COASTAL ATTRACTION Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience Previous page: the Arenal Volcano in the northwest of Costa Rica 62 NetJets
ON LOCATION EMBRACING ITS philosophy of “Pura Vida”, which literally means “pure life”, Costa Rica encourages its residents and visitors to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the good life. Thankfully, the diverse and dazzling landscapes across the country – from lush jungles to rushing waterfalls to looming volcanoes to unspoiled beaches – make it easy. And while the country still places a premium on protecting its natural resources – it runs on 98% renewable energy, is 98% free of deforestation, and is making inroads to decarbonise its economy by 2050 – the recent and upcoming luxury developments here show that sustainable doesn’t have to mean rustic. From five-star hotels with all the trimmings to upscale restaurants focused on farm-to-table ingredients to posh galleries and designer boutiques, this easily accessible Central American country is coming in hot. BRICE FERRE REST FOR THE WEARY Costa Rica is already home to countless wellness retreats and eco lodges, but recent years have pushed it to evolve and mature with more luxury hotels. And while the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo (fourseasons.com) has been open since 2004, it has taken some time for others to follow suit. But now, even longtime hotels are expanding and becoming more exclusive, like the well-established Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa (tabacon.com), which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. In December, it added 14 adults-only rooms and suites, including its first pool suites fed with water from volcanic hot springs. Historically, the thermal river that runs through the resort has been open to day-pass holders but now it is a more exclusive, guest-only experience. In 2019, Tabacón debuted a sister property in Santa Teresa called Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience (nantipa.com). Dotted across two hectares of rainforest are just 19 pool and beach bungalows and two recently added two-story beachfront GREEN VIEW The Nayara Tented Camp looks on to the Arenal Volcano ANDRES GARCIA LACHNER CAFFEINE FIX Inside one of the oldest and most emblematic houses in downtown San José, AL CÉSAR (instagram.com/alcesarcr) opened in July 2021. Known as the “house of mirrors”, the home was built by the Gurdián Agüero family in the early 20th century. Today, guests sip Costa Rican-grown coffee and nibble indulgent pastries and cakes amid soaring ceilings, glittering chandeliers and gilded mirrors that recall the opulent coffeehouses of Vienna. ART + FOOD GALERÍA TALENTUM (galeriatalentum.com) opened its doors in Barrio Otoya in San José in September 2022 with the mission of supporting emerging Costa Rican talent and established artists. With space for individual and group exhibitions, it hosts shows in two- and three-dimensional formats. The gallery shares space with Orvieto, a restaurant combining visual and gastronomic art. NetJets 63
