Diego Oviedo has been appointed general manager of Costa Rica’s newest resort, Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton. Oviedo, a dedicated hospitality professional with a passion for his local community, will be instrumental in the resort’s highly anticipated early 2022 opening. Located in “the most biologically intense place on Earth” (source: National Geographic), Botánika is set to become one of Costa Rica’s most desired resort experiences. Oviedo’s 10 years of hospitality experience include ascending leadership positions with Hilton in Costa Rica. In his most recent role as resident manager of Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton, Oviedo was a key factor in the hotel’s successful opening. During his tenure, Gran Hotel earned the Connie Award, the highest hotel service award for Hilton Worldwide, and secured the No. 1 ranking among hotels in the region on TripAdvisor. Oviedo also held roles as front desk manager and operations manager at Hilton Garden Inn San José and front desk supervisor and night auditor at Double Tree Cariari San José. In his newest position as general manager of Botánika, Oviedo will oversee daily operations of the property’s guestrooms and residences, programming, staff management, and guest relations.
“As a proud Costa Rican, I am pleased to join Hilton’s vision of cultivating sustainable and responsible travel experiences by introducing guests to Botánika,” said Diego Oviedo, general manager. “Guests can anticipate sustainable architectural features, design that draws inspiration from nature with floor-to-ceiling windows that invite the outdoors in, and amenities and programming that put the discovery of the incredible surrounding environment at their fingertips.”
Since first breaking ground in 2020, Botánika has quickly become one of Costa Rica’s most successful real estate developments, attracting investors from around the world. Plans for Botánika include up to 106 exceptional studio-, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units in the Rainforest Residences condominium project designed to coexist in harmony with the environment. Construction is currently underway on the first and second phases of the new build, with 43 guest rooms slated to open in December 2021, and 43 more slated to open in 2022 Botánika’s amenities will center around its unparalleled access to a range of adventure activities including a lagoon-style pool, beach access, a fully equipped state-of-the-art 2,500 sq. ft. fitness center, and two kilometers of nature trails right on property. A collection of themed gardens will comprise an orchid garden, a hummingbird garden, a medicinal garden, and a bamboo garden. With the Pacific Ocean on one side and Corcovado National Park on the other, guests can participate in an array of nearby eco-adventures including voluntourism expeditions such as endangered sea turtle conservation; kayaking through mangroves; exploring the jungle and sighting rare species of monkeys, plants and insects; and horseback riding. The adjacent Crocodile Bay Marina will serve as a jumping off point for Botánika guests who would like to participate in marine adventures, such as world-class sport fishing and whale watching.
Oviedo’s passion for his home of Costa Rica is matched by his desire to succeed in creating unrivaled hospitality experiences, making him a perfect fit to oversee Botánika’s one-of-a-kind setting. Having originally attended university for agriculture engineering, he became enamored with the world of hospitality during a stint as a bellman in Guanacaste to finance his higher education. Shortly after, Oviedo earned a degree in Hospitality Administration from Universidad del Turismo in San José, Costa Rica. A lover of sports, he is inspired by Spanish football manager Pep Guardiola’s intelligence on the field and passion for his occupation. Oviedo spends his free time enjoying Costa Rica’s beautiful landscape with family and embarking on global adventures through travel.
