Sustainability in Costa Rica: Lamangata’s Approach to Sustainable Luxury

Sustainability in Costa Rica is everywhere—at least in name.

It’s become a fixture on websites, in booking filters, and across hotel marketing. But for travelers who care about real impact, those words don’t always translate into meaningful action on the ground.

So what do genuine sustainable tourism practices in Costa Rica actually look like? And how can you tell the difference between good intentions and lasting practices?

At Lamangata, sustainability is the foundation of everything we do. From the way our spaces are built to how meals are sourced and served, to the way we invest in our communities.

We’re grateful to be based in a country that values sustainable travel as much as we do. Here’s a closer look at what sustainability in Costa Rica really means—and how you can plan a trip that supports the local environment and communities with confidence.

Why Sustainability Is at the Heart of Costa Rica

Costa Rica has long been a world leader in sustainability.

With more than 25% of its land protected as national parks and reserves, and nearly 98% of its electricity generated from renewable sources, the country continues to set a powerful example of what’s possible when environmental stewardship is prioritized at a national level.

This small Central American country might look unassuming on a map, but it plays an outsized role in the health of our planet.

Costa Rica is home to an astonishing 5% of the world’s biodiversity, and has earned global recognition for pioneering ambitious plans for carbon neutrality. Not to mention, their reforestation efforts are reshaping entire ecosystems.

In the southern zone where Lamangata is tucked between the mountains and the sea, you won’t find flashy high-rises or sprawling developments.

Much of the coastline here remains untouched, protected by national parks or left in its natural state. What will you find? Quiet beaches fringed with palms, dense rainforest alive with wildlife, and the kind of stillness that reminds you how powerful untouched nature can be.

In a country that takes conservation seriously, it’s only natural to wonder… How can you tell if the place you’re staying is doing the same?

How to Tell If a Costa Rica Hotel Is Actually Sustainable

Not all green is created equal. And with the rise of ecotourism in the travel world, it can be hard to tell what’s real and what’s just clever copy.

Here’s a cheat sheet to help you spot a truly sustainable resort in Costa Rica:

1. Look beyond the buzzwords.
Sustainability shows up in the day-to-day details—like solar energy systems, thoughtful water-saving measures, and meals crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

2. Check for certifications.
Programs like Costa Rica’s CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism) are a strong signal of accountability. Still, don’t stop there—dig a little deeper. Read guest reviews for mentions of sustainability practices, or look at the hotel’s social media for real life examples of conservation efforts or community partnerships.

3. Ask about energy use.
Solar panels, efficient lighting, and off-grid systems are all strong signs. Lamangata, for example, is powered by solar energy and designed with energy efficiency in mind.

4. Look into water practices.
A resort’s approach to water says a lot. Lamangata uses filtered rainwater as its primary source and recycles all wastewater to support our flourishing gardens and surrounding ecosystem.

5. Examine materials and sourcing.
Locally sourced food, furnishings, and finishes are a mark of true sustainability efforts. At Lamangata, our menus highlight Costa Rican ingredients, and our spaces feature furniture crafted by local artisans and providers, using materials that reflect the surrounding landscape.

6. Strong community ties speak volumes.
At Lamangata, most of our staff come from the surrounding area, many of them even walking to work. Our founder, Debbie Gruelle, is always looking for meaningful ways to give back to the surrounding community—like the time she helped fund and build a new kitchen for the local school.

7. Notice if sustainability is woven into the stay itself.
Are sustainable practices visible in your experience, or buried in a blog post? At Lamangata, environmental responsibility is part of the guest journey—from what you eat to the flourishing gardens you stroll through and the greenhouse that supports our farm-to-table philosophy.

Hear from Lamangata’s Founder, Debbie Gruelle

Curious why building a sustainable luxury resort mattered so much to us?

Hear directly from our founder as she shares the inspiration behind Lamangata, the values that guided its creation, and the vision that continues to shape our path forward.

Sustainable Luxury Doesn’t Mean Compromise

Some travelers still assume that eco-friendly means giving something up. At Lamangata, we believe the opposite is true.

When sustainable development is done thoughtfully, it doesn’t lessen the luxury, it enhances it. Locally sourced meals taste fresher. Natural materials feel warmer. Spaces designed with the environment in mind offer a sense of calm and connection that artificial luxury simply can’t replicate.

Guests often tell us how much they appreciate the feeling of sitting on a swing crafted by a local furniture maker, looking out over the rainforest and the Pacific, knowing their stay helps protect the very view in front of them. They notice the difference in the food too—how a simple dish feels special when it’s made with ingredients picked that same morning or caught just offshore.

Not to mention the sounds: the calls of macaws overhead, the rustle of monkeys moving through the trees—wildlife that thrives here because the land around us has been left undisturbed.

At Lamangata, you don’t have to choose between luxury and impact—you get both.

Sustainability at Lamangata

At Lamangata, our commitment to environmental responsibility is real, measurable, and deeply rooted in how we operate. Every decision—from infrastructure to daily operations—reflects our responsibility to the land we occupy.

Here’s how we put our values into action:

• Solar Energy: We power the resort with solar panels to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and lower our carbon footprint.

• Rainwater Systems: Rainwater is collected, filtered, and used across the resort—for guest showers, cleaning, and irrigation.

• Wastewater Recycling: All wastewater is treated on-site and repurposed to nourish our gardens and surrounding landscape.

• Local Sourcing: We work with nearby farms and fishers to bring fresh, seasonal ingredients to your plate. Much of what ends up on your plate begins just steps away—in our thriving greenhouse, where we grow a variety of vibrant vegetables and fresh herbs used daily in our kitchen.

• Community Engagement: Many of our staff live within walking distance, and we’re always looking for meaningful ways to give back and invest in the community that surrounds us.

We believe sustainability shouldn’t be a separate initiative, but the foundation on which meaningful hospitality is built. Every detail at Lamangata is designed to conserve resources while maintaining a high level of comfort. These systems often work quietly behind the scenes, supporting your experience and helping protect our environment for the future.

Ready to Experience Sustainable Luxury That Doesn’t Compromise on Comfort?

At Lamangata, you don’t have to choose between comfort and eco-consciousness. Your stay supports the land, the people, and the future of one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

Come see how sustainability feels when it’s done right.