Costa Rica is an eco-boutique and luxury destination, with a clear emphasis on being eco-friendly. What does this mean? Nature is the dominant reason for visiting Costa Rica and its protection should be the highest concern, especially for the tourism industry. To that end, the national Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST) programme has been successfully implemented in many tourism companies, including tour operators, hotels, and even small, local businesses. Social rights and animal protection are widely well-respected and enforced. This means that you won’t dive with dolphins, and there is a restriction on how closely you can observe whales, giving just two examples of conservation efforts.

Nature remains nature. As everywhere in the world, nature spectacles occur spontaneously (and we can’t help make them happen by pushing a button). You may facilitate good nature observation by walking quietly through the jungle, being patient at your observation point, and listening carefully to your guide’s information on the impressive circle of life and smart survival strategies of small creatures and plants. We promise you will be amazed!

Luxury features in nature hotels? Yes and no. You will find charming hotels and ecolodges at spectacular locations in Costa Rica, as well as luxury hotels along pristine beaches. The comfort level of the rooms is generally high, while architecture and decoration are often inspired by nature. Your travellers will find this appropriate and won’t miss fancy features they might have seen in destinations with more conservative hotel rooms. Top service and superb gastronomic experiences combine to create an unforgettable vacation.

Jungle guests: Staying in a secluded eco-boutique lodge means having an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Being surrounded by Mother Nature means that small insects are part of it and a certain acceptance of the possibility to find such a stowaway once in a while is fundamental. We recommend you to proactively look where you put your hands and feet, inside as well as outside. This applies especially for jungle lodges with partly open bungalows.

Dress code in Costa Rica? Most hotels, even in the luxury segment, don’t manage strict dress codes for dining. So, take it easy and pack light short and long trousers, as well as comfortable shirts.

Get involved: Costa Rica is all about hands-on-activities such as planting a tree, or helping prepare local dishes while chatting and laughing with the chef. It is all about choosing the right activities for specific interests and the type of client. Most guests who are open to interact with Ticos on a personal basis will enjoy being part of the adventure, even if this could mean getting wet or muddy. Relaxing afterwards might even feel more glorious, and guests will enjoy telling their exciting stories back home.

Costa Rica offers a diverse and high-quality selection of boutique and luxury hotels for the distinguished traveller.

Would your clients like to tee off right outside of their room? Widely recognised international brands like Four Seasons, JW Marriott, or The Westin, could be the perfect spot to fulfil these expectations.

For nature lovers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort, small distinctive lodges with excellent service, even on a 5-star-level, may be the perfect choice.

Some independent hotels belong to recognised collections, such as El Mangroove, a Marriott Autograph Collection; Tabacón Grand Spa and Thermal Resort, part of the Leading Hotels of the World; and Hacienda AltaGracia, an Auberge Resort.

We also would like to mention some of our favourite boutique hotels around the country:

The tropical Victorian-style city hotel Grano de Oro★★★★ in San José, with its elegant inner courtyard, offers delicious French Mediterranean and tropical influenced cuisine. With its award-winning wine cellar and spectacular suites, it is certainly one of the best addresses in town for both dining and lodging.

El Silencio Lodge★★★★★ is the perfect spot for lovers of mountain hotels. Feel the warmth inside the nature-inspired bungalows surrounded by the chilly air of the cloud forest of Bajos del Toro, a small village about 70 km from the capital. Fresh air will clean your lungs and a relaxed soak in the Jacuzzi on your bungalow porch will let you relax.

The Swiss-owned Lagarta Lodge★★★★ in Nosara, shines brightly after being completely renovated in December 2016. Gorgeous views over the Pacific Coast will stun you. While relaxing at the infinity-pool, your eyes will wander off to the tropical rainforest of the 35-hectare private reserve. Enjoy mesmerizing views of dramatic giant trees and mangroves, along with the sheer endless beaches of Nosara, Pelada, and Ostional, one of the world’s most important nesting grounds for Olive Ridley sea turtles.

The unique Pacuare Lodge★★★★ is an adventure in excellence! Have you ever reached your accommodation by river raft? The lodge is located at one of the world’s best destinations for whitewater rafting and kayaking, nestled in the pure jungle of the Pacuare River canyon. Without a doubt you will be surprised by the gastronomic experience and Deluxe Bungalows. Or would you prefer one of the huge, over 230-square-meter Suites or Villas with your own pool?

Many more choices like these around the country will create the perfect vacation. Don’t hesitate to ask for our advice on the best hotel selection for your unique client!