The most visited of Central American countries, Costa Rica, earns over $1 billion each year from tourism, most notably from “ecotourists” eager to visit the extensive national parks and protected areas across the country. Considered progressive in its environmental policies, Costa Rica gets high marks for natural beauty, cleanliness and accessibility. It should come as no surprise that many in the U.S. are flocking there in droves to claim their own piece of the gorgeous landscape – lush greenery, waterfalls and sprawling beaches. A variety of five-star resorts with buy-in options are sprouting up in and around the San Jose region and points undeveloped, bringing a long list of amenities and luxuries to an area already rich in landscape and leisure.
LIMONCITO,
PUNTA LEONA
Adjacent to the only four-star, Blue Flag-rated beach in Costa Rica, Limoncito combines the uniqueness of a 30-yearold beach club with modern luxuries and environmental preservation. The 58 room condo-hotel lies near some of the area’s most popular attractions, including a butterfly farm and Canopy Zip-Line Tours. Nestled by the Nicoya Gulf, the resort sees warm turquoise waters year round.
Honoring the natural landscape through low-density buildings, the six structures are tucked into the hillside with ultimate privacy, ocean views and easy private beach access. The surrounding forests make the perfect environment for meditation, yoga and hiking. The individual units for sale are nicely appointed with all the luxuries you’d expect from a top resort. Residents have access to multiple swimming pools, Jacuzzis, outdoor deck and terraces and a clubhouse.
Taking an eco-friendly approach, Limoncito practices a wetland management plan and on-site recycling program to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, community-based initiatives, such as a reforestation program that has planted more than 30,000 trees and an environmental education program at nearby schools, foster opportunities for member residents to actively participate in caring for the surrounding ecosystem. limoncitolife.com.
LOS SUEÑOS RESORT AND MARINA,
HERRADURA BAY
On 1,110 acres in Herradura Bay, the Los Sueños Resort and Marina encompasses a private 600 acre rainforest reserve. The magnificent property boasts a 201-room five-star Marriott hotel and over 500 luxury residences, including single-family homes, lots, condominiums and lavish villas. Best of all, the resort includes a full-service 200-slip international marina filled with pristine yachts.
Blending into the surrounding green hills, La Iguana, an 18-hole, par-72 golf course designed by Ted Robinson, Jr., combines incredible scenery with challenging golf. Don’t be surprised if playful monkeys, three-toed sloths, brilliant-colored toucans and scarlet macaws cross your path along the fairways. In fact, La Iguana’s forecaddies have been specially trained to point out over 150 species of wildlife to players as they make their way through the unique rainforest course.
Los Sueños features an exclusive portfolio of luxury resort residences, including an impressive variety of elegant condominiums and single-family homes. All Los Sueños residences feature phenomenal views of the resort, golf course and rainforest reserve. Some look out over the marina for dramatic sunsets during the tropic’s gold season. lsrm.com.
MIRAVAL,
CACIQUE
Coming in 2010, the northwest coast ofGuanacaste will welcome the Miraval Cacique,the company’s first internationaldestination resort. The 650-acre developmentwill also integrate some of the luxury market’s most prestigious brands, including One & Only Resorts and Exclusive Resorts. In addition, the property will host an 18-hole Tom Doak golf course and an Agassi-Graf Tennis and Fitness Center.
Like so many other projects in Costa Rica, Cacique will feature high-end services and amenities with a focus on intelligent, eco-sensitive designs that reduce energy and water demand and take advantage of spatial, wind and solar patterns to maximize natural ventilation, shade and daylight.
As the first exotic location of the Miraval brand, the new venture will incorporate the local flora and fauna into the company’s signature luxurious touch. Plans include 50 acres of private grounds set aside as sanctuary for rest and relaxation, a world-class spa with outdoor treatment rooms, more than 150 programs including eco-trails and an equestrian center, and a healing plant and herb garden. Buyers can chose from 60 villas gathered in a ranch-like setting, each with their own set of wonderful amenities. Private beach clubs, swimming pools and more await eager vacationers. miravalresort.com.
