Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

Overview

Description

Arenas Del Mar is a nature hotel adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. “The unique and spectacular beach and nature experiences of Costa Rica, combined with the highest levels of luxury and sustainability” defines the concept of Arenas Del Mar.

Our resort offers a luxurious stay in harmony with nature, in an amazing setting of beautiful beaches next to an exuberant rainforest. We offer exclusive rooms, apartments, and suites, excellent cuisine in our two restaurants that emphasize local fresh produce, and personalized service that exceeds the expectations of our clients.

Arenas Del Mar is also the perfect base for exploring the Manuel Antonio and Quepos region. Tours and activities in the region include rafting, kayaking, and boat excursions through the mangroves, sea-kayaking, sport fishing (catch and release), guided hikes in the rainforest, canopy tours, and horseback riding.

Rooms

38 rooms, apartments, and suites with awesome ocean views and private beach access.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 86

Percentage of local employees: 95%

Arenas Del Mar is a world-class resort in terms of services and facilities, as well as a model for sustainable development and tourism. Using the prestigious Costa Rican Tourism Institute’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program as a guide, Arenas Del Mar decided to demonstrate that sustainability and luxury can go hand-in-hand.

The total construction area of Arenas Del Mar encompasses less than 25% of the property; the rest serves as a biological corridor to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most popular national parks and home to monkeys, sloths, exotic bird, and other animal species.

At Arenas Del Mar, sustainability has been key since the planning and construction phase. Some of the project’s sustainable features include:

• Solar panels to heat water and other auxiliary energy saving systems.
• Underground electrical systems that do not interfere with the local wildlife.
• Use of chlorine-free ionization systems to clean pool water.
• Efficient lighting on the entire property.
• Extensive recycling and waste management programs.
• Advanced wastewater treatment systems to ensure that effluents from our resort and property do not affect area water bodies.
• Use of low-flow toilets.
• Use of electric carts on the property, which significantly reduce our carbon emissions.
• We use roof tiles made from the plastic bags discarded by the banana industry. We also have recycled materials throughout the property.
• An advanced worm-composting system for our organic wastes.
• We use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.
• “Planting a tree” reforestation program.
• We have a native plant nursery and a hydroponic garden on the hotel property.
• We make donations to local organizations that promote reforestation and squirrel monkey protection.
• We support local artists and businesses in our shop and spa.
• Arenas Del Mar works rigorously to improve the local community, offering opportunities and unique training to employees, as well as support to local projects that work for environmental improvement and a sustainable future for Manuel Antonio and Costa Rica.

Arenas del Mar participates in the Pack for a Purpose program, where guests can bring school supplies, medical supplies, and other small items from home to donate to the local community. Guests simply drop off their donation at the hotel's front desk, and Arenas del Mar will deliver it for them.

Rates

$150 and up

Our rates include:

• Complete a la carte breakfast.
• Tour of Tortillas in Petatillo and “Easy Being Green.”
• Free internet and international phone calls.

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.arenasdelmar.com/rates.html (available in English).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: San José (SJO)

Nearest local/national airport: Quepos (XQP)

Travel time to nearest airport: 20 minutes

Additional Information

Awards or Recognitions

• Fodor’s Choice 2009, 2010, and 2011
• Condé Nast reader’s choice in 2010
• Forbes Traveler World’s 50 Best New Hotels, 2008
• Recommended by Andrew Harper as a Seductive New Resort, 2008
• Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List, 2008
• Recommended by Condé Nast Johansens as a Luxury Hotel & Spa.

Date This Information Was Provided

May 2013.

Photos courtesy of Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, Costa Rica, for SustainableTrip.org.