Hotel Punta Islita has won the Best Accommodation for Local Communities category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards.

HOTEL PUNTA ISLITA is a perfect destination for couples seeking an earth-friendly place to pledge their love. The beachfront resort, which hugs Costa Rica’s northern Pacific Coast in Guanacaste, holds 15 years of awards for its partnership with local people, eco-sustainability and world-class hospitality.

The hillside setting forms a natural green amphitheater overlooking a bay edged in volcanic sand. The luxurious and secluded lodgings climb the hills in tiers, culminating in an open-air restaurant and infinity-edge pool. A mango-lined path leads down to the sea, where the Borrancho Beach Club offers lush gardens for ocean-serenaded nuptials. Weddings at the hilltop terrace evoke a slightly more formal atmosphere with its breathtaking overview of nature’s cathedral.

Once the wedding winds down, newlyweds and their guests can enjoy Casa Spa, golf, tennis, horseback riding, ocean sports and exploration of the Islita Community Art Museum, supported by the hotel. Favorite excursions include quests for howler monkeys, tropical forest zip-line adventures and visits to neighboring villages now thriving with artists. A must-do for newlyweds is to find an original piece of local artwork to symbolize their unique love and partnership.