Papagayo Peninsula wins global sustainability award for redefining luxury tourism in Costa Rica

Posted on October 30, 2025

Peninsula Papagayo, a 1,400-acre private resort and club located in northern Costa Rica, has achieved a remarkable milestone in global sustainable tourism. The luxury eco-destination, which includes the Four Seasons Resort, Andaz Resort and Nikajew Peninsula Papagayo, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, was honored with two prestigious awards at the 2nd Annual World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards in Dubai – Leading sustainable development of hotels or resorts globally and The world’s leading sustainable community empowerment programme.

These awards, selected from more than 900 international entries, highlight Peninsula Papagayo’s pioneering role in redefining luxury through a true balance between environmental conservation, social justice and future development. In keeping with the values ​​of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, the resort community has become a living example of how responsible tourism can thrive without compromising environmental integrity or community well-being.

A vision rooted in renewal

Since its acquisition by Mohari Hospitality and Gencom in 2016, the Papagayo Peninsula has transformed into a model for regenerative tourism. Every aspect of the destination has been carefully curated to honor nature while promoting human connection. The resort’s approach integrates cutting-edge sustainable design, local engagement and measurable environmental results. This vision reflects a commitment not only to luxury but also to purpose – proving that comfort and awareness can coexist harmoniously.

The resort’s master plan ensures that less than a third of the land is developed, preserving the region’s rare tropical dry forests and the diverse marine ecosystems surrounding them. Projects like Nikague, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bahias by Antoine Breducand the next Papagayo Park Embodying regenerative principles through minimal land disturbance, restoration of native plants, and efficient resource management. Peninsula Papagayo’s sustainability efforts also extend to operations, with initiatives such as an ISO 50001 certified energy management system, a 51 percent reduction in water use on golf courses, and AI-based food waste reduction technology – all of which show tangible progress toward a low-impact, data-driven sustainability model.

Empowering communities through growth

recognition for The world’s leading sustainable community empowerment programme Honors the Papagayo Peninsula Crescendo Juntos Initiative (“Growing Together”) – a powerful example of social innovation in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. through Home gardens Under the programme, 138 families from 13 communities received training in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. It is striking that more than half of these families are headed by women.

This initiative has already resulted in the production of more than 250,000 kilograms of fresh produce, reduced dependence on pesticides, and improved household nutrition. In addition to its environmental and health benefits, it has also created direct supply channels between local farmers and the resorts of the Papagayo Peninsula, ensuring economic sustainability and stronger community integration. The program’s success underscores the resort’s belief that sustainable tourism extends beyond environmental protection – it is about creating shared prosperity and dignity through education, opportunity and empowerment.

Setting new standards in global sustainability

The recognition of the Papagayo Peninsula coincides with its issuance 2024 Impact Report And launch Papagayo’s legacya new guest engagement platform that brings sustainability to life through interactive conservation, cultural and community experiences. Visitors are invited to participate in meaningful projects, such as reforestation, coral restoration, and local education initiatives – turning travel into a tool for real-world impact.

These landmarks reinforce the Papagayo Peninsula’s position as a global leader in sustainable destination management. Through responsible investment, innovative design and inclusive growth, the company continues to set standards for the hospitality industry. The development of the resort demonstrates how luxury tourism, when guided by purpose, can serve as a powerful force for ecological regeneration and social transformation.

The Papagayo Peninsula Journey stands as a symbol of what the future of tourism could look like – a future in which pristine landscapes are protected, communities are uplifted, and every guest becomes part of a legacy that values ​​both people and planet.