There´s lots to look forward to in Costa Rica with several hotel openings, meaningful new travel trends, and important conservation partnerships. Here´s what we think you should know about right now!
NEWLY OPENED HOTELS IN COSTA RICA
Böëna are leaders in sustainable travel and added to their collection of eco-properties in late 2022 with the newly re-imagined Cloud Forest Lodge between the Monteverde and Santa Elena Reserves. This 25-suite property allows guests to experience the area´s mystical low–lying clouds and remarkable wildlife while offering an elevated stay. Sip gourmet Costa Rican coffee from the terrace of your luxury garden-view cabin, explore the hotel´s private 57-acre nature reserve (complete with zip lines!) and enjoy creative, local cuisine at Endémica restaurant. Also, in super exciting news, Böëna has purchased its own 6-seater, Cessna Caravan airplane, which means easy connections between the brand´s five luxury ecolodges all over the country and other deluxe flying experiences.
Zūnya is located in the small town of Malpais on the southern tip of Costa Rica´s Nicoya Peninsula. Opened in 2022, this growing eco-village is all about connection and coexistence with the self, nature, and others. The community centers around a regenerative living system, including cultural and environmentally conscious projects. A weekly schedule of activities ranges from ice baths and yoga classes to beach clean-ups, volleyball and live music. Guests can choose a short stay in an array of accommodations like glamping tents, private jungle bungalows, and ocean view safari tents, stay for a 3–6-month residency, or move permanently to the community!
Sendero, recently opened in mid-February of 2023, is situated in the town of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula, just steps away from the consistent waves of Playa Guiones, a surfer´s paradise. The property´s 25 rooms and suites feel sleek, simple, and luxurious, with clean lines, contemporary furnishings, and pops of color. Enjoy a full schedule of fitness, breathwork, and yoga classes along with some of the best surf in the country. Journey Costa Rica has already had the chance to swing by to check it out and welcome several guests!
Suitree, A Guanacaste Experience Hotel will open its doors March 31, 2023. At this intimate property, guests can stay in contemporary suites elevated 9 meters above the ground. Look out to the emerald Guanacastecan mountains from 360° terraces, or on the dreamy jacuzzi deck in top room categories. Head to the property’s beautiful Stone Pools for a unique swimming experience, where one pool gently cascades to another, encircled by pristine surroundings.
HOTELS COMING SOON TO COSTA RICA
Habitas Santa Teresa sits on the beach at the southernmost tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, featuring 35 rooms and 10 luxury tents built using organic materials from the surrounding region. Set to open late 2023, the hotel will embrace farm-to-table cuisine and the laid-back surfer lifestyle alongside a daily wellness program in the hotel´s yoga shala, and adventure activities like mountain biking and waterfall hikes.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo has revealed it will offer guest stays at 25 Residences starting from 1st August 2023 (waitlist reservation requests open). The new collection of private residences includes ten two-bedroom villas with a plunge pool, plus five two-bedroom penthouses, and ten three-bedroom penthouses, each with a rooftop terrace and plunge pool. Watch this space!
The Waldorf Astoria is coming to Costa Rica! This luxury brand will open a new property in Guanacaste in 2025 with 90 rooms and 25 residences. Bringing the wellbeing of guests into the spotlight, the hotel will feature a wellness center that offers not only a movement studio, a treehouse-inspired spa and gym, but also an outdoor yoga area plus lap and thermal pools. In addition, the resort will offer a teens club, kids center, and several bars and restaurants. We love that all vehicles on-site will be electric as part of the Waldorf Astoria´s sustainability efforts.
TRAVEL TRENDS IN COSTA RICA
We´ve been seeing some exciting new travel trends developing, particularly new wave wellness and family focused trips that prioritize human connection over digital. Check out Journey Costa Rica´s Brand New You inspirational itinerary, hosted by our wellness expert Jenifer Cowles. The trip blends ancient and contemporary practices that will guide you to deeper self-knowledge and healing in spectacular natural settings. Our Bring All the Kids itinerary is designed to create forever memories full of fun adventures and new experiences with the family. Who´s ready for sloth-spotting, ziplines over jungle canopy, and family canoeing?
BOSQUE VIVO PARTNERSHIP
We are THRILLED to partner with the incredible Bosque Vivo Foundation. This project run by a family of conservationists is the first of its kind in Costa Rica, rehabilitating the country´s high-altitude forests and promoting environmental awareness. Journey Costa Rica charges a 100USD conservation fee per traveler which goes to directly support the valuable work being done at Bosque Vivo.
READY TO EXPERIENCE COSTA RICA FOR YOURSELF?
Get in touch with our passionate travel planners to start creating your dream trip to Costa Rica. In the meantime, take a look at our sample Costa Rica itineraries or luxury Costa Rica hotel portfolio, and let us know what inspires you!
