Costa Rica honeymoons

Planet

As an in depth specialist tour operator to Costa Rica responsible tourism is at the very heart of what we do. To us, this means much more than a simple donation to a charity for each client. We try to build long and constructive involvements with local guides, wildlife lodges and hotels, in the course of which we, and our clients, can make lasting wide-ranging contributions to the wonderful places and people we engage with.

We were the first tour operator in the UK to form a partnership with the Rainforest Alliance to work towards the implementation of best management practices in sustainable tourism. In real terms this means that we are working with hotels who are making a positive impact on their local community – socially, environmentally and economically.

In this itinerary we use several lodges that fit with this philosophy perfectly:

Chayote Lodge offers guests the opportunity to experience real life and local culture in Costa Rica’s central valley. Guest bungalows have been built to resemble coffee receiving stations or 'recibidores' and feature artwork and furniture designed by local artisans. The lodge employs exclusively local staff from the surrounding communities and prioritises local producers and suppliers. The onsite restaurant and bar, 'Quelites' serves fresh, locally-grown, seasonal produce including ingredients such as palmito cheese, coffee and squash. There are a variety of guided tours on offer from the lodge focusing on authentic experiences to connect guests with the local community, including visits to a local coffee plantation, cooking experiences in a local home and tours of the local towns of Zarcero, Naranjo or Sarchi.

Arenal Kioro is committed to operating as sustainably as possible. It has its own onsite sewage treatment plant, smart system for energy conservation and a recycling program. It is set on a 27 acre property comprising tropical gardens and streams which provide habitat for local wildlife. The hotel is a proud member of ‘Pack for Purpose’, a non-profit initiative that connects travellers with local community projects (schools, orphanages, clinics) in destinations to provide needed supplies like school supplies, medical items, or clothing, by simply using extra space in their luggage to carry donations, making travel more impactful.

Sustainability is a way of life and a value that Nantipa Hotel Santa Teresa holds dear. The hotel was designed observing best sustainable practices, with just 6 trees cut down during the building process and all of this wood reused as furniture in hotel rooms. The hotel strives to minimise single use plastic - it offers fresh water in glass pitchers in its rooms and avoids the use of straws when possible providing biodegradable or stainless steel alternatives. Waste water is processed in a state-of-the-art treatment plant and used in irrigation of the hotel gardens. Energy sensors are placed to manage lights and air conditioning use, and solar water heaters are installed in each room. Priority is given to hiring staff who are local residents. Where possible the hotel purchases goods from local producers and small businesses e.g most seafood is purchased from local fishermen and the bread served in the restaurant is made by a local baker. The hotel is one of the founding members of ‘Catuza’, the local Chamber of Tourism.

People

We use local guides in all of our destinations. It is our experience that with the right approach, local guides with their superior local knowledge are best qualified for the job, and are the best champions of their local communities. It is also a fantastic way of helping communities to survive and flourish when gifted people are able to work locally instead of having to leave for the cities to find work.

In Costa Rica we use local ground handlers - this means that all the operational costs go directly into the local economy and helps to improve employment opportunities in remote regions. By incorporating locally owned hotels, restaurants and the services of guides and drivers into our itineraries, we ensure that money you spend on your trip goes directly into the local economy and local communities benefit from tourism