Inside Costa Elena, New Destination in Costa Rica

If a week-long Costa Rica vacation just isn’t enough, than make plans to explore Costa Elena as your first or second home getaway.

Costa Elena is a secluded master-planned resort community and ocean-club secreted away within a breathtaking corner of the northern Guanacaste region of Costa Rica.

Spread across 3,000 untouched acres and ten miles of pristine coastline, the sustainable destination is primed for adventurers who appreciate raw beauty, local experiences, responsible tourism and modern tropical design.   

Developer / Design: The community is being developed by the most prominent businessmen in Central America, led by Pellas Development Group and Don Carlos Pellas, the visionary Nicaraguan behind Flor de Cana rum, Nicaragua’s first five-star resort community—Guacalito de la Isla, and Santa Maria Golf & Country Club in Panama among other impressive developments. The dream team that specializes in organic, minimalist design also includes EDSA and Hart Howerton for land planning, Eva Hinds of Eva Hinds Architecture and The Design Agency for interiors.   

Location: Located just over an hour from the Guanacaste Airport, and bordered by a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Costa Elena sales have been quietly fueled by foreign buyers seeking an accessible yet off-the-grid natural playground. Blufftop-to-beach adventures include world-renowned kite surfing, mountain biking, fishing, birding, snorkeling, hiking and more, all surrounded by the wild beauty and incredible ecological diversity Costa Rica is known for.   

Real estate: The initial residential enclave of Las Mareas Estates offers just 25 ocean-view properties. Limited availability remains in the Founders Collection with homesites available from $550K and four- and five-bedroom turn-key villas with pricing from $2.35M, perfect for multi-generational families. Each home includes property management, concierge services and exclusive rental program management by Inspirato. Through Inspirato, owners and guests have access to infinity pools, spa, gym and excellent dining at the nearby Dreams Las Mareas Resort, part of AMR Resorts and World of Hyatt.   

News: Residents are given a unique Ocean Club experience with an array of exclusive amenities in the works including convenience shops, restaurants, a café, fitness and wellness facilities, hiking and biking trails, three beach clubs and a nature preserve. The first private beach club is now open and the bar will open this March. Sales are set to launch for Costa Elena’s next phase in early 2023. 

Sustainability: From supporting local artisans to creating a potable water system that feeds 10,000 inhabitants, Costa Elena is a community founded on eco-preservation and sustainable choices. Costa Elena created the first program that supports the development of artisans and artists through a joint partnership with the Instituto Tecnologico de Costa Rica The community’s design guidelines promote a DARK SKY policy to protect sea turtles and hatching nest. Homes utilize solar panels for power, the community practice beach cleanups that have resulted in a Blue Flag certificate for cleanliness, and Costa Elena keeps more than 60% of its 3,000 acres as open spaces and reserve areas.