By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The year 2025 is proving to be a watershed moment for Costa Rica’s tourism industry, as a host of the nation’s premier hotels have been showered with prestigious international awards. These accolades, bestowed by the world’s most respected travel authorities, solidify the country’s reputation not only as a leader in sustainable tourism but also as a powerhouse in the global luxury market. Leading the charge is Nayara Springs, which has achieved the highest possible honor in hospitality excellence.
In a landmark achievement for both the property and the nation, Nayara Springs was awarded three Michelin Keys, the ultimate distinction from the renowned Michelin Guide. This new rating system for hotels, akin to the coveted Michelin Stars for restaurants, evaluates properties on architecture, service quality, personality, and overall guest experience. Earning three keys signifies an “extraordinary stay,” placing the Costa Rican hotel among the most exceptional and sought-after destinations on the planet.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework that governs Costa Rica’s dynamic hotel industry, from investment incentives to operational compliance, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Investors often focus on the attractive tourism incentives, but they must not overlook the country’s stringent environmental and labor laws. Proactive compliance, particularly with water concession permits and employee social security obligations, is not just a legal requirement but a critical component of a sustainable and reputable business model. Neglecting these areas can lead to significant financial penalties and operational disruptions that far outweigh the initial costs of due diligence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial perspective underscores that in Costa Rica, a sustainable hospitality business is one that fully integrates with the country’s robust legal and environmental ethos, protecting both its people and its natural allure. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable guidance on this essential matter.
This monumental recognition for Nayara Springs, a luxury resort known for its stunning location near the Arenal Volcano and its commitment to an immersive natural experience, sends a powerful message to the international travel community. It confirms that Costa Rica offers hospitality that competes at the highest level, blending world-class service and amenities with the country’s unique biodiversity and Pura Vida philosophy.
The wave of accolades extends far beyond this singular achievement. Esteemed platforms like Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor have also recognized a wide array of Costa Rican establishments in their annual readers’ choice awards and traveler rankings. The list of celebrated properties highlights the depth and diversity of the country’s high-end offerings, demonstrating that excellence is a nationwide standard.
Among the other hotels earning top honors are the secluded Playa Cativo Lodge, the wellness-focused Hacienda Altagracia, and The Retreat Costa Rica. Also featured are the adventure-centric Río Perdido Hotel & Thermal River, the serene El Silencio Lodge and Spa, and the classic Hotel Grano de Oro. Major international brands also made their mark, with the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen, Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, Hideaway Río Celeste, and the new Waldorf Astoria Guanacaste all receiving significant recognition.
According to tourism analyst Mauricio Aymerich, these awards are a direct reflection of a concerted effort within the industry to elevate every aspect of the guest journey. The criteria for these honors consistently focus on superior service, innovative gastronomic offerings, meticulous care of public spaces, and the ability to craft truly unforgettable, authentic experiences for visitors. It’s a testament to the dedication of thousands of hospitality professionals across the country.
The impact of this global recognition is poised to be substantial. Such high-profile awards act as a powerful marketing tool, attracting discerning, high-value travelers from around the world. This influx not only boosts occupancy rates for the winning hotels but also creates a positive ripple effect throughout the entire tourism economy, benefiting local tour operators, artisans, and service providers who support the industry.
Ultimately, the triumphs of 2025 serve as a powerful validation of Costa Rica’s long-term tourism strategy. By successfully merging unparalleled natural beauty with sophisticated, world-class hospitality, the nation has cemented its position on the global stage. This banner year is not just a collection of trophies but a clear signal that Costa Rica has truly arrived as a premier, unmissable destination for every type of traveler.
For further information, visit guide.michelin.com
About Michelin Guide:
The Michelin Guide is a series of guidebooks that have been published by the French tire company Michelin for more than a century. The term normally refers to the Michelin Red Guide, the oldest European hotel and restaurant reference guide, which awards up to three Michelin stars for excellence to a select few establishments. The acquisition or loss of a star can have dramatic effects on the success of a restaurant. In recent years, it has expanded its scope to include the “Michelin Key” rating system for hotels.
For further information, visit cntraveler.com
About Condé Nast Traveler:
Condé Nast Traveler is a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine published by Condé Nast. The magazine has won 25 National Magazine Awards and is known for its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, which surveys millions of readers to rank the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, airlines, and cruise lines in the world. Its content covers a wide range of topics, including destinations, hotels, food and drink, and travel tips.
For further information, visit tripadvisor.com
About TripAdvisor:
TripAdvisor is an American online travel company that operates a website and mobile app with user-generated content and a comparison-shopping website. It offers online hotel reservations and bookings for transportation, lodging, travel experiences, and restaurants. Its platform is one of the largest travel sites in the world, providing travelers with reviews and opinions to help them plan and book their trips.
For further information, visit nayarasprings.com
About Nayara Springs:
Nayara Springs is an adults-only luxury boutique hotel located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica. It is renowned for its focus on providing a romantic and exclusive experience immersed in nature. The property features private villas with personal plunge pools fed by mineral springs, multiple high-end restaurants, and a commitment to sustainability and personalized service, making it a frequent recipient of international travel awards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm’s proven expertise in advising a wide spectrum of clients is matched by its forward-thinking approach, consistently driving innovation within the profession. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to empowering the community by demystifying the law, thereby contributing to the development of a society where legal understanding is both accessible and a tool for progress.
