The Hotels--not your average list...
We have personally visited and hand-picked the following hotels for their unique blend of luxury, service, and commitment to their environment and community. See links to each hotel's efforts in their respective communities.
Finca Rosa Blanca
Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn is situated above the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica. Surrounded by towering “Higuerón” trees and exotic flora, the Inn offers spectacular views of volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations. Here at 4000 feet above sea level on a temperate plateau of extraordinary beauty,is grown some of the world’s best coffee in the lush volcanic soil. They have concentrated on an ambitious plan of recycling and regeneration, social consciousness and education. Because of their efforts, they have been awarded the maximum five green leaves from the Costa Rican Tourist Board for compliance with the CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism),
Learn about this hotel's commitment to the environment and community
Xandari Resort & Spa
Xandari Resort & Spa is a tropical paradise of 22 individually designed villas nestled on a 40 acre plantation overlooking the Central Valley of Costa Rica, and only 20 minutes from the San Jose International Airport. At an elevation of 3900 feet (1200 meters), Xandari enjoys a near–perfect temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year. Our spa village is set in a tropical garden and includes 5 private palm–roofed jalapas with jacuzzis and a picturesque view of the Central Valley. Enjoy a massage, mud wrap, facial, and various exotic body treatments with a distinctive Costa Rican flavor. Xandari Resort & Spa was named by World Travel Award as Costa Rica’s Leading Spa Resort.
Learn about this hotel’s commitment to the environment and community
Kioro
Enjoy sweeping views of the Volcano from your room. This 5 star hotel and resort has 27 acres of undulating land, surrounded by two streams ( La Palma and Kioro) with crystalline waters that begin to flow in the Arenal Volcano National Park. The hotel ensures the conservation of the surrounding natural beauties and the socio economic development of its personnel, while providing a first-class service.
Learn about this hotel's commitment to the environment and community
Hotel Punta Islita
Inlaid in a pristine outpost of Costa Rica ’s Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste, Hotel Punta Islita interweaves nature, community, and the art of luxurious travel all into one. Fantastic rugged surroundings including miles of hiking trails ideal for monkey safaris. Stay in a luxurious double room or rent a small villa or home rental. Superb dining, a full range of activities, golfing, spa and quiet beach time make this hotel a must. Punta Islita puts itself in a category of its own when it comes to Sustainable Tourism efforts. It actively encourages preservation of local culture, fosters economic opportunity, and promotes responsible stewardship of its resources. During the complimentary We Care Tour, guests learn about the positive effect their visit has on the local communities and the strategies employed to minimize the environmental impact.
Gaia
Gaia Hotel and Reserve - Located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, is an adults only luxury boutique beach 5 star hotel and resort and a member of "Small Luxury Hotels of the World". The Gaia Hotel achieves an ideal blend of modern amenities and natural scenery. Nestled in the magnificent coastal forests of Costa Rica, the hotel’s well-appointed, terraced suites and villas offer views of lush and pristine wild surroundings that are beyond compare. The hotel sits on a vast tract of lowland coastal forest, teeming with spectacular and rare wildlife. Originally serving as the site of Jardín Gaia, a center for native orchids conservation and endangered wildlife rehabilitation, today the land remains set aside as a refuge for these many precious species.
Arenas del Mar
Arenas del Mar is a beach and nature resort located next to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. "Unique and spectacular beach and nature experiences combined with highest levels of comfort and sustainability in a local Costa Rican setting" define the concept of Arenas del Mar Beach Hotel.This Manuel Antonio resort caters to tourists that are looking for more than just another high end resort experience. Arenas del Mar Hotel offers a luxurious lodging experience in harmony with Costa Rica's nature in a spectacular beach and rainforest setting. Guest rooms, apartments and suites offer spectacular ocean views, upscale dining in two hotel restaurants with a focus on fresh local products and personalized service that exceeds guest expectations.
Learn about this hotel's commitment to the environment and community
Lapa Rios
Recognized as one of the premier eco-lodges in the World – this is a true experience. No cell phones, no TVs…only the jungle sounds allowed. Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios is built in true harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment. The area surrounding the hotel is prized for its biodiversity, soon to be named a world heritage site. Lapa Rios is certified by the country’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism program and has received the highest level of leaves. It has been consistently voted as one of Latin America’s top resorts by Conde Naste, Travel & Leisure, and Andrew Harper.
Learn about this hotel's commitment to the environment and community
Rancho Pacifico
2008 World Travel Award nominee - Leading Green Hotel - Latin and Central America. Where adventure meets style....and the rainforest meets the sea..... An adult-exclusive paradise hideaway in Costa Rica's last-best place.High on a seaside mountaintop, overlooking Ballena Natl Marine Park, the Whales Tail & the Osa Peninsula, & surrounded by a 250 acre tropical preserve lies a unique, small luxury EcoHotel & Spa. Enjoy unrivaled
hospitality, space & Zen-modern design in 1, 2 or 3 BR deluxe villas.
Harmony Hotel
The Harmony Hotel is the perfect combination of low-key luxury, nature, wellness and sustainability. Situated on the Guiones beach in Nosara, Costa Rica (a spot well renowned for its beautiful surroundings and impressive surf), the Harmony Hotel is an excellent place for guests to unwind, relax and get in tune with their natural rhythm. The Harmony Hotel works diligently to preserve the natural environment surrounding Guiones as well as showcase sustainable development and tourism in a fashionable and attractive manner, proving that sustainability and style truly can go hand-in-hand.
Learn about this hotel’s commitment to the environment and community
Hotel Fonda Vela
The Hotel Fonda Vela is located in beautiful Monteverde, famous for its rare and gorgeous cloud forest and friendly community. On the Hotel property, you will find lush forests and verdant pastures that are excellent for birding and hiking. We maintain over a kilometer of nature trails. In this tranquil setting, you can often see parrots and toucans that come to feed in the wild fruit trees. During certain months, the Fonda Vela is an excellent place to see Resplendent Quetzals and Three-wattled Bellbirds. Two kilometers away is the world famous, 10,500-hectare (26,000 acres) Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The Fonda Vela Hotel has nine buildings nestled in the beautifully landscaped property. Each is designed with natural lighting, privacy and warmth. All have large windows, with views of our forest, bringing the outside beauty into each luxurious, comfortable and cozy room.
Learn about this hotel’s commitment to the environment and community
El Silencio Lodge & Spa
El Silencio Lodge & Spa is a planet-friendly sanctuary for soft adventure and inspired wellness. Silencio, Spanish for “silence”, is befitting of a destination where daily stress is hushed and the sounds of nature bloom. Explore and enjoy five hundred private acres of carbon-offsetting tropical cloud forest in Costa Rica’s crisp central volcanic region. El Silencio Lodge & Spa has been selected by the editors of both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as one of 2008’S most exciting new hotels in the world.
Learn about this hotel’s commitment to the environment and community
Pacuare Lodge
At the Pacuare Lodge you will experience the beauty and serenity of our lodge nestled in the rainforest on the bank of Costa Rica’s spectacular Pacuare River. The Pacuare Lodge’s eco-friendly bungalows are surrounded by exuberant tropical foliage, nestled between the river and our private nature reserve, which conserves 300 hectares (740 acres) of primary rainforest. The buildings are made of wood from tree farms and palm thatch collected in the rainforest by our Cabecar Indian neighbors. Each bungalow combines sustainable practices such as solar-heated water and low-impact septic systems with comforts such as orthopedic mattresses and spacious bathrooms. At the Pacuare Lodge, you can bird watch, hike, swim, fish, explore the rainforest canopy, visit a traditional indigenous community, or simply relax.
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