Costa RicaÂ’s latest luxury development is a master-planned paradise. By Melissa Gillespie
Located at Herradura Bay on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Los Sueños Resort and Marina is a 1,100-acre master-planned destination community. It currently features a private 600-acre rainforest reserve, the 201-room five-star Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, a 200-slip international marina, exclusive Beach Club for residents, and the 18-hole La Iguana championship golf course.
With over 500 luxury single-family homes, lots, condominiums, and villas already sold, Los Sueños began construction on Altavista Los Sueños in December 2010. Potential owners can choose from two unit types: Unit Type 1 has three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms and offers just over 1,750 square feet of living space for $589,000, while Unit Type 2 features three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and over 2,100 square feet, priced at $749,000.
The buildings are low density with only six units per building. The finishes are characteristic of the Los Sueños communities, with imported Italian ceramic tiles, eight-foot Costa Rican hardwood doors and cupboards, 10-foot ceilings, crown moldings throughout, dual-paned windows, and energy efficient air conditioning systems.
Altavista Los Sueños will join the development’s portfolio of luxury resort residences that range from one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums to single-family homes. Other Los Sueños communities include Riviera and Malibu at Altamira, Marbella Condominiums at Altamira, Montebello Residences at Altamira, Colina Condominiums, Del Mar Condominiums, and Bay Residences at Del Mar.
The next eight years will see the completion of the remaining phases of Los Sueños, including the final phase of Marina Village, several hundred additional luxury residences, and the construction of an eco-lodge in the rainforest reserve. lossuenosresort.com
Hidden Gem
Two Oceans Property Consultants broke ground in November 2010 on Emerald Bay in Panama. The $50 million dollar eco-friendly development lies on PanamaÂ’s unspoiled Caribbean coast in the town of La Guaira, just 90 minutes from Panama City. The beachfront condominium and resort community will offer villas, apartments, and duplexes for sale. An approximately 100-room hotel and beach club is also planned for the development. La GuairaÂ’s northern curve of coastline is protected from inland development by the huge rainforest of Chagres National Park that encloses it. The national preserve teems with exotic birds and wildlife and shelters a pristine coastline terrain. Occupancy of finished properties is expected in approximately two years, with pricing starting at $377,000. emerald-bay-panama.com.
Thai Style
Conrad Koh Samui Resort and Spa will be the newest luxury villa property on the popular Thai island. Comprising a total of 80 villas, the Conrad Koh Samui Resort and Spa will be located on a secluded hill, overlooking Aow Thai Beach at the Southwest tip of the island. Spread over 25 acres, the luxurious Conrad Koh Samui Resort and Spa will offer panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand, outlying islands and the surrounding landscape of lush coconut plantations. ItÂ’s also a perfect western-facing vantage point where guests will take in the stunning Koh Samui sunsets. Each villa will have a minimum of 656 square feet of space, complete with private plunge pools and generous outdoor deck areas. There will be a variety of all-day and fine-dining restaurants, bars, and lounges. The spa will combine international treatments with a uniquely Thai spa philosophy and design accents. The property is slated to open in May 2011. conradhotels.com.