CST: Cuna Del Angel

Sara Louie, Lawrence Haseley, Kossi Hator

About the Hotel

• Located: Bahía Ballena, Dominical, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

• 4 star rated by Costa Rica Tourism Board• 5 leaves from CST

Map of the Area: Costa Rica

Location

• 9km south from Dominical Beach in Corcovado National Park

• 9km north of the community Uvita de Osa, where Ballena National Marine Park is located

• Close to other beaches and attractions

Map of the Area: Hotel and Attractions

Rooms and Accommodations

• 22 rooms (non-smoking)– Lessens air pollution from toxins– Water pollution: toxin leakage, clogging– Litter and Soil Degradation: birds may eat them, leak into the

soil– Won’t affect the environment

• 16 “Angel Deluxe” rooms• 6 “Jungle” rooms• 1 Vacation Rental• “La Palapa” Restaurant (100% gluten free), bar, beauty

salon, spa, infinity pool, and a sportfishing boat

The Owners & History

• German owner Tom Nagel started the hotel in 2005

• Built with sustainability in mind: the physical design, choice of technology, and programs for guests and the community

• Nagel owns a farm located in the community Uvita de Osa.

The Employees

• 28 employees– 85% from the local area

• Employees understand the focus and goal of sustainability– Knowledgeable about hotel practices

• Speak multiple languages

“The Green Angels”

• Name of sustainability program in the hotel• Program run by Sustainability Committee• Highlights focus on sustainable interactions

with environment and local communities, and education to guests and communities.

Design and Structure

• Designed to not disrupt the environment and utilize the natural aspects

• The restaurant La Palapa was based on the ceremonial houses of the Borucas – a symbolic expression of the indigenous Costa Rican culture – Circular form to project energy to the sky– Mosaics to represent cosmic levels of local cultures:

Earth, Sky, Sun and Moon– Other cultures relate to these aspects

Green Space

• Foreign plant species separated to prevent leaching into natural environment

• Avoids use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides

Energy, Water, and Waste

• Energy– Air conditioners are equipped with motion sensors– Public areas have low consumption light bulbs and controlled hours

of use based on photo sensors measuring outdoor lighting

• Water– Collects data on water consumption in hotel rooms and public

facilities– Conducts inspections of pipes for leaks and maintains records of

leaks

• Waste– Avoids contamination into national waters– Certified inspection, registration, and record of water composition

waste water system

The Restaurant: La Palapa

• Own a farm called “Canción de Corazon”– 9km away from the hotel in

Uvita de Osa

• Farming methods include permaculture and hydroponics

• They have hens for eggs, goats, rabbits, and 10 honeycombs

• All food is organic and gluten free

International cuisine by chef Guillermo Sáenz.

Fuses international cuisine with Cota Rican

ingredients.

Map of the Area: Farm to Hotel

Programs for Employees

• “The hotel promotes the training and growth of its personnel in the implementation of good environmental practices.”– One employee said there aren’t programs in

place, although she was very knowledgeable of all their practices.

Community Outreach

• Interacts with community frequently for goods and programs

• Sponsors sustainability education for schools and universities

• Hermosa Beach Blue Flag Ecological Program• Campaign to plant trees with Rancho La Merced– Planted trees with the Puerto Nuevo Elementary

School to help foster efforts in reforestation

History of Sustainability

• Started with 1 leaf and gradually made their way up.– Gained 5 leaves in 8 years

• Had issues with areas in laundry and energy usage.

• Consistently work to improve sustainability practices– Costly to maintain good equipment that is eco-

friendly and efficient– Work with community to educate and service them

Conclusion and Opinions

Questions?

Thank you!

Bibliography

• Linked In “Tom Nagel”• Cuna del Angel website