INTERNATIONAL REPORT—W Hotels has made its debut in Costa Rica, while new resorts have opened in Nicaragua and Cuba.
W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal Opens
W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, the first W hotel in the country recently opened. In addition to being the second W hotel to open in Central America this year (following W Panama), W Costa Rica is also the newest W Escape, the brand’s “unique spin on the traditional resort experience—zip line and all.”
The hotel is located within a 2,300-acre nature reserve just minutes from Tamarindo, an internationally renowned surf spot that has earned a reputation among amateur and professional wave enthusiasts.
Designed by Mister Important Design alongside the in-house design team at W Hotels and Ronald Zurcher Architects, W Costa Rica embraces its surroundings with interpretations of the natural beauty of nearby beaches and jungle. Elements of the landscape, as well as the deep historical roots of the region, are embedded in every aspect of the design, as the hotel combines land and sea with culture and treasured history. Upon arrival, guests are ushered through an avenue of 2,000 Bursera Simaruba trees (or “Indios Desnudos”), a living fence traditionally grown by local farmers to pen in livestock.
Each of the hotel’s 150 guestrooms honor the adventurous spirit of the island through locally designed mini surf boards that extend from the walls of each MixBar (mini bar). Inspired by the commonly seen Oropendola birds and their woven basket nests, curvaceous wooden headboards are part of each guest bed, while walls feature abstract floral murals set against natural wood. Spanning the walls of each room’s sleek bathroom and vanity space is a Chorotega-style design, showcasing the artistry of Guaitil handcrafted pottery. In a W first, every room at W Costa Rica comes outfitted with an in-room draft beer tap filled with local brew.
Malibu Popoyo Opens In Nicaragua
Malibu Popoyo, an all-inclusive boutique surf resort, recently opened its its doors in Nicaragua to “revitalize the mind, body and soul through an intuitive and immersive experience that caters to surfers, yoga enthusiasts and adventure travelers.”
Opening with six guestrooms that combine natural, raw materials and culturally significant elements to create a luxurious yet minimalistic boutique hotel experience, the hotel will undergo an immediate expansion to add an additional six guestrooms; a new beachfront area featuring an intimate yoga palapa doubling as an entertainment area for live music; an upgraded spa experience; a beachfront bar; bonfire pits and more. The expansion is set for completion in spring 2019
Angsana Cayo Santa Maria Arrives in Cuba
Angsana Cayo Santa Maria recently opened in Cuba. Located on a private island off Cuba’s northern coast, the adults-only beach resort is accessible via a 30-mile causeway from the Cuban mainland. Its 252 rooms are built bright and spacious to capture the character and colors of the Caribbean and represent its vibrant beach and marine life.
Equipped with all necessary facilities for an ideal beach holiday getaway, the resort also offers several restaurants and bars, including its beachfront grill and jazz lounge. Angsana Spa also has Asian-inspired spa treatments. Other amenities and services include an outdoor pool, gym and a picturesque wedding venue.