Rivella Group’s Sendero Hotel & Hotel Fermata Become the Newest Members of the Leading Hotels of the World

A new kind of luxury joins the prestigious hotel portfolio with the addition of two Costa Rican properties

NOSARA, Costa Rica--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rivella Group is proud to announce that two of its Costa Rican properties, Sendero Hotel & Villas and Hotel Fermata, have officially joined The Leading Hotels of the World’s (LHW) global portfolio of 425+ independent hotels. Beginning this month, these two properties bring an unconventional luxury spirit to the traditionally defined collection. Long associated with grand properties and old-world formality, LHW is increasingly embracing a more contemporary, design-led approach, one that reflects how luxury is evolving today. With a portfolio spanning newly opened hotels, distinctive resorts, restored landmarks, and countryside estates, the addition of Rivella Group’s properties to LHW continues to redefine modern luxury, creating opportunities for curious travelers to experience the world with intention.

Since 1928, LHW has set the standard for luxury hospitality and today, that definition continues to evolve. The addition of Costa Rica’s Sendero Hotel & Villas in Nosara and Hotel Fermata in Santa Teresa reflects a shift toward a more contemporary approach to luxury rooted in design, with a strong sense of place and meaningful connection to the surrounding environment. At both properties, surf, nature, and community are the foundation of the experience, signaling a quieter, more immersive expression of luxury.

“We’re honored to be joining a collection that has long defined luxury hospitality, while also embracing a more personal and evolving point of view,” said Stefanie Tannenbaum, Co-Founder of Rivella Group. “For us, this is about being invited into something timeless without having to change who we are. Sendero Hotel and Hotel Fermata reflect a more nuanced, design-led approach to luxury. As traveler preferences continue to shift toward more bespoke and immersive experiences, we see this partnership as a natural extension of what we’ve been building, now with a broader global platform.”

Dining is central to the experience at both properties, led by Executive Chef Olivier Palazzo. At Sendero Kitchen, guests can expect a wellness-driven approach to dining inspired by Nosara’s Blue Zone, where seasonality, locality, and sustainability guide the menu. Blending French technique with local ingredients, the restaurant offers a refined yet approachable experience rooted in nourishment and connection. At Hotel Fermata, Fermata Kitchen delivers a vibrant, oceanfront dining experience that pairs Mediterranean flavors with a relaxed, social atmosphere. Designed for sharing and set against sweeping coastal views, the restaurant captures the spirit of Santa Teresa.

Developed with a shared vision that luxury can be both refined and deeply personal, Sendero Hotel and Hotel Fermata emphasize thoughtful design, community, and immersive experiences. Their acceptance into LHW’s highly selective global portfolio reinforces both the strength of Rivella Group’s portfolio and a broader evolution within the category, where authenticity, individuality, and atmosphere are increasingly central to the guest experience. With only a small percentage of hotels admitted globally, inclusion in LHW emphasizes not just a standard of excellence, but a shared commitment to independence. Each property brings its own distinct perspective rather than conforming to a singular definition of luxury.

Sendero Hotel & Villas (Nosara, Costa Rica)
Sendero Hotel & Villas is a beloved surf boutique property in Nosara, Costa Rica - just steps away from the world-class surf of Playa Guiones, a beach break famous for its year-round consistent waves. The 25-room hotel features a collection of private luxury villas and is set on a thoughtfully designed property that immerses guests in the natural beauty and rhythm of its surroundings. Rooted in sustainability and local craftsmanship, Sendero integrates architecture and interiors inspired by traditional Costa Rican design, with a focus on indoor-outdoor living and natural materials. With a strong connection to the local community and environment, the property offers a modern, grounded approach to luxury that balances privacy, wellness, and a sense of place.

Hotel Fermata (Santa Teresa, Costa Rica)
Opened in December 2025, Hotel Fermata is a 35-room beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, designed to reflect the destination’s laidback surf culture through a refined, design-led lens. The property is Rivella Group’s newest addition to its growing Costa Rican portfolio, bringing together surf, wellness, dining, and community in a cohesive, immersive setting. Located directly in front of the iconic La Lora surf break, Hotel Fermata offers a range of accommodations, from guest rooms to casitas, suites, and a two-bedroom villa, each designed with a focus on indoor-outdoor living and understated elegance. The experience is anchored by thoughtful programming, including an oceanfront restaurant, wellness offerings, a surf school, and a Beach House that serves as a social hub for guests and the local community. Rooted in sustainability and local connection, Hotel Fermata delivers a modern, relaxed approach to luxury in one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after destinations.

“At The Leading Hotels of the World, we believe luxury is defined by many qualities, including individuality and a hotel’s ability to create a genuine connection to its destination and community. Sendero Hotel & Villas and Hotel Fermata embody the kind of contemporary luxury experiences today’s travelers are increasingly seeking, inviting guests to engage more deeply with the local culture and natural surroundings,” said Dean Bannon, Vice President, Member Success & Development of Leading Hotels of the World, “Both properties are deeply personal and design forward, offering immersive experiences shaped by Costa Rica’s surf culture, wellness lifestyle, and natural beauty while remaining authentically connected to their communities. We are proud to welcome Sendero Hotel & Villas and Hotel Fermata, part of Rivella Group, into our collection as part of the continued evolution of independent luxury hospitality.”

Leaders Club members who stay at Sendero Hotel & Hotel Fermata are rewarded with memorable benefits to make every stay special. Benefits include pre-arrival upgrades, on-property benefits and Leaders Club Points.

For more information on the hotels or to book a stay, visit senderonosara.com and hotelfermata.com.

ABOUT RIVELLA GROUP
Rivella Group is a brand known to create unique hospitality offerings that combine the laidback rhythm of surfers with the simple luxury of design, nature and service. Founded in Costa Rica, the Rivella portfolio includes Outpost Nosara, a hybrid co-working and wellness club; Sendero Hotel, a boutique 25-room hotel with a surf school and restaurant; Sendero Villas, a collection of private villas with plunge pools and concierge service; and Hotel Fermata, the brand’s newest beachfront destination in Santa Teresa.

ABOUT THE LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD, LTD. (LEADING HOTELS)
Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, The Leading Hotels of the World is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the Company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is filled of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every experience. LHW hoteliers are artisans of hospitality whose expertise, commitment to excellence, and individual flair allows them to create story-worthy moments for their guests. And it is these authentic, individualized experiences combined with the warm hospitality and high-touch service they provide that keeps discerning travelers returning again and again. LHW’s collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and uncommon experiences, enhanced by LHW’s tiered guest loyalty program Leaders Club. From converted former palaces, and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps – and beyond – explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments by visiting: www.lhw.com,
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