Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa has released its fifth annual sustainability report, describing 2024 as a year of “Anticipation."
The report outlines the resort’s ongoing environmental, operational, and community-driven efforts across its 900-acre rainforest reserve in northern Costa Rica.
“Our 2024 sustainability report showcases Tabacón’s ambitious journey to protect and restore the precious natural world around us,” said Andrey Gomez, General Manager at Tabacón.
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“The land was rewilded from pastureland and we hold our social responsibility seriously.”
Guest Experience
Several new initiatives were introduced in 2024:
- The Tabacón Gastronomic Production Centre opened with features such as an organic waste room and UV light disinfection system.
- A new riverside facility, Choyín Rio Termal, was launched to offer locals and non-guests access to the Tabacón River. The development includes parking, bathrooms, lockers, a café, and educational space where 150 children can learn about biodiversity and water management.
- Work began on a redesigned arrival area that incorporates natural materials such as wood, stone, and water. The project, developed in collaboration with Costa Rican artist Bernardo Urbina, is set to open in August 2025.
- A new Balneotherapy Concierge was introduced to guide visitors through the resort’s 18 thermal pools, using digital tools to create personalized wellness journeys.
- Under the direction of Culinary Director Saul Umaña, new menus were introduced across the resort’s six restaurants and bars, featuring Costa Rican street food staples, locally produced wines and liquors, and vegan and kosher options.
Environmental and Wildlife Conservation
Tabacón sits on a rewilded rainforest reserve where a nature mapping project launched in 2023 yielded notable results in 2024, including sightings of rare and endangered species such as the puma, tepezcuintle, manigordo (ocelot), and venado cola blanca (white-tailed deer).
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The resort also established a Natural Resources Oversight Committee (COVIRENA Tabacón) to monitor and protect the surrounding ecosystem.
According to the report, in 2024, Tabacón ran on 76% renewable energy—69% hydroelectric and 8% solar—a 2% year-over-year increase. More than 350,000 product substitutions were made to favour reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives, a 48% increase over 2023.
Investing in People and Community
Five internal committees led initiatives related to health, wellness, and professional development.
An internal healthcare initiative, Por Tu Salud, expanded into the broader La Fortuna community with services such as health fairs and screenings.
Gender equity at the resort also saw progress, with women now holding 50% of management roles.
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A new Excelencia Educativa program was introduced in 2024 to recognize student and staff achievements in local schools. And a guest donation initiative raised over $152,000 to support community projects.
“Witnessing species such as the puma—sightings of which are rare—on our property is an inspiring reminder of our Legacy of Regeneration mission to create a positive impact on the environment, well-being of guests and employees, and our neighbors in the La Fortuna community,” said Gomez.
The full 53-page 2024 sustainability report is available on Tabacón’s website.
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