Costa Rica is known for its stunning landscapes, adventure activities, and warm hospitality, earning it the title of the happiest country in the world. In this episode, Andrey Gomez from Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa shares how this luxury eco-retreat, located near the iconic Arenal Volcano, offers an unparalleled experience with 18 natural hot spring pools heated to 100°F.Designed with sustainability at its core, Tabacón blends local culture, authentic gastronomy, and wellness, featuring a diverse culinary program—including delicious vegan options. Andrey is proud that Costa Rica is named the #1 happiest country in the world, because yes, Costa Rican are friendly and all smiles. Andrey also shares his personal journey from pharmacy to hospitality, highlighting the importance of local partnerships and cultural integration in creating a truly immersive luxury experience.He loves to travel and his favourite destination is South America. He also loves his children--with whom he unwinds and distress from the luxury hospitality world. To close the episode, he said that Tabacón is big on spa experience and guests love getting treatments in one of many hot springs around the resort.Chapters00:00 Intro01:27 #1 happiest country in the world02:06 Ecotourism pioneer02:40 Andrey's vast experience in hotels outside Costa Rica03:21 Costa Rica as a place of adventure and healing04:31 Tabacon's guests05:08 Tabacon's vision and history06:00 Tabacon's founder: Jaime Mikowski06:35 Costa Rica's culinary07:30 Sustainable culinary with little carbon footprints09:00 Vegans will love Tabacon's meal09:48 From pharmacist to hotelier, Andrey's story11:10 Andrey's favourite way to distress and unwind11:53 How Andrey keeps up with the luxury trends around the globe12:27 Andrey's way of travelling13:05 South America is Andrey's favourite travel destination14:25 Changes in luxury travel industry15:07 Costa Rican are friendly16:41 Why we get to be named #1 happiest country in the world18:20 Expatriates in Costa Rica19:00 Where2FromHere, Andrey?20:16 The origin of the name Tabacon21:40 Spa experience in Tabacon--Subscribe to Where2FromHere for the best and latest regular luxury travel updates. For collaborations, contact us at: renaemanos@mac.comHost: Renae Leith-Manos Editor: JC TomeldenContent Writer: Tiasani SundariGraphic & Design: Caylie WilliamsFor more luxury travel go to: www.renaesworld.com.auFor more information on Tabacon Resort & Spa go to: https://www.tabacon.com/resort/Check out our luxury travel instagram: @renaesworldofficialFor Luxury Hotel Consulting: www.luxuryhotelconsulting.comWatch every episode with spectacular visuals from some of the world’s best and most luxurious hotels over on Renae’s YouTube channel, “Renae’s World, Where to From Here”.