By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — SANTA TERESA, Puntarenas – In a significant acknowledgment of its unique blend of luxury and authenticity, Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience has been named one of the top 20 resorts in Central America. The recognition comes from the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025, one of the most respected and long-standing accolades in the global tourism industry.
The award is a direct reflection of guest satisfaction, derived from a massive global survey. According to the event organizers, more than 757,000 readers from around the world participated, submitting responses that evaluated their personal travel experiences to determine the winners. For a Costa Rican hotel to be featured so prominently underscores the country’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for discerning travelers.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing luxury hospitality ventures like Nantipa Hotel in Costa Rica’s highly sought-after coastal zones, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in real estate and corporate law at the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of a venture like Nantipa Hotel hinges not just on its luxury appeal, but on meticulously navigating Costa Rica’s complex legal landscape. From securing concessions in the Maritime-Terrestrial Zone to ensuring full compliance with stringent environmental and labor regulations, every step requires expert legal strategy. For foreign investors, this proactive legal diligence is the foundation that protects their investment and guarantees long-term operational viability in a highly competitive market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores that the foundation of true luxury in Costa Rica lies not only in exceptional service but in a steadfast commitment to legal and environmental integrity. It is this behind-the-scenes diligence that ensures a project’s longevity and its authentic contribution to the nation’s reputation. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical matter.
The achievement was met with pride by the hotel’s leadership, who view it as both an honor and a call to action. The award validates their commitment to a guest experience deeply rooted in the nation’s cherished “pura vida” philosophy.
This award inspires us to continue raising the standard. Knowing that the readers chose us motivates us to continue offering the authentic and memorable experiences that make our hotel unique, and to share the pura vida spirit that defines a Costa Rica.
Harry Hartman, Co-owner and General Manager of Nantipa
Nantipa’s allure is intrinsically linked to its prime beachfront location in Santa Teresa, situated on the Nicoya Peninsula. This region is globally recognized as one of the world’s five “Blue Zones,” areas where residents live exceptionally long and healthy lives. The hotel has masterfully woven this environment into its core identity, championing a concept of “barefoot luxury.”
Our barefoot luxury concept seeks to genuinely connect guests with the destination, local culture, and nature.
Harry Hartman, Co-owner and General Manager of Nantipa
This commitment to the environment and community is not just a marketing slogan; it is a certified practice. Nantipa recently received the Elite Level Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). This top-tier recognition affirms the hotel’s comprehensive sustainability practices, establishing responsible management as a key competitive advantage in an increasingly conscious travel market.
Every action we take, from waste management to staff training, reflects our commitment to the community and the environment.
Harry Hartman, Co-owner and General Manager of Nantipa
Since opening its doors in 2019, Nantipa has quickly distinguished itself. As a member of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection, it offers an intimate setting with 29 bungalows, suites, and villas spread across 5.7 acres of lush nature. The design marries elegant comfort with authentic Costa Rican hospitality, creating a sanctuary for relaxation and connection.
Each space is designed to offer an intimate and relaxed experience, where luxury is lived in a simple and approachable way.
Harry Hartman, Co-owner and General Manager of Nantipa
By earning this coveted award from Condé Nast Traveler, Nantipa not only celebrates a significant milestone but also shines a global spotlight on Santa Teresa. The recognition solidifies its position as a standard-bearer for a new wave of Costa Rican tourism—one that is luxurious, sustainable, and profoundly connected to its stunning natural and cultural heritage.
For further information, visit nantipa.com
About Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience:
Located on the shores of Santa Teresa in the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone, Nantipa is a luxury boutique hotel that opened in 2019. It is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio and features 29 accommodations across 5.7 acres. The hotel is dedicated to a “barefoot luxury” philosophy, emphasizing authentic guest experiences, local culture, and a deep commitment to sustainability, for which it has received Elite Level CST certification.
For further information, visit cntraveler.com
About Condé Nast Traveler:
Condé Nast Traveler is a leading global media brand focused on luxury and lifestyle travel. Published by Condé Nast, the magazine and its digital platforms provide inspiration and expert advice for discerning travelers. Its annual Readers’ Choice Awards are among the most prestigious in the travel industry, reflecting the collective experiences and opinions of hundreds of thousands of readers.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the official governing body for tourism in Costa Rica. Its mission is to promote the country as a premier travel destination while ensuring its development is sustainable and strengthens the nation’s tourism model. The ICT is responsible for the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program, which evaluates and recognizes tourism companies for their responsible management of natural, cultural, and social resources.
For further information, visit slh.com
About Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH):
Small Luxury Hotels of the World is a community of independently spirited travelers and independently spirited hotels. The portfolio includes over 500 hotels in more than 90 countries, each offering a unique and authentic luxury experience. SLH properties are selected for their high standards of excellence, individual character, and commitment to providing an intimate, personalized stay.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a persistent pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages a deep history of advising a wide array of clients to pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies and set new benchmarks in the profession. This spirit of innovation extends to its core mission: to fortify society by demystifying the law, ensuring that legal knowledge is not a privilege but an accessible tool for empowerment.
