Costa Rica Hotels Shine in Travel + Leisure: Nayara Tented Camp (No. 28 worldwide) topped Central America, with Hotel Belmar (No. 33) and Nayara Gardens (No. 97) also ranking in the 2026 World’s Best Awards; Nayara Springs and Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique grabbed top-10 regional spots. Tourism Market Shift: New data suggests Costa Rica is welcoming fewer-night stays but higher spend per air-arrival visitor, pointing to a more premium travel mix. Travel Planning for the “Green Season”: A guide highlights why May–November can mean fewer crowds and lower prices, with Guanacaste’s cooler, rainier weather making hiking and wildlife spotting easier. Airport Watch: A leaked radio exchange at San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport is under review, raising questions about runway instructions and air traffic control workload. Safety & Security Spotlight: A Costa Rican influencer, Gabriela Sanarrusia, and her boyfriend were shot dead in La Cruz, with authorities investigating a possible retaliation motive. Luxury Travel Deals: Air Canada’s “Black Friday in July” sale offers up to 40% off select packages, while Star Clippers is running a limited early-2028 offer with two free shore excursions per cabin. Celebrity in Costa Rica: Chris Hemsworth is reportedly vacationing with family across the Nicoya Peninsula, including Santa Teresa and Montezuma.