Living in a sustainable community is becoming a priority to people across the world. The impetus of climate change and economic uncertainty is driving smart, sustainable development, particularly where food systems are concerned. With more consumers choosing organic, local diets produced in their very own backyard or community garden, the adage of “you are what …

Ground was broken last week on Phase I of the new Plaza Tierra Pacifica pool. With all administrative steps complete, Tierra Pacifica developer and builder, Doug Stern, oversaw the beginning of this exciting process. The new pool will be a luxurious addition to the red-carpet amenities offered at the Plaza Tierra Pacifica condos.  Residents and …

Groundbreaking on the Plaza Tierra Pacifica Phase I pool is getting closer, as just a handful of administrative requirements remain. Doug Stern, Tierra Pacifica developer and builder, will be managing the project, expected to be completed mid-2013. The pool plan was provided by landscape architect Ben Morris who has rivaled his previous Club Arbol design …

From the Restoring Our Watershed Blog El Centro Verde, ROW’s partner in developing sustainable solutions for the Nandamojo watershed, is now playing an even more significant role in the restoration process. Hundreds of saplings left over from reforestation efforts in 2012 will be stored and cared for at ECV during Guanacaste’s dry season, ensuring their availability for planting in the …

Premier Junquillal RentalsMany travelers are finalizing their plans for this year’s migration south to high season in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. December is arguably one of the best times to visit; sunny skies are nearly guaranteed but the area is still lush and green from the late rainy season deluges. If you don’t yet have your …

Tierra Pacifica Partners recently released designs for a fabulous new pool and outdoor recreation space at the Plaza Tierra Pacifica. Working with Tierra Pacifica developer and builder, Douglas Stern, and landscape architect Ben Morris, the team’s vision is divided into two phases. Their goal is to provide a relaxing outdoor space for existing condo residents and …

Costa Rica ranks #5 in the 2012 Yale University Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Costa Rica is, impressively, the only non-European representative in the top 10, and has recently received recognition in other global indexes (Happy Planet Index, Ernst & Young Soft-Power Index). Ranking so well in the Environmental Performance Index is the third feather in …

Costa Rica topped the Happy Planet Index (HPI) for the second time, as measured by nef (the new economics foundation). The HPI strives to measure global well-being and relates those findings to human progress. 151 countries were analyzed to determine the extent to which they deliver long, happy, sustainable lives for the people who live …

If you’ve been to Disneyland (the one in California, the original), you know that they claim to be, “The happiest place on Earth.” Well, Disneyland has some competition and there’s data to support it; the New Economics Foundation released their Happy Planet Index this week and Costa Rica ranks #1 among all 151 countries analyzed. …

Progress on Will and Ann’s house on Lot 51 continues! The underground foundation and cement work is complete and the walls are going up. They have enjoyed planning the design and construction of their Spanish Colonial-style home with their builder, Doug Stern, and look forward to incorporating local building materials into the project. Here are …