ world-class marina, making this a favorite add-on if you’ll be splitting your trip between Guanacaste (North Pacific) and the Central Pacific.
Valle del Sol – Santa Ana (Central Valley)
Set against the mountains of Escazú and Santa Ana, Valle del Sol is a refreshing change of pace: sunny, warm, breezy, and blissfully convenient for travelers spending a night near San José before flying home. The course features expansive fairways, lakes, excellent practice facilities, and a cosmopolitan clubhouse atmosphere that attracts the country’s professional and social elite.
Cariari Country Club – San José / Heredia
Designed in the 1970s by George Fazio, Cariari Country Club is home to Costa Rica’s original championship course: a tight, tree-lined test of precision and patience. Mature hardwoods flank the fairways; greens demand respect; and the club’s old-world exclusivity appeals to seasoned golfers who appreciate tradition.
How to Plan the Perfect Luxury Golf Vacation in Guanacaste
A great golf trip starts long before your first swing. Here’s how to make the most of your time in Guanacaste:
Best Time of Year to Golf
Located in the North Pacific, Costa Rica’s driest region, Guanacaste enjoys the most predictable weather in the country.
- Dry Season (Dec–Apr): Ideal conditions, including sunny skies, dry fairways, and consistent winds.
- Green Season (May–Nov): Rains are intermittent (usually hitting in the afternoon, if at all), making for lush scenery, cooler mornings, dramatic sunsets, and fewer players on the course. Early tee times are spectacular.
Climate & Conditions
Expect ocean breezes, warm mornings, and cooler late afternoons, year-round. The courses in Guanacaste are designed to use wind strategically – a test that rewards thoughtful play.
What to Pack
- Lightweight performance fabrics
- A good hat (midday sun can be intense)
- Soft spikes
- A second pair of golf shoes (humidity + ocean spray = quick drying needed)
- Binoculars for wildlife sightings
Elevate Your Golf Getaway with Luxury Villas in Costa Rica
At Luxury Villas in Costa Rica, your golf vacation unfolds with the kind of effortless ease that only dedicated concierge service can deliver. From reserving preferred tee times at the top golf courses in Guanacaste, Costa Rica to coordinating private transportation, arranging premium club rentals, or booking post-round spa treatments, we’ll handle everything with precision and care.
Prefer a sunset dinner waiting when you return from the course? How about a private chef preparing a gourmet breakfast before an early tee time? Consider it done. Our team also curates sailing excursions, adventure activities, and elevated in-villa experiences that transform your stay into a seamless blend of golf, luxury, and pura vida living, allowing you to focus on the game, the company, and the joy of being here.
Where to Stay in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
When teeing off at the top golf courses in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, choosing the right luxury villa transforms a good golf trip into an extraordinary one. Staying in a private villa means no schedule, no crowds, and no compromises. Instead, swap in private pools, expansive living spaces, ocean views, and full concierge service for everything from tee times to chef dinners.
Casa Guayacan
Hacienda Pinilla | 4 Beds | 4 Baths | 11 Guests
Nestled amidst rare tropical dry forest and adjacent to Hacienda Pinilla’s prestigious golf course, Casa Guayacan offers a tranquil oasis where you can unwind, indulge, and explore, often without encountering another soul.
Here, you’re just a leisurely morning stroll away from the pristine beach, with sweeping views of the lush, championship golf course. Within minutes, you’ll find yourself amidst Hacienda Pinilla’s array of amenities. Yet, despite this proximity, you’ll feel ensconced in your own private sanctuary – a hidden retreat where luxury awaits at every turn.
Casa Guayacan elevates its exceptional service with the addition of a dedicated “house mom” who attends to housekeeping, laundry, and prepares your daily breakfast, lunch, and cocktails (except Sundays and holidays). As guests, you’ll also enjoy exclusive access to Hacienda Pinilla’s extensive amenities, including the stunning Beach Club, golf course, nature trails, tennis courts, and horse stables.
Serenity Point
Tamarindo | 7 Beds | 9 Baths | 17 Guests
Conveniently located to both Hacienda Pinilla and Reserva Conchal’s golf courses, Serenity Point is more than a villa; it’s an architectural masterpiece brought to life by renowned architect Richard Muller. Nestled in a beachfront gated community, this exclusive retreat offers seven oceanfront bedrooms, each with private patios and captivating views of Langosta Beach and Tamarindo Bay.
The villa’s seamless integration of nature and design is evident in its indoor-outdoor showers, lush water gardens, and palm-lined entrance, creating a serene and inviting ambiance from the moment you arrive. Serenity Point’s private infinity pool, perfectly positioned to overlook the coastline, is the ultimate setting for relaxation or celebration, whether you’re soaking in the views by day or stargazing at night.
For those seeking activity, Serenity Point offers an array of luxurious amenities, including a private gym with ocean views, and an in-home mini golf course for playful moments. Every detail of the villa is designed to cater to both relaxation and entertainment, ensuring an unforgettable stay for guests. Serenity Point also offers full villa staff, including VIP concierge services and daily breakfast.
Casa Breeze
Playa Conchal | 5 Beds | 5 Baths | 12 Guests
Secreted into the prestigious surrounds of Reserva Conchal – and just a 2-minute golf-cart ride to the beach! – Casa Breeze is a stunning 5-bedroom villa, home to an array of striking amenities, including a private pool, a fully equipped kitchen, and spacious living areas.
But first, its location: Within Reserva Conchal, a spectacular and established community, your rental grants you access to an onsite championship golf course, spa and Fitness Center, tennis courts, restaurants, hiking and biking trails, a wildlife refuge, and the Reserva Conchal Beach Club, with a beachfront infinity-edge pool, international restaurant, bar, beach gear, and onsite activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and more.
Of course, you’re here for more than your surrounds and in that, Casa Breeze delivers with luxurious amenities, including fairway views, outdoor living areas with an infinity pool and waterslide, a top-floor honeymoon-suite-style master bedroom with balcony, and our Elite Service (including daily housekeeping). Welcome to paradise!
Tee Up for Planning: Your Golf Getaway Awaits
When it comes to golf courses in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, you’re spoiled for choice. From the sweeping fairways of Hacienda Pinilla to the dramatic vistas of Reserva Conchal and the exclusive prestige of Peninsula Papagayo, each course tells a story woven with Pacific breezes, tropical wildlife, and unforgettable challenges.
And with the right villa — and the right concierge team — every moment becomes effortless. From tee times to transport, from chef-prepared meals to sunset plans, our job is to curate a golf vacation worthy of the destination. When you reserve one of our rental villas in Costa Rica, you’re guaranteeing yourself both a spectacular vacation home and full (and FREE) travel concierge services.
After you make your reservation, your personal concierge will get in touch. She’ll send our welcome book, which includes plenty of details about the Tamarindo area, activities, tours, and other need-to-know information. Then, your concierge will follow up, in order to know you and your travel group as well as s/he knows Costa Rica. And, while you’re here, your personal concierge is on call to attend any problems, questions, or other issues. You’re never without help, and that itself is its own amenity.
So, whether you’re traveling for play, pleasure, or both, reach out. Let’s design your dream golf getaway in Guanacaste.
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