Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe 50, Summer 2023

What makes Costa Rica a unique wellness destination in Latin
America?
Melissa: During the last few years, Costa Rica has made an effort to
position itself as a unique destination to enjoy wellness tourism with
a 'Wellness Pura Vida' approach, offering solo, couples and group
activities to enjoy nature, gastronomy and culture.
What does Costa Rica offer to wellness tourists and what is its
value proposition?
Melissa: Our 'Wellness Pura Vida' strategy seeks to position us
as a destination committed to environmental protection, with a
professional business sector working to ensure all our visitors
feel like one more tico (a native Costa Rican) enjoying the unique
essence of 'pura vida' (meaning ‘pure life’).
Laura: This diversity allows visitors to enjoy many activities and
interesting natural environments, from beaches and mountains to
forests and hot springs.
What are the must-do experiences?
Melissa: Practicing yoga outdoors, surrounded by the lush greenery
of our forests or with beach views, is something unique and different
from experiencing yoga in a studio.
Laura: To connect with nature while hiking in the tropical rainforest.
Feel the health benefits of enjoying the thermo-mineral-medicinal
waters of the Arenal Volcano. Relax on a white sand beach where
the forest meets the sea in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in Nosara
or Santa Teresa. Experience local culture in the town of Puerto Viejo,
where diverse idiosyncrasies come together in harmony.
How can we replicate Costa Rica's knowledge to transform Latin
America into the world's wellness destination?
Melissa: Each country manages its resources differently. Costa Rica
has implemented a collaborative work process between the public
and private sectors, which is fundamental to providing a vast array
of activities and offerings for travelers.
What opportunities is Costa Rica implementing for remote
workers in search of wellness?
Melissa: The Digital Nomads program issues a 90-day to one-year
visa, allowing renewal for an additional year. The program includes
benefits such as income tax exemption, opening national bank
accounts, and more. For more information, visit: www.visitcostarica.
com/es/costa-rica/digital-nomads-live-and-work
Laura: Training staff and offering high quality and professional
services are essential.
What actions are you taking to promote the destination?
Melissa: The Costa Rican Tourism Institute’s goal is to direct its
efforts to marketing strategies to promote a unique sustainable
tourism destination, by promoting messages and values that
distinguish us.
www.spawellnessmexico.com 99
aribe