Costa Rica’s famed Gold Coast is becoming an international hotspot and with a number of luxury hoteliers moving into the area, it won’t be long before this up-and-coming location disappears from view. There are plans to add 3,500 high-end hotel rooms locally, and the Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott and St. Regis are among the many famous names that will join the area’s already established Hiltons and Four Seasons.
For those of us who have lived in this area for years, the sudden explosion is not a surprise. It was only a matter of time before others realized the beauty of this part of the world. Originally part of Nicaragua, the Nicoya region voted for annexation and became part of Costa Rica in 1846. Encompassing beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and national parks, the Guanacaste province is one of the most impressive areas in the world. and deserves its reputation as a tropical region. darling. The coastal region offers incredible opportunities for surfing, snorkeling, horseback riding, bird watching and diving, not to mention the famous turtle migrations.
With a constant hot season that lasts from November to April, this area is ideal for escaping the winters of North America and Europe. With almost no rain, the coastline takes on a golden hue, earning it the nickname “the Gold Coast.” With an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit), the green season is still a great time to be in Costa Rica. Mornings are usually sunny, and afternoon rains restore the foliage to its finesse, bringing out the luscious colors and tropical scents.
Getting to this hot spot has become much easier since Daniel Oduber International Airport opened in Liberia: most beaches can be accessed in less than an hour. In fact, this may be one of the reasons why tourism in the province of Guanacaste has taken off so quickly: this airport saw an almost 400 percent increase in passenger arrivals in the first half of the decade.
And with the increase in visitors came the increase in luxury developments in the area. Many projects are currently being built to US standards, with exquisite details like exotic millwork, featuring top-notch amenities and services, and a choice of ocean or mountain views. These new beach communities vary in size and price, with several exclusive and gated options. This is a great time to invest in a vacation property or, if you’re looking for something a little bigger, a hotel/resort, as this area is quickly becoming the new Hawaii. Tourism is a priority for the Costa Rican government, so investors can be confident that areas that currently lack infrastructure will be developed soon enough. The time to enter is now.
