Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton re-opens today as a reimagined, historical gem in the heart of downtown San José in Costa Rica. As the first hotel designed for international visitors in Costa Rica, the newly redesigned 79-guest room property fuses history with cutting-edge modern design, and features indoor gardens and a rooftop piano bar overlooking the National Theatre and city.
Months after becoming the first Costa Rican property management system (PMS) provider to ensure hotel compliance with the mandatory use of an electronic billing system, Seven Suite has partnered with the global hotel industry's leading cloud platform, SiteMinder, to further operational efficiencies for local hoteliers.
Viridi International Resorts SRL, a new upstart in the ultra-luxury boutique hotel and spa space, is pleased to announce the acquisition of El Silencio Lodge and Spa from Grupo Isilita, San Jose, Costa Rica. El Silencio Lodge is a luxury eco-tourist resort located in the high-altitude cloud forest just one hour from San Jose in Bajos del Toro. El Silencio was recently voted the Number 2 Top Resort in Central America by Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards.
El Mangroove, Autograph Collection, announces the appointment of Nicolás Di Paolo as Executive Chef at the 85-suite boutique beachfront property, located on 17 acres of virgin mangrove forest in Costa Rica"s coveted Gulf of Papagayo. As Executive Chef at El Mangroove, Di Paolo will be responsible for overseeing daily food and beverage operations, menu conceptualization, managing back-of-house operations, and implementing new culinary programming and F&B concepts for both of the resort"s on-site restaurants, Matiss and Makoko, in addition to a new restaurant concept slated to open in late 2018. Di Paolo"s passion for food and cooking developed at a young age when his grandparents owned an Italian restaurant in Buenos Aires. It was here that the budding culinary talent learned his first recipes. Passed down through generations, his initial curiosity in the culinary industry was sparked. Today, Di Paolo brings more than 15 years of top-level experience to El Mangroove, having worked at four Michelin star restaurants throughout his career, including El Bulli in Barcelona and El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, both of which have 3 Michelin Stars. With Di Paolo as Chef de Partie, El Celler de Can Roca also earned the prestigious title of Best Restaurant in the World by the industry"s World"s 50 Best Restaurant Awards in 2015. In 2011, he graduated from Escuela de Cocina Bellart in Barcelona with a postgraduate degree in c ooking and professional pastry making. He went on to teach culinary classes at the school in 2016. Most recently, Di Paolo was executive chef at the newly opened Mr. Robinson in Barcelona, where he developed a seasonal monthly menu, oversaw employee management and training, managed budgeting, and worked to ensure overall food quality and customer satisfaction.
SAHIC, the premier organizer of hotel investment conferences in Latin America just concluded the presentation of the first Costa Rica Sustainable Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference, which was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of Costa Rica (ICT). For the first time in this region's history, key investors and decision makers convened in one location to identify significant challenges and sustainable hospitality development opportunities for the country. The Conference took place November 13-14, 2017 at the Intercontinental in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, the only Forbes Five-Star luxury resort in Central and South America, has named Michael Mestraud as the General Manager. A Four Seasons veteran, Mestraud brings to his role vast, international luxury hospitality experience. He will oversee all operations for the acclaimed property, which is presently underway with a USD 35 million re-imagination that will bring a striking new interpretation of modern eco-luxury to Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast in December 2017.
Aqua-Aston Hospitality, a leading hotel and resort management group and an operating business of ILG (Nasdaq: ILG), announced the signing of Crocodile Bay Resort and the future Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton. Hilton's Curio brand is a rapidly expanding global collection of distinctive, upper-upscale hotels and resorts that cater to passionate travelers seeking local discovery and authentic experiences.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, the only Forbes Five-Star luxury resort in Central and South America, announces a USD 35 million extensive re-imagination that will bring a striking new interpretation of modern eco-luxury and meaningful explorations to Costa Rica"s north Pacific coast in December 2017. Active families and couples, nature enthusiasts, bold adventure seekers and more will discover a world apart at the re-imagined Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica located on a strait of back-to-back sandy beaches within the premier eco-tourism destination of Peninsula Papagayo.
In honor of the upcoming National Travel and Tourism Week, travel agency Costa Rican Vacations has announced the 2017 winners of its scholarship program. Two sustainable tourism students will receive $1000 each to continue their studies at U.S. universities.Both students were selected based on a personal essay describing their career goals in relation to their specific field of study. This years winners are the following:- Jennet Nedirmammedova, University of Wyoming: Originally from Turkmenistan, Jennet is a junior in Environmental System Science and is the treasurer of the Sustainability Club.- Carmel Bendit-Shtull, Cornell University: A sophomore in Hotel Administration, Carmel spent a gap year interning in Costa Rica at two sustainable hotels.Since our founding, Costa Rican Vacations has been involved in promoting sustainable tourism within Costa Rica, said Casey Halloran, CEO, Namu Travel Group. Our company is comprised of a diverse, international team who endeavor to promote, improve, and encourage tourism and responsible travel.Launched in 2015, the scholarship reflects the companys commitment to sustainable travel. Scholarships are not renewable; however, a recipient may reapply.I am incredibly grateful and honored to receive this scholarship, said Carmel Bendit-Shtull, scholarship recipient. I really appreciate the support from Costa Rican Vacations.The Costa Rican Vacations scholarship is given annually to two students. Details can be found on the website: http://www.vacationscostarica.com/about-us/scholarships/
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection’s first Central American property located in Costa Rica’s lush mountains of Pérez Zeledón, announces the appointment of Ramces Castillo as Executive Chef. In his new role Castillo will lead the culinary program for all of the resort’s dining outlets including its signature restaurant, Ambar. Pairing classical cooking techniques with the flavors of Latin America, Chef’s new menu will celebrate the bounty of the region and will be sourced from the resort’s on-site 20-acre sustainably managed farm.
Hard Rock International announced plans to bring the Hard Rock Hotels experience to Costa Rica with the all- inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Papagayo, Costa Rica. Hard Rock, in collaboration with Sunwing Travel Group, is set to open Costa Rica's first Hard Rock Hotel by early 2019. The brand's strategic partnership with Sunwing Travel Group, the largest tour operator in North America, provides the perfect opportunity for future growth within the region. With Hard Rock and Sunwing Travel Group's shared vision of providing authentic experiences in word-class destinations, this new partnership paves the way for potential collaborations in both the Caribbean and Latin America.
Modern travellers seeking an authentic Costa Rican experience filled with immersive culture, adventure and romance will love the new Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas hotel opening February 2017.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa welcomes new Executive Chef Galo Guerron Muñoz. With an emphasis on upscale local cuisine and modern culinary techniques, Muñoz brings 19 years of global industry experience to Costa Rica’s leading thermal springs and spa resort.
Prior to joining Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, Perez held operational positions with Starwood, Accor and Princess Cruises in exotic locales including Jakarta, Bali, Hong Kong, Philippines, Switzerland and Turks and Caicos to name a few.
Marriott International announced the appointment of Jose Torres as General Manager for Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. With more than 18 years of hospitality expertise, Torres will take the helm of the renowned property, concentrating on elevating guest satisfaction and managing day-to-day operations leveraging the resort’s dynamic and cultural experiences.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® has been appointed by financial consulting firm Aldesa to manage Rosewood Papagayo, Costa Rica, which is scheduled to open in 2019. This luxury retreat will be situated on the northwest coast of Costa Rica within the province of Guanacaste which is renowned for its tropical forests, diverse wildlife and picturesque beaches. Located just 20 minutes' drive from Liberia International Airport, the resort will be nestled into the hillside which gently cascades down to a golden-sand beach and the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Guests will enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding jungle canopy and the Gulf of Papagayo. Situated within a forested setting, the resort will offer 180 accommodations including 130 guestrooms and suites in addition to 50 residences. The accommodations are designed to make the most of the natural surroundings, with features such as open-air living rooms, large terraces and plunge pools. The suites will include seven two-storey treehouses whose striking, contemporary design will bring a sense of delight and romance.Designed and built by Dallas-based architects, HKS, Rosewood Papagayo, Costa Rica will be in keeping with Rosewood's core philosophy of A Sense of Place® and will use indigenous materials and locally inspired artwork throughout the property. The resort will have direct beach access and two swimming pools in addition to a fitness center and the brand's signature Sense, A Rosewood Spa. Dining options will include a poolside bar and grill, a restaurant offering informal all-day dining, a bar and a speciality restaurant. The resort will also offer a total of nearly 1,100 square meters of event space including a ballroom with a large outdoor terrace. "At Rosewood Papagayo, Costa Rica we will draw inspiration from the richness and beauty of Costa Rica's landscape and culture," says Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer, Rosewood Hotel Group. "This secluded sanctuary will allow guests to embark upon their own personal journeys and create lasting memories."
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of 15-year company veteran Rajiv Malhotra as General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. Malhotra, who joined Four Seasons in 2001, brings his focus on service and innovation to the award-winning property which recently won a Five Star Rating from Forbes Travel Guide. Originally from India, Malhotra arrived to Costa Rica's Peninsula Papagayo by way of a seasoned luxury hospitality career which spans several countries and includes management positions at Four Seasons addresses including Bora Bora, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Santa Barbara and Great Exuma, Bahamas.
Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International's growing collection of strikingly independent hotels, is celebrating further expansion across the Caribbean and Latin America, and the brand's second hotel in Costa Rica, with the addition of El Mangroove.
Olas Verdes, a Costa Rican boutique hotel in Playa Guiones, Nosara is thrilled to announce its opening as the world's Mirst LEED CertiMied surf hotel. Nestled away from the coastline alongside a jungle forever preserved, Olas Verdes provides immediate access to serenity and adventure. Towering Guanacaste trees and native plants seamlessly blend the amenities of Olas Verdes Hotel with the allure of the adjacent wildlife refuge. Olas Verdes stays true to its Costa Rican roots and community with Nosara's rustic vibes and unpaved roads, which take you back to basic living. This once clear-cut farming region has been fully restored to its original state with forest lands along the coastline and surrounding mountains. The serene beach town is a world-class surMing destination with Playa Guiones featuring 4 miles of beach break that catches any swell direction year-round. The Costa Rican surf hotel offers 17 suites across 5 buildings, each representing a different region of Costa Rica featuring unique color palettes and authentic decor from local artisans in their respective province. Accommodations include air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, standard bedding, and kitchen appliances with a living room, bedroom, and bathroom per suite. Additionally, Olas Verdes offers a specialized suite with a large patio overlooking the pool, restaurant/bar, beach trail and yoga deck. Additionally, appointing native Costa Rican staff from Nosara in all levels of management was an important factor to Olas Verdes' founders. Olas Verdes was born out of their love for Costa Rica, its people and culture, as well as their passion for the local community of Nosara. Integrating the spirit and allure of the region into the design aesthetics and guest experience at Olas Verdes was essential for the team. "We set out to create Olas Verdes as a direct representation of the unique community and environment that we are so fortunate to be a part of," explains Carl Kish, Project Manager of Olas Verdes, "Every facet of Olas Verdes exudes the culture of pura vida and we could not be more excited to share this beautiful paradise with our guests." Olas Verdes offers visitors close access to Nosara's wide range of activities to suit anyone's preferred adventure from ziplining through the jungle canopy for a bird's eye view of breathtaking scenery and wildlife to yoga classes, waterfall tours, massage and holistic healing centers, wildlife tours, and much more. With Nosara's Mirst surf school in house, Safari Surf offers private or group surf lessons and eco friendly Firewire surMboard rentals. Furthermore, Olas Verdes' locally-owned restaurant and bar, El Manglar, serves authentic Costa Rican dishes with herbs and vegetables harvested from their onsite garden. Year round local, seasonal, and organic produce, poultry, and sustainably harvested Mish are sourced in Nosara supporting all various facets of the local economy. A stay at Olas Verdes is a guarantee that your trip is contributing to community development programs and to the preservation of the local environment. Olas Verdes hosts local schools for educational seminars, coordinates voluntourism efforts with local nonproMits, and utilizes ultra low Mlow water Mixtures in addition to rainwater harvesting; repurposing treated greywater for irrigating all of their native vegetation; powering nearly 20% of the hotel's annual energy demand with solar PV and solar hot water; and recycling as all yard and kitchen waste is composted on site for their herb garden. The hotel grounds blend into the wildlife refuge with the use of 100% native vegetation, and suites that inspire visitors to explore indigenous cultures and the "pura vida" nation with decor from the Mive regions of Costa Rica. Olas Verdes will have a soft opening on November 3rd followed by their Grand Opening to the public on December 5th. Olas Verdes and Safari Surf School will be hosting a concert and fundraiser for the community on November 28th with G Love and local artists as well.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced an agreement with Desarrollos Hoteleros Guanacaste S.A. (DHG) to debut the iconic W brand in Costa Rica. W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal will be the brand's first tropical escape in Latin America, redefining the local luxury resort experience with its cutting-edge design, energetic DNA and Whatever/Whenever service philosophy, all set against a backdrop of spectacular shorelines, vast volcanoes and magnificent mountain ranges.