We created The Art of a Warm Welcome series to bring you intimate conversations with the brilliant minds shaping Costa Rica’s luxury travel landscape. Join us to explore the philosophies, passions, and innovative thinking driving the country’s most exceptional guest experiences. .
Nestled between the rustling rainforest leaves of Manuel Antonio and the steady rhythm of the Pacific, you’ll find Arenas del Mar. Feeling as though it has emerged from the landscape itself, it is set within eleven acres of private reserve. Surrounded by beaches and lush greenery, mornings begin with monkeys in the trees and evenings fade to the sound of waves below.
When Journey Costa Rica’s Managing Director, Javier Echecopar, sat down with General Manager Johan Hassard, their conversation drifted easily between topics: the extraordinary natural setting, what it means to create a truly family-friendly hotel, and the pride of a team that feels like a family. We loved hearing more about what makes this place so special, as well as why Javier’s stay here became one of the most meaningful trips of his life. Read on to find out what left us so inspired…
Arenas del Mar Lives in Harmony with its Surroundings
At Arenas del Mar, nature is at the heart of everything. Most of the private reserve to which it belongs remains wild and untamed. The hotel itself occupies less than a quarter of the land; the rest stretches into lush rainforest, forming part of a biological corridor that links directly to Manuel Antonio National Park. Step outside your room and you’re immediately surrounded by life: monkeys crossing overhead, sloths curled into the branches, toucans calling from the canopy.
It’s not by chance. Two decades ago this land was a partial grassland, but today, it’s a thriving ecosystem; a testament to the team’s long-term commitment to regeneration. Over the years, they’ve planted more than 7,000 native trees and thousands of endemic plants, restoring the forest that once flourished here. For guests, it means every moment is a reminder of Costa Rica’s extraordinary biodiversity, and of the difference that thoughtful stewardship can make.
As Javier notes during the conversation, Arenas del Mar’s philosophy is about more than merely coexisting with nature; it’s about being part of it. “There’s a certain emotional gratification,” he says, “in knowing that while you’re immersed in the forest, you’re also helping to protect it.” It’s the balance of presence and purpose that makes time here feel so special. During his own stay, Javier remembers an early morning walk through the rainforest, blue skies above, sunlight filtering through the leaves, as he and his family made their way to the beach. Looking up at a tree, they found a sloth nestled in the branches. His young son lit up with wonder, in awe of what was in front of him, before bounding ahead and running barefoot into the sea. “Something clicked,” Javier says. “I realised this was the kind of connection with nature I wanted my kids to grow up with.” It was in that moment he decided to move his family to Costa Rica; proof of just how profound and transformative the experience of being in nature at Arenas del Mar can be.
A Property Redefining What “Family-Friendly” Really Means
Few places make it so easy for children to cultivate a relationship with nature, and for parents to relax and enjoy it, too. When people consider a ‘kid-friendly hotel,’ they often picture PlayStations and kids’ clubs. But as Johan points out: “what children really need is space to be curious, to explore, to discover, to connect.”
At Arenas del Mar, that philosophy is woven into the very fabric of the place. The close-knit team understand that the most meaningful experiences don’t come from over-stimulation, but from immersion: in the rainforest, on the beach, and in the unique nuances of the natural world. “We build the context for these wonderful connections to happen,” says Johan. It’s an intelligent design that helps families relax and enjoy being together.
One morning might bring surf lessons or a canopy tour, the next, painting or games on the beach. When plans change (as we all know, they often can) the team adapts without missing a beat. “If it rains, we’ll find something else,” Johan smiles. “It’s all about creating a happy, safe connection with the world, and fun! Whatever the day brings.” There’s certainly no shortage of moments to delight young adventurers: catching sight of a sloth for the first time like Javier’s son, spotting monkeys in the trees, gathering for a movie night while parents enjoy dinner under the stars. As Johan puts it, “It’s like Walt Disney eco-tourism for kids.” But this isn’t about distraction, it’s about discovery.
And while the children play, there’s space for more peaceful moments, too. Head up to the Mirador for a moment of calm: the open-air restaurant perched high above the forest. It’s the perfect place to relax, to swap the sound of laughter for the hush of the forest leaves rustling and the ocean waves breaking below. Enjoy a drink or a book (or both!) at sunset, watch the light fade over the coastline, and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of a whale out at sea.
The Highest Level of Hospitality, Built on a Culture of Care
When Javier speaks about his time at Arenas del Mar, one of the things that stands out most isn’t just the endless textured green of the rainforest or the ocean views, it’s the people. “You can feel it from the moment you arrive,” he says. “There’s this quiet warmth that comes from the genuine happiness of people who really love what they do.” Johan believes that atmosphere begins with his team: “if the staff are happy, the guests will be happy”. That philosophy guides everything here, from the front desk to the restaurant to the guides leading nature walks, there’s a sense of pride and joy that emanates throughout the property.
The approach at Arenas del Mar is rooted in compassion and respect. Staff have access to a physician and a psychologist who visits every other week. Meals and transport are provided, and once a year, each team member is invited to stay at the hotel with their family, a gesture that allows them to experience this incredible property as guests, and to share that with loved ones. “Their families love it,” Johan smiles. “They feel proud to be part of this place.” That sense of belonging translates directly into the guest experience; it’s felt in every warm greeting and anticipatory gesture.
“If we create good people, we can easily make a good company, and a better world.”
That same spirit extends to how the property is run. Sustainability isn’t a box to tick; it’s part of the culture. Arenas del Mar has a full-time sustainability officer from one of Costa Rica’s top universities, and every guest is invited to join a complimentary tour to learn how small choices can make a big difference. Plastic is nowhere to be found here. The team bottles their own mineral water, uses biodegradable cleaning products, collects rainwater for the laundry, and heats water with solar energy. They’ve also begun measuring their carbon footprint, with plans to reduce it further in the year ahead.
Ready to Design a Trip Around Arenas del Mar’s Inspiring Nature?
Arenas del Mar captures so much of what we love about Costa Rica: wild nature, genuine warmth, and a real sense of care. It’s a place that embodies the very best of this extraordinary country. We’d love to help design the perfect journey for you; built around a stay at Arenas del Mar and enriched by our deep local expertise and on-the-ground connections. Get in touch with our team to start planning.
