AmaTierra Yoga Retreat Takes Nutrition Seriously: Organically Growing Their Own

Tucked away in the mountains surprising close to San Jose is an oasis for those seeking peace and serenity and a place where people can nurture themselves with yoga, wellness services and fresh organic foods, many of which are grown on the property, a unique feature at AmaTierra Yoga Retreat and Wellness Center.

“It’s not easy to find organic produce in Costa Rica,” owner and registered nutritionist/herbalist Jill Ruttenberg says, “so we grow especially our greens and some fruits here on the property to be sure they are fresh and organic. Vegetables can lose up to 45 percent of their nutritional value between the time they are picked and when you buy them in the grocery store, and it is a proven fact that organic produce has more vitamins and minerals than commercially grown, non-organic produce.”

Black Hawk Helicopters – Standby Security for President Obama’s Visit to Costa Rica

Thursday, May 2, 2013

In preparation of the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama to Costa Rica tomorrow, U.S. Black Hawk helicopters become familiar with the San Jose skyline and streets below. They will be stationed at the Tobias Bolanos, “Pavas”, Airport during his stay.

More info:

http://www.ticotimes.net/Obama-in-C.R/News-Briefs/Security-operation-for-Obama-visit-biggest-in-Costa-Rica-s-history-_Tuesday-April-30-2013

http://www.ticotimes.net/Obama-in-C.R/News-Briefs/U.S.-President-Barack-Obama-to-visit-Costa-Rica-in-May_Wednesday-March-27-2013

Equal But Different – The Hotel Business in Costa Rica Versus Nicaragua

Life was always a series of adventures to Edgar Neidhardt, and few have been more instructive and demanding than owning a hotel business in Costa Rica, and then the Kekoldi Hotel in neighboring Granada, Nicaragua.

The Kekoldi Hotel in Downtown San Jose

After a few visits to Costa Rica in the early 1990’s, Edgar decided to leave behind the often cold and gloomy weather of his German homeland for a new and perhaps more carefree adventure in tropical Costa Rica. Attracted by the eternal spring like temperatures of the Central Valley, he decided to renovate an existing building in the historic Amon district of San Jose in 1994. Using his imagination, and the decorating talent of the well known English artist Helen Eltis, his dream project became what it is still known as today – the Kekoldi Garden Hotel in San Jose, an art deco hotel just out of the immediate bustle of San Jose, but close to trendy restaurants, museums and theaters. “Business was brisk and I was happy with the results of what I had set out to do, but there was one problem,” relates Edgar, “Even though I owned the business, I didn’t own the building and the land. I was a tenant, subject to the whims of the owner who could raise the lease cost periodically. I wanted more security and opportunity by owning the land, and that is when I became interested in Granada.”

Manuel Antonio Beach Villa Center of Seaside Weddings in Costa Rica

According to About.com’s Guide to Romantic Getaways, up to 25% of couples now travel to exotic locations for destination weddings, and Costa Rica has become one of their most popular options, especially weddings on the beach.

“My husband David and I are really excited about this news,” says Discovery Beach House vacation rental villa homeowner, Evelyn Gallardo. “A wedding is such a joyful day for the bride and groom and we love the special energy it brings into our home.”

The Alta Hotel – A Boutique, Eclectic Experience in San Jose

Residents of Escazu to Santa Ana may have noticed a difference in the skyline along the “Calle Vieja” road between the two cities, and they are correct. There has been a transformation in the exterior of the landmark Alta Hotel in Costa Rica overlooking the Central Valley. Recognized as one of the original, luxury boutique hotels in the area, it has recently been acquired by the Nature Group, of which Nature Air Regional Airlines, the first carbon neutral airline in the world, and Nature Vacations are a part.

Tourism in Nicaragua – A Bonus for Costa Rica

Mauricio Alfaro, co-owner of the 5 leaves for sustainable tourism website, Costa Rican Trails, announces the launch of his new brand website, Nicaraguan Trails, which will feature packages for both Costa Rica and Nicaragua.  Mauricio, a visionary tourism entrepreneur states, “we have found an intense interest in people planning to visit Costa Rica for an extended period of time, most notably the Europeans whose vacations are for one month, they want to experience other countries.”

“When they travel all the way to get to this side of the world, Europeans want to see as much as possible. Offering Nicaragua as an extension, gives added value to the Costa Rica experience, and overall, Nicaragua is not a competitor of Costa Rica as they offer different experiences and sites that we don’t have, like Granada and Leon.   We have found that by assuring the European traveler that they won’t run out of things to do and places to see actually brings Costa Rica more business, as they choose to stay here most of the time anyway.  We’re glad we decided to move into this sector.”

According to statistics, Nicaragua attracted more than 1 million tourists in 2011, about 2.8% more compared to 2010.  With extensive campaigns by the governmental tourism board, known as INTUR, included running ads on TripAdvisor and The New York Times, this has lead Nicaragua to experience an increasing arrival of US travelers and international travelers.

Costa Rica Hotel for Sale, But Not The Memories or Lifestyle

In February of 2011, we published this article about a boutique hotel in Cahuita: http://theticotimes.wordpress.com/2011/02/14/from-luxury-yachts-to-luxury-bb-bungalows-in-caribbean-cahuita/, Owners, Joe and Chris, wrote to update us on their status, and we found their heartfelt expressions so poignant as to why many foreign residents appreciate Costa Rica, that we decided to publish their account in its entirety.
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We previously had written about the joy of moving to Costa Rica and pursuing our dream of having a small hotel near the beach and living Pura Vida after having originally started with meeting each other while working as crew members on private mega yachts, which together was our first great adventure.

Now, after making a very difficult decision to fully retire and sell this well established and successful hotel business (www.hotelforsalecostarica.net)so that we can move on to our next great adventure, we realize at times we have some very strong regrets! We are moving on to enjoy retirement, to travel and visit some of the many great people we have met here at our hotel from around the world, who we promised we would come see some day, while keeping Costa Rica as our base.

Now, “some day” has come.

Fernandez Aguilar Announces Opening of New Showroom in Escazu, Costa Rica

Fernández Aguilar, “Cermamicas Con Nombre Y Apellido,” is proud to announce the opening of their new and luxurious showroom in upscale Escazu, just three blocks west of the Paco Shopping Center on the old road to Santa Ana, Calle Vieja.

Formerly the location of the La Casa de Doña Lela Restaurant, that structure was removed entirely to make way for the advanced design concepts of architect Denise Michaud.  With floor to ceiling expanses of glass letting in the natural light, the tasteful use of marble and ceramic tiling, the ensuing comfortable browsing environment invites clients to explore their re-decorating ideas.

An interview with Costa Rica Retirement Guru, Christopher Howard

One of the most prolific writers about living and retiring in Costa Rica is Christopher Howard, a resident of Costa Rica for 31 years. Not only has he written many books and ebooks about Costa Rica and Central America, but he is also the only ICT approved (tourist bureau of Costa Rica) relocation / retirement tour in the country. I caught up with Chris after one of his seminars with the ARCR (Association of Residents of Costa Rica), which is part of his informative retirement tours.

What brought you to Costa Rica originally?
Basically my love for the Latin American way of life and for the Spanish language. I had lived and studied in Mexico and thought that I wanted to eventually live there. However, a voice inside me told me to look at the bigger picture and explore Central and South America to see if there was a better place to live. I eventually explored all of the countries in Latin America except for Colombia and Venezuela. In 1978 I came to Costa Rica and it was love at first site.

US Home Improvement Company Marketing Through Costa Rican Call Center

While many people are aware that big companies like Hewlett Packard, IBM, Proctor & Gamble, Western Union and Fujitsu have “call centers” in Costa Rica that provide everything from technical support and customer service to sales, few people are aware that smaller companies are also finding their way here. Once blemished by the unfair associations in the minds of many that a call center means a gambling “boiler room,” or some other nefarious operation, that is far from the intent of mainstay businesses in the US looking to save money on marking costs by coming to Costa Rica. And, with good reason.

For about half of what it would take to operate a qualified operation in the United States, a small business can set up a satellite marketing office in Costa Rica – an important financial savings, especially in the present state of the world’s economy. One such company is Dixon Group Services, an Atlanta based home improvement company specializing in roofing, decks, insulation, painting and energy efficient window installations.

From an Artists Workshop Retreat to a Sustainable Tourism Eco-Hotel

After two years of planning, in 2005 San Francisco art dealer and gallery owner Carlos Rojas, and Randy Langendorfer, marketing executive and then owner of a boutique contracting business specializing in restoration and renovation of vintage homes in San Francisco and Los Angeles, sold their businesses and all their possessions in the US to move to Costa Rica. The plan was to invite artists to Monte Azul, a 100 acre property near Chirripó National Park and along the banks of the Chirripó Pacifico River, to produce work that would be sold on site and at their gallery space in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan.

In the meantime they also developed the Monte Azul Boutique Hotel and Mountain Resort, along with an airy studio and gallery, outdoor restaurant and about 4 kilometers of hiking trails.

Hotel or Private Villa — Which is the better choice for your next vacation to Costa Rica?

Luxury villa (home) rentals are increasingly popular alternatives to luxury hotel vacations. And it has become much easier for travelers to find vacation homes to rent — directly online, using rental “by-owner” websites, through travel agents, and from personal recommendations. But do you know whether a villa or a hotel is better fit for you?

When planning your next vacation, the results of this short, easy quiz may help you decide which is your best option.

 Keep a running tally of your points; at the end you’ll find recommendations based on your total quiz score below.

Restaurant Fire in Escazú Quickly Controlled

Diners at the Al Pinino Restaurant and the Saquella Café in the Multi-Central Paco shopping center in Escazu were surprised Saturday afternoon, August 11, at about 1:00 P.M. with thick billowing smoke emerging from what appeared initially to be a roof fire over the Saquella Café. Waiters were noticing customers to leave the restaurants for their protection and move their cars while the cause of the blaze was being determined and the fire department would soon be arriving.

The Anti Aging Institute of the Americas – Costa Rica’s Answer to Cenegenics

After a short article appearing months ago in the Tico Times newspaper about a new anti-aging clinic, (Can Anti Aging Treatments Unlock the Fountain of Youth), I recently met with Dr. Leslie Mesen, Chief Medical Officer of the Anti Aging Institute of The Americas to get a more detailed description of his expanded services. The clinic is located in The Country Plaza, across the street from the Villas del Rio condos, and kitty-cornered to the Costa Rica Country Club in Escazu. The offices and treatment rooms are on the second floor, where I sat down with Dr. Mesen and inquired, “Just what is ‘anti-aging’ all about and what is Cenegenics?”

Dr. Mesen answered, “Anti aging is a new medical practice specialty focusing on the health and well being of primarily middle aged men and women and seniors.

No Shortage of Investment, Expansion and Construction in Escazú, Costa Rica

Luxurious Viva Residences in Escazú Soon to be Completed

There seems to be no shortage of confidence in the business and housing sectors in Escazú.

More recent developments in the west end of upscale Escazú seem to hold true to the promise that the economy is alive and well in one of San Jose’s most affluent areas.  As an example, the most recent development under construction is the new and luxurious Viva Residences.

Eco Tourism Meeting Medical Tourism Development Opportunities in Costa Rica

Would you develop property in Costa Rica today?

With all the doom and gloom coming to us by way of the media, including those of some visitors and tourists from North America and Europe, the answer would probably be, “no”, says Robert Shannon of Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties Real Estate Company.

Costa Rica’s tourism is still flourishing but for how long, some think?  It’s hard to predict as one would have to believe the impact of world events would catch up with us sooner or later.

But, consider these facts:
1.  This year alone over 250,000 Americans will travel to Costa Rica and places like Thailand for affordable medical care. They will be seeking everything from root canals to heart transplants. The proximity to the USA and the high standard of health care Costa Rica offers suggest that a higher percentage will come here.

2. We keep seeing statistics that eco tourism / sustainable tourism is becoming one of the most sought after travel packages. This comes in many different forms, but one of the most popular is the vacationer seeking to get a feel for making their contribution to our planet by using these sustainable tourism facilities.

We have seen some good attempts at eco-sustainable projects and they are interesting, and often in provocative, if not primitive, places.  But, Costa Rica has yet to see a major developer get involved in what many consider a necessary part of the future that will impact all of us for the good – combining the medical tourism aspects with eco-tourism!

Renting a 2 Wheel Drive Car vs. a 4 Wheel Drive SUV in Costa Rica

What is the best car / utility vehicle for each situation?

With my non-profit hotel association, Adventure Hotels of Costa Rica, about every two years, sometimes in the rainy (green) season, sometimes in the sunny (high) season, I clock approximately 2800 kilometers driving around Costa Rica, visiting all potential and new member hotels. Therefore I have gained quite a bit of knowledge about driving around Costa Rica at all times of the year.

Though Costa Rica looks small on a world map, it takes about fourteen hours to drive diagonally from one corner to the next. Traversing the rugged landscape, few highways are straight. And when you see a sign giving directions or kilometers to a certain town, take advantage of it! Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness campaign by the ICT would have been far more productive spending the money signing the roads better for lost tourists, than giving the money away to some lucky tourists who can already afford a vacation, but that’s another story!

For the last seventeen years I have been making reservations for guests at my two consecutive Costa Rica hotels, Hemingway Inn and Adventure Inn and arranging good value car rentals for my guests (and others). I often get asked the question, “What do I need, a 2 wheel drive sedan or a 4 wheel drive SUV style car?”

A New Orchid Species Discovered at Bosque De Paz Biological Reserve in Costa Rica

Adam P Karremans and Melania Muñoz García are proud to announce the discovery and classification of Pleurothallis silvae-pacis, a new orchid species entirely new to science, that has been found at the Bosque de Paz Private Biological Reserve in Costa Rica.

Adam Karremans is a researcher at Lankester Botanical Gardens, University of Costa Rica, and Melania Muñoz García is the biologist in charge of Bosque de Paz Orchid Project since 2004.

Adam first became aware of the find on a trip to Bosque de Paz in 2008. “I had never seen such a species before, and tried to give it a name. For some time I had misidentified it as Pleurothallis angusta. But then, with the ongoing research on the whole Pleurothallidinae subtribe (to which this species belongs), the case was reviewed in 2010. After careful comparison, which is done comparing flowers and plants of the type material,  illustrations, descriptions and wild collected plants of P. angusta and other close relatives, we came to the conclusion that this was a different species which had no name. The species was quite hard to place within the Pleurothallis genus because of its intermediate features. In any case Melania and I wrote an article publishing this relatively beautiful and strange new species in 2011. I am at the moment also extracting DNA from it just to be sure of its placement.”