Living in Costa Rica can be fun and full of adventure, but sometimes the stress of work, the traffic jams can quickly get to us too, and that’s when it’s important to remember that this country has many great hotels were you can relax, both in the city and at the beach even if you can only afford to get away for the day.

Plenty of hotels offer day passes that are a great solution to get away for the day, enjoy the pool, the sun, the service with your loved one, friends or your entire family.

Usually city hotels and nearby resorts are the best choices, since obviously you want to make the best of the day and not spend the time driving, here are some excellent choices:

Punta Leona Hotel: Punta Leona Hotel is just one hour drive from San José, it is a great option to spend a day with your family, the hotel has access to the beach, great restaurants and kids pool and playground.

Villa Caletas Hotel: This is a luxury option and one of the best places to enjoy the sunset. Delicious food and excellent spa services; Villa Caletas is just one hour drive from San José.

DoubleTree Puntarenas: Many times we want to go spend the day at the beach but we want to have a place where we can rest and take a shower if we want, DoubleTree Puntarenas gives you this alternative. Enjoy all the amenities the hotel has to offer and the many activities at the beach.

The Retreat: Located in the beautiful area of Atenas, Alajuela, just 30 minutes from San José, The Retreat is a perfect wellness boutique hotel, ideal to relax by yourself or with your loved one. Beautiful views, spa services, yoga, pool and restaurant.

Resort Martino: A boutique hotel in La Garita, Alajuela, surrounded by beautiful nature, it offers excellent food, pool, and a wide variety of spa services.

Tabacon Resort: If you are willing to take a longer drive, Tabacón in La Fortuna, San Carlos is worth the drive. Make sure to get your day pass ahead of time since the resort limits the number of day guests. Hot springs, pools, spa, restaurant and more; Tabacón has different options of day passes, some are for full day while others are just morning passes or day spa packages.

Baldi Hot Springs: Also in La Fortuna, San Carlos this hotel offers 25 different thermal water pools surrounded by beautiful gardens and the largest sauna in the country, exciting water slides for the children, everything at an affordable rate.

These are just a few of many options available, if you have a hotel in mind just ask if they offer day pass services, many do even when they don’t advertise it.