Live, Laugh, Love In Costa

Xandari Plantation--Central Valley, Costa Rica

If you haven't explored the secret paradise of Zandra Plantation and Spa in Costa Rica's  Central Valley, put it on your Costa Rica dream list.  You can enjoy a day of Spa Treatments,  Hiking Trails, Private Waterfalls, Lusch Gardens, a New Heated Lap Pool and in this writer's opinion, the ultimate oasis of   tropical beauty.  One of our Guest CEO's just got back from XANDARI and ranked it 5 stars.

I always bring first time visitors to Costa Rica to  Xandari which is en route to Poas Volcano.   Visiting Poas followed by a day at Xandari is a perfect combination.  Note:  to really treat yourself, stay overnight in one of the breathtaking villas individually designed by the owners from California.  Xandari also has a second location equally as magical for beach lovers at Playa Esterillos in Costa Rica.

Xandari serves as one of our outstanding locations for executive meetings and wellness retreats as Retreats Costa Rica.  Put this unique property in your travel or day trip file.

Living the Dream in Costa Rica Paradise   www.retreatscostarica.com or blog sponsor www.costarica.org

Clinica Biblica -- Amazing Health Care in Costa Rica

One More Reason to Select and Move to Costa Rica: Incredible Health Care

  

Hospital Vacation Stay at Clinica Biblica.  I am often asked about the many reasons for moving to Costa Rica.  One reason for sure is the outstanding  and affordable medical care provided in this peaceful, tranquil paradise.  No Waiting! State of the Art Health Care.

When we moved to Costa Rica more than a decade ago, we purchased the private medical insurance option called INS.  I highly recommend the plan  for those who are planning the move to Costa Rica.  There are two State of the Art Hospitals in Costa Rica.  Clinica Biblica and Cima Hospital

  Above Barry is relaxing this morning after checking into in his private room at Clinica Biblica completely outfitted with lazy boy,  flat-screen T.V, companion bed and WIFI.  (One has to be equipped for  Cyber Monday after all hospital or no hospital.)

Downstairs on the hospital's newly renovated main floor there is a hip bistro in which the historical architecture has been maintained with  turn of the century elegance.  The food is also fresh and delicious.  You will have visitors in the hospital if only for Biblica's bistro coffee.

Perhaps most important is the confidence you have in the medical team.  This morning the surgeon personally visited our patient to see how he was doing.  Dr. Montealegre  enjoyed responding to my husband's always witty humor  that we were violating our own rule of never scheduling a surgery on a Monday (after a party weekend).  Apparently, the highest rate of errors happen in hospitals in the U.S on Monday Mornings because the Dr's body clock is not quite what it is the rest of the week.  Dr. M assured us he had taken a nap early this morning!   He also advised me that he would personally call me in our private room as soon as my husband's surgery was complete to tell me he was doing fine and soon returning to our room from recovery.

Just In:   The Dr. just called,  He is just perfect and will be out of recovery in an hour!

I'm not sure if this type of personal attention and healthcare happens in the U.S or Canada but I'm happy to have our family's well beings in the hands of such a capable medical team and facility like Clinica Biblica.

www.dreamincostarica.com or blog sponsor www.costaricaorg.com

There's Nothing like a Day in the Country in Costa Rica

 

Krysia and Victor, Costa Rica's Horse Whisperers and Hosts at Caballo Loco
 
    If you are looking for a great day in Costa Rica's countryside with friends or family, consider spending the day at Caballo Loco, located in the Central Valley, not far from Costa Rica's University of Peace.  We were at the farm yesterday with a group and what a delight to enjoy gourmet cuisine in the rancho while overlooking the forest.  Birding, Horseback riding, wine and Incredible Food.  Even the rain on the tin roof is enchanting in green season.

   Caballo Loco is great for Horse lovers who want to enjoy a ride followed by either a picnic or gourmet lunch/dinner.  It's also great for those who simply love nature and fine cuisine and wine.  The owner, Krysia Peterson is a fabulous chef.  Caballo Loco is on my list as a secret hideaway that is simply ideal for group events and parties of (25 - 30 people).

For information on corporate retreats or events at Caballo Loco, visit www.retreatscostarica.com or write forinfo@retreatscostarica.com

 

Don't Miss "The Caretaker" at Little Theatre Group Costa Rica

The Caretaker

by Harold Pinter, directed by Roberto Leiva

November 20^th — December 6^th, 2009
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

This three-act play, by Harold Pinter, involves interactions between a mentally-challenged man, Aston; a tramp, Davies, whom Aston brings home to his attic room,; and Aston’s younger brother (Mick), who appears responsible for the house.

The world of The Caretaker is a bleak one, its characters damaged and lonely. But they are all going to survive. And in their dance to that end they show a frenetic vitality and a wry sense of the ridiculous that balance heartache and laughter. Funny, but not too funny. Visit Wikipedia for more details.

Review: We went to opening night last night...the acting is first rate.  The writing and dialogue amazing! Hats off to LTG on this one.

For reservations, visit www.littletheatre.org

Costa Rica Featured in the 2010 Go Wild! Go GREAT!TM Calendar

Download your free 2010 Go Wild! Go GREAT! Now to WOW!TM Creativity Calendar.  Costa Rica is featured in  January this year as the host of CEO Leadership Retreats and Mastermind Programs.  You will also find WOW Photographs, Art, links to Creativity Events and Inspired Quotations for Living a Go Wild! Go GREAT! Creative Life.

The Calendar is published by RetreatsCostaRica.com which hosts business meetings, annual conventions and executive forums amidst Costa Rica's tropical beauty.

Download your free calendar at

www.retreatscostarica.com

Simple Daily Pleasures in Costa Rica: Take a Focused Mind Walk

Perhaps one of the greatest pleasures of living in Costa Rica is the ability to walk out your door and take a Mind Walk. Living in the mountains of Central Valley, it is a blessing and morning delight to have nature as a creative guide.

  So What is a Mind Walk, also called a Medicine Walk in Native American Teachings?  A mind walk is a walk or hike in which the walker not only brings a bottle of water,  He or she also brings  a particular question or challenge to reflect upon, using Mother Nature as a Guide. 

While on a Mind Walk, you search for metaphors in nature which may provide new ideas to old problems. How does the strength of the bamboo relate to your problem or how does the waterfall remind you of how you need to manage your own energy? 

Consider taking a Mind Walk, regardless of where you live with a focused awareness on one challenge and just see what happens.

 As you walk, you will develop your own CSI Eyes that will enable you to detect  the small details in nature that may provide big insight.  Ask yourself how is this leaf, road, cloud pattern related to my current challenge.  Journal your thoughts.

 A Mind Walk may just point you in the right direction of what fork in your road from Now to WOW!TM To Take.

Develop your awareness of all around you and unleash the Nature of Your Own Inspiration.

Rosemary Rein, Ph.D is the Author of "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life".  Dr. Rein, a certified professional coach and NBITM Whole Brain Practitioners, speaks globally on creative problem solving, leadership and communication around the world. Dr. Rein also hosts personal growth and relationship retreats at her Learning Center in Tropical Costa Rica.

www.retreatscostarica.com

www.gowildgogreat.com

 

Beach Condos in Costa Rica: The time might be right for collaborative buying of a dream property

Condo Hunting and Bargains in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica and Buying a Unit with Friends

 

Jaco Beach, Costa Rica, still a favorite after 12 years for Man and Man's Best Friend.

Barry outside of "Wish Bone Pizza" which  still makes our "A" List for local favorite eateries on Main Street.

Yesterday was one of our first days shopping for a beach front condominium for ourselves and two other sets of friends from the states who have come to love Costa Rica as much as we do.  PS:  Communal purchasing of a beach property makes great sense , if you're not planning on living at the beach or in Costa Rica full time.   We have been in a cooperative purchase once  before with great success and each of the 3 partners took turns on the annual calendar, sharing our own time and rental income. 

Since moving to Costa Rica, our choice has always been the Central Valley, Escazu, Costa Rica for our Year-Round Residence with the beach as a weekend/holiday residence.

Actually, It's  a great time to purchase beach property before high season in Costa Rica.  Without doubt,  the global economy has also had it's impact here  with some U.S. buyers who found themselves over-extended and now have to sell their dream beach house at greatly under-valued pricing.  As we found out yesterday, there are indeed incredible options currently on the market.

 Our friend of many years and local and respected realtor,  Jeff Fischer,  is active with the Chamber of Commerce and arranged an excellent review of quality properties within our group's parameters.  I'll be happy to connect you with Jeff if buying a dream beach property in Jaco or Hermosa, Costa Rica is in your plans. Just write us at  casarein@gmail.com 

 Jaco and Hermosa remain a top beach destination due to surfing, marina, restaurants, proximity to the SJO Airport (an easy 2 hour drive, less when the new road is complete--Note:  it's almost finished, the tolls are in).

Hope to see you soon in Tropical Costa Rica whether as a visitor or a resident in the place ranked the "Happiest Place on the Planet"

www.dreamincostarica.com

blog sponsor:  www.costarica.org

Magical Equestrian Quinta/Paradise for Sale in Costa Rica's Central Valley

Costa Rica definitely has it's share of Cowboys, Ranchers and an Equestrian Culture with traditional topes and competitions held throughout Latin America.

This Designer Equestrian Estate was recently completed and has been listed for sale by the owners who are on to their next project in Nicaragua.  We have attended several VIP Events at this estate and it would make an ideal retreat property as well.  The estate features the following highlights and represents the perfect  property for a Costa Rica Executive who enjoys the blend of country living with sophisticated elegance:

Quinta Salitral--Costa Rica For Sale by Owner :  Horse Lover's Paradise.

- Spanish Colonial Architecture with Fusion of Moroccan Style Influence. Here is a Grand Sala and Dining Room - ideal for entertaining including a state of the art sound entertainment system. There’s what I call "The Frieda Kitchen" — with modern appliances for the chef in the family, but a sense of a warm country kitchen I know the artist would have loved in her beloved Mexico. Yes, her picture’s in the kitchen. 

Views & Details: The Master Suite in the main house with Luxury Bath, Balcony, and Walk-In Closets is set with an incredible view of your estate. In fact, one thing I love about this property is there are views from just about every room of the house. Romantic stairwells, statuary, antique doors and Spanish Moroccan tiles complete the visual experience of this estate which could well be featured in Town and Country Magazine. The Lap Pool is luscious. 

Wine Tasting Room/Private Meeting Room: It’s not over… Your Estate also includes a Private Meeting/Wine Tasting Room, Lap pool and Gymnasium and State of the Art Stables and Riding Arena. 

Priced to Sell by Owners $1,350,000 - Owner Financing & Furnishing Package with art, antiques available. 

Specifications: Unique estate designed especially for horse lovers all on 7,319 m2 (1.81 acres) of property. Beautiful new upscale 489 m2 home made with state of the art finishing’s & appliances. Unparalleled views, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, separate guest house for visitors and independent domestic quarters, 7 custom designed horse stables, 1,750 m2 riding arena with small viewing stadium. Less than 10-minute drive to golf, private hospital, shopping mall, best restaurants, yet tucked into the peace of the countryside. Gated entry community with guard service at night. 
Basic description of property and installations: 
Property lot size is 7,319 m2 
Under roof:

Main home 489 m2
Jacuzzi area 12 m2
Small independent domestic home w/ full bath 12 m2
Guest house w/ full bath 72 m2
Office 36 m2 & Gym 20 m2 w/ full bath
7 horse stalls 96 m2
Rustic rancho for storage 25 m2
2 separate domestic quarters 35 m2
1 hay shed 15 m2
1 feed room 15 m2
1 tack room 12 m2
1 horse washing and grooming area 12 m2
1 small stadium for viewing riding area 

Tour the property at.  Qualified buyers should contact Barry Rein at 011-506-8-994-5366 for a site visit to this country estate.

Link below for 4 distinctive properties and information on moving to and buying a property in Costa Rica

http://www.dreamincostarica.com/quinta-salitral.htm

Clean Costa Rica: Forbes ranks Costa Rica as # 5 in the World

Costa Rica is the fifth country in the world, according to Forbes Magazine.

Costa Rica is the fifth cleanest country in the world, according to a recent publication in the prestigious Forbes magazine, after an environmental study on 149 countries regarding air and water quality and natural vitality, among others, done by scientists from Colombia and Yale Universities. The Environmental Performance Indicator (EPI) study corresponds to the year 2008. According to Forbes, the Costa Rican economy is anchored by a robust ecotourism industry that has benefitted from governmental and private efforts made to protect the country’s biodiversity. In addition, the publication highlighted that this index will continue to improve if it complies with its initiative to become the first carbon neutral, or C-neutral, nation by 2021. For Sale by Owner Properties and Dreams in Costa Rica.  Visit www.dreamincostarica.com and www.costarica.org

What North Americans Love Most and Miss when they Move to Costa Rica!

    Today's International News Segment featured a special program about the over 1 million North Americans who elect to leave the United States and move "South of the Border" to places like Mexico, Panama and of course Costa Rica.

The current economic situation has prompted more and more North Americans and Canadians to consider what many of us who made the move,  over a decade ago have long considered a  best kept secret:   The many benefits of living in a tropical paradise like Costa Rica:

What do you love most and miss about living in Costa Rica?   Join the dialog.  Send in your Posts!

Love Most About Living in Costa Rica

-Incredible Natural Beauty

-Outdoor Year Round Living

-Interesting and Active International Community

-Close Proximity to the U.S. for Business and Personal Travel

-Quality and Affordable Health care

-72 Degrees Year-Round Temperature---No Heat and Air-Conditioning

-Tax Advantages for Foreign Earned Income when you reside outside of the United States

-Costa of Living!  

-Great Cultural Activities

-Living with Nature (Rain forests, Volcanoes, Beaches)

-Conveniences

-Wireless Internet on my Balcony

-Warm Costa Rican Culture

-Walking out my door and seeing Oxcarts

-Monkeys, Sloths and Toucans

Miss Most About Living Outside of the United States

-Great Roads---You might need a chiropractic adjustment after a long Costa Rica road trip.

-Fragrant Lilacs in Spring & Autumn Leaves

-Barnes and Noble (With lots of books in English, not just a special section)

-Lack of Street Addresses---Navigating by landmarks is not my strength

For Sale by Owner Properties in Central Valley at www.dreamincostarica.com