An Assessment of How Luxury Tourism and Conservation Can Coexist in a Sensitive Ecosystem

Hotel Amarena's luxury tented room

Costa Rica has long been considered as a frontier and global leader in eco-tourism. 

Travellers from around the world visit Costa Rica seeking truly wild experiences - in a responsible way. 

However, as tourism continues to grow, one question has been on my mind: 

Can luxury tourism and conservation truly coexist together?

This is not a simple question. And answers differ depending on who you ask. 

After a recent hotel inspection, this question continued to gnaw away at me. As a company dedicated to seeking out sustainable partners, I want to explore this in detail.
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And that’s exactly what this article is about. Read on to learn my perspective on this divisive matter. 

Development Across Costa Rica

Across Costa Rica, tourism projects are often met with both excitement and concern. 

This is more pronounced in developing coastal regions, in areas throughout Guanacaste and Puntarenas. 

Some argue these developments are needed for economic growth and employment opportunities.

Others, including myself, raise concerns surrounding habitat fragmentation & deforestation, as well as overall pressures on the natural world. 

As a conservation-focused travel company, Cecropia Travel believes these conversations are important. We must hold developers accountable if they are profiteering from the destruction of our environment. 
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Rather than avoiding the issues at hand, we believe responsible tourism requires transparency, and a willingness to ask difficult questions.

The Challenge Facing Costa Rica’s Coastline

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is one of the most biologically rich regions in Central America. 
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Areas surrounding coastlines contain important ecosystems including tropical forest, mangroves, wetlands, and marine environments that support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife.

At the same time, these regions are increasingly attractive to tourism and real estate development.

This creates a tension that is becoming more common across the country.

So, how do we create economic opportunity through tourism without undermining the very ecosystems that make Costa Rica unique and attract said tourists. 

There needs to be a sustainable solution to attract tourism without negatively affecting the surrounding environment. Afterall, tourism is one of Costa Rica’s most important economic sectors.

When managed responsibly, tourism can directly support conservation initiatives, local employment, environmental education, and habitat protection.

Oftentimes, however, many of these development projects are not managed responsibly. Too often, the terms "sustainability" or "ecotourism" are thrown around without truely understand their significance. 

Hotels need to actively produce results to show how they are improving the surrounding areas. Wildlife surveys. Reforestation efforts. Community engagement. 
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And that’s why hotel inspections are so important. 

Hotel Amarena: Costa Rica’s Newest Sustainable Luxury Hotel

Bathroom in one of Amarena's tented rooms

Recently, I visited Amarena, a luxury tented hotel located within the Místico Beach Community near Playa Hermosa, Jaco. 

The project promotes itself as both luxury-driven and sustainability-focused.

But is this combination possible? Or is it a green-washing tactic? 

Across Costa Rica, and as a result of global trends, more and more hotels are positioning themselves in the high-end tourism market. Which tends to go hand-in-hand with conservation.

The idea being, a smaller number of guests paying higher rates may reduce the need for mass tourism and increased pressures of the environment. 

Given the wider conversations and controversy surrounding development in the region, I wanted to assess firsthand what sustainability looks like in practice, and whether projects like Amarena can realistically balance environmental responsibility with luxury hospitality.

During my visit, I wanted to better understand several key areas:

• Addressing controversy surrounding development 
• Learning how much native habitat has been preserved
• Have Amarena collaborated with any conservation organisations
• How the local communities are involved 

These are not questions designed to “catch out” Hotel Amarena.

Instead, these are the types of conversations that should become standard when discussing sustainability and conservation in modern tourism.

I want my guests coming to Costa Rica to live a truly authentic experience. Not a greenwashing marketing scheme.
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So, what did I discover?

Hotel Amarena: A Path to Sustainability ​

Firstly, it is important to note that Amarena is an incredibly new hotel - opening in April 2026. 

Hotel Amarena is overseen by the Costa Rica Collection Group - renowned for their award-winning, eco-friendly and luxury hotels. 

Their commitment extends beyond providing exceptional accommodations but to actively safeguard and preserve the communities and ecosystems surrounding their hotels. 

Whilst Hotel Amarena may be too new to correctly assess their sustainability model, we can take influence from their own sister properties that use the same techniques deployed by Amarena. 

Understanding the Development Controversy ​

During my stay, I spoke to the General Manager of Costa Rica Collections, Isaac Quieros. 

Developers have been accused of knowingly destroying wetland habitats. However, Issac explained to me that the land where Amarena is built upon was cattle fields and rice paddies.  

It seems to be a game of Chinese Whispers: he said this, she said that, they did this, and so on. Actually getting to the root of everything is tricky. I've read contrasting evidence on either side. 

So, for argument's sake, let's set aside whether or not the development was on wetland habitat. I want to know what the development is doing to increase biodiversity and protect the surrounding environment. 

Does Amarena truly advocate for a better environment? Do they support local communities? 

At the moment, it’s too early to tell firsthand. But from discussions with Isaac, it seems like the team are committed to protecting the surrounding environment.

But it will only mean something if these practices become a reality. 

Habitat Protection, Biodiversity, and Conservation ​

Olive-ridley turtle coming ashore to lay eggs

The development of Amarena is closely monitored by SINAC - part of the government responsible for managing the country's extensive system of protected areas. 
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Surrounding Amarena is the Hermosa Reserve, which houses an incredible diversity of life - from macaws to pumas. Development is prohibited in this land.
Instead, Amarena plans to showcase the beauty to guests here. 

To do this, they have partnered with local, Costa Rican-owned tour companies. These companies, which employ people who have grown up in the region, offer naturalist-led night and birdwatching tours through the region's many ecosystems. 

Other activities will include turtle conservation. 

This I can 100% vouch for. I have worked firsthand with the team making this a reality. The project is in its final steps of completion, waiting for the final approval from MINAE - another subsidiary of Costa Rica's government. 

Working with local NGOs, the idea is for guests to be fully immersed with the sea turtles of Costa Rica - and their well-needed conservation. Hotel guests will be able to witness nesting turtles laying their eggs or hatchlings returning to the sea. 

What’s more, Amarena’s "living without walls" philosophy means they have zero-impact architectural designs. 

There are no imposing concrete structures, no bright lights, and no beach development to disturb nests. 

In fact, it could even be argued that the presence of the hotel here will deter poachers from stealing turtle eggs. 

The beach itself, Playa Hermosa, is designated under Costa Rica's Ecological Blue Flag Program. 

This scheme certifies beaches that score at least 90% in rigorous environmental evaluations - including ocean and drinking water quality, waste disposal, sanitary facilities, and community involvement.
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Which brings us onto our next point: the community.

Supporting Local Communities

A novice learning to surf in Costa Rica

​Working with local communities is one of the most important factors in successful conservation efforts. 

And Amarena recognises this.

Alongside partnering with local tour operators, Amarena employs local people directly. Products used in the onsite restaurant are sourced, where possible, from local farms and vendors. 

They also carry out beach cleans with both staff and guests. 

There are discussions of honoring the surf community, by building a surfer's museum in tribute to Playa Hermosa's heritage.
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Again, this is speculative. Ongoing monitoring will be the only way to see whether this becomes a reality. 

Can Luxury Ever Be Sustainable?

A birds eye view of Hotel Amarena

Luxury tourism is often criticised for being resource-intensive.

Large pools, air conditioning, imported materials, increased infrastructure, and private developments can all place pressure on ecosystems - if not carefully managed.

However, there is also another perspective worth considering.

Higher-end tourism can sometimes create opportunities for lower-density development models. 

But what does this mean?

Essentially, it’s a planning concept that refers to having fewer buildings, rooms, or people occupying a given area of land.

For example, a 200-room beachfront resort built on 10 hectares of land would be considered relatively high-density. A 20-tent luxury ecolodge spread across the same 10 hectares could be considered lower-density.

However, lower density does not automatically equate to lower environmental impact. 

Amarena, for example, is a 16-tent hotel. This means a small number of high paying guests may reduce mass tourism and overcrowding in the area. 
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This can potentially allow more land to remain protected while still generating economic viability. Intimate tours could introduce guests to the sensitive ecosystems of the region in a more meaningful way.

As we've touched upon, the true sustainability of any project depends on factors such as habitat preservation, resource management, ecological connectivity, and long-term conservation outcomes. 

The Importance of Transparency

One of the most encouraging aspects of responsible tourism is openness to dialogue. 

Isaac was very much open in our conversation about the regions development and what they're doing to improve the surrounding environment - both naturally and the integration of the community. 

Based on my market research, travellers today are increasingly environmentally conscious. Many want to know not just where they stay, but how their presence impacts local ecosystems and communities.

This makes us very happy.

However, for us at Cecropia Travel, this means partnerships should never be based solely on aesthetics or marketing language. 

Our partnerships are based on ongoing evaluation and transparency. Ultimately, a hotel's brand values must align with our own values.

It also means acknowledging that sustainability is rarely black and white. Few tourism projects exist without environmental impact - that's the nature of the tourism industry. 

But instead of just accepting this, we should be asking:

“Are developers and hotels actively working to reduce those impacts, improve practices, preserve ecosystems, and contribute positively over time?”

Amarena Hotel: My Thoughts ​

Breathtakingly beautiful and open to the elements - if you want. 

I like the fact Amarena is a low-impact tented hotel constructed from canvas, as opposed to the traditional, and environmentally damaging, concrete. 

This design means heavy foundations were not required. Soil erosion is limited and the impact on the surrounding ecosystem is minimal. 

Being able to see the ocean from my room - complete with soaring scarlet macaws - is a magical experience. 

And, after speaking with Isaac, I want to believe Hotel Amarena really is committed to the environment and surrounding community. 

Issac has invited me to visit their sister property, Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, in the Osa Peninsula. He wants me to see the tried and tested practices that make Corcovado Wilderness Lodge so successful at nature preservation. 

The practices deployed there have catapulted Corcovado Wilderness Lodge into a leading ecolodge in Costa Rica - and he envisions Amarena will follow suit. 

Time will tell us. It is up to Amarena to enforce good environmental practices - which I am sure they will. 

I can see the passion behind the people working here. They’re not doing it for certifications. They’re not doing it to follow a trend. They are doing what they do because they genuinely care about showcasing Costa Rica’s outstanding beauty in a meaningful way. 

Final Thoughts

As tourism continues to grow in Costa Rica, the topic of luxury development and eco-experiences will likely remain as a defining environmental discussion. 

After visiting Amarena, and other luxury eco-hotels in Costa Rica, I do believe that luxury tourism and conservation can coexist. 

But conservation and sustainability must be treated as a core pillar of development - not just a marketing tool. 

For me, Hotel Amarena is saying all the right things. Now, they must put these ideologies into practice. I want to see habitat protection, community engagement, and conservation outcomes being central to the project.

I will certainly be returning to assess this.