Wellness has become very popular in Costa Rica
During the last several years, a new generation of vacationers has been demanding more from hotels than ever before, and a new type of travel is rising in popularity.
This new group of travelers desires more than before from their vacation, and so the tourism sector is providing many options, such as hotels and resorts with Yoga and focus on health at their core.
Yoga, Wellness Centers and Medical Tourism are becoming a great alternative throughout tropical climates like Costa Rica and Hawaii.
Costa Rica’s popular tourist towns, such as Santa Teresa or Montezuma usually have many places to practice yoga, with more added yearly, and these yoga retreat centers compete for which can have the most calming and relaxing place to practice.
Boutique Hotels such as Anamaya in Montezuma, Latitude-10 in Santa Teresa, or La Cusinga Eco Lodge in Dominical, now usually have a yoga deck with an ocean view. This type of tropical space for practicing yoga is very photogenic, which helps a hotel attract new customers, since so many travelers primarily use photos from internet sites to pick their accommodations.
Since so many teachers of yoga have come to Costa Rica for yoga retreats, some have fallen in love with the country and some have stayed permanently. Now some work at various hotels in Costa Rica, or offer private classes.
Thanks to this, many beach towns in Costa Rica that are popular with travelers have a variety of yoga options. The surf towns especially, such as Santa Teresa, often have many choices of Yoga. And frequently, while the guys surf, the women do yoga.
A healthy vacation at to a Wellness Center also most often includes yoga as well. These centers give their customers the ability to relax, eat healthier food, do internal cleansing, meditation, and nutritional counseling.
The guests attending a Wellness retreat discover that when they return to their home, they are not only rested, but they are happier because of their increased energy, and the changes in their lifestyle can last far beyond their vacation.
Many new wellness retreats focus specifically on cleansing, and usually begin with fasting. This is followed by a restricted diet of healthy organic foods such as fruits and vegetables, sometimes raw.
Colonic cleansing, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, sauna, and other important treatments that focus on encouraging the body to detoxify are an integral part of the program. There are also some yoga positions that squeeze the internal organs and thus help in purifying the entire body.
Clients at these wellness programs report changes such as having more energy, improved sleep, clearer skin and clearer eyes.
When fantasizing about your next vacation to Costa Rica, you can research a few of the wellness and detox centers instead of the standard hotel chain. As with so many other travelers who have visited these places, you will most likely return happier and healthier.
Article by Geoff McCabe who is a recognized authority on green travel and Costa Rica. Visit him at Yoga and Wellness Retreats
Santa Teresa beach was voted one of the top ten beaches in the world by Forbes Magazine.
Welcome to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world: Malpais and Santa Teresa, known for their rugged jungle beauty, unforgettable sunsets, and especially the epic surf in Santa Teresa. The area has also become known as a hot spot for amazing cuisine in Costa Rica, since many amazing chefs have moved here from different parts of the world.
The instant you arrive in Santa Teresa and Malpais, you’ll find a very special place, quite unlike most other beach towns in Costa Rica. This town has been compared with Hawaii 40 years go, or the beach towns of California, but with monkeys, warm water, and friendly locals.
Despite the fact that word has discovered Santa Teresa and Malpais in recent years, the area still has gorgeous beaches that are uncrowded, as well as secret waterfalls with warm water pools surrounded by jungle canopy, and surf spots with no one there.
Santa Teresa and Malpais are two small beach towns that are run together and create one incredible spot for surfing. Malpais is more rocky, but Santa Teresa is primarily sandy surfing beaches with warm, clean water and year round epic waves. The area has many surf schools, camps, and instructors who make their living here.
There are many tourists from Europe and South America … not just the U.S. and Canada, and many have stayed in the area, opening up a variety of hotels and restaurants. The food in Santa Teresa is beyond belief for such a small place. Many five-star chefs have set up their own restaurants in Santa Teresa, and they consistently produce incredible food.
Santa Teresa has also become very popular as a surf destination from within Costa Rica itself, and many Costa Ricans visit the area on weekends and holidays. The name Malpais translates directly as “bad country” but in fact is better translated as “badlands” because the area’s rivers dry up during the rainy season, making it inhospitable to cattle and farmers. But now, there are many wells drilled in the area, providing water to the citizens of Santa Teresa.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica offers a variety of luxurious villas and vacation rental homes. The most consistently popular are the beachfront homes, which always fulfill the tropical beach fantasies of their rental clients. These range from $350 to $2000 per night, although there are a few cheaper options. Even the highest price vacation rental houses are frequently booked, and many celebrities and movie stars have been seen here escaping the cameras of the paparazzi. This may be because Forbes Magazine voted the beaches of Santa Teresa to be among the top ten most beautiful in the world.
Renting a villa for vacation, as opposed to staying in a hotel, has become very popular, and is growing. Many travelers have discovered that they can have more space and privacy for less money, and they enjoy the unique nature of each home. There are a variety of architectural styles among the rental houses in the Santa Teresa and Malpais villages, something to suit the taste of everyone.
The hotels of the area are unique and mostly mom-and-pop type of places. The beachfront hotels are the most popular, ranging from $100-$1000 per night for a room, and the rooms of all price categories are frequently booked. The gorgeous setting of Santa Teresa makes it very popular with honeymooners, and for people having weddings, and many of the rental houses and hotels cater to such clientelle.
Article submitted by Geoffrey McCabe from Santa Teresa Vacation Home and Rental, please visit his website for your vacation home and rental needs.
Costa Rica is nowhere different than any other country when it comes to real estate. In the early 2000s the hype of the countries cheap property, relaxing and eco-friendly environments sparked a real estate boom. And like the U.S, when the market busted several year ago, it threw many investors and home buyers into a world of financial ruin. Investments vanished when buyers gave huge sum’s to real estate developers for their dream home, and when the project failed, many realized they had no claim to the property, because they were never any titles or deeds of trust recorded listing them as owners.
Costa Rican civil law being what it is, has little recourse to the unsuspecting. In other words, it has always be a “Buyer Beware,” type of system. The judicial systems of Costa Rica is very costly, time consuming and still based on Napoleonic Law. “No Blood Drawn, No Cause for Action.” However, they do have a consumer law that has helped many.
Recently AM Costa Rica (a very respected newspaper) listed many failed developments, where in some cases purchasers and buyers were forced to take personal action where some has to reinvest into the project to get it built and hire attorneys for deeds of trusts. In once case, the developer told the buyers to move into their condos and claim squatters rights.
In the case of the Playas del Coco project, around $3 million was given to the developer by buyers who made deals to purchase condos. Some buyers paid up to 90 percent of the purchase price. The contract called for an escrow agent to release the money to the developer as specific stages in construction were reached, like when the foundation was installed, the developer got X percent of the escrowed amount. In other words the developer was constructing the project with the buyers’ money although they did not have an ownership interest in the condos yet.
So as the buyers tell it, when the developer defaulted on a loan with a state bank, the bank foreclosed, leaving buyers out in the cold. Some said they were unaware of the bank action for months.
Unfortunately, when bad press goes out, it hurts the honest and hard working developer. There are many good real estate agents and developers in Costa Rica. Many of these failed projects are caused by flawed business plans, scam artists, and lack of basic research, like hiring an attorney to do the due-diligent. A 400-$500 investment can save you a lifetime of headaches.
Recently, Leo Plumley who is the Owner/Developer of the Tres Regalos Beach Club and Condominiums in Jacó Beach wrote to AM Costa Rica, and listed some buyer and investment tips when it comes to real estate.
- Is the property that you are building on paid for in full and do you own it?
- Do you have at least 50 percent of the capital needed to build the project? And please provide me with proof that it is in the country and set aside for the project.
- If you have a bank construction loan, is the property held in trust with a reputable trustee? Can I please have a copy of the trust agreement? Does the trust agreement provide for the release of title for each condominium with the pay down of a portion of the construction loan? This will protect the title of the buyers who have closed on their condominiums if the developer defaults on the balance of the construction loan. This is one of the most important questions buyers can ask a developer. If they don’t get the answers to these questions, I suggest they run out of the office with their hands firmly on their wallets.
- Is the developer/real estate person making promises regarding future rental occupancy? Is he showing you pro form a cash flow projections that predict that all of your mortgage payments, HOA fees, electric cost, cable cost, insurance cost and property taxes are going to be funded by your rental stream? Sound too good to be true? Well it is.
I mention this because there are slick developers where they made just such promises to trick innocent folks into purchasing their condominiums. What do you think are the chances of these promises coming true? How about 10,000 to 1 against it.
Yes, there are unscrupulous business people all over the world, and there seems to be no shortage of trusting investors willing to part with their hard-earned money without doing their homework. This problem is not isolated to Costa Rica.
Your article makes it sound like there are no honest developers here on the beach. There are developers who are delivering on their promises and completing their contractual obligations. Developers who consider the monies advanced to them as a scared trust. Developers who long ago abandoned the idea of lofty profits and are now concentrating on repaying their loans, finishing their projects as promised, and delivering the best product possible.
These developers will be easy to find, they are on the property, willing to answer any and all questions, and they are more than happy to provide the legal documents and proof to back up their statements and promises.
We are looking for long-term buyers, discouraging the speculators, open to the folks who have worked hard all of their lives, and as they approach retirement are looking for the same thing that brought us here to Costa Rica in the first place: A chance to enjoy this fabulous country and special people, the clear skies, the warm deep blue ocean waters, the scarlet macaws, parrots, toucans, monkeys, the emerald green rain forest, and the fabulous climate.
Yes there are many honest and respected developers here, and we are easy to find.
Leo Plumley
Owner/Developer
Tres Regalos Beach Club and Condominiums, Jacó Beach
Retire in Costa Rica
Santa Ana, San Jose and Heredia on Investment
Costa Rica Real Estate Fraud
Buying Property In Costa Rica – Taxes, Capital Gains, Corporation
Residency cards are required for application to show proof of insurance
Starting Monday, a new requirement for foreign residents (expats or permanent residents), must show proof of insurance from the government Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social. Often cited as a reason for the country’s stability over recent decades, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the safety net for health care and pensions. Permanent residents are foreigners who can legally work.
There are two categories of insurance coverage available to individuals not on a formal payroll, Independent Worker and Voluntary Insurance.
Independent workers or self-employment coverage is for individuals with economic activity of any sort. Legally any foreigner with such activity should be enrolled with the Caja, regardless of immigration status. There is an additional workman’s comp insurance that is also required, but is not administered by the Caja.
Voluntary insurance is meant for those not engaged in active work, living from income property, pensions, retirement plans like 401Ks, investments, etc. The voluntary will effect many retirees that are living in Costa Rica and who have been granted residency based on their income.
What this does is, once registered, the only way to stop paying is to be put on a payroll at a formal business. A foreign who works as an employee does not have to pay, his or her company does.
Once resisted and in reality or theory, the Caja then can file a claim against the debtor’s property and income if they have not paid. Both types cover immediate family members, including spouse, minor children living under the same roof, and adult children up to age 25 who are full-time students. However, if you have a pre-existing condition, it is not covered for the first six months.
HOW MUCH WILL THE CAJA COST?
- Independent workers with monthly income of 200,000 colones about 21,000 colones. Independent workers with monthly income of 500,000, about 60,000 colones.
- Voluntary Insurance program with monthly income of 600,000 colones ($1000US) or about $36.00US. Voluntary Insurance program with monthly income of 1,500,000 ($2500US), colones, about 71000 ($130.00US) colones.
The new law also says insurance must be maintained “from the moment residency is granted, in an uninterrupted manner until the moment the card is renewed.” As the Costa Rican Constitution prohibits the retroactive application of law, the requirement presumably takes effect on March 1, 2010.
Well what is this going to do?
Well first, it is no secret that many have abused the medical system. With that said, it will save the government lot and lots of colones. As for the resident, still a lot cheaper than that of the U.S.
Editors Note: To apply for voluntary insurance, the first step is to identify and/or go the clinic that is closest to your location. There, you will get a piece of paper called a Carné de Seguro Sociala. This is where you fill out the application, which is very simple, like name, address, proof of residency, and of course source of income and how much. Afterwords, the clinic personal will submit it – then, sometime soon, you get to start paying your monthly insurance bill.
Ocean View Property
Buying this new Hummer H-2 in Costa Rica will cost you twice the amount if not more from a dealership in Costa Rica
When someone moves to Costa Rica, one major decision they will have to make whether to buy a car and/or just use the excellent public transportation system. If they plan on living in San Jose, it is a wise choice to use the public transportation until one gets the feel of things.
A common misconception among foreigners coming to Costa Rica is that you will save money by bringing a car here from overseas.
There are just a few of the drawbacks:
- You still have to pay the import duties, which is the main reason cars are so much more expensive here. Plus insurance and shipping costs.
- You’ll have to go through the process of clearing the car through customs, either yourself (god luck) or with a customs broker (who will obviously charge you)
- If you buy a new car from a dealer in the US, the guarantee won’t be valid here.
- The car may be damaged in shipping or have parts stolen in transit. While the insurance you buy may cover this damage, it probably won’t. Especially if the damage may have been pre-existing or not related to the handling of the container.
If there is some compelling reason you must purchase abroad, you will pay the following rates on cars, SUVs and pickups. Less than 3 years old – 59.33%, 4-5 years old 70.63% and 6 or more years old 85.32%. Brand new cars purchased at dealers here have about 20%worth of duties applied to the price. These rates are applied not only to the Black Book value of the car (regardless of the purchase price), but also to the shipping and insurance costs.
More about this go to Shipping, Importing a Vehicle to Costa Rica
Buying a New Car from a Dealership
Fact the fact, new cars in Costa Rica run about 30% more than new cars in the U.S. This is more or less the import tax amount. Any difference higher than 30% would be due to higher prices the dealer pays to the factory, model popularity, or because of a better reputation locally. Or bluntly putting it, a specialty car like a Hummer or Limo will cost an arm and leg.
One of the things you must understand, Costa Rica is laxed in safety features and do not expect to get some of the standard accessories as a car you would buy in the US. That GPS may not come with the car as advertised on U.S. TV.
Also, few new cars are made specifically for the Costa Rica market with special engine tuning, motor sizes and suspension. Some brands that aren’t very popular in the US, like Suzuki, are excellent choices because of price and are stripped to the bear bones to make the car affordable to Costa Ricans. Cars that are popular have specific selling points like high clearances and Four Wheel Drive. What to watch for if seeking to buy a new car from a dealer.
- Financing has improved dramatically in the last several years, but rates are higher than in the U.S. Foreigners who don’t have legal residency or “authorized” income sources may encounter difficulty with financing, regardless of your credit rating.
- Check the popularity locally of the car in the secondary market. The more popular and respected cars will obviously retain their resale value better, and will offer more options when you need parts later.
- Check out the dealer’s reputation, service center and time they have been in business. L y S, Purdy Motor, Agencia Datsun, EuroAutos, VETRASA & VEINSA all have excellent reputations for inventories of parts, service, and carry popular brands. Not that you have to stay away from others, but you have to do more research on them before buying.
- “New” cars – Most brands only have one authorized dealer, because Costa Rica is a small market. But some makes have dealers that bring in 0 km cars that are “like new”. Often these are last year’s models that haven’t sold in Korea and are shipped here. This isn’t to say that they aren’t good deals, you just have to read the ads carefully so that you know what you’re getting.
Buying from an Individual vs. Used Car Dealer
The used car dealer offers several advantages. The principle one being that they are legally bound to offer a 30 day guarantee on the transmission and motor. While a good mechanic will more than likely be able to steer you away from a real lemon, this guarantee is nice to have. Another advantage is that they can offer you financing on the cars they sell and they’ll take your car as a trade in, saving you the hassle of selling it.
Another big advantage is that most dealers are direct importers. It’s no secret that the roads in Costa Rica are hazardous to the health of your car. If you purchase a car that is just coming into the country, you are assured of getting a car that has suffered much less abuse when compared to any car that has circulated in Costa Rica for a few years. This obviously benefits the mechanical condition of the car a great deal. Also, many cars now are coming from Korea, which is small country with great roads. That means low mileage and generally good overall condition.
There are 2 scenarios where buying from an individual could be better. One case would be buying a 1 owner car from someone who you know is very meticulous about the care and maintenance of their vehicles. Another case may be from someone who is leaving the country and who is desperate to sell the car at any price before they go.
However, be careful in buying a car from like Craig’s Lists or any other free ad place. If you find a car that is well below market value advertised, be very careful why the price is so low, because normally there is several reasons. 1) The car has forged docs or stolen. 2) The owner imported the car,and has not pay the import taxes, which when you registered the car, you will get nailed or the car impounded.
What Makes and Models are the Best for Costa Rica
The 3 most popular brands in Costa Rica have always been Nissan, Hyundai, and Toyota, but since the Toyota recalls, that has changed. Before, you could not go wrong for several reasons.
1. Parts are readily available in almost any area of the country.
2. Parts are generally less expensive than any other brand.
3. These cars hold their resale value very well.
4. Mechanics are familiar with these cars and have the necessary equipment for diagnosis and repair.
Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Honda are also good brands that are popular and solid choices. You have much more freedom if you plan to buy a new car from a dealer and drive it into the ground, but it still won’t hurt to keep the above factors in mind. For example, Puegot has entered the market here in a big way and will probably be 1st tier status within the next year or two.
