Sustainability
At nYa Hotel, we envision hospitality as a way to nurture both guests and the world around us. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that each traveler can be a catalyst for positive change—leaving a lighter footprint and a stronger connection to local people, culture, and nature.
By making sustainability part of every aspect of our business, we aim to protect the extraordinary biodiversity of Montezuma, contribute to the well-being of our neighbors, and create authentic, memorable experiences for every guest. Our journey is ongoing, and we invite you to join us in making a real difference—one stay, one action, and one community at a time.
Conservation Fee
Supporting conservation isn’t just an afterthought at nYa Hotel; it’s built into the very fabric of your stay. We believe that every guest has the power to drive real impact, which is why every reservation includes a dedicated conservation fee. These funds go directly to on-the-ground environmental projects, ensuring that your visit helps sustain the natural wonders that make Montezuma so unique.
By contributing together, we can protect endangered species, restore vital habitats, and inspire the next generation of conservationists.
2024 Guest-Funded Results:
- 5,200 sea turtle hatchlings released
- 3,000 native trees planted (93% survival rate)
- 420 local students trained through school eco-workshops
Conservation: Refugio Romelia
Nature is at the heart of the nYa Hotel experience, and our conservation efforts are anchored in the extraordinary Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Romelia. This protected area is a sanctuary for wildlife and a living laboratory for conservation action.
Here, our team and partners work tirelessly to protect endangered sea turtles, monitor native species, and keep beaches pristine. By collaborating with researchers, volunteers, and guests, we turn passion into measurable impact—preserving Montezuma’s natural beauty for generations to come.
- Protecting nesting sea turtles through nightly patrols and nest monitoring
- Conducting wildlife research and sharing data with SINAC and academic partners
- Organizing regular beach cleanups to maintain healthy shorelines
Guest Involvement:
- Join our “Turtle Guardian Night” (July–January) to help protect nesting sea turtles and witness conservation in action
- Volunteers participate in daily conservation tasks, waste collection, and educational activities
- nYa Hotel provides volunteers with logistics, transfers, lunches, and discounted accommodation for long-term researchers
Culture: nYa Initiatives
Sustainability at nYa Hotel is more than a checklist—it’s a culture that shapes every decision, design, and detail. We seek to honor local traditions, minimize waste, and create an environment where both people and nature can flourish. By blending innovation with respect for the land and its history, we offer guests a unique experience that feels both luxurious and responsible.
- Reusing materials from the original building, minimizing construction waste
- Crafting furniture from our own teak plantation and collaborating with local artisans
- Using solar water heaters to reduce propane use
- Installing a black-water purification system, reusing all wastewater for our gardens
- Offering refillable amenities, eco-friendly detergents, organic toiletries, and cotton sheets
- Employing local gardeners and staff who use environmentally-friendly products
Community
We believe that a hotel should be a cornerstone of its community, not just a place to visit. Our commitment to Montezuma extends beyond our doors: we strive to uplift our neighbors, support local initiatives, and foster a spirit of collaboration. By investing in education, organizing cleanups, and providing spaces for community growth, we seek to create positive, lasting relationships with those who call this place home.
- Monthly river and beach cleanups, which guests are invited to join
- Sponsorship of local schools, providing books, supplies, and eco-workshops
- Free venues for sustainable development, NGO, and municipal meetings
- Support for arts and sports, including capoeira classes, junior surf leagues, and artisan pop-ups
Commerce: Responsible Sourcing
Every purchase is an opportunity to do good. That’s why we prioritize responsible sourcing across our hotel and restaurant operations—supporting local farmers, fishermen, and artisans while reducing our environmental impact. By choosing fresh, local, and ethical products, we ensure that our hospitality benefits the region’s economy and ecosystems, while treating our guests to the best of Montezuma’s bounty.
- Sourcing 80% of our restaurant produce from local farms within 40 km
- Meeting INA “Responsible Fishing” standards for all seafood
- Composting kitchen scraps to nourish our fruit trees
- Featuring cocktails and dishes made with ingredients from our permaculture beds
- Supporting the local economy by hiring 92% of our staff from Nicoya
Contribution: How You Can Participate
Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference. At nYa Hotel, we empower our guests to become active participants in our sustainability journey. Whether you’re reusing your towels, joining a cleanup, or choosing local products, your choices support our mission and help protect Montezuma’s unique environment and culture. Together, our collective efforts add up to a powerful force for good.
- Reuse linens and towels to save up to 150 liters of water per day
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and turtle hatchlings
- Join our Friday beach cleanups to help remove plastic from coastlines
- Choose Agrá’s Seasonal Farmers’ Menu—$1 goes directly to local school gardens
- Shop at the Montezuma artisan market to support local craft traditions
Commitment: Our 2026 Sustainability Goals
Our ambitions for the future are bold and clear. We are committed to continuous improvement, setting measurable goals that guide our journey toward greater sustainability. By 2026, we plan to reach new heights in environmental stewardship, community support, and social responsibility—ensuring that nYa Hotel remains a leader in responsible tourism for years to come.
- Achieve CST Elit
- e certification (Costa Rica’s highest standard for sustainable tourism)
- Fully offset our operational emissions by creating native-tree corridors linking Romelia and Cabo Blanco Reserve
- Launch a micro-grant fund for up-cycled craft and organic-food entrepreneurs
At nYa Hotel, your stay is a step toward a more sustainable and authentic Montezuma. Whether you’re joining a turtle patrol, choosing local products, or participating in a cleanup, you’re part of our journey. For more ways to get involved, please contact us directly.