W COSTA RICA DESIGN NARRATIVE
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
PHYSICAL
Nestled in the Reserva Conchal 2300 acre Nature Reserve, the unique W Costa Rica stands tall offering stunning beach vibes with easy access to all Costa Rica has to offer and minutes from surf destination: Tamarindo. (from left to right: Playa Conchal, Pizote, Surf Culture longboards)
HISTORICAL
Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the Guanacaste territory was inhabited by Chorotegas. A great legacy and inspirational indigenous artwork from the Guaitil handcrafts to the Boruca Indgenous Ceremonial masks remain as historical proof of our primary roots. (From left to right: Chorotegas, Chorotega Handcrafts, Chorotega Indigenous Masks)
SOCIAL
In this little corner of the world, the ticos are characterized for living the unique and authentic lifestyle. Simple, carefree and optimistic as well as warmly contagious to those who have a chance to experience it in person. (From left to right: Paddleboard Yoga, Hammock relaxing, Costarican pride)
PHYSICAL HISTORICAL SOCIAL
LOCATION
Known as one of the happiest countries in the world, Costa Rica boldly blends an exotic beach and surf culture, fast paced high adrenaline adventure sports, all alongside a rich eco-tourism focused on its incredible biodiversity.
Located on the western coast of the country in Guanacaste, W
Costa Rica is primely situated in Reserva Conchal, a 2300 acre nature reserve known for its sustainable development, wildlife, and lux resort amenities.
W Costa Rica is a place where surfboards, monkeys, and spa days coexist, and often go together.
Welcome to W Costa Rica, where we are inspired by life.
ARRIVAL
“INDIO DESNUDO” LIVE FENCE
This long live green fence, made up of 2,000 Bursera Simaruba Trees or welcomes our guests right into the heart of W Costa Rica. This tree is widely used by locals in Guanacaste to grow natural fences around the perimeter of their properties.
ROOM BUILDINGS
Our 3 towers feature long ceilings that wrap around each building, decorated with textures that resemble the skin and form of the cattle found in the surroundings of this unique region.
“CATTLE SKIN”
DROP OFF
“BULLFIGHT RING”
A tall red wall, inspired in the typical de in Guanacaste, wraps around the wheels drop off, showing off one of Costa Ricas most emblematic cultural activities. It is tradition in Costa Rica for most villages to at least host one bull fight a year. Bull fighting is not killing the bull like in Spain, but rather Rodeo and running from the bull. A very entertaining event and a great way to experience the Costa Rican culture and food.
ENTRANCE
“MARIMBA”
One of Costa favorite instruments, the timbers transition from wall to ceiling and leads into the large open space that forms the living room.
LIVING ROOM
“GUANACASTE TREE FOREST”
The living room lounge, bar and restaurant Cocina de Mercado, are immerse in a Guanacaste tree forest which sets the mood to experience the green vibe of the 2300 acre nature reserve that surrounds this unique escape, at the same time as the amazing scenary, infinity pool at the WET deck and stunning Playa Conchal can be admired.
LIVING ROOM
The pineapple, one of Costa most important economic drivers, and one of most commonly found plantations, is boldly resembled in this statement elevator structure found in the Living Room.
“PINEAPPLE”
LIVING ROOM
“BEE HIVE”
Hanging from the Guanacaste trees found in our Living Room, we have dozens of pale yellow hanging lamps, inspired by the honeycombs of bees commonly found in this region of the country.
LIVING ROOM
“CHANDELIER”
The Living Room bar showcases a stunning 8304 bottle chandelier, with a mandala design inspired by the tail of the hummingbird, made with recycled bottles of the 4 colors of the beer bottles of FIFCO, as a tribute to the Costa Rican Brewery, owners of the Hotels.
COCINA DE MERCADO
“VOLCANIC LAVA”
Our restaurant Cocina de Mercado is inspired by the iconic eruption of the famous volcanoes that abound in our country.
LATITUD 10°
“FISHING”
Our restaurant Latitud 10° iconic structure is inspired by one of the most humble professions widely practiced in our región´s coastline which is fishing.
WET DECK
“COSTA RICAN OXCART”
Costa Ricas most colorful and iconic piece, the “Carreta Típica” completes the scene at theWET deck, bringing the tropical vibe to life at the Jacuzzi and Wet Deck Bar areas with a very detailed design made out of tiny colorful tiles. The Costa Rican oxcarts, are a large part of Costa Rican history. They allowed for the expansion and increase of exports of many goods including Costa Rica's main export, coffee. It also is a huge part of Costa Rican culture today.
The oxcarts are considered one of Costa Rica's national symbols.
GUEST ROOMS
“COSTA RICAN OXCART”
Costa Ricas most colorful and iconic piece, the Carreta Típica is also widely used in sublte ways in the Guest Rooms in form of wallpaper as head board design.
GUEST ROOMS
“COSTA RICAN OXCART”
Costa Ricas most colorful and iconic piece, the Carreta Típica is also widely used in sublte ways in the Guest Rooms in form of walpaper as head board design.
GUEST ROOMS
SURF CULTURE
Guanacaste is well known for being one of the best surf destinations on earth W Costa Rica 150 guest rooms feature local designed and shaped mini surfboards as mix bar tables.
GUEST ROOMS
OROPÉNDOLA BEDS
Oropendolas are birds associated with forests and originally from Central and South America. Their longwoven basket nests are the inspiration for the bed headboards.
GUEST ROOMS
GUAITIL HANDCRAFTS
Authentic Costa Rican Chorotega-style pottery is the inspiration for these hand- painted patterns in the guest room bathrooms. Patterns are inspired in the Guaitil handcrafts, and showcase this ancient practice that has been passed on from generation to generation for hundreds of years.
AWAY SPA
METAMORPHOSIS
Costa Rica harbors more than 1500 butterfly species, which represents around 18% of the species all over the world.
This unique AWAY Spa is inspired in the butterfly transformation, showcasing the cocoons as the wall structures of each treatment room.
ZONA AZUL BEACH CLUB
CAMPING
Dramatic ceilings that are inspired by memories of childhood of those improvised camping trips where branches, wood, and nature were essential to create a refuge shelter.
