Nature Conservation
Nature Conservation
Nature conservation has been an integral part of our sustainable philosophy since day one. Learn how we approach our natural surroundings and environment.
Private Nature Reserve
Sometimes, Arenas Del Mar feels more like a nature
reserve than a hotel!
Arenas Del Mar is set within 11 acres of private nature reserve. The hotel itself covers less than 25 per cent of the property, while the remaining land serves as a biological corridor connecting the ecosystems surrounding Manuel Antonio National Park. Today, this regenerated rainforest provides habitat for an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, pumas, ocelots, and hundreds of other species that move freely through the forest.
20 years ago, our plot of land was a goat pasture. Not the lush Rainforest it is today. Over the last two decades, we have successfully reforested the area, planting 7,000 native trees and thousands of endemic plants that would have been found here originally.
Caring for Manuel Antonio
Conservation doesn't stop at our property line
Protecting Manuel Antonio takes more than caring for our own corner of the rainforest. Throughout the year, our team volunteers on conservation and community projects that help care for the place we call home. From reforestation and local school projects to supporting wildlife sanctuaries and stray dog shelters, we’re proud to give back to the community that surrounds us.
Some of our most rewarding volunteer days are spent outdoors. Team members regularly volunteer in Manuel Antonio National Park, helping clean and maintain its trail system. We also come together to clean the entire stretch of Espadilla Beach between Arenas Del Mar and the National Park.
Best Conservation Practices
How we’ve managed to build conservation into our Hotel
In designing and building Arenas Del Mar, nature conservation has always been front of mind. A very limited number of trees were cut down during the construction process, and since then, 7,000 more have been planted.
You’ll notice that several roofs have trees penetrating their eaves, and other areas like the Mirador Restaurant incorporate trees into their spaces.
On our 11 acres, you’ll see plants that are almost exclusively native to this region of Costa Rica. These plants naturally flourish in our climate, requiring drastically less water and no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. They also attract plenty of local wildlife.
Throughout the property, our infrastructure has been designed to work with nature rather than against it. Our electricity systems are located underground to minimize disruption to wildlife, while many of our buildings feature asphaltic tile roofing, which helps maintain cooler indoor temperatures and creates safe pathways for animals moving through the forest canopy.
Our Commitment to Conservation
“It’s apparent that every inch of Arenas Del Mar was perfectly planned taking into consideration the natural beauty of the area. The entire hotel was built with sustainability in mind and just flows into its surroundings… the iguanas, sloths, monkeys, etc. clearly are not disturbed by its presence!”
– Tiffany, Pennsylvania
