In the heart of Sarapiqui, Costa Rica, where the rhythm of nature beats in harmony with timeless beauty, a new eco-retreat is setting the stage for a ground-breaking approach to sustainable luxury. El Lugar, a resort and working horse ranch, seamlessly marries modern comforts with an unwavering commitment to preserving the lush landscapes that define this breathtaking region.
A Symphony of Sustainability
El Lugar is not merely a resort; it’s a testament to the possibility of communion with nature, where the key concepts revolve around timeless beauty and harmony. The resort is a beacon for those seeking to reconnect with the natural world, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the serenity of Sarapiqui’s pristine environment.
From the outset, El Lugar has declared its ambitious goal—to be the most sustainable resort in the world. With a commitment to responsibly utilizing nature’s resources and reducing waste to near-zero levels, the resort stands as a model for eco-conscious hospitality.
Harmony in Architecture
Nestled on what was formerly a cattle farm spanning close to 100 acres, El Lugar hosts 55 rooms scattered thoughtfully across the property. In every facet of El Lugar’s architecture, a profound commitment to sustainable practices is palpable. Utilizing sustainable light steel framing and carefully planned building orientations that harness natural airflow, each element has been meticulously crafted to mitigate the impact on the surrounding flora and fauna.
From the project’s inception, the resort’s design was centred around preserving existing trees. No trees were felled unless by nature—a rare occurrence, typically caused by phenomena like a lightning strike. This careful approach underscores El Lugar’s conscientious construction philosophy of allowing the land to dictate the flow of the resort. The integration of reclaimed materials and a steadfast focus on energy efficiency further underscore the resort’s unwavering dedication to responsible building practices.
In keeping with its commitment to cutting-edge sustainability, El Lugar has embraced state-of-the-art thermodynamic hot water systems for use in each accommodation. This technology not only ensures seamless integration of modern comforts but also exemplifies the resort’s dedication to being at the forefront of eco-friendly initiatives. A quantum leap from the legacy hot water systems, this technology has thus far been unknown to Costa Rica, something El Lugar hopes to change.
In tandem with these efforts, El Lugar employs an aerobic bacterial wastewater treatment system, utilizing reed beds for filtration. This approach not only minimizes the resort’s impact on the natural water cycle but also showcases a holistic commitment to environmentally responsible practices, striving to be an exemplar of sustainable hospitality.
Nurturing Nature’s Pathway
Located within a tropical rainforest area which forms part of the biological corridor stretching from Nicaragua to Panama, El Lugar’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its architecture. This corridor, once ravaged by land clearing for plantations, now finds hope in the national reforestation program, actively working to expand this crucial pathway for animal movements and migrations. However, many landowners in Costa Rica chose to exercise their right to cut the trees for profit after 5-7 years of growth.
From the beginning of the project, the owners have been steadfastly committed to protecting the land and working towards increased biodiversity by reintroducing native fruit species to support the wildlife. El Lugar’s sister property, spanning over 1,200 acres adjacent to La Selva Biological Station and Braulio Carrillo National Park, is now over 70% reforested. The resort operates horse riding tours that serve not only as a thrilling adventure but also as an educational journey through the natural environment.
The significance of this region is evident in its remarkable biodiversity, housing 50% of Costa Rican bird species, including the vibrant Macaws and Toucans, 60% of Costa Rican mammals like armadillos, anteaters, and sloths, and a diverse array of plant species. Notably, Macaws rely on the mountain almond tree, a focal point of El Lugar’s reforestation efforts. The strategic planting of trees also fosters thriving bromeliads, creating a habitat for frogs that, in a fascinating symbiosis, carry their tadpoles to the tree’s summit and deposit them into the bromeliads.
Distinguishing itself from enterprises solely focused on carbon-neutral targets achieved through external reforestation schemes, El Lugar works with experts to take a more hands-on approach. Instead of fixating on carbon targets, the resort embraces a circular economy ethos, leveraging every opportunity within the project to contribute to the delicate balance of its specific ecosystem.
Beyond its commitment to ecological restoration, El Lugar offers breathtaking vistas of two of Costa Rica’s active volcanoes, Turrialba and Poas, showcasing the resort’s harmonious integration with the natural wonders that surround it.
Unique Accommodations
The hotel rooms, known at El Lugar as casitas, are individually crafted, each telling a unique story. Designed to appear as if they have been there for 100 years and to gradually blend into the landscape over time, reclaimed and natural materials were chosen for their propensity to develop a patina.
Furnished predominantly with antiques—a deliberate sustainable choice—the casitas serve as a testament to the owner’s vision of timeless beauty, in stark contrast to the transient nature of modern furniture. With an aspiration to kindle a shared appreciation for beautiful sustainability, the owner aims to inspire others through this unique manifestation.
Additionally, there are tapir and armadillos living and coexisting among the casitas. The tapirs roam about and the armadillos make their homes under the casitas, which is a remarkable addition.
Culinary Excellence and Sustainability
El Lugar’s commitment to sustainability extends to its culinary offerings. The restaurant and gardening teams collaborate to cultivate a kitchen garden, to source the entire menu from their produce using organic farming practices. Plans include providing meat from the resort’s farm on the property.
Community Empowerment
Both in construction and hotel operations, El Lugar has placed a strong emphasis on hiring and training local Sarapiqui residents, serving to uplift a historically underserved community by providing economic opportunities and contributing to the region’s growth. This approach reflects the resort’s dedication to becoming an agent of positive change, echoing the ethos that responsible tourism should sow enduring benefits within the communities it engages with.
Unveiling Phase 1:
El Lugar has opened its first phase, featuring a reception building with spacious meeting rooms, and a restaurant overlooking the sunset infinity pool and nestled between a “Mother Tree” and a wetland lagoon. Stables housing 100 horses are not just a visual spectacle but also a sustainable powerhouse, contributing their waste to a biogas plant in development that will power the entire resort.
Anticipating Phase 2:
Looking ahead to 2024, Phase 2 will introduce an elegant grand events venue with space for 300 persons, featuring an innovative water-cooled climate control system. An elegantly appointed second restaurant, adorned with antique dining furniture and artworks, will showcase the resort’s own farmed ingredients on the menu, completing the culinary journey of sustainability and luxury.
El Lugar isn’t just a destination; it’s a promise of a harmonious coexistence between modern indulgence and nature’s wonders. With every thoughtful detail and sustainable initiative, El Lugar beckons guests to not only experience Costa Rica’s beauty but also to become stewards of its precious ecosystems. This is a resort where the symphony of nature takes centre stage, and guests are invited to be part of the performance.
About El Lugar Resort:
El Lugar Resort is a pioneering eco-friendly destination located in Sarapiqui, Costa Rica, where sustainable construction practices have been meticulously applied to create a unique harmony between comfort and nature. This resort represents a landmark achievement in eco-conscious building and aims to inspire a more sustainable construction approach worldwide. To learn more visit, www.el-lugar.com.