By Wendy Anders

Hilton announced last week the signing of the Botánika Osa Peninsula to Curio – A Collection by Hilton.

Botánika Osa Peninsula – Curio is slated to open in 2018 and the project developer is the San José, Costa Rica-based Sinergo Development Group.

The resort will be on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, an unspoiled tropical rainforest that is home to an estimated 2.5 percent of the world’s biodiversity. The property will be situated near the Golfo Dulce, where one of the world’s few tropical fjords is located and migrating humpback whales can be seen seasonally. With the new eco-friendly Botánika resort, guests will be able to fully immerse themselves in one of the most remote locations in Costa Rica while enjoying a comfortable, luxurious stay.

“We are excited to welcome the Botánika Osa Peninsula property to Curio, and to introduce our rapidly-expanding collection brand to one of the most exclusive Costa Rican resort areas,” said Juan Corvinos, Hilton’s managing director for Mexico, Central America, and Hispanic Caribbean regions, in a press statement.

“This one-of-a-kind resort will be sure to meet our guests’ desire for local discovery in the prime Osa Peninsula location,” continued Corvinos.

Sinergo is working with local biologists and forestry specialists to ensure that the resort is constructed in harmony with the environment. The resort will be on the former location of Crocodile Bay Resort, an eco-resort known for its sport fishing expeditions and close to Crocodile Bay Marina, which offers world class sport fishing with a fleet of 40 privately owned boats.

Botánika will offer certified in-house guides for tours including a Sea Turtle Rescue Tour, jungle night walks, surfing, snorkeling, gold panning, whale watching and sport fishing. The property will be easily accessible with a five-minute drive from the Puerto Jimenez Airport.

“Guests of Botánika Osa Peninsula will be able to experience a truly magical place,” said Cory Williams, managing member of the Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio. “Our new resort will be a gateway to an immersive rainforest experience that guests cannot get anywhere else in the world. Between the rainforest location, the luxurious residences and our partnership with Hilton, the property is bound to become legendary when it opens in 2018.”

The resort will comprise four main buildings, containing guest rooms and suites with a full kitchen. There will be an interior open air courtyard within each building containing plants, a plush seating area and a rooftop where guests can birdwatch and stargaze. The interior will be designed by DAS Concepts, providing a rustic yet elegant look and feel. The LEED Certified architecture will be led by Gensler, and the landscaping will be designed by GCH.

The property will also offer an outdoor natural pool, pool bar, fitness center, technology lounge, luxury spa offering over 30 rainforest treatments, 1,550 square foot conference center, large event lawn, golf cart concierge service, café gift shop with freshly brewed local coffee, a juice bar and a restaurant and bar serving locally-sourced dishes. Guests will be able to walk the nature trails on property, or utilize one of the complimentary bicycles to explore nearby beaches and the village of Puerto Jimenez.

“Both the unique character of the Botánika property and the pristine tropical setting will continue to help define our Curio collection of remarkable hotels around the world,” said Mark Nogal, global head of the Hilton Curio Collection. “The Osa Peninsula is the perfect location for guests who seek local discovery and authentic experiences, and the sophisticated Botánika property will truly embody the spirit of the community.”