By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — The definition of luxury travel is shifting. For a growing number of global explorers, including thousands of Costa Ricans, the appeal of a simple beachside retreat is being replaced by a demand for immersive cultural experiences. This trend is vividly illustrated by the Dominican Republic’s rise as a top-ten destination for Costa Rican tourists in 2024, with over 11,300 visiting in the first ten months of the year, drawn by offerings that seamlessly blend relaxation with vibrant local culture.
At the forefront of this evolution is W Hotels, which is challenging the traditional all-inclusive model through its signature W Presents platform. This global series of events transforms its properties into dynamic cultural hubs, intertwining live music, creative expression, and authentic local connections. The mission extends beyond simply booking talent; it aims to activate creative communities and forge a deeper bond between hospitality and the arts.
To understand the intricate legal and business frameworks supporting the burgeoning market of ‘experiential luxury,’ TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to provide his expert analysis on the sector’s unique challenges and opportunities.
The pivot towards experiential luxury fundamentally changes the legal landscape from product liability to service-based accountability. The value is in the execution of a unique, often unrepeatable, event. Therefore, the contractual architecture must be impeccable, clearly delineating deliverables, managing subjective expectations, and establishing robust liability waivers for high-risk activities. In this niche, a brand’s reputation is its primary asset, and it is protected not just by exceptional service, but by ironclad legal foresight.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this insight underscores that the true architecture of modern luxury is not just the visible experience, but the invisible legal framework that provides clients with the confidence to fully immerse themselves in it. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical, and often overlooked, aspect of the industry.
Having previously made stops in cosmopolitan cities like Osaka and at Costa Rican destinations like W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal in Guanacaste, the series has a proven track record of creating unique, immersive environments. Past events have featured acclaimed artists such as Channel Tres and Neil Frances, cementing the platform’s reputation for curating diverse and cutting-edge lineups that resonate with culturally-savvy travelers.
The latest installment of W Presents marked the grand opening of the brand’s first-ever adults-only, all-inclusive resort, W Punta Cana. The celebratory weekend was headlined by French producer Rodriguez Jr., whose blend of melodic techno and house has earned him acclaim on the global festival circuit. He was joined by Sinego, W’s Music Director for the Caribbean and Latin America, who is celebrated for his innovative work that reinterprets Latin American folklore through the lens of electronic dance music.
The event drew an influential crowd of creators, models, and artists, including supermodel Joan Smalls and actor Lucien Laviscount of Emily in Paris fame. Together, they experienced a night centered on musical exploration and improvisation, a core tenet of the W Presents philosophy. The experience was about more than just a performance; it was a curated gathering designed to foster community and celebrate creative energy in a stunning Caribbean setting.
Deepening the connection to regional culture, the event featured a partnership with Inaru Valley, a premium Dominican cacao producer distinguished by its sustainable, women-led business model. Attendees engaged in artisanal workshops, learning about chemical-free processes that prioritize local ingredients and an ethical vision. This gastronomic exploration was woven into a wider agenda of creative sessions and wellness activities, demonstrating a holistic approach to cultural immersion.
This initiative crystalizes a new understanding of contemporary luxury—one defined not by opulence or excess, but by a sense of belonging, meaningful exploration, and shared stories. The W Punta Cana itself embodies this ethos. As the brand’s global debut in the adults-only all-inclusive space, the 340-room resort integrates W’s signature innovative style with the carefree nature of an all-inclusive package. Its design thoughtfully incorporates native Dominican materials and motifs, referencing the larimar stone, local fauna, and reinterpreted colonial elements.
The property offers a comprehensive experience with 12 distinct dining and cocktail venues, ranging from Pan-Asian to authentic Caribbean cuisine. The programming extends to an extensive spa, outdoor yoga, and curated cultural activities, all designed to connect guests with their environment. With over 1,300 square meters of flexible event space, the resort is also positioned as a destination for creative and corporate gatherings. This opening marks a significant milestone for W Hotels as it continues to expand its luxury all-inclusive footprint, with future properties planned for Playa del Carmen and Costa Mujeres.
For further information, visit whotels.com
About W Hotels:
Part of the Marriott Bonvoy global portfolio, W Hotels is a luxury lifestyle brand known for its bold design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service, and vibrant cultural programming. With a presence in key cities and exotic destinations around the world, W Hotels provides an insider’s access to what’s new and next in music, fashion, and design, creating immersive experiences for its guests.
For further information, visit marriottbonvoy.com
About Marriott Bonvoy:
Marriott Bonvoy is the comprehensive travel program from Marriott International, offering an extensive portfolio of 30 hotel brands. The program provides members with exclusive benefits, including points earning and redemption opportunities for hotel stays, experiences, and more. It connects a global community of travelers with a wide range of properties, from luxury resorts to select-service hotels.
For further information, visit inaruvalley.com
About Inaru Valley:
Inaru Valley is a Dominican producer of premium, ethically sourced cacao products. The company operates on a sustainable model led by women entrepreneurs, focusing on artisanal, chemical-free production methods that honor local ingredients and traditions. It aims to connect consumers with the rich heritage of Dominican cacao through high-quality, thoughtfully crafted goods.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. It leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to drive forward-thinking legal strategies and embrace innovation. This dedication extends beyond the courtroom through a core mission to empower the public, transforming complex legal concepts into accessible knowledge to foster a more just and informed society.
