Costa Rica or similar with a Kids Club but not Kid-Centric?

[bee20]

My parents want to take my sibling and I on a Big Family Trip with 6 adults and 1 kid.  Parents would love somewhere "exciting".  My sibling and spouse used to go on adventurous travel pre-kid but have a 4 year old and are Tired. Sibling's family wants something with a kids club, "safe" and pretty low effort, ideally a cruise.  My partner is an introvert whose idea of hell is a cruise and would like to be able to walk or bus to activities, hiking, and/or town if family with the kid just wants to sit around.  Nobody really wants to give any ideas. 

Something like a resort in Costa Rica that has walking trails through the jungle and maybe some hot springs seems good.  I'd take somewhere nice and well located if it doesn't have a kids club, because there are 6 adults.  There are some resorts that fit those criteria showing up on searches but they range in price from $50/night to $2000/night and both get 9/10 on review sites so I'm not sure what is "worth it".  I also can't tell which would have walking or bus transportation to worthwhile day trips vs. are a resort where you pay for excursions and are captive.  Half the group is vegetarian and kid is not an adventuous eater (will do eggs/cheese/tortillas but not beans).  Ideally we could get 3 nearby rooms or a 3/4BR villa.

Has anyone stayed at one with a kid?  Are there any particularly kid-friendly but not kid-centered places that would be warm in the winter and not a 14 hour flight?

[mrsslocombe]

I don't have kids, but I used Anywhere www.anywhere.com/costa-rica to plan my Costa Rica trip. I just emailed them and they planned everything-hotels, transportation, etc. They can give you an idea of resorts that fit your criteria. We stayed in 3 different locations + hotels and their picks were excellent.

From my experience, all the adventures/tour companies have optional pick up/drop off. We didn't rent a car and we were fine, Anywhere arranged transportation to/from the airport and moving town to town.

Costa Rica is probably the most kid-friendly place I've been, most of the resorts have multiple sleeping areas, cottages, etc. I think it's perfect for a multifamily trip.

[majesty318]

I stayed here (this was a while ago though) - it was awesome and I think a kid would love it. There were cabins (rustic chic - I am picky - I do not do anything remotely like camping). And you were able to choose from multiple excursions. They cook all your meals and were receptive to likes/ dislikes. We did rent a car.

www.laanitarainforest.com/

[ny96]

I would not recommend the Westin Reserva Conchal. We spent 5 days there last year and while the property itself is nice, it’s difficult to leave the property, the food was meh, and it just felt like Groundhog Day.