Rio Perdido Appoints Randy Rockbrand as New General Manager

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Costa Rica, Guanacaste. February 19, 2026

Fresh off the heels of unveiling a newly expanded spa and wellness offerings, Costa Rica's Rio Perdido is pleased to announce that Randy Rockbrand has been hired as the eco-luxury retreat's new General Manager.

Having most recently served as Operations Manager at Guanacaste's Hospital San Rafael Arcángel, Rockbrand brings with him 14 years of industry experience, along with an MBA from Les Roches in Switzerland. Yet Rockbrand, who was "born in San José but formed in Liberia," believes that his local roots are what best prepares him for this new role. "Rio Perdido stands out because we prioritize local talent—over 85% of our team comes from within 25km of the property. This creates a level of authenticity and commitment that you rarely see," he says, adding, "Our key differentiator is our authentic service culture. Unlike big corporate hotels, our team has a genuine sense of belonging. This authenticity is something you cannot train; it's part of the local DNA, and it creates a guest experience that is impossible to fake."

Expanding the Local Experience

In considering his goals for the property, Rockbrand plans to build momentum from Rio Perdido's unique location. He says, "Our location [in] Bagaces is in a 'sweet spot': established enough to be safe for investment, but undeveloped enough to allow for innovation. I see huge potential in creating community supply chains and capitalizing on the future opening of the Miravalles National Park." To that end, he envisions increasing partnerships with local vendors and strengthening the bonds between the boutique resort and the local community.

Preserving the Hidden Paradise

Rockbrand also plans to lean into his two areas of specialty—Operational Excellence and Sustainability—to honor Rio Perdido's philosophy of providing guests with opportunities for passive wellness, an experience that is rooted in harmony with nature, body, and community. He says, "I want to prove that with a holistic view and true business sustainability, we can run a hotel that is profitable, fair, and excellent."

Building for the Future

While environmental and financial sustainability are central to Rockbrand's vision, he is most excited to create ongoing opportunities for the property's key resource: its local team members. Rockbrand, who says he is inspired by witnessing human growth, has a clear idea of what success looks like in an authentic community like the one he's joining in Rio Perdido: "I love seeing a housekeeper evolve into a supervisor, and years later, seeing his daughter join our Adventure team. I love watching a shy employee gain the confidence to lead a site inspection perfectly. And of course, seeing a guest return for their 10th visit because they feel at home. If we took the people out of the equation, this would just be a cold corporate job. The stories of my team and my guests are what make this a lifestyle, not just a career."