Preserving Costa Rica’s Natural Legacy: Conservation at Romelia

Preserving Costa Rica’s Natural Legacy: Conservation at Romelia

For the director of NYA Hotel, sustainability is more than a commitment—it’s a legacy. As the leader of conservation eff orts at the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Romelia in Montezuma, she continues a family tradition of protecting Costa Rica’s natural treasures. This mission began with her father, Albert S. Ingalls, a dedicated conservationist who founded Romelia in 1998. His vision focused on safeguarding the ecosystems of the Nicoya Peninsula and contributing to the Corredor Biológico Peninsular, a crucial wildlife corridor that connects habitats from northern Guanacaste to the southern tip of the peninsula. Today, Romelia spans over 290 hectares of pristine wilderness, a sanctuary for countless species.

Sustainable Tourism in Montezuma: Why It Matters

Costa Rica is known for its rich biodiversity, but protecting it requires continuous eff ort. At Romelia, we believe that sustainable tourism in Montezuma can be a powerful tool for conservation. Visitors who choose eco-friendly stays and support conservation projects help maintain the balance between tourism and nature. NYA Hotel, located just a short drive from Romelia, is part of this mission—promoting responsible travel and educating guests about local conservation eff orts.

Montezuma: The Pacific’s Best- Kept Secret and a Refuge for Slow Tourism

Sea Turtle Conservation Project: Protecting Marine Life

From June to December, Romelia’s team and volunteers work tirelessly to protect sea turtles, including endangered species like the Olive Ridley and the Black Sea Turtle. Our Sea Turtle Conservation Project includes:

  • Nocturnal Patrols: Volunteers walk the beaches at night, identifying nesting turtles and relocating vulnerable nests to a protected hatchery.
  • Hatchery Management: Eggs are carefully monitored until they hatch, ensuring a higher survival rate for hatchlings.
  • Community Education: Local schools and visitors learn about the importance of sea turtles and how to protect them.

Over the past two years alone, Romelia has protected 331 nests, resulting in the release of more than 20,000 hatchlingsback into the ocean.

Montezuma: The Pacific’s Best- Kept Secret and a Refuge for Slow Tourism

Biodiversity Monitoring: A Sanctuary for Wildlife

Romelia’s lush forests and pristine beaches are home to an incredible diversity of species. Our Biodiversity Monitoring Program is essential to understanding and protecting this
natural wealth. We conduct:

  • Bird Monitoring: Regular surveys of coastal and forest bird species, using platforms like eBird to track sightings.
  • Bat Research: Safe capture and release of bats to study their populations, contributing to a greater understanding of local ecosystems.
  • Camera Trap Monitoring: Motion-activated cameras capture images of mammals like ocelots, pumas, and armadillos.
  • Botanical Research: Identifi cation and classifi cation of native plant species, expanding our knowledge of the local flora.

This program has recorded over 200 species of flora and fauna, making Romelia a living laboratory for conservation.

Environmental Education: Inspiring Future Conservationists

Education is at the heart of sustainable conservation. Our Environmental Education Program connects local schools with the wonders of Romelia, teaching children about marine life, sustainable practices, and the importance of biodiversity.

Workshops, guided nature walks, and interactive lessons inspire young minds to become future conservation leaders.

Supporting Conservation: How You Can Help

Protecting Romelia and its surrounding ecosystems is a continuous eff ort that requires support. To help maintain these vital conservation projects, NYA Hotel is implementing a $10 conservation fee, added to your bill.

This fee directly funds conservation work at Romelia and may also support neighboring protected areas, such as the Nicholas Wessberg Absolute Reserve, ensuring that these vital ecosystems remain protected.

If you wish to contribute further, you can let our reservations team know, and we will be happy to add an additional donation to your bill.

Make a Diff erence: Stay at NYA Hotel and Support Conservation

When you choose to stay at NYA Hotel, you are not just enjoying a tranquil escape in Montezuma—you are actively supporting critical conservation eff orts at Romelia and beyond.

Ready to experience Montezuma while making a positive impact? Book your stay today.

Montezuma: The Pacific’s Best- Kept Secret and a Refuge for Slow Tourism

Visits to Cabo Blanco and Natural Reserves

Just a short drive from Montezuma lies the Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve, the first of its kind in Costa Rica. It’s a paradise of biodiversity, with trails that lead to pristine beaches—perfect for those who love hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply disconnecting.

Another option is to take a morning walk through two protected areas—the Nicholas Wessberg Absolute Reserve and the Romelia Wildlife Refuge. This route takes you along
untouched, protected beaches, turning your walk into a true immersion in nature.

At Romelia, you’ll find two stunning beaches: Playa Grande, perfect for surfing, and Playa Cocalito, with calm waters ideal for swimming. While you’re there, if you’re feeling like a hero,
grab a bag and help collect any debris washed up along the shore—contributing to the conservation of this special place.

Montezuma: The Pacific’s Best- Kept Secret and a Refuge for Slow Tourism

Art, cafés, and the bohemian lifestyle

Montezuma is also a meeting point for artists, creatives, and free-spirited travelers. The town is filled with murals, artisan fairs, live music, and spontaneous workshops.

For coffee lovers, we recommend stopping by Café Las Delicias or La Gelateria Montezuma—perfect spots to pause between walks. And if you want to explore conscious and delicious cuisine, Agra at NYA offers a menu rooted in local ingredients, with a deep respect for the product and the land.

Ocean Adventures: Snorkeling, Fishing, and Marine Wildlife

The ocean is also a star in Montezuma. From the village, you can book a trip to Isla Tortuga with operators like Zuma Tours or Blue Line Montezuma, perfect for snorkeling in turquoise waters and discovering vibrant marine life.

If you prefer a more private experience, you can join trips from Cabuya with Piratas de Cabuya, offering personalized tours for artisanal fishing, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.

Additionally, Zuma Tours and Blue Line also offer bioluminescence tours, a magical way to experience the ocean at night. All activities are designed with a focus on sustainability and authenticity, respecting the marine environment.

Montezuma: The Pacific’s Best- Kept Secret and a Refuge for Slow Tourism

Spontaneous events and workshops

What makes Montezuma truly special is its ability to surprise. At any moment, a cooking class might pop up, a beach drum circle, a local producers’ fair, or an open-air concert.

Not everything is announced on social media—many events are shared via handmade signs or word of mouth. The best way not to miss out? Just be present, walk around, and go with the flow.

NYA as your base to explore it all

From NYA, you can easily access all of these experiences. We’re just steps from the beach, the jungle, and the heart of town. Our space is designed to help you rest, recharge, and explore at your own rhythm.

NYA is a boutique hotel surrounded by gardens, where every detail is created to accompany your Montezuma experience: comfortable rooms, a conscious kitchen restaurant, a yoga deck in the heart of nature, and a team that knows the destination inside out.

Montezuma: The Pacific’s Best- Kept Secret and a Refuge for Slow Tourism

If you’re planning your trip, we’d love to help. We can assist you with lodging, activities, classes, tours—everything you need to experience Montezuma your way.

Explore more at www.nyahotel.cr
Or write us directly on WhatsApp: +506 8609 3999

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