Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, has celebrated two landmark initiatives this month. Both the Tabacón Educational Excellence Recognition Program and Guest Donation Program represent their ongoing commitment to serving the local community and using their position as a globally-renowned resort to facilitate purpose-driven programs. Combined, these programs have raised over $152,000, assisted more than 1,800 students and teachers across the La Fortuna de San Carlos region, and recognised 26 outstanding individuals with awards.

In 2023 the resort launched a guest donation program, an ongoing and optional initiative that has so far raised over $152,000, with 65% of guests opting in and Tabacon matching the first $60,000. Donations are used to assist local education, health and cultural projects in partnership with non-profits Somos and Amigos de Costa Rica. To date the funds have supplied 1,300 school kits, 200 desks, supported the construction of five new classrooms at Sonafluca High School, sponsored the La Fortuna Community Band and facilitated the annual Educational Excellence awards, among other community-based projects. 

The awards culminated on 20th February 2025 with the second Educational Excellence Recognition Awards. The initiative was launched in 2023 as a partnership between Tabacón and the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) – Circuit 06 of La Fortuna, and this year further expanded with the support of local partners Mistico Park, Jacamar and Pure Trek. A district-wide program, the awards recognise the most inspiring teachers, students and projects from the nearby school community. The 26 students and teacher winners were selected for categories including Academic Excellence, Best Student in English and French and Teacher of the Year. An award for Best Environmental Project was also given to the Colegio Técnico Profesional de La Fortuna for Baños de Bosque Mandala, an open-air classroom that provides students with a unique learning environment surrounded by nature and embraces the motto 'not all classrooms have four walls'. 

Quotes from winners:

• “I believe I worked hard to achieve this with the support of my parents. This recognition means a lot to me because I had never been to an event like this before, and I really enjoyed being here.” - 8 year-old Mateo Sivianny Nuñez Coronado from Sonafluca High School, who was awarded for his academic excellence in English.
• “This award proves that all the effort has been worth it. It also serves as a reminder of how much we can influence not only ourselves but others, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and goals. I have practiced English a lot, especially here in La Fortuna, a tourist area, and that has helped me improve my grades. Without a doubt, English will be a great asset for my future, not only in Costa Rica but also abroad.”- Dennis Gómez Jirón, a 12th-grade student at CTP La Fortuna.
• “It proves that studying hard was worth it - putting in that extra effort, especially for people like me who pursued their education through night school. After a long workday, I was exhausted, but I knew I had to keep going.”  - Cristian Vargas González, a recent graduate of CINDEA La Perla.

Andrey Gomez, Managing Director at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa comments: “Programs like this are vital to the legacy of our resort and our region. Our founder, Jaime Mikowski, established Tabacón to bring wellness and the economic benefits of responsible tourism to this rural community and we are now the stewards to help the next generation realise and reach their full potential. We are proud to support our local schools where they need it – whether that's making sure they have backpacks to carry their things to school in, or championing excellence in leadership or academic achievement. Community-based initiatives like these form the backbone or our Legacy of Regeneration commitment and we're grateful and humbled by the number of our guests who want to be involved.”

For more information visit www.tabacon.com and to download the resort's latest Sustainability Report which highlights community efforts and conservations, click here.

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About Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa 

A tropical haven that blends modern-day luxury with timeless beauty, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is located at the base of the Arenal Volcano in the northern Region of Costa Rica. Set amidst more than 900 acres of a pristine rainforest reserve, the 105-room property is blessed with the largest network of naturally flowing hot springs, complemented by cascading thermal waterfalls, serene river pools and an internationally renowned spa. Tabacón is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and one of the founding members of its Considerate Collection of actively sustainable hotels. The resort is an ideal launch pad for nearby adventures including those in Arenal Volcano National Park, where ecotourists will encounter such wildlife as howler monkeys, toucans, and coatis. An escape at Tabacón is an immersion in a Costa Rican paradise. For more information or to book, please visit www.tabacon.com.