Sustainability At Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica

The Papagayo Peninsula is a breath-taking tropical retreat surrounded by white sands and pristine beaches on the northern shores of Costa Rica. This stunning 1,400-acre private peninsula is the destination for sustainable luxury travel in Costa Rica. The peninsula has strict regulations and has 70% natural requirements, which means that resorts have to blend in with the natural landscape, keeping nature and wildlife undisturbed. The spectacular Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is located in this region of biodiversity and is part of the peninsula’s sustainability and conservation efforts.

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE FOUR SEASONS

Four Seasons had the goal of being a “no-plastic” resort within their rooms by 2021. However, as a direct impact of COVID-19, the increased requirement for hygiene has meant they’ve not been able to achieve this.

However, their use of plastic, in general, has been reduced drastically. They no longer use plastic water bottles in the rooms. The plastic bottles have been replaced by glass bottles that are sterilised and then re-used. In the restaurants, all use of plastic straws has been stopped. They have also installed water refill stations all over the property to incentivise guests to use their own water bottle.

They are also recycling rubbish, with organic waste going to a compost farm that provides food for the pigs.

FOUR SEASONS PARTNERSHIPS

Four Seasons currently partner with Creciendo Juntos (“Growing Together”), a local charity project which has been working with 19 communities in Guanacaste, to increase access to health, education and training, empowering residents of the region to achieve a sustainable future and a better quality of life.

The charity offers a variety of projects from volunteering and providing everyday necessities to financing schools and infrastructure, as well as computer literacy and English language training.

VOLUNTEERING AT FOUR SEASONS

There are a number of projects that guests can take part in based on availability at the time of travel.

On the Peninsula:

• Corals restorations clean up (along with a divemaster)
• Backpack buddies and libros para todos - You can bring school supplies or donate towards school supplies for the children in Guanacaste's schools. If the school is in session you can do it in person.
• School outreach programmes - Four Seasons Costa Rica works with 21 schools in the area, where there are many opportunities to get involved, including building and landscape maintenance, teaching the students, cooking and sharing meals, playing sports with the children etc. 
• Family care - You can support a local family with donations of food, clothing etc, visiting their house and spending time with them. You can also invite them to the resort to share a meal or enjoy the resort's facilities.
• Tree reforestation with Johnny from “The Explorers” (the activities outfitter on-site) in the Palmares area

Outside the Peninsula, Four Seasons can also tailor-make eco-projects with Creciendo Juntos