Sustainability at Arenas Del Mar

At Arenas Del Mar, we define the term sustainable tourism as:

 
"Responsible travel that conserves the environment 
and improves the well-being of local people." 

We seek to demonstrate that a world class resort can be successfully combined with the highest levels of sustainability. Working with Costa Rica’s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST), Arenas Del Mar is truly an exemplary project for tourism worldwide.  For more information on the CST, click here.

Environmental Stewardship

Onsite Sustainability Features

At Arenas Del Mar, sustainability has been a key feature since the planning and construction phase. Sustainable features of the physical property itself include: 

• Solar panels to heat hot water coupled with energy saving auxiliary water heaters.
  
• Underground electricity systems that do not interfere with surrounding wildlife.
  
• Chlorine free ionization systems to clean pool water.
  
• Energy efficient lighting and illumination throughout the entire property.
  
• Extensive recycling programs.
  
• Recycling and waste management system.
  
• Advanced wastewater treatment systems which assure that all water leaving our         properties will not affect the surrounding water sources.
  
• Use of low-flow toilets.
  
• The use of electric cars on property that significantly reduce our carbon emissions.
  
• Roof tiles made from discarded plastic bags from the banana industry.
  
• Recycled materials used throughout the property.
  
• An advanced vermiculture-based compost system to recycle organic waste.
  
• Onsite soap production made from leftover cooking oil from the hotel kitchen.
  
• Non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.
  
• Support of local artists and businesses throughout the gift shop and spa.
  
• Plant a Tree Program.
  
• Donations made to local organizations that promote reforestation and the protection of squirrel monkeys.
  
• Native plants nursery.
  
• Hydroponic garden on the hotel property.
  
• And much more!

Conservation 

The total construction of Arenas Del Mar covers less than 25% of the property itself; the rest has become a private nature reserve that acts as an ecological corridor to expand the area surrounding Manuel Antonio National Park (one of Costa Ricas most popular national parks and home to monkeys, sloths, rare birds and other creatures of the rainforest).  

The hotel was built along a narrow strip on the waters edge of the property where there was no forest and has conserved more than 75% of the land and will continue to do so through the generation of funds via sustainable tourism activities. Arenas Del Mar was built on what used to be a plantain farm which had a lot of early growth secondary forest springing up around the farmed areas. Over the last 20 years, we have planted thousands of native trees and endemic plants that would have been found in the area before it was converted to agriculture. During these last two decades, the land was conserved by protecting it from squatters, trophy seekers (orchids and other valuable plant life) erosion and mono-culture agriculture through vigilance and reforestation. Since our opening, we have been participating in an extensive reforestation program, planting over 7000 native species of trees on the property. 

It is almost impossible to see our hotel from the beach or even overhead from the air because of the way in which we have used coloration and the integration of the flora of the area. In fact several of the roofs have trees penetrating the eaves because we did not want to cut any trees to construct the building itself. The restaurant and spa were built around the configuration of the trees so it almost disappears into the canopy where it is integrated. We used three different colored roofing shingles and recycled plastic tiles which were designed and fabricated to blend in with the local coloration of flora of the area. The materials in the construction are used for seismic security and no tractors of any kind were used to prepare the earth so as to refrain as much as possible from negative construction impact. 

Please click here for more information on Flora & Fauna Protection.

Community Development

We believe that the participation of our local communities is integral to forming a successful plan for sustainable tourism and development. Some of our work in community development include the programs listed here.

At Arenas Del Mar, Guest Generosity Means New School Supplies for a Local School. Read about our latest donation thanks to our Guest Giving Program here.
 

The Sustainable Guest Experience

At Arenas del Mar, we work to provide our guests with unique experiences that allow them to learn about our work in conservation and sustainable tourism, connecting them with local cultures and inspiring them to incorporate sustainability and environmental awareness into their own lives.  Some of our programs include: 

• The Sustainability Tour
  
• Cultural Highlights
  
• Folkloric Dances
  
• Eco-friendly Amenities
  
• Carbon Offsets
  
• Bamboo Straws
  
• Good Environmental Habits to Take Home

Geotourism

According to National Geographic´s Center for Sustainable Destinations, “geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. Geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism—that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations—while allowing for ways to protect a place's character. Geotourism also takes a principle from its ecotourism cousin,—that tourism revenue should promote conservation—and extends it to culture and history as well, that is, all distinctive assets of a place.”

Since its construction, Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort has worked diligently to become a geotourism destination by participating in the following activities:

• Working towards the conservation and reforestation of Manuel Antonio
• Supporting environmental education efforts in the surrounding community
• Providing guests with ample information about local culture and customs
• Promoting and encouraging manifestations of local culture, including:
• Hosting traditional artisans in the lodge to promote their work
• Sponsoring a traditional dance troupe
• Incorporating local dishes, flavors and ingredients into its menu offerings
• Striving to achieve the highest levels of sustainability in its operations and architecture by installing technologies such as solar panels, non-chlorinated pool cleaning systems, worm-based composting and more
• Promoting the concept of sustainable development among neighbors and local community members
• Working with Costa Rica´s prestigious Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST)
• And much more!

To learn more about the concept of geotourism, Click Here

"Congratulations! Your hotel is beautiful and your commitment with conservation is exceptional. We so enjoyed the exchange to practice our Spanish and to help with English lessons. The grounds are gorgeous and loved our hike with Eduardo, you are truly a model for sustainable tourism and we only hope others will follow, you lead! Thanks for everything." Lauren and Shawn Hermley Benfort, NC USA

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