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

'Eco-friendly' New Marriott Airport Hotel

Courtyard Marriott has the distinction of being that prestigious chain’s first hotel built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) specifications.

Caribe Hospitality S.A., working with the Marriott hotel chain, has opened a new 127-room hotel in the Mango Park complex on the southern outskirts of Alajuela. 

Officially titled the Courtyard Marriott San José Aeropuerto Alajuela Hotel, the building is on the Francisco J. Orlich radial highway, 1 kilometer north and a five-minute shuttle from Juan Santamaría International Airport, and within easy commuting distance of industrial parks in Alajuela and Heredia.

In keeping with Costa Rica’s eco-friendly tourism orientation, the Courtyard Marriott has the distinction of being that prestigious chain’s first hotel built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) specifications. Strict LEED requirements involve such state-of-the-art innovations as insulating and soundproofing outer walls and ceilings, double-glass windows, solar panels to pre-heat water, recovery and recirculation of air cooled by air conditioning, room key card readers that turn off air conditioning when occupants leave, and sensors that dim 50 percent of hall lights when occupation is low. 

General Manager Marco Quinteros said, “At Marriott we decided to go with LEED standards, by which we project savings of 18 percent on energy consumption and 35 percent on water consumption, as well as up to 5 percent of energy generated from our own renewable sources.

We also implemented a 30 percent local materials usage level in our construction. LEED specifications did increase construction costs, but we expect to more than recover those extra costs through energy savings. And there are non-monetary, indirect benefits, such as reduced contamination and increased guest comfort.”

The Courtyard Marriott San José Aeropuerto Alajuela Hotel will generate direct jobs for 60 Costa Ricans. Caribe Hospitality S.A. has also given the hotel a tropical, outdoor Alajuela flavor in its décor. 

The hotel was officially inaugurated on Sept. 21, in a ceremony presided over by Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla.

Posted by Costa Developers