The education center at Puerta a la Vida, has its second major planting with members of the local community. Volunteers planted over 400 native trees in an effort to begin reforesting Costa Rica, an effort that ICE has spearheaded. Thank you to ICE for this wonderful reforestation program, thank you to RAE for their ACTIVE role in inspiring youth, thank you to the Red Cross of Paraiso and everyone else who showed up to change the world on October 2nd, 2011. Lets keep it going!
Puerta a la Vida is proud to announce the creation of their Medical Advisory Board & Affiliated Network of Doctors for it’s Costa Rican Wellness Resort & Longevity Center.
This will be a new segment in medical tourism for Costa Rica: Preventive Medicine & Longevity. This is a unique opportunity to present a true preventive/integrative medical center to the local Costa Rican market as well as the high influx of tourists coming from abroad. It also serves to support the existing medical tourism market with comprehensive healing and recovery amenities.
We have gathered a team of experienced physicians and wellness practitioners from around the world. Together they are forming a new kind of group practice where conventional physicians, many of them trained in complementary therapies, and seasoned holistic practitioners work together in collaboration. For all practitioners the chance to offer quality, integrative care in this healing setting is the realization of a long term goal, actualized through many years of hard work and dedication to this shared vision.
“Our goal was to gather some of the greatest minds in this field to help shape a place that can serve as a platform for education, inspiration, wellness & healing.”
-Ion Zaydelman | Founder & CEO
In Paraiso, Cartago, Costa Rica an organic farm and medicinal plant arch was born with help of an incredible group of students under the leadership of permaculture expert and educator Stephen Brooks from the Punta Mona Center. It was an extraordinary experience to be able to create such a beautiful medicinal plant arch, vegetable garden and fruit orchard that will serve such an important purpose! Over 200 varieties of medicinal plants were planted and 300 fruit trees that will create the foundation to educate the youth as to the importance of having clean organic food free of pesticides and create an abundant organic food supply for the Puerta a la Vida Wellness Resort & Longevity Center! Food independence is of utmost importance, and the youth of our world have a chance to reconnect with their roots, and how things were done long before. There’s a reason why this Costa Rican town is called Paradise, and now we can add to that lineage!
Stephen Brooks & Edward Zaydelman speaking to the first group at Puerta a la Vida’s Organic farm in Costa Rica. Sharing some vision for the future, a passion for living in a more intelligent way, and a lot of gratitude to those who helped make this dream a reality. The foundation for using Puerta a la Vida as an educational platform was laid, and now there’s a lot of good to be done. Thank you Stephen for sharing your time, knowledge, and passion with us and laying the groundwork for something quite beautiful.
World renowned architect, Victor Cañas finishes a stunning cliffside Villa design for Puerta a la Vida. This latest villa functions in incredible harmony with the site and its topography. The dialogue between interior and exterior space is executed masterfully, allowing the home owner to truly be immersed in the incredible surroundings. The stunning geometry, careful choice of materials, warm lighting, all function to integrate the space seamlessly and provide a unique space that one can truly call a home.
Esteemed Doctor Zina Kroner, provides Puerta a la Vida with quality health information, adding years to our lives! We enjoy following her informative blog entries!
Nuts are considered to be good fats. It has been shown that regular consumption of nuts may decrease the likelihood of heart disease. It is believed that nuts’ omega 3 fatty acid content is at least in part responsible for the beneficial effect on one’s cholesterol profile, thereby heart health. Prior studies have shown that nuts lower lipoprotein(a) levels, an advanced marker for cardiovascular disease.
A recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine analyzed 25 trials with 583 participants in seven countries, and found that when people ate a mean of 2.4 ounces of nuts (most commonly, walnuts and almonds), the result was an estimated reduction of total cholesterol by 10.9 mg/dL, LDL reduction of 10.2 mg/dL, and a triglyceride decline of 20.6 mg/dL. This was observed regardless of the type of nut one had on a regular basis.
So enjoy your delicious high protein snacks as they are heart healthy and may lower your cholesterol as well.
Source: Sabaté J et al. Nut consumption and blood lipid levels: A pooled analysis of 25 intervention trials. Arch Intern Med 2010 May 10; 170:821.
The Central Valley’s outlying towns boast temperate, dry days, natural beauty—and so much more.
Costa Rica is where you go to live the lush life. It is lush with nature—misty rain forests, extraordinary wildlife, active volcanoes, and fabulous beaches—as well as such comforting amenities as malls, supermarkets, restaurants, museums, and social clubs. U.S. retirees have flocked here for years, drawn by its mild climate, its prosperity (relative to other Central American republics), its literacy rate, its health care, and, significantly, its stable government—with no army. Another plus: Costa Rica’s commitment to a thriving natural park system that is second to none in Latin America. This is as biodiverse a country as you’ll find anywhere.
Whereas many beach-loving expats have settled in the resort towns and villages along the Guanacaste “Gold Coast” on the Pacific, the majority opt for the Central Valley, which is home to the capital, San Jose, and 70 percent of the Costa Rican (or”Tico”) population. The outlying towns and villages of the Central Valley offer temperate, dry days and natural beauty, as well as the culture, hospitals, and shopping of nearby San Jose. (Regarding the weather, expats here like to brag that they can fine-tune their micro-climates by moving up and down the hills.) Read more at AARP website…
Costa Rica’s recovery continues gaining ground. Costa Rican’s are taking advantage of low price points.
Surveyed realtors in Costa Rica the market continues 2010 improvement trend.
A representative from Day Group Services, one of Costa Rica’s top real estate investment consultant companies, told TCRN that they have definitely seen a rise in investor interest, stating that Costa Rica has always been a haven for land banking. Continuing, that now is real buyers market, and people with some investment dollars have real opportunity now, in Costa Rica, to ride the growth curve back up. Continue reading at The Costa Rica News…
THE SPECIFIC CARBOHYDRATE DIET, by Dr. Zina Kroner
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suffer from diarrhea and abdominal pain; this is often accompanied by difficulty in absorbing nutrients which results in weight loss. With ulcerative colitis, the large bowel (colon) is involved; Crohn’s disease can affect everything from the mouth to the anus, although usually small and/or large bowel disease usually predominates. Medical treatment of IBD is aimed at reducing the intestinal inflammation.
Medications including sulfasalazine and related drugs and corticosteroids, taken orally or topically may be able to cause improvement in many patients. Stronger medication are frequently needed, with more side effects, including azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, and injectable anti-tumor necrosis antibody preparations.
Puerta a la Vida chose Costa Rica to build this unique residential development due to the values the country presented. Not just as a location for another real estate development, rather a place one could call home. A place that improved one’s health, happiness, comfort, and extended the quality of the life we live.
1. Costa Ricans Voted Happiest People on Planet & One of Longest Life Expectancies - NY Times
The World Database of Happiness rated 148 countries and Costa Rica came out in the top spot. Do you think it is a coincidence that the country that abolished its army became the happiest country on the planet. This also includes the longevity of life which Costa Rica apparently is happy about being old. Costa Rica has some of the highest longevity rates in the world! The positive acceptance of the value of life is just a stat that is hard to ignore.
2. Prosperity Costa Rica ranks number 4 in all of The Americas
With Canada and the USA holding the first two positions it is just Uruguay and Chile that out edged Costa Rica in a regional analysis of the America’s. The interesting part about how the prosperity is measured is that they quote on the site that “prosperity is not just about money it is about the quality of life”. They base the rankings on seven different aspects of countries Economy, governance, education, health, personal freedom, safety & security, social capital, and Entrepreneurship & Opportunity (E&O).
3. EPI ranking of Protecting Natural Environment
The Environmental Performing Index (EPI) done by Yale University rates 163 countries on 25 different categories with regards on how each country protects the planet. Costa Rica this year was ranked number 3 only behind Iceland and Switzerland. Costa Rica protects it’s land up to 25% this would be equivalent to all of man-kind considering all of the America’s protected land. Also (EPI) measures renewable energy which means lower energy bills and brighter future, literally. Costa Rica is hoping to be carbon free by its 200th anniversary in 2021. With all this clean energy Costa Rica for every 10 light bulbs lit, 9 are considered lit with clean energy.
4. Stable Democratic Government
This has been one of the most recognized attributes of Costa Rica. The 2008 World Bank Study for Global Governance Indicators ranks Costa Rica in First Place within Latin America for Political Stability. The government of Costa Rica is run by a President and two Vice Presidents. The most attractive part of the government is that it has been stable for over 50 years allowing for the people and investors to have confidence in dealing with the country.
5. Only Good things to Come…
Costa Rica’s educational system is ranked 32nd in the world. This ranks them the highest in Latin America according to World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 2008-2009. This can only be sign of good things to come as the people of Costa Rica not only have a high literacy rate but are becoming known by companies throughout the world as a place of opportunity and a culture of educated people.
Puerta a la Vida’s new neighbors are getting some great press!
Need a lot of room? The Wall Street Journal’s Developments blog reports on a new penthouse that would satisfy even the most square-footage-hungry buyer. The penthouse unit of the 14-story Genesis Puntarenas in Costa Rica is a 68,459-square-foot oceanfront spread. The developers are calling it the world’s largest penthouse and want to sell the not-yet-built unit for $50 million. Read more on Luxist…
Investing in Costa Rican Real Estate
According to NBC, Costa Rica is one of the Top 5 hottest real estate markets in the world! Even in tough market conditions, the Costa Rica real estate market is still on the rise.
Costa Rica is now rapidly being transformed into an international destination for travelers and retirees from around the world. The costs of ownership and living in Costa Rica are extremely attractive to international buyers. This factor coupled with the unique experience one can have in a country with such awe-inspiring natural beauty and biodiversity, high quality of life, and easy accessibility make it an attractive option for both owning and investing.
Costa Rica offers a stable currency, considerable infrastructure, as well easy accessibility from the United States, only a 2 -3 hour flight from Florida and Texas. With a 1,290-kilometer coastline full of sandy beaches, over 100 volcanic cones, and a vast variety of flora, fauna and ecosystems, Costa Rica offers experiences that are one-of-a-kind. It is becoming a much sought after haven for retirees who value the relaxed atmosphere and distinct life experience of living abroad.
Ideally situated among the best beaches along the Pacific coast and within close proximity to Costa Rica’s tropical rain forests and national parks, Puntarenas offers both a place to unwind and to seek adventure. The best of Costa Rica’s natural beauty, from mountain ranges and waterfalls, to rushing rivers, wildlife preserves, and diverse fauna, can be found close within its reach.
Puntarenas is also easily accessible. A newly created toll way provides direct access to and from San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International Airport, putting visitors within 25 minutes of the country’s capital and international airport.
Rumors have been circulating in the real estate circles for months now that a new development showcasing one of the world’s only residential architectural parks featuring today’s top designers, unique residences built above the treetops on elevated stilts, and a floating beach club anchored in the waters of the Gulf of Nicoya is coming to the Central Valley and Central Pacific coast. Years in the making and now set to break ground, the two projects promise to literally raise the bar on residential lifestyle to new heights. Read More at EFAM
Costa Rica ranked second most peaceful nation in Latin America
The results from the latest Global Peace Index have arrived and Costa Rica is placed number two in Latin America, only behind Uruguay in the Latin American Ranking and behind Spain in the overall results, ranking nº 26 worldwide. Despite the fact of being considered a nation with limited resources, Costa Rica´s Peace Index is better than most of the developed countries, such as: France (32), Netherlands (27), United Knigdom (31), Italy (40), United States (85).
This is great news as Costa Rica in not only the happiest nation worldwide, but is the 26th safest nation in the world and the second safest nation in Latin America.
Below you will find the Latin American Ranking for 2010:
The below articles details why the people of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula are among the longest lived in the world. After scouring the earth, they found the places people lived the longest and the reasons why. These findings are a compelling case as to how we can live longer better lives. It was interesting to learn their longevity had little to do with a genetic predisposition but rather as to the how and where these individuals lived their lives. These lifestyle decisions are a great lesson to learn from, and a model for how anyone can live longer. Enjoy the read and stay healthy!
Puerta a la Vida was recently given a mention in one of Costa Rica’s premiere magazines: Casa Galeria. Rumors have been circulating in the real estate circles for months now that a new development showcasing one of the world’s only residential architectural parks featuring today’s top designers, unique residences built above the treetops on elevated stilts, and a floating beach club anchored in the waters of the Gulf of Nicoya is coming to the Central Valley and Central Pacific coast. The developers of this unique community, are embarking on an awareness campaign to let the public know that a new type of real estate offering is available… Years in the making and now set to break ground, the two projects promise to literally raise the bar on residential lifestyle to new heights! Learn more at: PuertaVida.com
Puerta a la Vida is proud to announce the launch of our new landing page for our unique network of developments in Costa Rica. Look out for us in the next issue of Su Casa & Casa Galeria Magazine.
Gabriella Sagot of the tourism board of the Montes de Oro is looking forward to having Puerta a la Vida in the community. This sustainable development will not only help the local labor force but become a platform for local artists to create and exhibit their work!
Over the last year we have been forming a prestigious collective of architects and artist for the architectural park and artistic grounds. Architect’s Row features unique residential designs from this select collective. We are proud to announce that we have amassed an impressive group of some of Costa Rica’s best talent that includes:Rolando Barahona, Luis Diego Barahona, Andrés Brenes, Victor Cañas, Fausto Calderón, Franco Casalvolone, Andrés Castro, Daniel Cisneros, Felo Garcia, Guillermo Garita, Jacqueline Gillette, Aimee Joaristi & Enrique Barascout, Adrian Jiron, Katia Martén, Rene Navarro, Oscar Pamio, Luis Diego Quiros, Jaime Rouillon, Juan Robles, Javier Salinas and many other internationally renowned architects and artists.
“Costa Rica’s First major congress, which will be focused on medicine and wellness is precisely the place for us to begin the presentation of Puerta a la Vida to the country,”
-Ion Zaydelman, founder and CEO.
Minister of Competitiveness, Secretary of State, and Jorge with the other Arias (El Presidente!)
Last Saturday we had the pleasure of taking a fun day trip to the islands of the Gulf of Nicoya with our Art Board. We spent the day on a remote island, enjoyed red snapper on a floating restaurant, and topped it off with a breathtaking trip through the Gulf. Not a bad “day at the office!” Pura Vida as they say…
Puerta a la Vida on the ocean
Some new renderings just in to give you a preview of our oceanside project. Sitting high above the trees provides for unhindered views of the Gulf of Nicoya, a cool breeze, and the ability to build this project in the most sustainable of ways. The floating resort will function as the beach club to the project. A fully sustainable base powered by solar and wind energy serves as the centerpiece of the floating resort allowing our floating villas to dock before going on exciting journeys to the white sand islands of the gulf!
We were proud to have members from our advisory board get together for a presentation at Puerta a la Vida Highlands. Distinguished guests included the project’s architect Victor Cañas along with Fausto Calderón, Felo Garcia, Henning Jensen and Oscar Pamio.
Costa Rica’s recovery continues gaining ground. Costa Rican’s are taking advantage of low price points.
