The Lure of Costa Rica
Spanning 200 miles from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean, Costa Rica offers a diverse collection of culture, climates, flora, fauna, and landscapes. Although relatively small in size, encompassing just 0.03 percent of the world’s surface, the Central American country shelters five percent of the world’s biodiversity.
More than 25 percent of Costa Rica’s land is protected by the National System of Conservation Areas, making it a magnet for eco-tourism and a prime destination for resorts and vacation homes.
Along the Pacific Coast, Guanacaste, one of the country’s seven provinces, has blossomed into Costa Rica's most popular area for international visitors. Often referred to as the "golden providence," Guanacaste's hot, dry climate paired with direct air access from New York, Denver, Atlanta, and Miami, make it an attractive escape for those who live in northern climes. Guanacaste also appeals equally to leisure and adventure seekers with a balanced mix of beach and mountains.
Divided by the Tempisque River, the providence's mountains lure visitors to Rincon de la Vieja National Park for hikes to volcanoes and waterfalls, zip-lining through tree canopies, and scenic boating trips in search of capuchin monkeys and crocodiles. The coastline offers stretches of gray and white sand beaches for relaxing, surfing, sport fishing, sailing, and diving.
Development along the northwest coast has transformed pockets of shoreline into tourism hubs. Beach and golf resorts at Reserva Conchal and Peninsula Papagayo attract vacation home owners with private residences, condominiums, and fractional ownership backed by the full-service of branded names such as Westin and The Four Seasons.
Once a rural village, Tamarindo, was discovered by surfers during the 1970s and grew rapidly into Guanacaste's busiest tourist town, attracting surfers of all levels and those seeking an active social and nightlife scene.
For those seeking a lifestyle that bridges the gap between polished resort scene and busy tourist town, there's Playa Flamingo, a sparsely developed stretch of coastline that offers Costa Rican style and flavor and luxury living in a quiet setting.
Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
Also known as Playa Blanca (white beach), Playa Flamingo is one of Guanacaste’s most serene and scenic beaches. The mile-long, crescent shaped stretch of white sand, slightly tinged with pink, was named after the Roseate Spoonbill, a pink bird that resembles a flamingo.
The beach was awarded the Blue Flag designation by the Foundation for Environmental Education, a recognition that distinguishes Playa Flamingo as an ecological beach that meets stringent standards for water quality, safety, and environmental sensitivity.
Located a 45-minute drive from Liberia, Playa Flamingo offers a mix of hilltop mansions, small hotels, restaurants, and The Palms, an intimate residential development that offers both whole-ownership and fractional ownership opportunities.
The Residences
The two-story, horseshoe-shaped building consists of 32, two-bedroom and two three-bedroom residences, all facing the Pacific Ocean. The unobtrusive structure curves around a duo of swimming pools surrounded by meticulously manicured green space, which serves as a buffer between the development and the beach.
The 2,300-square-foot Club Villas feature open living plans on the first floor that flow seamlessly from kitchen to dining room to living room.
Accordion glass doors open onto large covered terraces that face the ocean. Kitchens are equipped with Costa Rican cedar cabinets, Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, and marble countertops. Stairs constructed of local Guanacaste wood lead to the second level where en-suite guest rooms hold queen-sized beds and loft areas. The master suites feature bamboo floors, vaulted bamboo ceilings, and ocean-facing terraces.
The three-bedroom residences encompass 3,000-square feet of living space on a single floor. The ground floor villa includes a large terrace with direct access to the pool and beach. The top-floor villa features open cedar-beamed ceilings and a spacious loft.
Option to Buy or Join the Private Residence Club
Buyers at The Palms have the option of purchasing fee simple deeded interest (1/10th shares) in one of the club's fully furnished villas or purchasing the residence outright. Like any other real estate ownership interest, ownership may be sold, willed or transferred.
The Palm's flexible reservation policy allows private residence club owners to visit the property as often as they would like.
If some owners visit their club less often, other owners can visit more. Owners have the flexibility of reserving vacations well in advance and can book additional space and short-notice vacations when available.
Owners who choose to purchase the homes have the option of making their homes available for rent through The Palms or joining Third Home, a private club for trading vacation homes.