Costa Rica, known for lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a pura vida lifestyle is a sought after eco-wellness destination. On our recent visit, touching down in Liberia, the warmth of the people welcomed us, and the air was as fresh as their smiles. Following a lovely ride through this verdant and lush area we arrived at a breathtaking oasis, the Four Seasons Resort. The Papagayo Peninsula, part of the Guanacaste region, is diverse in terrain and climates and is home to the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s five Blue Zones, a designation for places people live longer, healthier lives, offering an exploration of culture, tradition, and the secrets to longevity. This area is home to countless eco-luxury resorts with new ones on the horizon. A trip to a real Guanacaste hacienda ranch, was one of the highlights. Here, we were greeted with the genuine warmth of the Costa Rican people to their farm and took part in preparing a traditional meal. Rolling up our sleeves we learned to make tortillas Costa Rican style. The rhythmic patting of dough and the aroma of corn cooking in the traditional wood fired oven was a sensory delight, and the experience didn’t end there; taking part in crushing sugar cane, extracting the sweet juice, a staple in local cuisine, and enjoying local beverages made with the freshest of the hacienda’s bounty. Then, there was the coffee. Arabic coffee, which was originally produced in Costa Rica in the late 1700s, is the country’s specialty. Because of its exceptional quality and worth, the government passed a law in 1989 requiring the planting of only Arabica beans, even if other varieties were simpler to grow. This caution has the effect of infusing each pour with a clean, crisp, frequently sweet, and fruity flavor. Delectable. The essence of Costa Rica inspires a renewed dedication to integrating the pure life into all we do and who we are. The hacienda’s devotion to tradition, living lessons on well-being, and the shared passion of coffee have all made a lasting impression. With its serene beauty and vibrant culture, Costa Rica shows us that sometimes the best course of action is to take a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and enjoy the simple joys of life. “Pura Vida”.
Site: Zipline the Treetops Bite: Fresh Avocado Toast with Sea Salt Sip: Pipa Fria, Fresh Coconut Water
Wingspan Newsletter Volume 129