Arenas del Mar Sustainability
Renewable Energy
Solar panels are used to heat hot water, and they are coupled with energy-saving auxiliary heating systems
Energy Conservation
Laundry is air-dried
Energy efficient light bulbs and equipment are used
All air conditioning units are energy efficient
Outdoor property lighting is turned off after 10 pm
Water Conservation
Gray water is recycled for use in the gardens
Linens and towels are changed every other day or upon request
Low-flow toilets in all bathrooms (max of 1.6 gallons/flush)
Low-flow showerheads (max flow 2.75 gpm)
Dinning tables are set without table clothes
Recycling Program
Arenas del Mar has a full recycling program of paper, glass, plastic, and aluminum. Organic waste goes to a vermiculture-based compost system. Collection bins are located throughout the hotel property, and in the kitchen and guestrooms. The hotel has also enacted extensive recycling and waste monitoring programs.
Waste/ Toxicity Reduction
Guests are given a refillable, oxo-degradable plastic water bottle
Shampoos, conditioners, and lotions are placed in re-usable containers and refilled
On-site soap production from the kitchen’s leftover cooking oil
100% biodegradable soap (laundry detergent, dish soap, and hand/body soap)
Organic and biodegradable personal care products from Raw Botanicals, a company based in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Biodegradable cleaning products
Chlorine-free swimming pool treated with an ionization system
Land Conservation
Arenas del Mar was built on an old plantain farm and is beginning to recover early secondary forest. Over the years, Arenas del Mar has undertaken an extensive reforestation program, with the goal of planting over 7000 native species of trees on the property. The construction of Arenas Del Mar covers less than 25% of the property, and a total of 11 acres will become part of a private nature reserve, acting as an ecological corridor for the expansion of forest surrounding Manuel Antonio National Park.
Community Programs/Charity
Arena del Mar has chosen to support Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and educating others about the importance of environmental stewardship. By contributing to this program, and offering guests the opportunity to do so as well, Arenas Del Mar has formed an alliance contributing to the sustainable development and protection of Manuel Antonio.
Additional Sustainability Steps
Arenas del Mar offers tortilla-making classes and demonstrations to its guests. It also invites a local dance troop to perform traditional dances and music. Interested guests can take a Sustainability Tour. All landscaping is done with native plant species, and electrical wires have been placed underground, so as not to interfere with wildlife. The hotel serves its guests organic, shade-grown coffee, certified as a sustainable product by the Rainforest Alliance. The gift shop includes Costa Rican art and items made from recycled materials. Additionally, Arenas Del Mar has played a leadership role in helping Playitas Beach attain Blue Flag Certification.
Solar panels are used to heat hot water, and they are coupled with energy-saving auxiliary heating systems
Energy Conservation
Laundry is air-dried
Energy efficient light bulbs and equipment are used
All air conditioning units are energy efficient
Outdoor property lighting is turned off after 10 pm
Water Conservation
Gray water is recycled for use in the gardens
Linens and towels are changed every other day or upon request
Low-flow toilets in all bathrooms (max of 1.6 gallons/flush)
Low-flow showerheads (max flow 2.75 gpm)
Dinning tables are set without table clothes
Recycling Program
Arenas del Mar has a full recycling program of paper, glass, plastic, and aluminum. Organic waste goes to a vermiculture-based compost system. Collection bins are located throughout the hotel property, and in the kitchen and guestrooms. The hotel has also enacted extensive recycling and waste monitoring programs.
Waste/ Toxicity Reduction
Guests are given a refillable, oxo-degradable plastic water bottle
Shampoos, conditioners, and lotions are placed in re-usable containers and refilled
On-site soap production from the kitchen’s leftover cooking oil
100% biodegradable soap (laundry detergent, dish soap, and hand/body soap)
Organic and biodegradable personal care products from Raw Botanicals, a company based in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Biodegradable cleaning products
Chlorine-free swimming pool treated with an ionization system
Land Conservation
Arenas del Mar was built on an old plantain farm and is beginning to recover early secondary forest. Over the years, Arenas del Mar has undertaken an extensive reforestation program, with the goal of planting over 7000 native species of trees on the property. The construction of Arenas Del Mar covers less than 25% of the property, and a total of 11 acres will become part of a private nature reserve, acting as an ecological corridor for the expansion of forest surrounding Manuel Antonio National Park.
Community Programs/Charity
Arena del Mar has chosen to support Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and educating others about the importance of environmental stewardship. By contributing to this program, and offering guests the opportunity to do so as well, Arenas Del Mar has formed an alliance contributing to the sustainable development and protection of Manuel Antonio.
Additional Sustainability Steps
Arenas del Mar offers tortilla-making classes and demonstrations to its guests. It also invites a local dance troop to perform traditional dances and music. Interested guests can take a Sustainability Tour. All landscaping is done with native plant species, and electrical wires have been placed underground, so as not to interfere with wildlife. The hotel serves its guests organic, shade-grown coffee, certified as a sustainable product by the Rainforest Alliance. The gift shop includes Costa Rican art and items made from recycled materials. Additionally, Arenas Del Mar has played a leadership role in helping Playitas Beach attain Blue Flag Certification.
Hotel Sustainable Practices
Renewable Energy
Energy Conservation
Water Conservation
Land Conservation
38 rooms
Recycling Program
Waste/Toxicity Reduction
Green Awards/Certificates
Community and Charity
Additional Steps
