Costa Rica is more than a vacation destination—it’s a world leader in sustainable travel. At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the nation doubled down on green travel by supporting the Baku Declaration on Climate Action, an ambitious move signed by more than 50 nations. The takeaway? Tourism must be included in the climate solution.
Climate Impact on Tourism Can’t Be Ignored
Tourism powers the economy, employs millions, and exposes people to new cultures and landscapes. But it is also accompanied by a large carbon bill and environmental hazards. COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev was not mincing words—tourism propels growth, fuels emissions, and degrades ecosystems.
Costa Rica’s approach to sustainable tourism is nothing new—it’s in its blood. During COP29’s Tourism Day, Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy, made it clear that Costa Rica is fully committed to decarbonizing tourism, preserving biodiversity, and enhancing climate resilience.
“Costa Rica is committed to strengthening National Adaptation Plans in the tourism industry, with more resilience against climate change effects,” Tattenbach said.
With its leadership role in the UN Tourism Sustainability Committee, Costa Rica is leading the charge in establishing worldwide standards for ecotourism—not only policy but practice.
Reducing emissions throughout the tourism industry.
Encouraging low-impact travel modes with minimal environmental impacts.
Promoting sustainable tourism that is beneficial to nature and the local people.
A Blueprint for Travel in the Future
Costa Rica has long led the way with climate-smart tourism. With its carbon-neutral ambitions, eco-lodges, and conservation-at-the-heart-of-everything policies, it is clear that economic expansion and sustainability are compatible.
The world is shifting in the direction of a more environmentally aware method of traveling, and Costa Rica isn’t only keeping up—it’s out front. By supporting the Baku Declaration, the nation is calling for a future where tourism benefits the world, not only the economy.
This isn’t solely about defending Costa Rica’s rainforests and shores. It’s about establishing the tone for international travel—one that’s smarter, greener, and sustainable.
Two decades ago, the words ‘luxury’ and ‘sustainable’ were rarely taken in one go. Expensive taste and luxurious amenities were likelier to be all pomp and show than environmentally sensitive. Travel was no exception. But as we dive into a new era, things are changing for the good!
While many people still think that luxury travel is all about bling, thoughtful travelers understand that it’s much more than that. In this digital age, everything is available at the click of a button. But luxury is not about things but about experiences. It is about experiencing unique cultures, amazing craftsmanship, gorgeous landscapes, and going slow.
Costa Rica is known for being an eco-friendly destination. This Central American country is powered by renewable energy and is home to many national parks, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas. The government promotes sustainable tourism and urges travelers to follow in its footsteps.
Many luxury villas and boutique hotels have consciously decided to immerse in this lifestyle. At Villa Firenze, we offer top-notch amenities while actively protecting the environment by adopting sustainable and regenerative tourism practices in Costa Rica.
What Does It Mean to Be a Sustainable Luxury Villa Rental?
Sustainable villas or hotels aim to minimize their environmental impact while offering world-class amenities to their guests. This can include a variety of practices like using energy sources responsibly, conserving water, sourcing locally grown produce, reducing waste, protecting wildlife and ecosystems, and supporting local economic development.
Many hotels and villas also educate guests about sustainability and ecotourism. At Villa Firenze, we provide our guests with a personalized tour of the local markets to focus on cultural sensitivity. We provide an opportunity for our guests to learn about and appreciate the country’s unique culture, customs, and traditions. Our guests can book the tour by sharing their requirements with the personal concierge available at the property.
Focusing on Exclusivity for Low-Impact on the Environment
Where there are fewer people, there is less toll on the environment. And luxury accommodations have a crucial advantage regarding sustainability: exclusivity.
At Villa Firenze, we prioritize our guests’ privacy and security. Our property offers luxe amenities through its unique architecture, polished interiors, and incredible art collections.
Amenities like a private helipad, golf carts, Jeep Rubicon, X-Golf simulator, game room, and clubhouse are available to the guests.
At our villa, we prioritize personalized stays and take comprehensive security measures to ensure our guests’ safety. The property is equipped with a state-of-the-art Swiss security system, which monitors the premises 24*7. Additionally, our concierge is always available to assist guests with any needs or requests.
Villa Firenze is perfect for anyone looking for a sustainable vacation without compromising luxurious niceties.
Sourcing Local Products
The extravagance of luxury travel can lead to terrifying volumes of waste and carbon emissions. The largest source of carbon emission in the travel industry is the movement of goods worldwide, such as supplies, furnishing, and food.
Food is the most significant contributor to deforestation because forests are often cleared to make way for agricultural land, particularly for crops like soy, palm oil, and cattle grazing.
In addition, the demand for meat and dairy products has increased globally, clearing more land for animal feed production and grazing. Hence, it is necessary to monitor what is cooking and how much.
Villa Firenze offers exceptional services combined with best practices for the planet. We source locally grown food from the market by working with local suppliers. It helps in the reduction of packaging and cuts the source of waste generation.
At Villa Firenze, guests can enjoy a menu that suits their culinary needs. With our private chef, guests can mention their dietary preferences to avoid food wastage. Guests can also enjoy our selection of house wines and spirits during the stay and discover a new favorite drink from our cocktail list.
Experience Nature First Hand with a Private RZR Tour
A trip to Costa Rica is complete with experiencing an adventure activity. Villa Firenze offers a private, guided RZR tour package with your booking. In this private tour, you will drive through riverbeds to beautiful waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
To make these tours eco-friendly, we offer two state-of-the-art Polaris RZRs, each with two seats. If traveling with a large group, you can ask your concierge to arrange more RZRs. The tour is safe as your guide will ride ahead and guide you around the mountain terrain.
Make a Sustainable Choice while Traveling
Costa Rica is recognized for its ecotourism and sustainable initiatives, with approximately 25% of its land protected as natural parks, refuges, and reserves. Regenerative tourism, a more advanced form of sustainable tourism, is prioritized by many Costa Ricans. Various governmental and private organizations are also promoting environmentally-friendly tourism practices in the country. This is one of the essential things to know before moving to Costa Rica as well so that ex-pats can contribute to the initiative of reducing carbon footprints.
Going green is so in vogue that everyone wants a slice of the sustainability pie. The concept of sustainable travel is welcoming. However, it can lead to greenwashing, where marketing gimmicks can outshine concrete action.
Ours is a luxury villa rental in Costa Rica that tries to balance sustainable practices with luxury experiences. The in-house amenities are extraordinary, allowing a wellness and rejuvenation experience. It is a place that offers luxury and natural immersion. Our guests are guaranteed to experience a lovely stay!
