Living in Harmony with Nature

Biodiversity & Local Community at Our Core

At Origins Lodge, Nature is not just a backdrop — it’s our first and most cherished client.

Every decision we make begins with a deep respect for the land, its wildlife, and the people who call this region home as part of our commitment to developing an ecosystem that elevates local communities.
From handcrafting our own furniture and bath amenities to planting native trees and supporting local artisans, our sustainability practices are woven into the fabric of every guest experience.

Our estate is a sanctuary for over 250 bird species and countless other forms of life, a living testament to Costa Rica’s extraordinary biodiversity. By staying with us, you become part of a shared mission: to protect, preserve, and pass on the natural and cultural treasures of this region — not just for today, but for generations to come.

At Origins Lodge, we have mastered an art of preserving nature’s beauty by fostering biodiversity. Through our initiatives, we commit every day to conserving biodiversity, protecting wildlife, and supporting the local community.

Sustainable Efforts

Carbon Footprint Reduction

We use water tanks heated by solar panels for each lodge, guaranteeing hot water for showers and taps. Did you know that air conditioning is one of the biggest enemies of our carbon footprint?

That’s why we’ve chosen not to install air conditioning in our lodges. Our high-altitude location, close to the volcano, means that the nights are naturally cooler and more pleasant. What’s more, the intelligent architecture of our lodges allows rooms to cool naturally. Likewise, we don’t heat our swimming pool, and the Jacuzzis are heated using wood from fallen trees on the 45-hectare estate. Our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint is strong and constant. With this in mind, we are currently pursuing Blue Flag Certification, demonstrating our commitment to environmental preservation. We remain determined to improve our practices in all areas for an even more positive impact.

Limiting the use of plastics

We have taken the initiative to completely eliminate the use of single-use plastics. Our commitment is part of UNEP’s (United Nations Environment Programme) drive to eradicate these environmentally harmful forms of plastic.

We are proud to contribute to this cause by creating a single-use plastic-free environment, starting with our lodges, which are currently completely plastic-free. ORIGINS LODGE always favors sustainable alternatives to preserve our planet.

Recycle-Reuse-Reduce

We have implemented a waste management and recycling program at our hotels, based on the principles of recycle, reuse and reduce.

Organic waste is composted, while non-organic materials such as glass, plastic, paper and cardboard are recycled or reused. In addition, we have set up natural soapy water treatment facilities to recover and use water for watering plants for example.

Composting

We make our own compost using worms that we raise in-house, adopting the vermicomposting and vermiculture methods. These approaches aim to create a natural soil richer in nutrients.

Indeed, as earthworms feed on organic waste, they release it in the form of nitrates and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and potassium, so that we can use it as a 100% natural fertilizer to improve soil quality without artifice. We are committed to acquiring the best environmental practices to create superior soil for our crops. We take pride in this approach, which contributes to the sustainability of our environment.

Wood workshop

Hurricanes, tropical storms and climate change have had an impact on our forest, causing trees to fall.

Faced with this reality, we have implemented a proactive approach: we transform the wood from these precious trees in our joinery workshop to create furniture and storage wood. This material enables us to maintain our rooms, replacing floors and ceilings where necessary, as well as being a source of heat for the outdoor Jacuzzis in our Lodges.

Laboratory

Our organic bath products are crafted on-site using the Ylang-Ylang trees from our property. Developed over months of dedicated research and hands-on training with the Julima Holistic Cosmetology Center, our collection includes shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, body lotion, and face soap, all available in refillable bottles. We harness the power of nature, avoiding chemicals and preservatives, to create high-quality, eco-friendly products that nourish your skin and hair. With passion and care, we share nature’s gifts, offering a pure and revitalizing experience for body and mind.

Melipona-Mariola  Honey Bees

We proudly care for 25 hives of Melipona bees on our property, the smallest bee species in Costa Rica. While they produce honey in limited quantities, it’s renowned for its exceptional purity and quality. These stingless bees are harmless, so we’ve placed a beehive in our restaurants, allowing guests to admire them while eating without being disturbed.

Our chefs recollect some of their honey for their dishes, bringing its natural flavor and medicinal benefits, such as boosting immune system, facilitating respiratory health, among other benefits. Beyond pleasing our guests’ palates, our beehives help preserve biodiversity and prevent ecosystem degradation.

Planta Mi Abrol

We partner with Planta mi Arbol, a Costa Rican foundation focused on reforestation in underserved areas. Through this collaboration, we offer our guests the opportunity to fund tree plantings, helping to offset the environmental impact of their trip. On top of the numerous trees we plant on our estate, our guests contributed to plant 500 native trees to support local wildlife.

Planta Mi Abrol

Tapir Conservation

In addition to our commitment to wildlife conservation on our estate, we have partnered with CR Wildlife for tapir conservation.
The Central American tapir, the largest land mammal in the Neotropics, is one of the most ecologically significant species. Sadly, they are on the verge of extinction. Often referred to as “gardeners of the forest”, tapirs play a vital role in ecosystem health by dispersing seeds, which helps maintain biodiversity. As such, they are proving to be invaluable allies in our fight against global climate change. Join us in preserving their natural habitat and supporting their safe coexistence with humans.

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Social Responsibility

At ORIGINS Lodge, we prioritize fair trade, supporting local farmers and entrepreneurs to strengthen the local economy and improve quality of life. We work with over 30 local providers, and 95% of our staff are from the nearby town. Through these efforts, we’ve positively impacted around 300 people, contributing to the community’s growth.

In addition, we support various socially responsible programs focused on education, health, employment, culture, and the environment, including sports committees and community development associations.

All our actions contribute to our commitment to developing an ecosystem that elevates local communities.

Join the team

Gastronomy

A Culinary Journey Rooted in Passion and Excellence

At ORIGINS Lodge, we prioritize both mindful dining and environmental respect. Our restaurant offers delicious meals crafted from ingredients grown in our own organic garden. Each dish invites you to savor a nourishing experience while honoring the environment, making your experience both indulgent and eco-conscious.

Gastronomy