Costa Rica vs. St. Lucia

We are going to Costa Rica and I can't wait! We considered some Caribbean destinations, but ultimately chose the Pacific coast of CR because 1) it's harder to get to from our city and therefore less likely we'd have the opportunity to go in the future, 2) we had both been to the Caribbean and wanted to try somewhere new and 3) we want to try some outdoor activities, like ziplining and hiking a volcano, that aren't available/as accessible in the Caribbean. That said, I've been to St. Lucia and it is beautiful- I don't think you can go wrong either way!

I went to St Lucia for the honeymoon. We went to Sandals Grande. It was awesome and I highly recommend it. They also have 2 other resorts on the island and offer shuttle service to each so its "stay at 1 play at 3." We also did a few excursions and boat tours which was a lot of fun. I have never been to Costa Rica so I can't really compare the 2 but definitely recommend St Lucia.

@twostep127 Thanks for replying, where in CR are you considering?

@ Melissa thanks for replying. We were seriously considering Sandals Grande until someone at work slipped Costa Rica in my head....decisions, decisions...lol

We are going to Costa Rica only because we went on a cruise that stopped in St. Lucia (it's breath taking). We are staying 3 nights at the Arenal Springs Resort and 5 nights at Secrets Papagayo. I think it will be a good combo of adventure (zip lining, hikimg, kayaking, etc) and romance.

I agree and you have to great choices!

Both destinations are great but Costa Rica will offer more adventure kayaking, hiking, zip lining.

St Lucia will be more romance and pamper. I am a honeymoon specialist feel free to let me know if you need information on either.

Dinora

We are going to the Hyatt Andaz in Guanacaste...our reception is at a Hyatt, so we got points towards free nights. It will be the rainy season, but from what we've heard from locals that area won't be too wet!

I haven't been to St Lucia, but I've been to a lot of other islands in the Caribbean. I just went to Costa Rica on a girls trip with my mom in January. We both fell in love with it. Everyone there is so friendly and it's so beautiful. We stayed at the JW Marriott outside of Tamarindo. The excursions there are exciting like zip lining, sailing, hot springs, etc.

Sorry I'm on mobile. This is what one the hot springs.

We also saw monkeys when eating breakfast since our resort was surrounded by jungles.

We haven't gone yet, but just booked our honeymoon to Costa Rica!

I loved both! I want to go back to both too but I think Costa Rica edges out St Lucia for me

Wow I love this site! So much great info, it seems Costa Rica is edging above St. Lucia. I'm going to look into some of the places you all have suggested...keep the posts coming and thanks :-)

@LizzyS where in Costa Rica are u going?

@MyExcursions how do I get in contact with you?

We're going to Costa Rica!!! We were considering St Lucia but when it came down to it Costa Rica just offered more for us because we're very outdoorsy people. My sister went to Costa Rica and fell in love with it, I honestly haven't met anyone who didn't like Costa Rica.

We looked at the secrets resort but it was a little over our budget, so we booked with their sister company Dreams Las Mareas. Its all inclusive and a bit further north from all the other resorts, which we both felt was a plus because its more secluded but they still offer all the same tours and what not.

ETA: I forgot to mention another reason was the vast array of wildlife provincial parks and volcanos!!!!

We just decided on jaco Costa Rica and am so excited never been.

My fiancé and I just got back from Costa Rica a few weeks ago and and we loved it! There's an all inclusive resort called Hotel Islita on the pacific side and it is gorgeous. They offer day excursions from river kayaking to snorkeling to rainforest tours. It most definitely will not be the last time we visit Costa Rica.

@Sangele I know this is an old post but I am hoping you still see it! We are considering the exact two resorts you stay at! Was splitting the stay worth it? Would you recommend the trip you did?

I've never been to St Lucia, Kara, but I can tell you, when I went to Costa Rica, it was like three separate vacations in one. It was amazing. Cloud rainforests, beach, and the volcano, it was awesome. I'd highly recommend honeymooning there if you can.