Arenas Del Mar:
The Sustainable Experience

Arenas Del Mar defines the term sustainable tourism as:

"Responsible travel that conserves the environment 
and improves the well-being of local people. " 

Arenas del Mar seeks to demonstrate that a world class resort can be successfully combined with the highest levels of sustainability. Working with Costa Rica’s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST), Arenas Del Mar is truly an exemplary project for tourism worldwide.

Environmental Stewardship

Onsite Sustainability Features

At Arenas Del Mar, sustainability has been a key feature since the planning and construction phase. Sustainable features of the physical property itself include:

• Solar panels to heat hot water coupled with energy saving auxiliary water heaters.
• Underground electricity systems that do not interfere with surrounding wildlife.
• Chlorine free ionization systems to clean pool water.
• Energy efficient lighting and illumination throughout the entire property.
• Extensive recycling programs.
• Recycling and waste management system.+
  At Arenas del Mar we practice a strict recycling program to ensure as much waste as possible is reused over time. We separate all of the recyclable items such as plastics, aluminum, paper, compostable materials, and more into different receptacles, which are found throughout the hotel property. The staff then collects the items throughout the day and brings them to the disposal facility on the property where they are weighed. We strive to produce more waste that can be recycled than waste that cannot be recycled, and we track this progress by weight. The materials are then delivered to the recycling plant in Quepos where they are treated and dispersed and, ultimately, reused in new forms.
• Advanced wastewater treatment systems which assure that all water leaving our properties will not affect the surrounding water sources.
• Use of low-flow toilets.+
  Our hotel works to reduce our water consumption in part by the use of low flow toilets in all of the restroom facilities. This change alone saves 2 gallons of water per flush.
• The use of electric cars on property that significantly reduce our carbon emissions.
• Roof tiles made from discarded plastic bags from the banana industry.
• Recycled materials used throughout the property.+
  Recycled materials significantly decreased the amount of waste that is unnecessarily put into landfills every year. Here at Arenas del Mar we strive to purchase items that are made of recycled materials. Some examples of products that we have found that are made from recycled materials include the following: the lounge chairs and towel chests found around the pool and other areas of the hotel are all made of recycled plastic, and the material that our roofs are made of comes from the plastic packaging for bananas.
• An advanced vermiculture-based compost system to recycle organic waste. +
  One of the biggest problems facing traditional agriculture today is the loss of organic materials contained in the soil, caused among other things by the cultivation of monoculture populations, use heavy machinery and use (and abuse) of agrochemicals.
  
  These processes have produced some grave results: Each year, more than 4 million tons of chemical fertilizers are incorporated into the world’s soil. At Arenas del Mar, we have implemented a vermiculture-based composting system to break down organic waste produced from the hotel´s kitchen. Vermiculture, which uses earthworms to break down organic waste, produces a rich fertilizer which can be used to maintain our gardens and landscaping, thereby eliminating the need for harmful pesticides or chemicals. For more information about our composting program, please contact our sustainability coordinator at sostenibilidad@arenasdelmar.com.
• Onsite soap production made from leftover cooking oil from the hotel kitchen. +
  In rural areas of Costa Rica that lack proper waste management controls, the disposal of oils (such as those produced in hotel kitchens) can cause serious environmental implications, polluting local rivers and streams. In an effort to effectively deal with used cooking oil produced onsite, we have started to make our own soap made from used cooking oil which is used in employee housing areas (some of it has even been scented with natural mint and other flavors).
• Non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.
• Support of local artists and businesses throughout the gift shop and spa. +
  Costa Rica boasts many artists and local businesses. Supporting the local community is important, so we have developed a group of artists within Manuel Antonio and the surrounding community that each provides unique products for the hotel. In our spa, visitors can enjoy bath and cleansing products produced right here in the town of Manuel Antonio. Additionally, the hotel gift shop, offers a variety of products made from local artists including jewelry, woodworking, and purses.
• Plant a Tree Program. +
  Guests are encouraged to make a donation and plant a tree on the hotel property during their visit. They can come back and visit their tree over and over again and the $15 donation goes to support one of the two donation programs here at Arenas del Mar: Kids Saving the Rainforest and the Titi Conservation Alliance. Both organizations are described in further detail here.
• Donations made to local organizations that promote reforestation and the protection of squirrel monkeys.
• Native plants nursery. +
  At Arenas del Mar we use only native plants in our tropical landscape. We have built a nursery to care for many of these species before they are ready to be planted on the property. The trees for our “Plant a Tree” program are also cared for in the nursery before a lucky guest plants them in the ground. The use of only native trees on our property helps to preserve the natural ecosystem, reduces the amount of irrigation necessary because the plants are suited for this climate and weather pattern, sustains a more healthy landscape because the plants exist naturally together.
• Hydroponic garden on the hotel property. +
  Plants such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, chiles, and other produce are grown in our hydroponic garden at Arenas del Mar. The garden provides an example of the type of products that guests could grow right in their own homes. A hydroponic garden is ideal for any location because it does not take up large amounts of space, it uses minimal amounts of soil, and the water is captured and reused over and over again for each plant.
• And much more!

We believe that the participation of our local communities is integral to forming a successful plan for sustainable tourism and development. Some of our work in community development include the programs listed here.

At Arenas Del Mar, Guest Generosity Means New School Supplies for a Local School. Read about our latest donation thanks to our Guest Giving Program here.

The Sustainable Guest Experience

At Arenas del Mar, everyone works to provide our guests with unique experiences that allow them to learn about our work in conservation and sustainable tourism, connecting them with local cultures and inspiring them to incorporate sustainability and environmental awareness into their own lives.  Some of our programs include:

• The Sustainability Tour
• Cultural Highlights
• Folkloric Dances
• Eco-friendly Amenities
• Carbon Offsets
• Bamboo Straws
• Good Environmental Habits to Take Home

Geotourism

According to National Geographic´s Center for Sustainable Destinations, “geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. Geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism—that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations—while allowing for ways to protect a place's character. Geotourism also takes a principle from its ecotourism cousin,—that tourism revenue should promote conservation—and extends it to culture and history as well, that is, all distinctive assets of a place.”

Since its construction, Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort has worked diligently to become a geotourism destination by participating in the following activities:

• Working towards the conservation and reforestation of Manuel Antonio
• Supporting environmental education efforts in the surrounding community
• Providing guests with ample information about local culture and customs
• Promoting and encouraging manifestations of local culture, including:
  • Hosting traditional artisans in the lodge to promote their work
  • Sponsoring a traditional dance troupe
  • Incorporating local dishes, flavors and ingredients into its menu offerings
• Striving to achieve the highest levels of sustainability in its operations and architecture by installing technologies such as solar panels, non-chlorinated pool cleaning systems, worm-based composting and more
• Promoting the concept of sustainable development among neighbors and local community members
• Working with Costa Rica´s prestigious Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST)