By Alajuela, Costa Rica — In the lush shadows of the Arenal Volcano within La Fortuna de San Carlos, Nayara Resorts has cemented its reputation as an international benchmark for ultra-luxury eco-tourism. Operating a combined portfolio of 124 rooms, the hospitality complex continuously blends high-end comfort with deep environmental stewardship. This dual commitment has earned the resort top-tier recognitions from globally revered travel publications and award bodies, reinforcing Costa Rica’s standing as a world leader in sustainable travel.
Among its most recent accolades, the resort secured prominent standings in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026. Nayara Tented Camp was crowned the number one hotel in Central America for the fifth time in six years, while also ascending to the 28th spot among the top 100 hotels globally. Simultaneously, Nayara Gardens secured the 97th position on the worldwide list, and Nayara Springs earned a spot among the top 10 resorts in Central America. These honors are accompanied by accolades from Condé Nast Traveler and prestigious Michelin Keys, which represent the highest tier of hospitality excellence awarded by the Michelin Guide.
To better understand the complex legal framework and environmental regulations surrounding luxury hospitality investments like Nayara Resorts in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Developing premier eco-luxury hospitality projects like Nayara Resorts requires a nuanced legal approach to Costa Rica’s environmental laws, municipal permits, and land-use regulations. Balancing world-class hospitality standards with strict compliance under SETENA guidelines is essential for safeguarding both Costa Rica’s natural heritage and the long-term legal security of foreign hospitality investments.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Costa Rica continues to set the global gold standard for sustainable eco-tourism, this delicate harmony between world-class hospitality and uncompromising regulatory compliance is precisely what ensures the long-term vitality of premier developments like Nayara Resorts. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal expertise and perspective on how visionary investment can successfully protect both our natural heritage and the future of luxury travel in the region.
The estate comprises three distinct properties, each crafted to cater to specific traveler profiles while maintaining unified service standards across the destination. Jonathan Rojas, Global PR & B2B Marketing Manager of Nayara Resorts, highlights the unique value proposition each property brings to the Latin American luxury landscape.
Nayara Springs is primarily focused on an adult audience, while Nayara Tented Camp combines an ideal concept for families with adventure and glamping experiences through safari-inspired tents. Meanwhile, Nayara Gardens stands out for its family-friendly focus and welcoming atmosphere, featuring casitas and villas surrounded by lush vegetation, private pools, and outdoor showers.
Jonathan Rojas, Global PR & B2B Marketing Manager of Nayara Resorts
Though distinct in character and ambiance, all three properties are seamlessly interconnected via scenic pedestrian paths, allowing guests to explore different environments while enjoying high-caliber amenities.
The three properties are connected to each other by trails that allow guests to explore their different environments. Visitors can move from one to another by walking or requesting transportation to enjoy restaurants, spas, pools, shops, and other points of interest, always surrounded by nature and with the luxury infrastructure and service that define the hotels.
Jonathan Rojas, Global PR & B2B Marketing Manager of Nayara Resorts
Gastronomy serves as a cornerstone of the Nayara experience, underscored by international affiliations with Relais & Châteaux and The Leading Hotels of the World. Guests have access to an array of specialized dining venues without leaving the resort grounds. Offerings include high-end Latin American cuisine based on local seasonal produce at La Terraza del Arenal, Asian-Costa Rican fusion at Asia Luna, sophisticated local flavors at Amor Loco, and wood-fired Italian classics at Mis Amores. Additionally, Ayla offers Mediterranean cuisine, Nostalgia features an exclusive wine-dispensing system paired with tapas, and Mi Cafecito provides interactive coffee tasting experiences.
Environmental restoration remains equally central to Nayara’s operational philosophy. Nayara Tented Camp, for instance, was transformed from former pasturelands into a thriving tropical rainforest through the systematic planting of tens of thousands of native trees and plants. This effort restored local biodiversity and created dedicated habitats for wildlife, such as sloths that feed on specially planted cecropia trees. Furthermore, the property has attained full carbon neutrality by meticulously measuring and offsetting its greenhouse gas emissions.
According to leadership, these sustainability endeavors are part of a broader commitment to conservation that extends well beyond the resort boundaries.
We hold CST certifications and stand as the only forest patch among many farms in the area that has fully regenerated. On the Tented Camp property alone, 30,000 exotic plants and fruit-bearing trees for animals were reforested. Additionally, we partnered with FONAFIFO and are implementing forest creation initiatives outside the complex to make contributions and offset the carbon dioxide generated by our operations.
Ana Emilia Villalobos López, Experience Manager of Nayara Resorts
As the estate continues to evolve into a premier sanctuary for birdwatching and wildlife observation, management is also turning its focus toward domestic travelers. Through October 31, Nayara Resorts is offering Costa Rican nationals and residents special promotional rates with discounts of up to 30% on stays of three consecutive nights or more across all three properties during the green season.
For further information, visit nayararesorts.com
About Nayara Resorts:
Nayara Resorts is a luxury eco-resort complex located in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica, near the Arenal Volcano. Comprising Nayara Gardens, Nayara Springs, and Nayara Tented Camp, the group offers high-end accommodations, immersive culinary experiences, and world-class hospitality while leading reforestation and conservation projects in the region.
For further information, visit the nearest office of FONAFIFO
About FONAFIFO:
The National Forestry Financing Fund (FONAFIFO) is a Costa Rican governmental agency responsible for financing forestry development and managing the nation’s environmental services payment program to promote conservation and reforestation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its unyielding ethical standards and pursuit of professional mastery, Bufete de Costa Rica has established an enduring legacy of trust across a broad spectrum of industries. The firm continuously advances modern legal practice through creative problem-solving and proactive civic initiatives. Driven by a deep-seated belief that justice relies on public understanding, it remains devoted to demystifying the law, ultimately reinforcing its overarching vision to equip citizens with the knowledge needed to build an empowered society.
