Why Move to Costa Rica

Run Away With Me

Costa Ballena Living Featured Stories, Travel & Leisure , ,
Photo by Michael Fernandez
Photo by Michael Fernandez

During a vacation to Costa Rica with friends in 2009, we traveled through the usual tourist spots, visiting Arenal, Manuel Antonio, and down to the Rafiki Lodge on the Savegre River. When we reached further South, we immediately fell in love with the feeling of being disconnected from the “noise” and being reconnected with nature. It was something that we deeply missed once we returned home to the States. Post our first trip, moving to Costa Rica became somewhat of a fantasy, that one day we would make our escape – together.

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Time for Change

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It wasn’t overnight that the feeling of wanting to drastically change my life surfaced, rather it had been a long time coming. Exhausted by mainstream media and constant bombardments of negative reinforcement on the news, I knew it was time for me make a big change, and I doubted that this was possible in the US. Knowing how much of a change in life I was looking for, I knew I needed to make an impactful move to make that a reality. Some call it gut instinct, some call it intuition, whatever it was, it called me to Costa Rica. So, I sold my house and bought a one-way ticket. Continue reading →

Costa Rica – The Story of a Life Well Lived

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From the puns in the movies, to the mass media portrayals of Costa Rica being the place where “the lost souls of the world” go to find themselves, whatever it is about the country, we can all agree – it holds a unique mystique and appeal. What remains un-debated is that Costa Rica will leave an imprint on you forever more, whether you are here to stay or are just passing through.

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For the Love of Food (& Beer!)

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Rees and I discovered the Uvita area back in 2011. A friend of ours from Santa Cruz, California invited us to come down to his place in Costa Rica to celebrate Rees’ 30th birthday. We absolutely loved our experience and started taking longer and longer vacations, that is, until one day we decided to pack our lives into a few suitcases and make the move. Continue reading →

Costa Ballena is a Wonderful Community

Costa Ballena Living General Information ,

1401365_10202657454660121_461705669_oCosta Ballena is what we locals refer to as the coastal region, comprised of three towns: Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal. Costa Ballena’s trademark is it’s welcoming community. There are many social activities that provide a way to connect with fellow community members throughout any day of the week, and year round. Whole-heartedly committed to enjoying all life has to offer, the people who populate the area are diverse and easy going. The animal life is abundant; with monkeys, birds, and flowers galore. The animal lover and the nature enthusiast will be delighted even more. Outdoor activities are ample and diverse, for the adventurer or the sports enthusiast, you’ll never get bored. For the green thumb, you can grow your own garden and almost anything takes root. And, for the health enthusiast, you’ll be glad to know Farmer’s Markets are held various days of the week, in various areas of Costa Ballena, so you can always eat fresh! Continue reading →

Stop and Smell…the Flowers

Costa Ballena Living Lifestyles & Homes, Wildlife & Nature ,

Known for its lush landscape, Costa Ballena is blessed with amazingly eye pleasing flora, many of these plants also hold various medicinal properties. Feast your eyes on a few of them!
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Green Season is the best time to Visit Costa Rica

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Yes, locals flip for joy during the low season. Photo by Michael Fernandez
Yes, locals flip for joy during the low season.
Photo by Michael Fernandez

Are you a bargain hunter? Surf rider? Nature lover? …always wanted to visit Costa Rica but didn’t think you could handle the heat, scorching sun or buses full of tourists? Well, here’s a local’s tip, the best time to travel and experience Costa Rica is during “Veranillo de San Juan” (Dog days of summer) and the Green Season, also known as the rainy season. As local guide, Barney, explained to me, “Veranillo de San Juan” is “the last chance to make money before the rainy season”. Tour operators are flexible, long term room rates can be negotiated, not to mention, you receive personalized service everywhere you go. There are less people around in general, so you feel as if you are VIP, not saying you aren’t, but it’s as if you’ve just rented out the entire hotel for you and your friends at a really awesome one room a night rate! Score! Let the vacation begin.
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