It’s World Coffee Day, a celebration of a drink that has helped shape the very identity of Costa Rica, the birthplace of Nayara Resorts. Costa Rica's story is inseparable from the story of coffee, and even now, a daily cup of delicious roasted café is a major part of almost every Costa Rican’s day.
We’re proud to admit that the love of coffee has stayed with Nayara Resorts even as we’ve expanded around the world, and whether you’re in Arenal, Bocas del Toro, Atacama, or even on Easter Island, you’ll catch glimpses of this deep connection to coffee.
Though the flavors, beans, and roasts may vary by region, the common thread you’ll find when staying with us is that stopping to sip and savor a delicious cup of coffee is a simple yet profound ritual that sets the tone for the day, or helps you center yourself before another adventure.
Coffee was introduced to Costa Rica in the late 18th century, quickly becoming an integral part of the country’s agricultural identity. The climate and geography of Costa Rica are ideal for growing high-quality beans — volcanic soil, abundant rainfall, and high altitudes all contribute to the unique flavor profiles that have made Costa Rican coffee world-renowned.
In fact, the government has long upheld strict regulations around quality, and most notably passed a law in 1989 ensuring that only 100% Arabica beans — the highest grade of coffee — are grown in the country.
This commitment to excellence has led to Costa Rica’s esteemed global reputation for producing some of the finest beans in the world, which are sought after by roasters and coffee lovers alike for their balance, body, and bright acidity.
In Costa Rica, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a way of life. The country's culture is steeped in the daily ritual of enjoying coffee, which is as accessible as it is delicious. From bustling cities to quiet mountain villages, coffee is sourced locally, brewed freshly, and enjoyed by everyone.
Historically, coffee was brewed using a chorreador, a simple yet iconic method that allows hot water to filter slowly through coffee grounds held in a cloth. While modern methods like espresso machines, coffee makers, and pour-overs have gained popularity, the role of coffee in the daily routine remains unchanged.
In the morning, coffee is enjoyed slowly, often while catching up with family or coworkers, setting the pace for the day. And then there’s cafecito, the cherished afternoon coffee break. It’s a moment to pause, recharge, and connect with friends and coworkers before the late afternoon.
The cafecito is so deeply embedded in Costa Rican life that an employee’s right to two 15-minute coffee breaks is protected under the country’s labor laws.
In Costa Rica, coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a cultural cornerstone that keeps people connected, grounded, and energized throughout the day.
At the Nayara Resorts properties in Arenal (Nayara Gardens, Nayara Springs, and Nayara Tented Camp), you can experience the essence of this coffee culture through the aptly named Mi Cafecito, a cafe meant to provide a Costa Rican coffee experience like no other.
Surrounded by tall trees and the sounds of nature, guests at Mi Cafecito are greeted by a range of enticing fragrances that we owe to top-quality beans, an artistic dedication to the quality of each cup, and the skill of our talented expert baristas.
Embraced by rustic wooden floors and high ceilings, you can savor a cup as you enjoy a good read, a pleasant conversation, a game of pool, or the view of the rainforest from the comfort of the balcony.
You can take your coffee experience to the next level through specialized coffee and classes as well.
For example, our in-depth coffee class takes place right in Mi Cafecito, where you can explore the captivating history of Costa Rican coffee, from farm to cup, with a focus on its unique traceability.
You'll work hands-on with a special cupping table, taste different coffees to learn the details that make high-quality brews stand out, and learn how to brew the perfect coffee using three filtering methods, bringing out the best flavors while controlling important factors.
Another option is to join us for a roasting session, to discover the chemistry behind coffee roasting and how different roasts affect flavor, while also learning how to choose the perfect roast for your taste.
Or if you’d like to get up close and personal with coffee production, you can venture out on our coffee tour to hear about Costa Rica’s historic coffee legacy for yourself from local coffee farmers.
You’ll discover the earliest eras of coffee production, learn how coffee has shaped Costa Rica’s history, and experience every step of coffee production, from the seed to the delicious final product, the cup of coffee.
Even though our roots are in Costa Rica, Nayara Resorts is committed to delivering a world-class coffee experience at all of our resorts around the world. We source only the highest-quality beans from local roasters to ensure every cup reflects the breathtaking destinations you enjoy them in.
For example, in Panama, we proudly offer our guests exceptional coffee that encapsulates the essence of the highlands of Chiriquí, Panama. Our exclusive blend combines the elegance of the Caturra with the richness of the Catuai, both meticulously selected and processed at the prestigious Santos Café Farm.
In this article, you can take a deeper look at the fascinating world of high-end coffee and how it guides our bean and roaster selection process for the coffee you’ll enjoy everywhere at our resorts.
So whether you prefer to brew a simple cup in your villa or enjoy a more complex preparation by one of our expert baristas, you can be sure the flavor will be unmatched and unique to the destination.
But what you’ll also notice is that in the rhythm of life at Nayara Resorts, you can see the influences of the cafecito tradition. Even with a day full of activities, meals, and spa treatments, you’ll still find yourself with time to sip and savor, and we couldn’t recommend it more!
So how will you experience our cherished cafecito tradition at our properties around the world?
In the morning in the Arenal Rainforest, you can sip your coffee as you watch the mist rise over the rainforest and wildlife stir into action. It’s the perfect way to ease into the day, surrounded by nature’s wonders.
Afternoons at Nayara Hangaroa on Easter Island invite you to sit back with a cup in hand as the cool ocean breeze rolls by. Under the gentle sun, you can gaze across the striking terrain of Rapa Nui as it invites you to explore and delve deeper into the island’s ancient past.
In Bocas del Toro, the sunrise over the sea makes every cup of coffee a serene experience. As you enjoy your brew, you can watch the colorful tropical fish swim beneath your villa and feel the peaceful rhythm of the ocean around you.
And in the Atacama Desert, after a morning of exploration, the cool shade of your terrace is the perfect spot to sit back with a cup and reflect on the awe-inspiring landscape. The quiet of the desert provides the ideal moment for a relaxing afternoon cafecito.
No matter where you are on this World Coffee Day, we hope you take the time to sip, savor, and enjoy the moment!