The “last frontier” of northern Guanacaste
This week, Daily Travel Source is featuring Costa Rica’s breathtaking Costa Elena. We caught up with Carlos Hernandez, CEO of Pellas Development Group, to learn about the unique and peaceful travel experience that Costa Elena provides.
1. Costa Elena is described as the “last frontier” of northern Guanacaste. What does that mean for travelers seeking adventure and authenticity, and how does the landscape set the tone for the experience?
Costa Elena showcases one of the few areas in Costa Rica where nature still feels wild and untouched. Spread across 3,000 untouched acres of tropical dry forest and ten miles of pristine coastline, the location sets the tone for an authentic, breathtaking and peaceful stay that also invites adventure. Guests can explore the living laboratory of biodiversity by land or water, whether sailing and snorkeling in the remote, crystal clear waters between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, or ziplining over the rainforest canopy and hiking through the cloud forests. Guests can also swim at local beaches, birdwatch in the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 363,000 acres of protected land and relax at Costa Elena’s Beach Club, canopied by lush jungle greenery.
2. Sustainability is clearly core to your mission—from regenerating tropical dry forests to supporting the local economy. Can you share specific examples of how guests directly or indirectly contribute to conservation or community impact during their stay?
Every guest who visits Costa Elena is part of our conservation and community story. By choosing to stay here, they support local employment—approximately 70 percent of our employees are from the local area—and help fund infrastructure like potable water systems and road improvements that benefit the community at large. Guests can join beach clean-ups, witness turtle hatching migrations protected by our dark sky policy and know that their stay helps keep over 60 percent of our land undeveloped as protected open spaces. Even observing yellow necked parrots on property reflects the larger story of habitat restoration that a guest’s visit helps sustain.
3. The new Beach Club and villas offer a luxury experience in a wild, untouched setting. How do you balance high-end hospitality with your commitment to low-impact development and eco-conscious design?
Luxury here means thoughtfulness, not excess. Our villas and Beach Club are designed to blend into the landscape rather than dominate it.
We follow strict guidelines that protect steep slopes, waterfronts and Natural Heritage sites, ensuring that our footprint remains light and our design choices complement Costa Rica’s natural beauty. We believe true luxury is being able to enjoy comfort and beauty without compromising the land that makes it possible.
4. With the JW Marriott All-Inclusive on the horizon and a boutique hotel in the works, how do you envision Costa Elena evolving over the next few years while preserving its remote and regenerative spirit?
Growth at Costa Elena is always guided by balance. The upcoming JW Marriott and boutique hotel will bring more people into the area, but our master plan ensures that development remains low density and that the majority of land stays wild.
These additions also strengthen our ability to create quality jobs for locals and to invest further in conservation. We envision an evolution where more people can experience Costa Elena, but the essence of the place remains unchanged.
5. For first-time visitors, what are the can’t-miss experiences that truly capture the essence of Costa Elena—both on land and at sea?
On land, I recommend starting the morning with a hike through our trails—you can spot three different species of monkeys, white-tailed deer and countless exotic birds. Spend time exploring the beaches nearby, most of which remain beautifully empty and untouched, and don’t miss the incredible sunset from your villa or the Beach Club.
For a cultural connection, visit the neighboring villages of El Jobo or Cuajiniquil to try fresh seafood and traditional dishes. For those looking to explore further afield, day trips to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano offer hot springs, ancient waterfalls and rainforest adventures like ziplining and canyoning.
On the water, the experiences are just as rich. August through October is the prime season for whale watching, while world-renowned kite surfing is popular from November to April. Snorkeling and scuba diving at the Despensa, Muñecos and Bat Islands reveal some of Costa Rica’s best marine life and the green season is excellent for sportfishing. Guests can also kayak through Jobo Bay at sunset, swim at calm beaches like El Jobo, Rajada and Rajadita, or take a surf trip to the world-famous Witch Rock and Ollie’s Point.
Together, these moments—whether spotting wildlife at dawn, eating with locals or diving alongside manta rays—capture the essence of Costa Elena: wild beauty, authentic culture and unforgettable adventure.
