Green Hotels

Take care of the environment while taking care of you
Being green never felt this luxurious

The motto of Costa Rica is pura vida, translating as "pure life," and we mean it. While the country and its people are known for their laidback approach to life, one thing everyone takes seriously is caring for the environment. As such, Costa Rica is at the forefront of eco-tourism. The Costa Rica Tourism Institute (ICT) developed the Sustainability Certification program (CST) for tourist enterprises in order to categorize and distinguish those Costa Rican hotels and resorts that demonstrate sustainability. Sustainability means seeking a balanced interaction between three essential aspects within the tourism industry: appropriate administration of natural and cultural resources, improvement of the quality of life of neighboring communities, and economic success which contributes to other national development programs.

The government has also begun an initiative to make Costa Rica the first carbon neutral country by the year 2021. Numerous hotels and resorts throughout Costa Rica take part in community outreach programs and make eco-friendliness part of their business plan. Maintaining a balance between creature comforts such as A/C and TV and eco-correctness is an increasing trend. 

While green hotels can be found in every region of the country, there are numerous standouts. Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn, situated 4000 feet above sea level in the Central Valley, has the highest rating in Costa Rica for sustainable tourism (5 green leaves) and cultivates its own organic coffee on its 40-acre organic coffee farm.  They offer a free Sustainability Tour of the Farm and hotel, and guests are encouraged to participate in the picking, processing and roasting of Finca Rosa Blanca coffee. Cuisine features fruit and vegetables from the Inn's own orchards and organic vegetable and herb garden. Only foot traffic and electric cars are allowed on the premises. The spring fed pool has chemical-free water and a 12-foot cascading waterfall with an adjacent Jacuzzi. Eco-friendly spa services are also available. Other green hotels in the Central Valley include El Silencio Lodge and Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Lodge.

In Arenal, the award-winning, five-star Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort with its curative hot springs and natural spa is a standout. Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa, a first class resort in harmony with environmental sustainability policies that strives to provide guests an unforgettable experience amidst its breathtaking natural beauty, is another favorite among green travelers. 

The award-winning eco-designed Si Como No Resort & Spa features its own Wildlife Nature Exhibits adjacent to the property. Si Como No is a unique blend of the country's incredible bio-diversity and the deeply-rooted cultural values of the Costa Rican people. Perhaps the best-known green hotel in Costa Rica, Si Como No is a member of the Green Hotels of Costa Rica and has been awarded five leaves by CST. Other remarkable sustainable hotels in Manuel Antonio include Arenas del Mar and La Mansion Inn.

The Lapa Rios reserve, connected through a corridor with Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, was built in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment. Lapa Rios Ecolodge is more than just a beautiful rainforest hotel or eco resort next to the beach. Lapa Rios is a model ecotourism project that strives to show that a forest left standing is worth more than one cut down. Lapa Rios is a pioneer in sustainable tourism, employing only people from the local community and committed to environmentally sound practices. Casa Corcovado and Aguila de Osa Inn are other great green hotels in the region.

Environmental consciousness in Costa Rica is not limited to hotels at the beach or in the mountains, either. Hotel Presidente, located on Central Avenue in San Jose, recently became the first hotel in the capital to become certified as part of the government's carbon neutral initiative. 

We invite you to review our Costa Rica honeymoon and family vacation packages to get an idea of what your vacation at the environment friendly resorts of Costa Rica could be like. Our Costa Rica Online travel experts have the in-depth knowledge of all products and services available throughout all regions of the country to book a stay at the perfect green hotel or lodge. It would be our pleasure to modify any package or work with you to design a fully customized Costa Rica vacation package. Please e-mail us at green@costaricaonlinetravel.com or call us toll free at (800) 608-3119 for a free consultation with one of our Costa Rica travel experts and begin planning your eco-friendly honeymoon, family or group vacation.

Restaurant at El Silencio Lodge, Central Valley Mountains, a 5-leaf CST eco-lodge

Sunset in Si Como No, a founding member of the Green Hotels of Costa Rica