Hotel Punta Islita

The tropical dry forest in which Hotel Punta Islita resides was once stripped down due to poor land practices. Now, thanks to the hotel, the damage has been reversed, and the area is home to more than 400 species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, as well as indigenous trees and tropical flowers. Punta Islita is committed to reforestation, wildlife protection and hiring and purchasing locally, and while it provides travelers with a luxe vacation experience, it also uses the money those travelers spend to give back, in the form of such projects as a community art museum, a regional recycling program and a day care center. Better yet, indulgence (spa treatments, glamorous private villas, etc.) is paired with unique educational experiences, including lessons in cooking heirloom cuisine and sea turtle expeditions in partnership with the Costa Rica Ministry of Environment.