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Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is one of only five “blue zones” in the world. Image courtesy of Tamarindo Park.

Over the last ten years, growing numbers of North Americans have been quietly recharging, relocating, and retiring to the Central American paradise of Costa Rica. Surrounded by water — and proffering beautiful beaches on both its Pacific and Caribbean coasts — the uniquely varied topography creates a range of subtropical and tropical climates. In addition, these mountains, volcanoes, and valleys showcase the country’s renowned lush rainforests, home to diverse species.

The allure of Costa Rica is extensive. It’s close to the equator and therefore away from the cold, and well connected by air to North America and onward destinations. It’s politically stable and democratic, and is the only Latin American state aside from Panama without a permanent standing army. Expats frequently cite the quality of the healthcare system as a significant factor in relocating. But what is lesser understood is that Costa Rica carries the rare status of being one of only five designated “blue zones” in the world.

A term first described by American explorer Dan Buettner, the term blue zone describes a region where people live longer and enjoy those years in greater health, free from chronic disease. They have disproportionate numbers of centenarians, and natural environments that support many of the lifestyle factors that have earned them this status. As Buettner puts it, blue zones “create a lifestyle and environment that makes the healthy choice an easy choice.”

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica’s Blue Zone

The Nicoya Peninsula is a specific region designated as a blue zone. Locals have identified several key lifestyle behaviors that contribute to longevity.

Image courtesy of Tamarindo Park.

The Nicoya Peninsula is a specific region designated as a blue zone. Locals have identified several key lifestyle behaviors that contribute to longevity.

Image courtesy of Tamarindo Park.

The Nicoya Peninsula, located in the southwest of Costa Rica, is the specific region designated as a blue zone, and locals have identified several key lifestyle behaviors that contribute to their longevity. There is a tight-knit community fostering a strong sense of connection, resulting in low levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Locals prioritize organic, unprocessed foods with an emphasis on plant-based options, and generally adhere to eating to eighty percent satiation and consuming alcohol moderately. Physical activity is encouraged across all age groups, and the pace of life is unhurried and thoughtful, with regular exposure to nature considered vital. The residents follow the “plan de vida” philosophy, which centers on having a clear life purpose.

The Nicoyan community celebrates the interest and investment in their paradise, but has expressed concerns that the increased attention could compromise the natural landscape. It’s therefore encouraging to see a residential development that embraces this wellness-focused lifestyle. Nestled on the northwest border of the peninsula, modern eco-community Tamarindo Park blends sympathetically with the adjacent protected parkland.

Tamarindo Park is a new eco-community that aims to maximize the benefits of its environment. The low-impact design blends with the surrounding areas, while inside, Kohler products add a sleek touch in the tropical scheme.

Images courtesy of Tamarindo Park.

Design lead Richard Müller, a highly sought after architect in Costa Rica, welcomed the challenge presented. “It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to design a project where you have to impact nature as little as possible, and you’re introducing concepts like regenerative agriculture and permaculture as part of the design.” The concept is further buttressed by the Tamarindo Park Foundation to ensure the project is environmentally friendly and has a positive impact in the community.

Müller puts it best: “You can live in nature, coexist with it, preserve it, and regenerate it, at the same time as enjoying it,” he says.

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