Tourists come to Costa Rica for three reasons: the great beaches, the magnificent rainforests and the nationss dedication to eco-tourism. Hotel Belmar opened in 1985, and was one of the first eco-friendly hotels in Costa Rica. Here you can enjoy luxury accommodation without harming the local environment.

On a clear day, you can see over the cloud forest all the way to the Pacific Ocean from this Swiss-chalet-style hotel, says Sarah Gilbert in The Guardian. The hotel has been committed to environmental and social responsibility for 30 years. It runs reforestation programmes, and has helped to create a biodigester that cleans waste water.

Its eco-friendly nature means it does not recommend four-wheel-drive tours, but nearby private reserve Curi Cancha is made for walking. You can take the trail behind the hotel up Cerro Amigos, the highest point of Monteverde, before a dip in the al fresco hot tub and a dinner of gourmet local produce.

The restaurant, Celajes, serves up Costa Rican dishes using produce grown at the hotel.

Doubles cost from 75, including breakfast.Visit hotelbelmar.net, or call 00 1 506 2645 5201.

Most accommodation in Costa Rica once consisted of either wooden lodges (like the Belmar, see left), or giant American tourist complexes but Kur has helped to change that. These six cleverly designed open-plan villas, with views of the ocean on the horizon, have brought a real touch of style to the countrys tourist accommodation.

Kur has admirable eco-credentials the pool is salt-water and chemical-free, energy comes from solar panels and rainwater is recycled, says Hazel Lubbock in Cond Nast Traveller. Each villa is glass-fronted and surrounded by greenery and equipped with an iPad, loaded with books and music. The communal areas have a Miami beach-bar vibe, with an open-air lounge, infinity pool (with underwater sound system), large sun loungers and a rooftop to chill out on. There is also a small spa.

The open-plan Sky Lounge has 360-degree views of Costa Rican jungle and ocean, and is the best place to spot passing humpback whales, says MrandMrsSmith.com.The fish-packed menu includes a daily carpaccio.

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Eco-friendly retreats in Costa Rica