Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Puntarenas

Lapa Rios Lodge

9.3

Excellent

From $913

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Lapa Rios Lodge is internationally recognized for pioneering sustainable tourism in Costa Rica and was the first hotel to receive the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST). Located within a 1,000-acre private rainforest reserve, it utilizes ecological solutions like treating wastewater with natural bacteria, rainwater harvesting, and alternative energy sources such as solar panels. The lodge also supports local schools and uses food leftovers to produce natural gas for their staff kitchen.

Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort Member of the Cayuga Collection

Resort in Manuel Antonio

9.4

Excellent

From $569

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This resort is a leader in sustainable tourism, holding the highest level (Five Leaves) of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) from the Costa Rican Tourism Board and recognized with international awards. They have eliminated single-use plastics, use solar panels for water heating, purify wastewater for irrigation, and source food locally and organically. The resort is built around the existing rainforest and serves as a biological corridor, offering guests opportunities to observe abundant wildlife with on-site naturalist guides.

Hotel Belmar

Hotel in Monte Verde

9.1

Excellent

From $224

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Located in the Monteverde Reserve, the Hotel Belmar is sensitive to the preservation of the environment. Having reached the highest possible 5th level in sustainability and despite operating for more than 30 years, the hotel keeps evolving in sustainable practices.

Gaia Hotel & Reserve- Adults Only

Hotel in Manuel Antonio

9.0

Excellent

From $317

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Gaia hotel is nestled into its very own Nature Reserve which aims to reintroduce scarlet macaws to the surrounding area. It is also proud to have been announced as the winner in the Green hotel category 2 years in a row.

Questionnaire

Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?

Solar radiation

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Use of non-toxic cleaning products

Serving organic food at the restaurant

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Electric car charging station(s) available

Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced

A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
The nature reserve at GAIA is land set aside for the conservation of local species as two-toed- and three toed sloths, three monkey species, raccoons, iguanas and a variety of bird species. It also hosts the reintroduction program of the Scarlet Macaw which is sponsored by GAIA and government-supervised. As a guest, you will learn everything about the program led by our certified naturalist guide.

Senda Monteverde Hotel Member of the Cayuga Collection

Hotel in Monte Verde

9.3

Excellent

From $323

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Senda Monteverde Hotel is committed to being plastic-free, using solar panels for water heating and energy-saving auxiliary heaters. It sources ingredients locally and organically, and uses fully biodegradable cleaning products. The hotel supports reforestation schemes, has planted over 5,500 native species, and partners with local groups for forest clean-ups.

Hotel Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience

Hotel in Santa Teresa

9.3

Excellent

From $402

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Hotel Nantipa holds the Elite Level of Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and is recognized by the SLH Considerate Collection. It features a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant, solar water heaters, energy sensors, and a comprehensive reduction of single-use plastics. The hotel prioritizes local hiring, sources seafood from local fishermen, and is a founding member of the local Chamber of Tourism.

Cala Lodge

Lodge in Monte Verde

9.1

Excellent

From $85

$

Lodge Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Cloud Forest Lodge implements a conservation fee to support environmental protection and local communities. It features efficient water and energy management, aims to eliminate single-use plastics, and composts organic waste for its gardens. The lodge contributes to local wastewater treatment and protects over 800 hectares of forest.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Eco Sanctuary

Lodge in Golfito

9.6

Excellent

From $338

$

Lodge Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This eco-friendly lodge has been awarded the highest 'Elite' rating for sustainability by the Costa Rica government's Tourism Board. It is situated on a 165-acre preserve within Piedras Blancas National Park and utilizes organic-biodegradable cleaning products. The lodge also employs energy-efficient lighting and solar lanterns.

Kura Boutique Hotel Member of the Cayuga Collection

Hotel in Uvita

9.6

Excellent

From $499

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Kura Boutique Hotel strives to be as eco-conscious as possible, in part to protect the amazing natural environment surrounding it. Single-use plastics have been banished from the resort since day one while the on-site organic greenhouse provides most of the herbs and vegetables consumed. Kura is a member of the Cayuga Collection of Sustainable Luxury Hotels & Lodges.

El Remanso Rainforest Lodge

Lodge in Puerto Jimenez

9.9

Excellent

$

Lodge Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

El Remanso Rainforest Lodge is a family-owned eco-lodge on a private rainforest reserve bordering Corcovado National Park. It operates solely on renewable energy through a hydroelectric system and solar panels. The lodge has been protecting and preserving nature for over 20 years and is deeply rooted in the local community, employing locals and supporting reforestation programs.

Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

Resort in Manuel Antonio

9.2

Excellent

From $228

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Si Como No is certified with a Level 5 CST, the highest level of sustainable tourism certification in Costa Rica. The resort utilizes solar energy, practices water conservation, and has a comprehensive waste management system including recycling and composting. They also support the local economy and contribute to conservation efforts through the Corcovado Foundation. The property includes a wildlife refuge with self-guided tours.

Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm

Hotel in Monte Verde

8.7

Very Good

From $158

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Inspired by permaculture principles, this hotel aims to be carbon neutral and operates an organic farm that provides fresh produce for its restaurant. It collects rainwater for greenhouses and gardens, manages greywater through living terraces, and repurposes non-recyclable plastics into eco-bricks for construction.

Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort

Resort in Drake

8.8

Excellent

From $791

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort has established partnerships with Costa Rican conservationists and employs local staff to make sure that the local nature and resources are protected and renewed.

Rafiki Safari Lodge

Lodge in Savegre

9.5

Excellent

From $189

$

Lodge Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This lodge operates with a hydroelectric system that powers the lodge and provides water for its facilities without chemicals returned to the river. It utilizes solar hot water and reusable glass bottles. Rafiki Safari Lodge protects over 840 acres of lowland tropical forest as a biological corridor and actively involves the local community in its operations.

Questionnaire

Certifications:

TripAdvisor GreenLeaders

Savegre Biosphere member

Fonafifo

ASANA strategic alliance

Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?

Solar radiation

Hydro

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Green roof

Building materials from sustainable resources

The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning

The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating

Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)

Rainwater collection and usage

LED lighting throughout the premises

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Carbon footprint is measured by recognised CO2 measurement tool

Electric car charging station(s) available

Waste is separated into at least 3 categories

No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery

Organic waste is composted

Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced

A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
The lodge supports a local village. We provide an alternative source of revenue after the abolition of forestry and the decline of cattle industry. The lodge also protects over 600 acres of lowland tropical forest.

Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa

Resort in Uvita

9.2

Excellent

From $174

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Described as an eco-friendly and sustainable retreat. The architecture uses sustainable materials and is designed to minimize environmental impact and reduce energy consumption. The resort utilizes solar energy, collects rainwater for irrigation, and composts food waste. Buildings occupy only a small percentage of the land, preserving the surrounding jungle.

Santa Juana Lodge & Nature Reserve

Lodge in Quepos

9.5

Excellent

From $182

$

Lodge Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This lodge places a high value on sustainable tourism, with accommodations built from locally harvested timber. It actively supports local community programs and reforestation efforts, with net proceeds from tours and the lodge supporting initiatives in the County of Quepos. It also offers locally sourced, organic cuisine.

Luna Lodge

Lodge in Carate

9.3

Excellent

From $266

$

Lodge Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Luna Lodge is an eco-lodge and yoga retreat nestled in the rainforest of the Osa Peninsula, with over 75% of the property being conserved primary virgin forest. It is committed to sustainable travel, using 100% renewable energy from hydropower and solar panels. They utilize organic gardens, locally sourced meals, and eco-friendly products.

Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge - Adults Only

Hotel in Uvita

8.7

Very Good

From $229

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This eco-lodge was designed and built to minimize its environmental impact, using local artisans, recycled wood, and sustainable farm wood. The villas are elevated to protect the natural topography. The lodge uses biodegradable products, low-impact lighting, and has recycling and composting programs. Their restaurant focuses on organic, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.

Cloud Forest Lodge

Lodge in Monte Verde

9.2

Excellent

From $273

$

Lodge Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Cloud Forest Lodge is an ecolodge located within the Bellbird Biological Corridor, committed to preserving biodiversity and sustainable practices. It is part of the Böëna Wilderness Lodges collection focusing on conservation. The lodge has a 23-hectare private nature reserve, supports local communities, and uses naturally sourced amenities and solar-heated showers.

Selva Armonia Immersive Jungle Resort

Hotel in Uvita

9.3

Excellent

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This immersive jungle resort practices permaculture and grows its own organic produce. Its accommodations are thoughtfully designed with locally sourced materials to blend with the natural surroundings. The resort encourages guests to embrace eco-conscious living and offers gourmet plant-based cuisine.