Royal Grand Resorts launches in Costa Rica targeting gay male premium travelers, citing a $218B global LGBTQ+ travel market growing at 15% CAGR through 2030.
The piece argues hotels must move beyond "extractive hospitality" by integrating local vendors and communities as economic partners rather than excluding them from tourism spaces.
JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, the first all-inclusive resort under the JW Marriott brand, and Mullen Hospitality Management, the official resort operator, announced that reservations are now open ahead of the resort’s highly anticipated fall 2026 debut.
Peninsula Papagayo today announced plans for a second oceanfront collection of Andaz Residences, following the debut of its initial phase in 2023. The new neighborhood near Andaz Peninsula Papagayo will feature 35 thoughtfully curated residences in two-, three-, and four-bedroom floor plans with elevated amenities and finishes. Early commitments from existing owners have already been secured ahead of the public release, a reflection of the neighborhood's resonance and the Andaz brand's appeal.
Residence Inn by Marriott®, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces the opening of its new property in El Coyol, Alajuela, Costa Rica. The hotel is designed for travelers seeking to feel at home during extended stays without sacrificing comfort, functionality, and contemporary design.
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort proudly announces the appointment of Markus Laahanen as its new General Manager. A globally respected hospitality leader with more than two decades of experience across luxury resorts, wellness destinations, and lifestyle developments, Laahanen brings a deep commitment to thoughtful leadership, sustainability, and emotionally driven guest experiences.
Fresh off the heels of unveiling a newly expanded spa and wellness offerings, Costa Rica's Rio Perdido is pleased to announce that Randy Rockbrand has been hired as the eco-luxury retreat's new General Manager. Having most recently served as Operations Manager at Guanacaste's Hospital San Rafael Arcángel, Rockbrand brings with him 14 years of industry experience, along with an MBA from Les Roches in Switzerland. Yet Rockbrand, who was "born in San José but formed in Liberia," believes that his local roots are what best prepares him for this new role.
Today, Autograph Collection Hotels has announced the opening of Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda, introducing a new brand of luxury set on a storied tropical enclave at the base of Carara National Park and along the serene Tárcoles River. Just 90 minutes from San José, Santa Lucía offers travelers a rare retreat—where timeless elegance meets untamed wilderness by blending elevated design, personalized service, and immersive natural beauty.
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Peninsula Papagayo, the newest jewel in the brand's prestigious Reserve portfolio, announces the appointment of Cristian Albacar Fumado as General Manager. Nestled in the heart of one of the world's most biodiverse destinations, Nekajui opened in February 2025 as the eighth Reserve worldwide and the first in Central and South America.
Today, Autograph Collection Hotels has announced the opening of Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda, introducing a new brand of luxury set on a storied tropical enclave at the base of Carara National Park and along the serene Tárcoles River. Just 90 minutes from San José, Santa Lucía offers travelers a rare retreat—where timeless elegance meets untamed wilderness by blending elevated design, personalized service, and immersive natural beauty.
Royal Grand Resorts is an exclusive destination for gay men, located in the heart of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. This luxury retreat blends elegance with natural beauty, offering world-class service and a tranquil setting surrounded by rainforest and ocean views.
Reflecting a growing demand for residential-style luxury,The Retreat Costa Rica, an acclaimed luxury wellness boutique resort and spa, has completed Santosha Residence, a stunning 2,500-square-foot villa for couples, larger groups and extended stays.
RIU Hotels & Resorts has announced that the Hotel Riu Guanacaste is to reopen following a full refurbishment to update the facilities and take the holiday experience to a new level. This iconic resort, located in the privileged setting of Matapalo Beach in Costa Rica, has been refurbished to continue offering a high-quality service to its guests, all while respecting the essence of the destination.
Costa Rica hotel performance over the past five years has resembled other leisure destinations frequented by Americans. Specifically, higher-end hotels and resort areas have done well, while other areas have remained flat.
Hilton welcomed government officials and project partners to Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in elegant, sustainable hospitality in the Guanacaste region. Set atop the dramatic cliffs of Punta Cacique with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the ceremony marked a major milestone in Hilton's global luxury expansion—particularly across Latin America.
Lamanagta Luxury Surf Resort (Lamangata), is now open and accepting bookings following its grand debut earlier this year. Nestled 1,200 feet above sea level where the rainforest canopy meets the clouds, this intimate, all-inclusive retreat features six ocean-facing suites just ten minutes from the world-class surf breaks of Dominical. With highly personalized surf instruction, curated wellness offerings and chef-crafted meals tailored to each guest, Lamangata is a place to reconnect with nature in refined comfort.
Facilities include New Luxury Lofts, Open-Air Restaurants and Clubhouse.
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) announced today a signed agreement with Solana PA, S.R.L. to debut the iconic St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand in Costa Rica. The development of this visionary project, which will span 20 hectares on the Gulf of Papagayo in the Guanacaste region, is expected to begin in July of this year, with a planned opening in early 2027.
Estée Lauder announces an exclusive partnership with Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection in Costa Rica, debuting its first Skin Longevity Institute in the Americas within the resort’s world-renowned Casa de Agua Spa. Located adjacent to one of the world’s five “Blue Zones,” regions recognized for their high concentration of centenarians, Hacienda AltaGracia offers a transformative journey grounded in trusted longevity practices. The experience-led programming and immersive treatments are designed to awaken vitality, restore balance, and reconnect guests with the simple joys of life inspired by the resort’s natural surroundings.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is delighted to announce the appointment of Brent Martin as General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. A seasoned hospitality leader with over two decades of global experience, Martin rejoins the Four Seasons family to lead one of Latin America's premier luxury resorts.