Occidental Tamarindo All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica Reviewed in 2025

➞ What to Do

While not all guests of Occidental Tamarindo are coming to experience the famous surfing of Playa Tamarindo, most want to in some way or another. If you’ve never tried the sport, there are a ton of professional instructors to give you a lesson. If you’re a beginner, board rentals are everywhere, and the waves are fun and consistent.

For the experts, Tamarindo represents a bucket-list wave. And for those who don’t care to get in the water at all, watching surfers from the sand is something that never gets old. Tamarindo Beach is great for lounging and relaxing, but know that swimming isn’t great here, both due to surfers and conditions.

But there’s plenty more to do in this part of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Hike around the rugged terrain of the Las Baulas National Park’s land side, right next to the resort. Or hop on a boat excursion in its marine section, where sea turtles hatch and crocodiles swim.

A local favorite is kayaking out to Isla Capitán, a tiny island just off Tamarindo’s coast. Here, you can find some of the best snorkeling in the area.

➞ What to Eat & Drink

As mentioned, the all-inclusive concept at Occidental Tamarindo has a special provision – you must stay at least three nights to have dinner at an à-la-carte restaurant included. One dinner for each three nights is allowed. Otherwise, you may dine at the buffet restaurant without limits.

Lobster Restaurant, therefore, is where you’ll have most of your meals. The cuisine is described as an international variety that will suit the palate of just about anyone. During the day, snacks and drinks are also available at Las Baulas Bar by the pool.

If you satisfy the three-night requirement, you can choose to have dinner at La Fontana, an Italian restaurant specializing in pizza and pasta. You can also opt for Kyoto Japanese Restaurant for sushi and teppanyaki. Note that reservations for these two need to be made upon your arrival.

➞ Room Guide

Occidental Tamarindo has 98 guest rooms and three different categories, making it easy to choose. It’s essentially about size here, and although bigger rooms come with slightly better views, all are just partial-ocean.

Superior: These basic rooms are small but contain more than enough space for a couple to relax and enjoy. Inside, air conditioning and a minibar provide relief from the Costa Rican heat. Outside, there’s a furnished balcony to enjoy views of Las Baulas National Park.

Duplex Suite: These larger rooms are definitely an upgrade worth considering, as you’ll get double the space for much less than double the price. Your upstairs bedroom is nice and separate from your downstairs living room, making your vacation more luxurious. These rooms have partial ocean views.

Master Suite Duplex: Also with partial ocean views, the largest accommodations on property have spa-like bathrooms and oversized windows.

➞ Special Experiences

Guests who want to make their stay at Occidental Tamarindo even more inclusive can add on the Premium Level experience. This special package will get you all sorts of benefits: early check-in, late check-out, premium liquor, spa discounts, and much more. Your bathroom will also be equipped with spa amenities like robes and slippers, among other things.

In fact, the spa is an excellent addition to make any stay more special, Premium Level or not. Enjoy treatments like exfoliation, body wraps, facials, and massages at the resort’s spa, or indulge in a couples massage together.