Apart from its rich cultural diversity and beautiful landscape, Costa Rica is famous for its great selection of luxurious eco-lodges. These green hotels keep to strict ecological standards and place great importance on sustainability in their operations.
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If your aim is to get away from the pollution of city life, breathe in the untainted air, and be part of sustainable green practices, a Costa Rican eco-lodge is a perfect choice. Here are some of the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica to get that unique experience!
Lapa Rios, Osa Peninsula
Location: Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula
Rates: nightly rates start at $575 with all-inclusive packages starting at $1,148 per night for dual occupancy.
Sustainability Rating: Level 4
With a private rainforest reserve along the ocean, Lapa Rios in Cabo Matapalo has an undeniable natural allure. Their bungalows overlook the ocean and are built with an open-air effect that makes you feel one with nature. Lapa Rios offers close access to Corcovado National Park and Drake Bay, it is an excellent choice for exploring the Osa Peninsula.
Their pool is salt-based and offers excellent views of the surrounding scenery. Lapa Rios takes the conservation of the environment seriously. They demonstrate this by educating guests about the rainforest and the local culture. They also engage guests in a reforestation program through planting a seedling.
Lapa Rios Lodge employs over 60 proudly Costa Rican staff members and is CST-certified. They have a level 4 sustainability rating and are considered a model ecotourism project by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). They offer bungalows and villas by the night or as part of an all-inclusive package to explore Puerto Jimenez.
If you’re planning to visit the Caribbean coast, their sister hotel, Pacuare Lodge, practices many of the same sustainability protocols. Plus, Pacuare Lodge is the perfect place to try whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River!
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Harmony Hotel, Nosara
Location: Nosara, Guanacaste
Rates: start at $340/night
Sustainability Rating: Level 3
Located near the surf breaks of Playa Guiones, the Harmony is renowned as a classic surfer destination. However, a stay here goes beyond your average relaxation spot thanks to the hotels high regard for green sustainable standards. The ICT gives them a Level 3 rating for sustainability based on their impressive biological, economic, and social-based practices.
Harmony’s onsite greenhouse provides much of the food served in their restaurant and juice bar. Wastewater is recycled and used to irrigate the hotel’s gardens and raw waste food is made into fertilizer. Their bath and cleansing products are all biodegradable and solar panels are used as a renewable way to heat water.
The Harmony Hotel has 24 “cocos” rooms and 3 private villas perfectly suited for low-key luxury. There is an onsite vegan-friendly restaurant, juice bar, and a swimming pool.
El Sabanero, Tamarindo
Location: Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Rates: start at $130/ night
Sustainability Rating: Level 3
Situated close to the beach town of Tamarindo, El Sabanero offers an eco-lodge overlooking the beautiful Cañafistula valley. Some of the facilities include an open-air lodge, outdoor and indoor yoga studios, and an infinity pool. There are also hammocks scattered throughout for ultimate relaxation.
Cabins at El Sabanero are built from local teak wood and all meals in the restaurant are made from locally grown ingredients. They also send their raw compost to local farmers to be used as organic manure on their farms. In devotion to green standards, El Sabanero actively promotes recycling, composting and makes use of biodegradable cleaning products.
The principles and teaching of yoga are also central to the offers at this Costa Rica ecolodge. They offer frequent yoga retreats and yoga teacher training. Outside of the resort, travelers can explore Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast with zip lining, snorkelling, surfing, and horseback riding tours.
The lodge offers one-bedroom chalets with a private porch overlooking the lush tropical gardens.
Photo courtesy of El Sabanero Lodge
Arenas del Mar, Manuel Antonio
Location: Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas
Rates: Garden rooms start at $525/night while suites with ocean views reach $975/night.
Sustainability Rating: Level 5
This luxury Manuel Antonio lodge is a beachfront rainforest resort like no other. It sits on 11 acres of private reserve in Costa Rica’s iconic rainforest on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The plant-filled grounds are no stranger to wildlife like sloths, iguanas, and howler monkeys.
Beyond its picturesque setting, Arenas del Mar is one of the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica for sustainability. It proves that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand with the highest 5-leaf rating from the ICT. The resort has worked diligently to achieve elite status by continuously improving the local community and promoting a sustainable future for Manuel Antonio.
With conservation as an integral part of the resort’s philosophy, they aim to harmonize with their surroundings. While constructing the lodge, they cut down as few trees as possible and planted over 7,000 new ones. They use recycled plastic bags from the banana industry in their roofing and have banished single-use plastics on-site.
Guests at Arenas del Mar can enjoy a swimming pool, on-site bar & restaurant, and 37 luxurious suites. The lodge is conveniently located 10 minutes away from Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s top travel destinations.
Senda Monteverde, Monteverde
Location: Monteverde, Puntarenas
Rates: starting from $325/night
Sustainability Rating: Level 3
Nestled in the majestic cloud forest, Senda Monteverde is a luxurious mountain lodge escape. It is one of the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica. This ecolodge is a launch point for all the nature and adventure the lowland rainforests are famous for.
The hotel aims to minimize its impact on the surroundings by using solar panels, biodegradable cleaning products, and local cuisine. Their staff are all native Costa Ricans that work closely with the community. Even down to the decor, Senda proudly displays artwork made by a local women’s cooperative.
The grounds are set in serene cloud forests with easy access to ziplining, hiking, and a neighbouring wildlife refuge. There are also artisanal dining options at the on-site El Sapo Restaurant, serving up hyper-local cuisine.
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Hotel Belmar, Monteverde
Location:Monteverde, Puntarenas
Rates: Standard rooms are $210 per night. Suites start at $450/ night
Sustainability Rating: Level 5
Hotel Belmar is renowned for its luxurious yet environmentally-conscious chalet-style stay in Costa Rica’s cloud forest. Nestled in the mountaintops, this Monteverde ecolodge has been family-owned for over 30 years. Belmar is committed to preserving the nature-rich environment that surrounds it.
The hotel has reached the highest level of Tourism Sustainability Certification, receiving a 5-leaf rating from the ICT. Belmar practices water conservation with rainwater collection and efficient showerheads, along with solar-powered water heaters. They are carbon neutral and only use local, biodegradable products throughout the hotel.
Hotel Belmar is one of the unique eco-lodges in Costa Rica, with its Austrian-style architecture. The natural wood complements the forest, which can be enjoyed at the hotel’s organic garden. There is a unique restaurant with a brewery and juice bar on-site, offering a delicious farm-to-table menu. Belmar has standard and chalet rooms, along with lavish newly renovated suites.
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, Osa Peninsula
Location: Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula
Rates: All-inclusive packages start at $320/person/night in the high season
Sustainability Rating: Level 5
Located on the calm shores of the Golfo Dulce, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is a hidden retreat on the Osa Peninsula. This boat-in only eco-lodge is set on 165 acres of private reserve in Piedras Blancas National Park.
Finding balance with nature is at the core of Playa Nicuesa’s style. The rainforest lodge gives travelers a full jungle experience that starts with a private boat ride into the lodge. Once you arrive, you’ll see that this Costa Rican ecolodge is made from recycled materials and is fully off-grid. All electricity is provided by a hydroelectric turbine and solar power.
The lodge receives a 5-leaf rating from the ICT and is a platinum Green Leader on TripAdvisor. Sustainability practices have been woven into Playa Nicuesa since construction with their local and eco-conscious approach. The lodge was built by local workers from Puerto Jimenez from recycled materials and fallen trees.
This Costa Rica jungle lodge also offers sustainability tours to educate guests and support the community. Being in the most natural and untouched part of Costa Rica, protecting the environment is part of Playa Nicuesa’s DNA. The lodge offers the perfect mix of first-class accommodations with exciting adventure and eco-tourism.
Guests can enjoy stunning rainforest views from private cabins made from local wood around the lodge. There is also an open-air restaurant serving fresh, local cuisine and endless activities from yoga, hiking, and snorkelling.
Hotel Punta Islita, Samara
Location: Punta Islita, Guanacaste
Rates: Oceanview rooms average $200/night or you can snag a villa package with breakfast for $400/night
Sustainability Rating: Level 5
Hotel Punta Islita is tucked away in a secluded cove on the Northern Pacific coast in Guanacaste. It promises an authentically Costa Rican experience with nature and ocean views that rival more popular Costa Rica travel destinations.
The hotel is located 30 km (18.5 miles) from Samara and offers travelers a host of complimentary activity options. Ziplining, horseback riding, and even cooking classes are all included in your nightly rate! It’s a great choice for families and those looking for a complete experience without an all inclusive price tag.
Punta Islita practices a “planet-friendly people-positive” style that is apparent throughout the lodge. The property was developed in full synergy with its surroundings and earns the highest 5-leaf sustainability certification. They aim to protect the environment while celebrating local culture and boosting economic opportunities.
They have become experts in sustainability and promote education through strong community partnerships. The hotel strives to provide its guests with a uniquely Costa Rican experience that’s different from any other country in Central America.
The property has two swimming pools (including an infinity pool!), a gym, lush gardens, and two restaurants with international flavours. There are standard rooms, suites with a plunge pool, and spacious 2 or 3 bedroom villas.
El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Sarapiqui
Location: Central Valley
Rates: Deluxe suites start at $315/ night
Sustainability Rating: Level 5
As the name implies, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is a peaceful retreat sitting on 500 acres in Alajuela’s volcano valleys. This is one of the most captivating eco lodges in Costa Rica Their ethos is about connecting travelers with nature while embracing the pura vida lifestyle the country is known for.
Located near Juan Castro Blanco National Park, El Silencio feels like another world despite being just one hour from San Jose. The lodge has a 5-leaf rating for sustainability awarded for their efforts in reducing the environmental footprint and protecting the vital cloud forest that surrounds it. They continuously give back to the community of Bajos del Toro and always promote local foods and products.
The lodge has a restaurant and spa on-site, along with a hummingbird garden and a haven for stingless honey bees. Guests can enjoy planting a tree outside to encourage the beautiful quetzal birds to return to the area. El Silencio also offers bird watching, cooking classes, and coffee tours.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most diverse travel destinations. The rainforest, beaches, and extraordinary wildlife make it an outdoor playground with endless activities to suit any traveler’s itinerary. By choosing to stay at ecolodges, you are choosing to travel responsibly and minimize your impact on the environment. These Costa Rica ecolodges prove that sustainable luxury is possible and can be enjoyed across the country.
