Überblick:

An extraordinary beachfront resort situated in the beaches of Manuel Antonio.

This incomparable Costa Rican hotel was designed and built with an ambitious combination of deluxe accommodations coupled with the highest level of certified sustainability.

Arenas Del Mar is a beach and nature resort located adjacent 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 and Nature Resort.

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 expectations.

Arenas Del Mar is the perfect base from which to explore the area around Manuel Antonio and Quepos on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Tours and activities offered in the area include whitewater rafting, mangrove kayak and boat tours, guided rainforest hikes, ocean kayaking, catch and release sport fishing, Canopy Tours and horseback riding excursions.

Sustainability is a key component of the concept at all levels of the operation and the Certification for Sustainable Tourism-a program designed by the Costa Rican Tourism ministry-served as a guide for the building and continues to drive the operation of the hotel. Arenas Del Mar minimizes the impact on the surrounding nature, while maximizing the positive economic impact on the local community through employment and support for schools and Costa Rican culture.

Other hotel facilities include a luxurious spa located below the main restaurant with breathtaking views of Manuel Antonio National Park and the Pacific Ocean, a gift shop featuring local art and souvenirs and a state of the art business center near the hotel lobby.

Zimmertypen:

Guest rooms at Arenas Del Mar were designed to provide stunning views of Manual Antonio National Park, the Pacific Ocean, our private beaches or surrounding rainforests. Our standard in room amenities include king size beds and spacious bathrooms, hair dryers and our own organic soaps, lotions and shampoos. Every room also offers high speed internet, cable television, mini-bar, safe deposit box, coffee maker, irons and ironing boards, and closet space. What guests enjoy the most are the private decks where they enjoy breathtaking views and the sounds and sights of the rainforest.

* Please note that all our rooms are non smoking, that our only fully air conditioned rooms are our Rainforest Suites and that the only rooms in which we can guarantee the view are in our Ocean View Premium Suites and our Ocean View Superior Room

While you are planning your trip, be sure to take into consideration staying at least 4 nights with us so you can get the best of your stay in Manuel Antonio and experience the variety of things to do and see.

Ocean View Premium Suite

Our Ocean View Premium Suites were designed to provide the most eco-luxury accommodations in Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast. Each suite offers a fully air-conditioned bedroom, a large living area with ceiling fans, two bathrooms and a spacious deck with a private hot tub. This is an excellent suite for sharing as there is also a pull out sofa bed in the living area. The unique feel of the breeze and sound of the waves of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding Rainforest plus services such as DVD Player, personalized mini bar, microwave, wireless phone and iPod docks is what make up these incomparable rooms. While there are many reasons to leave your suite, we designed it so you won’t have to or want to. These Suites can host up to 3 people maximum (third person sleeping in sofa bed).
*The full size pull-out sofa is located on living area with ceiling fans (no air conditioning).

Ocean Breeze Suites 

The Ocean Breeze Suites offer a fully air-conditioned bedroom as well as a large living area with ceiling fans, a full size pull-out sofa, mini bar and a large bathroom. The private hot tub on the deck of the suite is the perfect spot to relax surrounded by the rainforest and sea breezes and listening to the ocean waves. Most Ocean Breeze Suites can host up to 3 people maximum.
*The full size pull-out sofa is located on living area with ceiling fans (no air conditioning).

Ocean View Superior Rooms 

Perfect for couples or two guests, the Ocean View Superior Rooms have an air conditioned bedroom, a spacious bathroom and offer the best ocean views along with our Premium View Suites. These rooms also offer a private outdoor deck, DVD Player, personalized mini bar, microwave, wireless phone and iPod docks for your personal use. These rooms can host up to 2 people maximum.    

Ocean Breeze Superior Rooms 

Our Superior Rooms have an air conditioned bedroom, a complete bathroom and all our standard amenities. The feature deck space overlooks the rainforest and beaches and has direct contact to the sea breezes. The Superior Rooms can host up to 2 people maximum.

Rainforest Suites

The Rainforest Suites are spacious one bedroom suites with separate living room area with sofa bed. Along with our standard amenities, all Rainforest Suites are fully air-conditioned and feature one bathroom and a full size Jacuzzi situated in an outdoor terrace. These Rainforest Suites can host up to 3 people maximum and is a favourite with families with young children.

Connecting Rooms        

As a convenient family option we recommend you our ‘connecting rooms’, offering more than 1650 square feet (150 square meters) of living space with spectacular ocean, rainforest and beach views. Two air-conditioned bedrooms with one king size bed in each room, very spacious decks, as well as a large living area with ceiling fans, a full size pull-out sofa, mini bar and three full bathrooms, all with a shared main door. Here we can host up to 5 people comfortably.
*The full size pull-out sofa is located on living area with ceiling fans (no air conditioning).
       

Due to our need to accommodate different arrival and departure dates and on occasions the health and fitness of guests (who have not informed us in advance of their special needs), we cannot guarantee reservations for specific rooms. We will note your request for an ocean view or beach front room and we will make every attempt to fulfill your request, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee it. However, all the views at Arenas Del Mar are stunning and unique and every room is caressed with the magical lullaby of the waves while you sleep in our state of the art beds. We will do everything possible to make sure that you enjoy your stay with us. Thank you for your understanding!

Details:

Top 10 ‘Do Not Miss’ Things To Do at Arenas Del Mar

   1. Have lunch in the sand at Playitas Beach while enjoying the sound of the waves and the sea breezes.  

   2. Walk along Espadillas Beach to Manuel Antonio National Park and hike through the rainforest with a local guide pointing out sloth, monkeys and exotic birds.

   3. Unwind in the Jacuzzi of the Ocean Breeze Suite while looking out into the rainforest and enjoying spectacular Pacific sunsets.

   4. Have one of our famous Tico Sours at the Mirador Bar and have fun with our enthusiastic Tico bartenders.

   5. Be lulled by the sounds of the sea with a massage on the beach.  

   6. Experience the forest from its richest perspective on a canopy tour high above the treetops.

   7. Catch white faced capuchin and squirrel monkeys swinging through the trees while you savor authentic Costa Rican dining at El Mirador Restaurant.

   8. Go on the Sustainability Tour and learn about sustainable tourism in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, and how it can be incorporated into your own life.

   9. Enjoy much more thank just “drinks by the pool” at Playitas or El Mirador with spectacular beach, rainforest and ocean view settings.

  10. Relax and enjoy, you are on vacation!

We have found that an increasing number of travelers today seek an experience that goes beyond the standard tourist vacation.  As a guest at Arenas Del Mar, we invite you to have a truly unique and authentic Costa Rican experience and Experience, Learn, Connect and Relax.   

Experience, Learn, Connect and Relax at Arenas Del Mar

Experience

• Hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park or through the self guided trail.
• Laying out on the isolated beach of Playitas - feeling of total escape.
• Looking out from the view of the balcony and feeling the nearby ocean breeze.
• Watching white faced monkeys swing through the trees while eating breakfast in El Mirador.
• Relaxing in a Jacuzzi while looking out into the rainforest, the ocean or a perfect sunset.
• Wandering through the gardens and jungles and arriving at Playa Espadilla.
• Enjoying an elegant tropical drink at El Mirador Bar as typical music plays in the background.
• Waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys in the morning.
• Planting a tree in the private reserve.
• Dancing at the bailes típicos.

Learn

• Ecology of the rainforest with a local guide (or simply by wandering around the property and learning about the different plants on site).
• How to dance at the bailes típicos.
• About local Costa Rican culture.
• About community projects and environmental projects in Manuel Antonio.
• How to make tortillas.
• About typical fruits, vegetables and Costa Rican dishes.
• Sustainability in Arenas Del Mar, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, the world and how it can be incorporated into your everyday life.

Connect

• Making tortillas every Sunday morning.
• Walking with a local guide through the rain forest.
• Dancing with typical music at the bailes típicos.
• Planting a tree.
• Participating at the Green Drinks.

Relax

• By the pool in Playitas or El Mirador with a fresh, tropical drink.
• At the Jacuzzi on your private deck.
• Sleeping in your room´s luxurious bed.
• Getting a massage in Las Brisas Spa.

The Beaches of
Arenas Del Mar and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Arenas Del Mar is blessed with two unparalleled beaches; Playa Espadilla and Playitas Beach which are contiguous with the property of the hotel. All beaches in Costa Rica are considered public beaches under the law and therefore we have no jurisdiction over their use but our guests are most welcome to use these lovely stretches of waterfront.

Playa Espadilla

This is the stunning beach on the south side of the grounds with natural rock outcroppings protecting warm tide pools and where tropical shore birds are seen to roost. The natural jungle which surrounds Arenas Del Mar touches the sand, offering natural shade where you can relax in comfort while watching the glorious panorama of the waves breaking onto the shore. This beach is 2 kilometers long and connects to the National Park, which makes it ideal for taking a long walk or run and yet is secluded and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean with its 85 degree water. We recommend this beach for those with children and for guests who would like to take walks, swim or surf and enjoy the wonderful view of the National Park, which is at the end of the bay. If you wish to use this beach we will take you and pick you up by electric car or you are welcome to walk the road or by a lovely path through the jungle which arrives at the entrance to the beach. If you plan on spending the day, we can pack a lunch for your family so you can enjoy the whole day uninterrupted at this beautiful sandy beach. Our guests are welcome to use the bathrooms at our Welcome Pavilion which is only 100 meters from the entrance.

Playitas

This is the spectacular but cozy beach on the north side of the grounds which ends at Punta Quepos, a peninsula of primary forest and beautiful rock formations. This beach was previously a European-style, clothing-optional beach before we began the project and although very uncommon, you may still see some “au natural” bathing at the end of the beach. However Arenas Del Mar is asking that all beachgoers wear bathing suits in accordance with the law of Costa Rica. This beach is recommended for adults and those who are accustomed to this kind of sunbathing. There is a bar/restaurant close by and a swimming pool for those who wish to watch the ocean but prefer to swim in fresh water.

Either beach affords a memorable experience so depending upon your needs or life style, Arenas Del Mar has the right option for you and your family.

Culinary Highlights

Arenas del Mar features two gourmet restaurants famous for their use of seasonal ingredients and local foods featuring Costa Rican Cuisine with an international flavor.

El Mirador Restaurant

El Mirador Restaurant hangs over the Espadilla Beach with its white sand beaches and the sparkling Pacific Ocean and overlooks the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. Gorgeous sunsets can be enjoyed along with fantastic fresh lobster, squid, sea bass, and other delicacies at this authentic full-service Costa Rican fusion restaurant.

Breakfast
Whenever you choose to enjoy your breakfast you can look forward to fresh fruits with home - made granola and a bakery basket brimming with a freshly baked display of assorted muffins and breads. A typical Costa Rican breakfast including homemade corn tortillas and Tico farmers cheese, will satisfy your hunger as you enjoy the sounds of the rainforest and the waves below.

Dinner
Our chef’s philosophy is simplicity with a twist, using authentic Costa Rican recipes and local ingredients in an extensive collection of delicious and innovative dishes.

El Mirador Bar

Our bar menu includes a great variety of natural and Costa Rican style drinks such as horchata made with rice, milk, cinnamon and peanuts or a refreshing agua de sapo that combines the flavors of lime, ginger and cane syrup. And nothing satisfies your thirst better than our guaro mojito prepared with aguardiente, typical Costa Rican liquor made with sugarcane.
Aside from our extensive New World wine selection from Argentina and Chile you also can enjoy the sunset sipping a delicious espresso or cappuccino made with the best organic shade grown coffee from Finca Rosa Blanca in Santa Barbara, Heredia. Our bartenders will be waiting to serve you with their characteristic Tico enthusiasm.
Playitas Restaurant and Bar
Situated next to Arenas del Mar’s secluded white sand Playitas beach, guests can choose their favorite drink or cocktail of the day and enjoy the sound of the waves and the sea breezes. We offer light but elegant foods just steps away from one of the world’s most spectacular beaches, surrounded by rain forests with white faced monkeys chattering, Howler monkeys bellowing and above, and sloths lazing in the trees.

Room Service

You will find an extensive Room Service Menu, catering to your every need and desire. You can choose from appetizers, entrees, snacks, specialty coffees, a selection of teas and desserts all of which you can enjoy in the comfort of your private guest room or suite. Room service beverages include wines, beer & liqueur along with mixer and soft drinks.

Private Romantic Dinner

At Arenas Del Mar we enjoy helping honeymoon couples create unforgettable experiences, reason why we would also like to offer you our In-Room Dinner, a romantic option that could definitely be one of the highlights of your stay with us. Dinner includes setting of the ideal atmosphere, private service, 3 course dinner for the two of you and a bottle of house wine.
To enjoy this spectacular service, we recommend making a reservation 48 hours in advance. You can also request the romantic dinner by adding it to the notes section on the reservations form.
You can live this memorable loving experience only for $210 plus taxes which should be pre-paid with your room reservation.
*only available in Ocean View Premium Suites, Ocean Breeze Suites, Playitas Beach and Playitas Restaurant.

Full Board Options

Take advantage of a complete relaxation on your stay with us with our full board options. Lunch at Playitas Restaurant and Dinner at El Mirador include appetizer, main course, desert and one non alcoholic beverage you will be able to choose from our complete a la carte menu. Please ask our Reservations Department for prices.

Eco Honeymoon & Sustainable Weddings

Honeymoon

Arenas Del Mar is the perfect honeymoon escape, featuring spacious suites with spectacular views and an outdoor jacuzzi. Manuel Antonio, one of the most beautiful National parks in the world, offers not only beach and ocean activities, but a great combination of restaurants, night life, rainforest and beaches.

Costa Rica has become a preferred destination for the new generation of "active honeymooners" that want more than just cocktails by the pool. A Costa Rican Honeymoon allows you to combine rainforest adventures with relaxing moments on the beach, all in a safe and luxurious environment.

At Arenas Del Mar, we have become specialists in helping honeymoon couples create unforgettable experiences. The private setting of Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort in its private rainforest reserve within walking distance to secluded beaches and spectacular ocean views is the ideal setting for couples to decompress after the hectic days of getting married.

Favorite activities for honeymoon couples include horseback riding on the beach or in the rainforest, whitewater rafting excursions to the nearby tropical rivers, Canopy tours (ziplines through the tops of the rainforest) and the dolphin watch tour in the Pacific Ocean.

One of Arenas Del Mar signature services is a candlelight dinner, sure to be a memorable experience for couples sharing a romantic vacation. Perfect for honeymoons or anniversaries, or just to share a loving occasion with that special someone, this extremely personalized service is a unique opportunity to experience dinner in a glorious setting.

Let us take care of your honeymoon arrangements for you. We can book airport transfers, domestic flights from San Jose, and make recommendations on where to stay in San Jose while assisting you with tour arrangements here in Manuel Antonio.

Weddings at Arena Del Mar: On the beach and in the Rainforest

When you think of your wedding at a memorable place on the beach, there is no other like Arenas Del Mar. Surrounded by nature and lulled by the ocean´s breezes, you will enjoy all of our luxurious facilities, plus the opportunity to hold your ceremony right on our secluded white sand beach with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Howler monkeys and sloths might be watching you getting married as the lush tropical rainforest of Costa Rica is your natural backdrop.

Experience the excellent cuisine of our creative chef, stay in a comfortable Premium Suite with breathtaking views, let us pamper you at our Las Brisas Spa or simply enjoy a bottle of champagne in the romantic Jacuzzi on your private deck. Whatever it is you imagine for your perfect wedding, Arenas Del Mar will make it possible for you!

Couples that have gotten married at Arenas del Mar in the past have especially enjoyed the attention to detail and personalized service provided by our staff. We are happy to work with your personal wedding planner or recommend a trusted professional here in Costa Rica to you. The facilities at Arenas del Mar are best for small weddings of up to 60 to 75 guests, but we are also happy to hold a very private ceremony just for you and your partner.

We will be glad to provide you with your fantasy wedding and look forward to hosting such a special event. Please contact us and let us know what you are looking for and how we can assist you.  Please also ask us about honeymoon destinations that would make the perfect combination with your wedding at Arenas del Mar. 

Green Your Wedding at Arenas Del Mar

Why Host a Green Wedding?   Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. If you care about the planet, why not integrate your principles into your big day? With the average cost of a US wedding running at around $20,000 it seems obvious that weddings have a huge footprint, both ecological and economical. By taking a look at the bigger picture, you can move beyond the usual decadence and consumption to create a truly personal and sustainable celebration that will truly make a difference and inspire others to follow.

Las Brisas Spa

Immerse yourself in luxury and enjoy our sumptuous treatments and relaxing massages while being lulled by the sounds of the sea and the breezes flowing through Las Brisas Spa. Our professional masseuses offer a relaxing and natural selection of massage, facials, wraps and scrubs as well as manicures, pedicures and depilation services. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is a good idea to reserve your massage or treatment early.

Family Vacation at Arenas Del Mar

Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s most famous National Park and a great destination for those families looking to experience the rainforest.  It offers not only beach and ocean activities, but a great combination of restaurants, night life, rainforest and beaches. White water rafting, canopy tours, ocean kayaking, mangrove and dolphin tours, night walks and hikes are just a few of the many outdoor activities offered in the area.
Located within eleven acres of rain forest, you will have the opportunity to observe abundant wildlife such as white-faced capuchin monkeys and sloths. The property sits above the Pacific Ocean and overlooks the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. It is also privileged to have access to two pristine beaches just a few steps away from your room.
In particular, Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort is the perfect place to enjoy a few days of adventure and fun, offering you board games & boogie boards, delicious children’s menu options in both restaurants and tours & activities suitable for the whole family.
 

Reiseveranstalter/Unterkunftsanbieter

Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort
P.O. Box 311-6350
Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas,

Nachhaltigkeit:

At Arenas Del Mar, we define the term sustainable tourism as:

 
"Responsible travel that conserves the environment 
and improves the well-being of local people."

We seek to demonstrate that a world class resort can be successfully combined with the highest levels of sustainability. Working with Costa Rica’s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST), Arenas Del Mar is truly an exemplary project for tourism worldwide.

Environmental Stewardship

Onsite Sustainability Features

At Arenas Del Mar, sustainability has been a key feature since the planning and construction phase. Sustainable features of the physical property itself include: 

• Solar panels to heat hot water coupled with energy saving auxiliary water heaters.
• Underground electricity systems that do not interfere with surrounding wildlife.
• Chlorine free ionization systems to clean pool water.
• Energy efficient lighting and illumination throughout the entire property.
• Extensive recycling programs.
• Recycling and waste management system.
• Advanced wastewater treatment systems which assure that all water leaving our properties will not affect the surrounding water sources.
• Use of low-flow toilets.
• The use of electric cars on property that significantly reduce our carbon emissions.
• Roof tiles made from discarded plastic bags from the banana industry.
• Recycled materials used throughout the property.
• An advanced vermiculture-based compost system to recycle organic waste.
• Onsite soap production made from leftover cooking oil from the hotel kitchen.
• Non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.
• Support of local artists and businesses throughout the gift shop and spa.
• Plant a Tree Program.
• Donations made to local organizations that promote reforestation and the protection of squirrel monkeys.
• Native plants nursery.
• Hydroponic garden on the hotel property.
• And much more!

Conservation

The total construction of Arenas Del Mar covers less than 25% of the property itself; the rest has become a private nature reserve that acts as an ecological corridor to expand the area surrounding Manuel Antonio National Park (one of Costa Ricas most popular national parks and home to monkeys, sloths, rare birds and other creatures of the rainforest).  

The hotel was built along a narrow strip on the waters edge of the property where there was no forest and has conserved more than 75% of the land and will continue to do so through the generation of funds via sustainable tourism activities. Arenas Del Mar was built on what used to be a plantain farm which had a lot of early growth secondary forest springing up around the farmed areas. Over the last 20 years, we have planted thousands of native trees and endemic plants that would have been found in the area before it was converted to agriculture. During these last two decades, the land was conserved by protecting it from squatters, trophy seekers (orchids and other valuable plant life) erosion and mono-culture agriculture through vigilance and reforestation. Since our opening, we have been participating in an extensive reforestation program, planting over 7000 native species of trees on the property. 

It is almost impossible to see our hotel from the beach or even overhead from the air because of the way in which we have used coloration and the integration of the flora of the area. In fact several of the roofs have trees penetrating the eaves because we did not want to cut any trees to construct the building itself. The restaurant and spa were built around the configuration of the trees so it almost disappears into the canopy where it is integrated. We used three different colored roofing shingles and recycled plastic tiles which were designed and fabricated to blend in with the local coloration of flora of the area. The materials in the construction are used for seismic security and no tractors of any kind were used to prepare the earth so as to refrain as much as possible from negative construction impact. 

Community Development

We believe that the participation of our local communities is integral to forming a successful plan for sustainable tourism and development.

At Arenas Del Mar, Guest Generosity Means New School Supplies for a Local School.

The Sustainable Guest Experience

At Arenas del Mar, we work to provide our guests with unique experiences that allow them to learn about our work in conservation and sustainable tourism, connecting them with local cultures and inspiring them to incorporate sustainability and environmental awareness into their own lives.  Some of our programs include: 

• The Sustainability Tour
• Cultural Highlights
• Folkloric Dances
• Eco-friendly Amenities
• Carbon Offsets
• Bamboo Straws
• Good Environmental Habits to Take Home

Geotourism

According to National Geographic´s Center for Sustainable Destinations, “geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. Geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism—that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations—while allowing for ways to protect a place's character. Geotourism also takes a principle from its ecotourism cousin,—that tourism revenue should promote conservation—and extends it to culture and history as well, that is, all distinctive assets of a place.”

Since its construction, Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort has worked diligently to become a geotourism destination by participating in the following activities:

• Working towards the conservation and reforestation of Manuel Antonio
• Supporting environmental education efforts in the surrounding community
• Providing guests with ample information about local culture and customs
• Promoting and encouraging manifestations of local culture, including:
• Hosting traditional artisans in the lodge to promote their work
• Sponsoring a traditional dance troupe
• Incorporating local dishes, flavors and ingredients into its menu offerings
• Striving to achieve the highest levels of sustainability in its operations and architecture by installing technologies such as solar panels, non-chlorinated pool cleaning systems, worm-based composting and more
• Promoting the concept of sustainable development among neighbors and local community members
• Working with Costa Rica´s prestigious Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST)
• And much more!

The Lapa Rios Environmental Strategy

1. Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of Architecture and Landscaping that Lapa Rios has avoided

• Deterioration of natural beauty through concrete buildings like in Cancun, Mexico; Pattaya, Thailand and Costa del Sol, Spain.
• Informs and educates guests, staff and locals on natural and cultural issues of the area.
• Non-consideration of passive design in cooling systems and therefore dependence on air-conditioning systems.
• Use of imported plants rather than native species and extensive use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.

2. Improving Architecture and Landscaping

• The Lapa Rios infrastructure “blends” into the local environment.
• No air-conditioning needed because of use of local architectural styles and passive design.
• All landscaped land used to be cow pasture. Mostly native plants used in landscapin.

3. Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of Construction Materials that Lapa Rios has avoided

• High transportation costs to bring in materials from other areas or countries.
• Use of natural resources such as sand from beaches or rocks from riverbeds to make cement damages ecosystems.

4. Choosing appropriate Construction Materials

• 70 percent of materials used to build Lapa Rios are renewable materials.
• Use of as little cement and solid materials as possible (i.e. windows are all open, no paved walkways, etc.)
• Lapa Rios has planted over 25,000 suita palms to replace the palm roofs in the future.

5. Guest Education and Involvement

• Often negative impacts on the local culture and ecology caused by guests arise from the fact that they know little or nothing of the local culture or ecology.
• Lapa Rios revolves around local culture and ecology and from the moment the guest takes a look at the lodge’s website to the moment he walks into his bungalow for the first time, he or she is already well informed about possible negative impacts (webpage info, orientation, written materials, etc.).
• Guests are encouraged to get to know life in the local community through organized visits to the Carbonara School and the town of Puerto Jimenez.

6. Potential Adverse Social Impacts of Local Resource Use that Lapa Rios has avoided

• Large-scale developments in relatively underdeveloped areas put a great deal of pressure on local resources such as water, energy and sewage treatment.
• Tourism development might bring inflation in real estate prices and availability of basic food staples.
• Lapa Rios, on purposed, was designed to be small and low impact. It takes its water from it’s own rainforest spring, generates its own electricity and has its own solid waste and sewage treatment systems.
• Hotel employees are offered food and lodging at subsidized prices and get assistance in financial transaction such as real estate purchases or loan acquisitions.

7. Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of Energy Use that Lapa Rios has avoided

• Fossil fuels, as used for the diesel generators, can cause environmental damage during transport and use.
• Large amounts of fossil fuels burned to power air-conditioning and other “luxuries” pollute the local environment and potentially add to the global warming effect.

8. Improving Energy Use Practices

• Lapa Rios was designed small and in a way that does not require air-conditioning units in the rooms and public spaces, therefore using minimum amounts of electricity.
• Lapa Rios keeps use of electricity at a minimum and maintains two small, efficient diesel generators. In order not to exceed energy levels needed, some of the refrigeration equipment is turned off during “peak” hours of the day and guests and employees are constantly reminded to save energy.
• Water for the guest rooms is heated by solar power during the sunny months and gas heaters as back up in rainy seaso.

9. Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of Water Use that Lapa Rios has avoided

• Excessive water use can destroy and degrade water resources, threatening environmental and human health and diminishing availability for meeting local needs.

10. Improving Water Use Practices

• Lapa Rios is using a small portion of the water that is “produced” by several springs in its nature reserve. No negative impact to rivers or the neighboring community has been observed during the monitoring period of the last four years.
• Guests and employees are constantly reminded to save water, especially during the dry season month of December through April. The watersheds and pipes are strictly monitored on a regular basis for leakage and water saving devices are installed at the hotel.

11. Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of Solid Waste that Lapa Rios has avoided

• Solid waste produced by hotels can cause serious contamination and visual degradation of surrounding areas, threaten human health and represent significant disposal costs.
• Traditional tourists produce far more solid waste than private households.
• In costal areas, solid waste problems arise around rivers flowing into the ocean and polluting the water and beaches.

12. Improving Solid Waste Disposal and Product Purchasing Practices

• Lapa Rios’ waste management system is one of the most sophisticated in the country leaving only minimal amounts of solid waste to be deposited in the municipal dump in Puerto Jimenez.
• The program evolves around the three “R’s” of reducing, reusing and recycling solid waste.
• Lapa Rios minimizes packaging, buys in bulk, recycles, uses reusable products and composts organic waste.

13. Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of Wastewater and Sewage that Lapa Rios has avoided

• Inadequate or non-existent sewage and wastewater treatment can lead to severe environmental damage, human health impacts and economic costs.

14. Improving Wastewater and Sewage Treatment

• Lapa Rios makes a strong effort to avoid products that negatively influence wastewater. For example, all detergents used are biodegradable.
• All wastewater is directed into underground septic tanks that are located throughout the hotel’s grounds and then filtered into the grounds through drain fields. No wastewater enters rivers or oceans surrounding Lapa Rios.
• Due to the abundance of rainfall on the Osa Penninsula and the elevated costs of installing water treatment plants, no treated wastewaters are used for the irrigation of the gardens at Lapa Rios

15. Potential Social Impacts of Tourist Presence that Lapa Rios has avoided

• When tourism is not developed in a culturally sensitive manner, the presence of tourists can result in a unwanted changes, anger and conflicts in local communities.

16. Improving Tourist Interaction with Local People

• Staff at Lapa Rios Ecolodge is made up almost exclusively of residents from the Osa Peninsula. Lapa Rios is the driving force behind elementary school education in the southern part tip of the Osa Peninsula.
• Only locals are employed at Lapa Rios. Lapa Rios is the driving force behind elementary school education in the southern part tip of the Osa Penninsual.
• Guests are constantly educated about the different culture and acceptable behaviors.

17. Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of Tourist Transportation that Lapa Rios has avoided

• Poorly maintained and operated transportation can cause noise, pollution and habitat degradation.

18. Improving Tourist Transportation Practices

• Vehicle access is restricted to very limited areas at Lapa Rios.
• Vehicles used for transportation are in perfect mechanical conditions and exchanged for new cars every two to three years.
• Car pooling is done, even for guests, whenever possible.

19. Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of Recreational Activities that Lapa Rios has avoided

• Even low impact recreational activities can have significant cumulative environmental impacts if not carefully controlled.

20. Improving Recreational Activities

• Guests at Lapa Rios understand their role in conserving the rainforest through orientations, written materials and guide explanations.
• Tours in the nature reserve are only allowed with a trained Lapa Rios guide. Maximum of 8 persons per hike, per day. No touching or feeding of wildlife allowed.
• No motor based recreational activities in the reserve or at the beach (like four wheelers, etc.).

21. Supporting Projects that Benefit the Local Community

• Lapa Rios employs only local people for its full time staff, even in management positions.
• Lapa Rios built and supports the Carbonera Elementary School.
• Lapa Rios is involved in community projects such as the Puerto Jimenez Library, School activities, etc.
• Lapa Rios supports local art sales (native art), local tours (kayaking, horseback riding, etc.) and conservation programs (turtles).

CST - Zertifikat für nachhaltigen Tourismus in Costa Rica

Das Zertifikat für nachhaltigen Tourismus - CST wurde vom nationalen Tourismusinstitut Costa Ricas (ICT) initiiert, um  touristische Unternehmen nach dem Grad ihres Engagements in Umweltschutz, Kultur und Gesellschaft zu bewerten.

Das CST ist in vier grundlegende Bereiche unterteilt:

1. Umwelt

Dieser bewertet die  Unternehmen nach ihrem Einklang mit der Umwelt und ihren Einsatz im Umweltschutz.

2. Nachhaltige Wasserwirtschaft  (für Hotels)

Hier werden die Unternehmen nach ihrem internen Richtlinien  und Bedingungen für Abwasser, Abfall und Energiesparen bemessen.

2. Gestion de servicio (für Reiseveranstalter)

Darunter versteht man den Prozeß, den die Unternehmen entwickelt haben, um ihre touristischen Produkte  mit Berücksichtigung auf Land, Kultur, Gesellschaft und Nachfrage der Touristen zu vermarkten.

3. Kunde

Diese bewerten die Aktionen der touristischen Unternehmen, um ihre Kunden an dem Programm des nachhaltigen Tourismus zu beteiligen.

4. sozioökonomische Umfeld

Dieser Bereich bewertet die Unternehmen in Bezug auf ihre Zusammenarbeit mit den lokalen Gemeinden, der Schaffung von neuen Arbeitsplätzen und ihres Engagment für die Gesellschaft.

Nachhaltigkeitslevel

Der CST- Standard stellt die Grundlage dar, auf der die Unternehmen bewertet werden. Dabei werden bis zu fünf Blättern verliehen, vergleichbar mit der Kategorisierung von Hotels mit Sternen.

Eine nationale Akkreditierungskommission ist das bestimmende Organ bei der Verleihung der CST- Zertifizierung. Sie besteht aus Vertretern des wissenschaftlichen, privaten und öffentlichen Sektors sowie aus Vertretern internationaler Organisationen. Zudem überwacht die Kommission zertifizierte Unternehmen und stellt sicher, dass die Anforderungen kontinuierlich erfüllt werden.

weitere Informationen:

http://www.turismo-sostenible.co.cr/de/