Though purpose-built as a hotel, Hotel Belmar‘s architecture and ethos evokes the spirit of mountain hospitality. Through the use of Costa Rican materials and values, the hotel honours both ecological and cultural heritage.
Built in 1985 by Pedro Belmar and Vera Zeledón after a decade in Austria, the lodge was inspired by the warmth and intimacy of alpine guesthouses, reimagined in a tropical cloud forest setting above the Nicoya Peninsula.
The property’s carbon-neutral farm, Finca Madre Tierra, anchors its circular agriculture model, while Savia Forest Immersion offers guests multisensory canopy experiences.
Commemorating 40 years of nature-integrated hospitality, NAAS Interior Culture led a renovation that embraced the principles of adaptive reuse. Native materials were introduced, preserving the original woodwork and architectural character while integrating sustainable upgrades. Responsibly sourced natural materials, like Costa Rican hardwoods, organic textiles, and low-VOC paints, were used to minimise environmental impact, for example.
Also refreshed in 2024, the Nicoya Suite features a 270° view of the forest and Gulf of Nicoya, a private bar, spa-inspired bathroom, and a terrace with whirlpool and hanging daybed suspended between forest and sky.
Local art and craftsmanship celebrate the region’s cultural heritage. Hotel Belmar is a poetic retreat where sustainability and creativity shape every detail, from architecture to guest experience.
Its artist residency program, in particular, enables global creatives to engage with Monteverde’s biodiversity and cultural legacy, enriching both the guest experience and the local community through installations, workshops, and performances.
