Costa Rica has won yet another major honor in the global travel scene, earning the title of Best International Destination at the Healthy Places 2025 Awards presented by the Spanish editions of Men’s Health and Women’s Health. The recognition spotlights the country’s focus on health, active lifestyles, and overall well-being.
The awards ceremony unfolded in Spain last month, with the honor set to carry through all of 2026. Judges picked Costa Rica for its role as a prime spot to boost physical and mental health, offering travelers a chance to step away from everyday stresses and link up with the natural world.
Tourism Minister William Rodríguez pointed to the nation’s signature Pura Vida approach, its dedication to preserving diverse ecosystems, and the array of outdoor pursuits available. “This award puts a spotlight on our standout experiences and the striking features of our national parks, which form the backbone of our health-focused tourism,” Rodríguez stated.
The Healthy Places Awards feature six categories that celebrate top spots worldwide for health and adventure. Winners stand out for blending well-being with trends in longer, healthier lives, including regular movement in outdoor settings, solid rest paired with time offline, and meals drawn from fresh, local ingredients.
Spain ranks as Costa Rica’s sixth-biggest visitor source. Data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute shows more than 50,000 arrivals from Spain in 2025. Broader figures from Europe topped 400,000 visitors by year’s end, solidifying Costa Rica’s draw across the continent.
This latest nod aligns with a wave of positive attention. Over the past few weeks, areas like the Osa Peninsula, Nosara, and Limón have landed on key travel lists from outlets such as The New York Times Travel, Forbes, and Travel + Leisure.
The Osa Peninsula claimed fourth place globally and first in Latin America on The New York Times’ “52 Places to Visit in 2026” roundup, released on January 7. The area earned praise for its shores, dense forests, the rich wildlife in Corcovado National Park, sea life near Caño Island, and fresh tourism options in Uvita and Ojochal.
These distinctions build on Costa Rica’s reputation as a leader in sustainable and health-oriented travel. Our country’s protected lands, which cover over a quarter of its territory, support activities from hiking and yoga to surfing and wildlife observation. Visitors often cite the calm pace and close ties to nature as reasons for return trips.
Local operators report growing interest in wellness retreats that mix adventure with recovery. In places like Nosara, programs emphasize yoga, meditation, and plant-based eating, while Limón offers coastal hikes and cultural immersion tied to Afro-Caribbean traditions.
As 2026 kicks off, tourism officials here aim to leverage these awards to attract more health-conscious travelers. Efforts include partnerships with European airlines and targeted campaigns highlighting low-impact experiences. The surge in recognition comes at a time when global tourism rebounds, with a shift toward destinations that prioritize personal health alongside environmental care. Costa Rica’s model, rooted in conservation and community involvement, positions it well in this evolving market.
Travelers from Europe and beyond continue to come to our country’s vastly different areas, from cloud forests in Monteverde to volcanoes like Arenal. Each spot provides tools for better living, backed by clean air, fresh produce, and active options. This award from Men’s Health and Women’s Health adds to Costa Rica’s growing list of international awards, signaling strong appeal for those seeking balance in their journeys.
