Vida Relax The Best Vacations in Costa Rica

How to maintain a property on the coast in good condition?

costa montaña casa 80/ Imagenes con fines ilustrativos

Condominiums tend to deteriorate faster on the coast than in the city, learn about basic tips to keep your home in good condition.

One of the advantages that offers a condominium property, is the accompaniment in terms of maintenance and care of your residence. However they do not exempt that suffer deterioration by the environment in which they are located.

Properties on the coast suffering from a very significant phenomenon and can be harmful to some elements in the House, this is: the salinity.

The Pacific Ocean contains much salinity, which can lead to affectations in home appliances, metal products, wood and others.

Other elements that may affect your home, is moisture, this occurs by keeping a House for a long time closed, if with wooden furniture it is likely that moisture to accumulate and form rust.

Wood and metal products have to suffer great damages caused by these elements, so it is preferable to having articles that are of aluminum already that this does not create corrosion and plastic, which is not affected by moisture in as much as wood.

To the extent possible, have air-conditioning, if it is not possible, make sure that the property has good ventilation, whenever you have opportunity to open all the Windows and let rust and moisture is released, concentrated in the damp air can be harmful to your health.

Another of the recommendations is to use electrical connections that will enable it to avoid voltage changes when happen storms, very typical in tropical countries during the rainy season.

Not to leave appliances connected, is preferable to leave all disconnected to avoid that televisions, fans, or others, may damage by omitting the refrigerator that should remain connected.

These cases occur much more frequently on properties that are facing the sea, however precautions for any property on the coast is never over.

Posted by Costa Developers

Costa Rica in the top 10 of trade and tourism of Latin America and the Caribbean

Costa Rica within the top 10 of the countries at international level in the field of tourism and trade, according to the international consulting firm Bloom Consulting.

Currently the Central American country is located in post 72 with respect to tourism and ranked 84 in trade, internationally; Mexico is also located within the list at the top (16), Argentina (40) and Brazil (47).

The study argues that Costa Rica has been a country with very stable economy and that keeps it at the top, above competitors in the region such as Panama (74), Ecuador (83), but also it needs to improve to be able to compete with strong brands country like Colombia, which is ranked (69).

According to the signature consultant, the country should invest more in defining a strategy that optimizes their searches through the internet. Brand country of Costa Rica is currently focused on its natural beauty and its coasts, but Blooming suggests that also seeks attraction in the oceans, beach activities and "relaxation" mode are aspects that can strengthen its position.

On the issue of trade, the leaders of Latin America are Brazil in the post 11, Mexico, 25 and Chile in the number 33. Costa Rica ranked 84 worldwide and 10 in Latin America, it has demonstrated a very strong economy with competitive levels of growth in the region.

One of the factors that are taken into account in the ranking performed by Blooming, are the hospital industry and real estate, which encourages the Central American country to stand out and compete with others in the region such as Panama and Dominican Republic. The consultant mentioned that for Costa Rica the future is promising if it maintains its levels of growth.

The efforts of the authorities of tourism and foreign trade in the coming months with the brand country could make sure the country is located within the top five positions in Latin America and e Caribbean in the next study.

Posted by Costa Developers

Costa Rica becomes a country of high luxury for visitors

Years ago the small country of Central America was known as a little explored natural destination and with limited possibilities to find accommodation and services of high luxury, found in the Caribbean and other countries. However that has changed and today it has become a tourist destination paradise and desired by many.

San Jose, the capital city has grown enormously and is capable of accommodating hundreds of businessmen and tourists looking for luxurious, comfortable and good price places to attend activities of world order, business congresses and other meetings; a focal point in new investments of the Ministry of tourism of the country.

With an input of about two million tourists a year, the country has made efforts to offer visitors everything you require when visiting the country.

If you are traveling to Costa Rica seeking a high luxury vacation, can be found. Currently there are marinas, golf courses, luxurious restaurants and hotels. Near projects of Costa Developers, where you can enjoy an unforgettable vacation, the luxurious Central Pacific Resort: Los Sueños, a place where it has access to a true oasis of tranquility and comfort.

Despite having taken a direction towards the buildings and most luxurious services and that they meet high standards, Costa Rica continues to be recognized worldwide for sustainability and conservation of the environment in urban residential and tourist complexes.

These centers for visitors have been catalogued as part of the stream of eco-tourism, which make up the eco-lodges, eco-resorts: centers of placement for tourists possessing high luxury and comfort without forgetting the flag for the conservation of nature and resources, something that much attention from the visitors.

Areas such as Los Sueños Resort and Marina in Herradura, Jacó, tourist complexes in Manuel Antonio, Central Pacific and Gulf of Papagayo in the North Pacific. Definitely Costa Rica has become a paradise for those looking for both comfort and harmony with nature.

Posted by Costa Developers

What do “baby boomers” wished to have when going on vacation?

There’s no question that comfort and price are two important elements when going on vacation, and people between ages of 48-69, that have been called the baby boomer generation, become more demanding bout what they look for when traveling for leisure and pleasure.

A recent survey conducted by WatchBoom.com an online magazine with 7000 subscribers, revealed interesting suggestions to resort and vacation centers on the world.

One of the most important things, of course is the price, but curiously 60% of people who responded to the survey said they’d be willing to pay a few extra dollars if they’re promised to have a time to remember, even if that is on high season.

Travelers also prefer all-inclusive hotels, giving them the choice to not pay anything extra for food or drinks. “Knowing that your tab for food and drink is covered takes a lot of unknowns out of budgeting for a vacation, especially for (Boomers) who foot the bill for family reunions and the like.”

More than 50% of respondents say they would prefer a “garden view” room at beach resorts because of pricey “ocean view” rooms at some resorts, and one of the subscribers said that “you can’t always get a front-on view of the ocean” from an ocean view room.

Boomers were also asked which the top five foreign destinations to vacation were; the results of those places are 1.Mexico, 2.Hawaii and the Caribbean, 3.Spain, 4.Costa Rica and 5.Canada.

The most important reference to choose a place is the experiences of others; the best way to find out how good or bad is a place is from the previous travel of relatives or friends. But online reviews are also very important, some say they’d rather see some good and bad reference instead of only wonderful things, “When I see a whole string of reports saying a hotel is really wonderful, and nothing ever goes wrong there, I get a feeling that the reviews have been ‘planted’ by the hotel.”

On the other hand some do rely on what others have said about the places on the web, “I rely on reviews by people who’ve actually stayed at hotels to steer me away from noisy, dirty and otherwise awful places…things I’d never have known from pictures of hotels on the websites.”

All inclusive hotels have a challenge of pleasing baby boomers’ visitors around the world, Costa Rica is no exception of it is surely a place where you will find everything you’re looking for to have a great time.

Posted by Costa Developers

6.9% more tourists came to Costa Rica on the third trimester of 2012

According to statistics of the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) between January and September 2012 the income of tourists to the country, rose at a 6.9% leaving as the balance $ 1.7 billion to the State.

These figures show that in the first nine months of the previous year (2012), a total of 1.635.348 people entered the country by airway, while in the previous year (2011) the same figure was 1.593.999 which reflects growth of 2.5%. The authorities even scanned the last quarter of 2012.

In addition to the income by air, is added the entry of tourists who arrived in the country by land, which were 1.799.000.

According to the corresponding authorities, since 2008 the number of tourists entering the country is maintained between 2,000,000 and 2.100.000 per year, which shows a clear change in the figures that were presented between 2004 and 2007.

The Minister of tourism, Allan Flores indicated that data are still needed "I have information that the airport Juan Santa María closed in a significant way, as well as the International Airport Daniel Oduber." You have to wait to have the data for the fourth quarter of 2012 ".

The country has made strong efforts to issue of marketing and exposure of the benefits and attractions to visit the country, which is expected to translate into the increase in the number of tourists entering the country. Tourism is one of the main economic activities of the country. Costa Rica plans to invest 17 million dollars for the promotion of tourism in 2013.

As the Minister of tourism, the overall expectation for the year 2012 correspond to an income of more than two million tourists, is however too early to make approximations. However, if indicated that most of the recorded tourists come from the United States and Canada.

"What I can tell you is that we are increasing the budget in promotion and marketing and our participation in international fairs; "also hope to have completed the National Convention Center, which will attract another form of tourism this year", said Flores.

Posted by Costa Developers

Waves up to 13 feet expected in the Caribbean this weekend

Strong winds also will generate choppy conditions in the North Pacific.

Reports from the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) state that waves ranging from 10-13 feet will hit Costa Rica’s Caribbean shores from Friday at noon, decreasing slightly on Sunday.

According to IMN data, high-pressure systems in the North Atlantic combined with the presence of low pressure in the northern region of South America will accelerate wind speed in the Caribbean, generating high waves and rough seas.

IMN experts say these conditions are dangerous for small boats and beachgoers.

Caribbean winds will even affect some areas in the northern Pacific, including rough seas specially in the mornings. Offshore wind also will generate choppy conditions.

IMN projections for the Caribbean on Monday indicate maximum wave heights of 6 feet.

Posted by Costa Developers

Why Costa Rica is the Destination of Choice for New Retirees

costadevelopers.com

Expats have long been attracted to Costa Rica for many reasons; accessibility, safety, low cost of living, beautiful beaches, modern inexpensive health care, some of the best real estate opportunities in Central America, good infrastructure, lush tropical rainforests, ocean, mountain and valley views, weather unparalleled, theaters, art galleries, and so much more.

Currently by some estimates there are more than 150,000 expatriates living full time or part time in Costa Rica and in many of established expat communities throughout the country.

These numerous and growing expat communities have been a major factor in the growth of the Costa Rica real estate market especially in the past 10 years.

In Costa Rica you will find rich coastal areas along both the Central Pacific and Caribbean, metropolitan lifestyle in the Central valley, adventure and biodiversity National Geographic calls the richest in the world.

Costa Rica is a nature-lover’s dream. The country has a very pro-active philosophy towards conservation and its extensive bio-reserves, ensuring that its jungles, with their renowned biodiversity, continue to be home to a truly stunning assortment of species, from birds to butterflies, monkeys to wild cats, and spectacular flora.

The marine sanctuaries of the Caribbean and Pacific oceans and the rich “bio-corridor” of Costa Rica although being a very small country packs in 5% of the world’s biodiversity.

Costa Rica the largest middle class of all the Central American countries and as well the fastest developing economy, with a long standing tradition of democracy; this could be the biggest driving factor in the Costa Rica real estate market being consistently attractive for the past 2 decades.

Expatriates from all over the world already living in Costa Rica, enjoy one of the most diverse environments and highest standards of living in Central America.

The Costa Rica life expectancy at birth is one of the world’s highest, topping both the U.S. and the U.K.

Tourist services are extensive and with English as a second language, Costa Ricans consider themselves “cultural cousins” to the USA, making the country very visitor-friendly.

The expat population is expected to see tremendous growth over the coming decade with 10,000 baby boomers retiring per day in North America; many are looking to Costa Rica, “The Jewel of Central America” as a place to call home.

Posted by Costa Developers

Rent a fractional property to spend less and enjoy more! | Costa Developers

Experience a tranquil and holiday in a luxurious coastal residence and still pay for a fraction of what it costs.

Costa Developers fractional ownership program not only is a great way for homeowners to earn profits while they are back to their usual routines in the US, Canada or anywhere else, it is a tremendous way for anyone looking to visit Costa Rica to enjoy their vacation in ultimate style, privacy and luxury. All they have to do is book the home with our property management and catch a flight down and check in.

Everything needed is right there in the home because each is delightfully decorated and furnished right down to the dishes, towels, sheets and coffee makers; don’t forget your bikini since there is an ample beach club with BBQ, Palapas, and lounge areas surrounded by tropical beauty.

Don’t forget some binoculars as well because it won’t be long before you spot some natural world all around, many of our guests have been thrilled to report seeing toucans, sloths, monkeys, macaws, iguanas, exotic frogs, butterflies and birds.

What’s even better is that all of the homes are located just minutes from Costa Rica’s most privileged beaches and variety of activities such as canopy, whitewater rafting, and tours to rainforest nature preserves, cascading waterfalls etc.

But the best thing about renting a Costa Developers fractional house is that for about the same price of a luxury hotel room, you get enough room to bring your entire family, giving everyone their own privacy and space. And when you return from a long day of sun and fun everyone can enjoy your own shower or bath before heading out again to taste all the flavors of the many restaurants nearby. You’re only job is to relax, chill out and pile on as many adventures as you can fit in to each day here in paradise!

Costa Rica Real Estate | Costa Developers

Living in Costa Rica

Are you considering moving to Costa Rica? 9 Important Points to Life in Costa Rica.

Are you considering moving to Costa Rica? More North Americans are making the move to the tropical highlands or hot coastal lowlands of Costa Rica, and Costa Rica has become the country of choice for the ever growing number of baby boomers seeking new lives, fresh starts, less expensive living and the ultimate eco experience. Life in Costa Rica is an adventure, here are a few points we hope will help.

1. Research your options. Look carefully at the different areas of the country you are considering. Choose your information sources carefully. Talk to as many people as you can who have experience with life in Costa Rica.

2. Visit the country for at least 3 months first. Don’t just come down to Costa Rica for a vacation and then make a snap decision to move. Going back to point #1, an extended stay to learn and acclimate to the culture should be part of your research plan.

3. Choose your neighborhood with care. Look for communities where you will feel comfortable.

4. Recognize things move slower down here. Don’t expect things to work at the same pace the US or Canada. Things just take longer to get done in Latin America. You will have longer waits in the lines for banks or anywhere for that matter.

5. If you planning a business, get help. One highly recommended point if you are planning a business, get help and advice from someone you trust, for legal advice, or corporate identify, a good business consultant will save you thousands of dollars. Costa Developers would be happy to assist you in anything related to this matter. Please contact us to give you more information in info@costadevelopers.com

6. Try to learn about the culture. Don’t make the mistake of just surrounding yourself with your friends; you need to get out and learn what makes the culture tick.

7. Learn the language. Make the effort to learn the language; the locals appreciate your trying and will be much more helpful.

8. Watch out for the con. There are scams down here and many of them prey on the newbie. Most of the scams are actually run by expats. Trust is earned. Do your due diligence on deals, especially real estate deals, where you should get yourself a good real estate consultant.

9. Enjoy the Pura Vida.

We hope these points are helpful if you are planning on living in Costa Rica. If you need any assistance with your adventure from planning to rent to transportation help do not hesitate to contact with costa developers, we will be happy to help you with your new life in Costa Rica.

Posted by Costa Developers

Flamingo Beach to get new Coast Guard station

 The United States will help Costa Rica beef up its Coast Guard presence on the Pacific coast.

U.S. Southern Command Rear Adm. Charles Michel helps to place the first stone for the construction of a new Coast Guard in Flamingo, in the northwestern province of Guanacaste. U.S. Ambassador Ann S. Andrew and Public Security Minister Mario Zamora also participated in the ceremony. 

In an event organized by the Costa Rican government and the U.S. Embassy last Wednesday, the first stone was placed for the construction of a new Coast Guard in Flamingo, in the northwestern province of Guanacaste.

Located in front of the old Flamingo marina, the station was donated by the U.S. Southern Command and will be finished by November 2013.

The project will include dorms for Costa Rican Coast Guard officers, restrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, air conditioning and a floating dock, among other features.

Public Security Minister Mario Zamora, Costa Rican Coast Guard Director Martín Arias, U.S. Southern Command Rear Adm. Charles Michel, U.S. Ambassador Ann S. Andrew and Santa Cruz Mayor Jorge Chavarria attended last week’s ceremony.

 Posted by Costa Developers

Video: Costa Rica Crocodile tour guide almost loses his life

costadevelopers.com

A tourist guide had a lucky escape from a crocodile recently after he tried to get up close and personal with the monster. Luckily, the croc was already full.

A tour guide in Costa Rica can count himself (and his fingers) lucky after having this near miss with a monster of a crocodile.

While trying to impress a group of tourists by dangling some chicken in front of the croc, the guide walks backwards to give himself a little more space. However, little does he know he’s actually walking backwards into quicksand.

The guide trips up over himself to the horror of the spectating tourists and you can clearly hear them gasping as they come to the conclusion that chicken isn’t the only thing this croc will be feasting on today.

Thankfully, the croc seems a bit of a lazy and tour guide kept a cool head, which ultimately saved his life. Still, we don’t think he’ll be getting that close in the future.

Posted by Costa Developers

$1.4 million in improvements for Manuel Antonio National Park

costadevelopers.com

Environment Minister René Castro announced that the Costa Rican government will invest $1.4 million in improving the popular tourist destination Manuel Antonio National Park, located in the Pacific province of Puntarenas.

The funds will be used to make improvements to the infrastructure of the park – one of the most visited in Costa Rica – to better serve visitors, starting next year.

In 2011, Manuel Antonio received some 318,000 tourists, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Board.

During the announcement, officials from the Social Protection Council presented a lottery ticket for the Nov. 4 drawing, with a design made to commemorate the park’s 40th anniversary.

Posted By Costa Developers

Video: Costa Rica Crocodile tour guide almost loses his life

costadevelopers.com

A tourist guide had a lucky escape from a crocodile recently after he tried to get up close and personal with the monster. Luckily, the croc was already full.

A tour guide in Costa Rica can count himself (and his fingers) lucky after having this near miss with a monster of a crocodile.

While trying to impress a group of tourists by dangling some chicken in front of the croc, the guide walks backwards to give himself a little more space. However, little does he know he’s actually walking backwards into quicksand.

The guide trips up over himself to the horror of the spectating tourists and you can clearly hear them gasping as they come to the conclusion that chicken isn’t the only thing this croc will be feasting on today.

Thankfully, the croc seems a bit of a lazy and tour guide kept a cool head, which ultimately saved his life. Still, we don’t think he’ll be getting that close in the future.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=58d_1350153340

Posted by Costa Developers

Americans migrate yearly to the Pato Loco

Guests at this six-unit hotel can't get enough of the 'love bubble.

CostaDevelopers.com

In Playa del Coco, it is easy to get distracted by the pumping music and flashing lights at the numerous clubs, bars and restaurants, as well as the world-renowned fishing and diving just off the coast. But for those looking for a small slice of home and familiarity, they need to look no further than the Pato Loco Inn and Restaurant.

Located just off the main road, within walking distance of the beach, the Inn is an expat compound with a host of regulars that the hotel’s owner, Mary Ramona Cox, affectionately refers to as the “patos locos.”

“The Pato Loco has a bubble of love over it,” said Mary. “People walk in the door and they are treated like family.”

It is this family atmosphere that seems to have people coming back again and again. In fact, the four-room inn already has all three of its apartments booked from Oct. to April, mostly with returning customers.

Costa Developers | Environmentally friendly constructions grow in the country

Sustainable building is a new opportunity to promote more efficient construction developments  

According to an interview to La República with Pietro Stagno from Luz de Piedra, he says environmentally sustainable or friendly buildings called the attention of businessmen and representatives of the sector. Buyers expressed more frequently interest in this type of techniques.

In addition to complying with the environmental commitment, the cost of an eco-friendly house is competitive relative to a normal one.

To unify criteria, a group of businessmen and representatives of Chambers wrote a code, which contains the standards to be met by the contractor so that the construction can declare eco-friendly.

This initiative was born more than 10 years ago, aims to generate a positive impact on the nature and lower costs.

However, is not so far that the technique is endorsed by the Institute of technical standards and accepted by the association of architects and engineers.

The development of this technique is carried out by Bruno Stagno, who named this code reset, which means requirements for sustainable buildings in the tropics. He had also the support of the Institute for Tropical architecture and Carlos Álvarez, President of the engineers and architects professional association.

For compliance with this standard does not require the person concerned to invest in expensive technologies, you are rather encouraged to build national materials. With Reset, the investment to build an eco-friendly building is almost the same as for a normal, said Alvarez.

Currently is used only by consulting firms for the design of houses both in urban land and mountains. Some of the precursor signatures are Bruno Stagno architects, Luz de PIedra and Terranum.

Terranum for example, works with modulations of block, steel profiles, aluminum, natural light and ventilation building on the direction of the prevailing winds, as well as the use of gardens. On the other hand, Luz de Piedra focuses on the impact to the ground, controlling the movements of land and vegetation layers.

Costa Rica Real Estate | Costa Developers

Costa Developers

Thoughts About Buying A House In Costa Rica? | Costa Developers

We know, the idea of having a little peace of paradise is pretty much anyone’s dream. What do you really need to think about when you’re buying a house in Costa Rica?

Here are some thoughts for you to delve over which might help you make a better decision.

Have a clear idea on what you want.

Dreaming is good, but in order to turn imagination into reality you should really clarify what exactly you’re looking for.

Is it a thatched bungalow surrounded by a veranda in front of the beach? Or a 5 acre hacienda more your style? Perhaps you’re more into a modern home close to a world class marina, golf courses and five star resorts…

Having a clear picture of what you want will help you zero in on the locations where you’re most likely to find what you’re looking for.

 Life in Costa Rica

How different is living in Costa Rica? Many people lose themselves in their dreams of living abroad, only to find that there are some very distinct differences when they’re actually down here.

Our suggestion is that you spend some time here before you sell your home and all your belongings. And we’re not talking about coming down for vacations either, we all know that those two weeks away from work, sipping on piña coladas and dancing salsa can be intoxicating; make plans to get to know the culture, consider hiring a knowledgeable guide to let you in on the nitty gritty details of what it’s actually like living down here.

Chances are that you’ll probably end up liking it here, but it’s never a bad idea to explore before you take the big step.

 The right price

Are you getting your money’s worth? Buying a home abroad can be tricky, when you’re a thousand miles away there’s always the possibility that you’ll be taken by unscrupulous swindlers.

That’s why it’s important to do your homework and make sure that you’re working with an established, reputable company that will guide you through the process of buying a home that you’ll be happy with for the rest of your life.

Look for a company that has an established track record; can you reach them by phone? Can they provide references and testimonials? If you go down to Costa Rica, can they actually show you that they’ve built homes, or are they just in project stage?

 These are all important questions that will help you determine whether or not you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Buying a home in Costa Rica can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make, owning a little piece of paradise is not that far fetched of an idea provided that you know what you’re getting into. We want to make sure that you have all of the information you need, which is why Costa Developers is commited to answering any questions you might have if you’re considering buying a home in Costa Rica.

Costa Developers Real Estate

Vacation in Fractional Properties Can Cost you much less | Costa Developers

Experience a serene holiday in a luxurious coastal house and pay for a fraction of what it actually costs. 

Costa Developers fractional ownership program not only is a great way for homeowners to profits while they’re back to their usual routines in the US, Canada or anywhere else, it is a tremendous way for anyone looking to visit Costa Rica to enjoy their vacation in ultimate style, privacy and luxury. All you have to do is book a house with our property management team and catch a flight down and check it out. 

Everything needed is right there in the home because each is delightfully decorated and furnished right down to the dishes, towels, sheets and coffee makers; don’t forget your bikini since there is an ample beach club with BBQ, Palapa, and lounge areas surrounded by tropical beauty.

Don’t forget some binoculars as well because it won’t be long before you spot some natural world all around, many of our guests have been thrilled to report seeing tons of animals, toucans, sloths, monkeys, macaws, among others.  

What’s even better is that all of the homes are located just minutes from Costa Rica’s most privileged beaches and variety of activities such as whitewater rafting, canopy, and tours to rainforest, cascading waterfalls etc. 

But the best thing about renting a Costa Developers fractional house is that for about the same price of a luxury hotel room, you get enough room to bring your entire family, giving everyone their own space and privacy. And when you come back home from a long day of sun and fun, enjoy their own shower or bath before heading out again to taste all the flavors of the many restaurants nearby. You’re only job is to relax, chill out and pile on as many adventures as you can fit in to each day here in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica!

Costa Developers Real Estate

Costa Developers Home Building Living in Harmony with Nature !