View of the Gulf of Papagayo Costa Rica

Playa Hermosa, one of our favorite spots in Costa Rica, is in Guanacaste, on the northern Pacific coast. It’s a quiet town on a crescent gulf, with the Papagayo Peninsula on one end and Playas del Coco on the other. Despite the comments in the recent article in the International Property Journal about sporadic water and electric, in several visits we haven’t seen an interruption in either. And if we did? just head for the beach or jump in the pool and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Open air restaurants? Oh, yes, and some of them are fantastic! From the El Velero Hotel to the Four Seasons, you choose your lifestyle. You have choices to buy as well, from a gated community with the luxurious amenities of a  Florida resort to a home on the hillside that’s open to the breezes, overlooking the water, the promontories and the islands.

Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia Guanacaste Costa Rica

The Liberia Airport in Guanacaste Costa Rica had over 51,000 passengers traveling through in January 2010. This was an increase of 21.7% over January 2009 and 10.4% over January 2008.  The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) is very close to many Guanacaste resorts – Playa Hermosa is just 20 pleasant minutes from the airport. International flights started in 2002; now you’ll find American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United, US Airways – even Finnair. About 30 different airlines fly into Liberia. If you’re heading for the Papagayo Peninsula or to Tamarindo, you’ll save a 4.5 hour drive from San Jose by flying into Liberia.

Clinica-Biblica Hospital in San Jose Costa Rica

Costa Rica health care is attracting visitors from the US and other countries. Visitors are coming not only for cosmetic surgery and dental work, but for knee replacements. The World Health Organization ranks Costa Rica’s health care system one spot ahead of the US. According to a report on Costa Rica by Kevin Brass this week in the  International Property Journal, the US is expected to generate 1.3 million medical tourists next year. Costa Rica is in the top 10 destinations for medical tourism.

The Costa Rican government is encouraging developers to build projects for foreign retirees that would include health care facilities.

This attractive condo in Pacifico in Playas del Coco Guanacaste Costa Rica is furnished by Robb & Stuckey. The one bedroom unit overlooks one of the pools and has access to the $3 Million Beach Club with free shuttle service from the condo. Outside the gate is a shopping center with a new Auto Mercado supermarket and various smaller stores, and you’re within a 5 minute walk of many restaurants and shops. Contact The Simms Team or tell Michael Mills that Sharon Simms sent you!

In yesterday’s election for President of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla was expected to take the lead, but there was a question of whether she’d get the 40% of votes needed to avoid a runoff in this multi-candidate election. She won nearly 47% of the vote, so is scheduled to take office May 8th. Not only will Chinchilla be the first woman president of Costa Rica, she won all 7 voting districts, which hasn’t been done in the last quarter century. 50 years old, Pres-dent-Elect Chinchilla has served in the legislature, was Minister of Security, and served as Vice President until she resigned a year ago to run for President.

Here’s a short video on the current look of Playas del Coco in the Guanacaste area on the northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica, thanks to a RE/MAX colleague there. Rob and I were in Playas del Coco earlier this month – it’s less than half an hour from the international airport in Liberia, Costa Rica.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpQNQxE19k8

On Wednesday the new Costa Rica highway from San Jose to Caldera on the central Pacific Coast opened, after 34 years of planning. This 77 kilometer highway cuts the time for the trip from San Jose to Caldera from 90 minutes to 45 minutes, a major time saver. Various sections are two lane, three lane and four lane, with shoulder lanes.  This opening is long awaited good news for the area. We’ve driven on some sections of the new road and the positive difference is amazing! Much better driving conditions, but still offering great views of the Costa Rican countryside.

Rob made an interesting observation on our recent Costa Rica trip – he saw no homeless people sleeping on the streets or in parks, and we didn’t see a panhandler during our entire visit. Yes, people were selling wares and yes, people were selling services, but no one had their hand out looking for something for nothing.  Does Costa Rica have poverty and poor people? Of course. We need to remember, though, that money and happiness aren’t necessarily synonymous. People can have few materials goods and lead a happy life. We love the Ticos and celebrate with them  Pura Vida!

Manuel Antonio beach Costa Rica

The Costa Rica weather beckons us to Go South, especially this week when frost is delaying planes at Tampa International Airport. With Tampa temperatures this morning dipping to 27 degrees, compare these:

Papagayo Gulf in Guanacaste: high of 83°, low of 63°

Esterillos:  high of 83°, low of 61°

Manuel Antonio: high of 82°, low of 72°

You can check Costa Rica weather online – just use the drop down menu to choose your Costa Rica location and see the forecast for the next 15 days.

Safe Havens are a property trend to watch in 2010 according to the International Property Journal:

Safe Havens:  A germ of a marketing idea will continue to develop as a movement, as buyer and investors look for overseas spots to stash income. Fear of economic collapse will spread, along with Ayn Rand quotes. Smart promoters and developers will market property as a hedge against financial disasters.

Costa Rica is one of these safe havens. Barry Strudwick has been advocating this for years and has been developing del Pacifico as such a safe haven.  Several of our clients who have purchased in Costa Rica and are looking in Costa Rica cite economic concerns and preserving a portion of their assets as motivation. A small number are even planning to move to a safe haven.

……………………….Who is John Galt?