Sustainability has always been at the heart of tourism in Guanacaste. You may have already considered greener ways to travel to one of our luxury vacation rentals in Costa Rica, but have you considered how to eat more sustainably once you’re here? A recent WWF study says that food is responsible for at least 30% of greenhouse emissions globally – a number that’s only set to increase if we don’t change our eating habits.
Thankfully, Peninsula Papagayo champions the joy of ‘slow food’. Many of our visitors are increasingly interested in knowing where their food has come from, expecting the highest of standards wherever they go – and rightly so. Whether you’re looking to go on a chocolate bean-to-bar experience, learn about local coffee production, or simply try out some local cuisine, there are so many ways that you can enjoy sustainable dining during your stay here. Read on for five practical ideas that you can put into practice on vacation – and you can even take those same principles home with you too!
Be mindful
One of the easiest ways to dine sustainably is to practice mindful eating. Take a moment to focus on the tastes, textures and emotions that emerge when consuming your meal. Try reflecting on where your food came from and how it’s nourishing your body. This simple practice will undoubtedly encourage you to look for more sustainable food sources and reduce food waste. What’s more, it may also help you to tune into your natural hunger signals – which may prompt you to resize your meals according to what you really need, rather than the amount that you’re craving.
Eat your greens
According to Harvard University, an optimal diet starts by filling half your plate with fruit and vegetables each meal. But did you know that choosing plant-based options benefits the planet too? By reducing the amount of meat that we consume and opting for locally-grown produce instead, we can help to reduce freshwater withdrawals and deforestation. In other words – eating more greens boosts our personal health and benefits the environment too. Here in Guanacaste, you can also volunteer on a local family farm as part of the Family Gardens program. During the day, you can spend some time working on planting or harvesting vegetables, and then we can arrange for them to be brought back to your luxury vacation rental to be prepared for dinner.
Support the farmers
If you simply can’t resist tucking into some meat or fish while staying at one of our luxury vacation rentals in Costa Rica, don’t fret. The ocean surrounding Peninsula Papagayo is teeming with a wide range of fish, meaning that fresh seafood is always on the menu here. Think everything from corvina and mahi mahi to tuna and snapper fish. What’s more, there are a range of Guanacaste establishments that offer meats reared by local farmers too, meaning you can also support the local economy while tasting some delicious cuts.
Go local
If you want to get a taste of the real Costa Rica – and minimize your carbon footprint at the same time – choose local dishes. Not only do they provide you with an authentic flavor of the region, the ingredients used are likely to be sourced within the vicinity too. If you’re unsure of what to go for on the menu, we can highly recommend trying out Gallo Pinto, the Casado, Patacones or Ceviche. If you’re looking to take things one step further, our private chef services can tailor the Guanacaste cuisine to your needs, creating a magical experience for your whole party to get involved with.
Choose independent outlets
Many lavish resorts and all-inclusive dining options put on some incredible spreads with cuisine from around the world, creating a feast for the eyes. Although it’s fun to sample lots of different things, the abundance of food at such settings often creates a lot of food waste. That’s why it’s always better to try smaller restaurants and bistros that focus on a few key plates. Not only are you likely to get a more authentic experience in these settings, food will be freshly cooked to order, just for you.
If you’re looking to maximize your culinary experiences during your stay in Peninsula Papagayo, our dedicated concierge is on hand to help. Whether it’s finding you the best restaurants in the area, arranging for a personalized masterclass or hiring your very own private chef – we can handle all the little details so you can immerse yourself in all that Guanacaste has to offer. Simply get in touch to get started.
