Fall in Love with Costa Rica

For those who Travel + Work + Play Worldwide

Arenal Volcano Quepos Dominical

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San Jose'

Travel Work Play Productions

Puerto Viejo

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Fall in Love with Costa Rica We've Planned your Trip

ENJOY BEAUTY INTERNATIONAL We are the adventurers and entrepreneurs who

FOR THOSE WHO

embrace new alternatives for living, working,

TRAVEL - WORK - PLAY

traveling and well-being. Our passion is to share

WORLDWIDE

the stories and the destinations where we can celebrate the beauty in our strength and connect with others.

We also partner with leading and emerging brands who create cool products, gear, clothes, retreats

Stories - Design - Photos by: Maria Camille

and amazingly unique destinations who cater to travelers to make a traveling lifestyle easy, manageable and interesting.

Las Nubes Retreat, Costa Rica

THE IDEA HOUSE An artist residency program coming to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

The idea for a journey through Costa Rica began after working and living on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica for about a year. I was consulting on a retreat property at the time and obtained a lot within the gated community next to the resort.

After the project, I went back to the U.S. and never experienced other parts of Costa Rica - or what I would do with the building lot. So, I recently planned a month long visit to see the rest of the country, and hopefully to get a vision and inspiration of what the best purpose would be for the lot.

What a special journey! I visited seven resort/retreat destinations - all built by expats who had the inspiration to live in Costa Rica.

I received such a warm welcome from these entrepreneurial adventurers and made many new friends.

The locations I visited were all different and special in their own way. The itinerary I planned turned out to be just perfect. For your own special trip to Costa Rica, follow the same route and places I did. Each location has planned a special price or package for Enjoy Beauty International readers. You will not be disappointed.

Choose from special equine learning programs where your horse teaches YOU how to reinvent yourself; an architectural masterpiece resort high up in the mountains above Dominical; a Bali style wellness retreat next to beautiful waterfalls; a family style Inn where you can rest, work and retreat in your own private gardens over looking a beautiful canyon where rivers ow and the best food is just around the corner.

An Indigogo funded project launching in the Fall of 2017 For more info: Join Us Here

This trip was just what I needed for the New Year, as travel always opens the door to new ideas and thoughts about life. As I got in-touch with my own reinvention for the future, I started visulizing a bigger purpose for the lot on the Caribbean.

A bigger purpose is usually what happens when one takes the time to travel and empty their mind. Things start becoming clearer and amazing new paths start to form.

The new project is taking shape through building a concept house called, The Idea House - a place where guest artists and creative thinkers can Connect, Create and Relax. Read about the plans and please join us as we develop this idea.

Maria Camille, Publisher

ITINERARY

Take the Same Journey To begin, I flew into San Jose', and stayed at Adventure Inn next to the airport. This is a good base hotel when flying into San Jose.

Eric Robinson, the owner, also started the Adventure Hotels Association, which is a group of independent hotels throughout Costa Rica. All the properties I visited are a part of this association. I support their efforts in a huge way.

My next stop was Vista Canyon Inn just out of San Jose'. It's a wonderful boutique Inn set at the edge of a large canyon and flowing river. The hospitality of the family (originally from Dallas) is absolutely precious.

Next, I flew south to Quepos via Nature Air. I stayed at three different locations between Quepos, Manuel Antonio and Dominical.

The first location was Waterfall Villas, a beautiful traditional Balinese retreat. Fateh, the owner, shipped traditional building materials from Bali and designed this wellness retreat to the fullest sense of the meaning - all with multiple waterfalls on the creek. Just stunning!

Next, I met Luke and Devon, originally from North Carolina who started Edge of the World retreat on a mountain above Dominical.They reburbished three sweet cabins that are perfect for families or small groups. The property has great ocean access (with the best surfing in Costa Rica).

This is a beautiful property - my room looked right at the Arenal Volcano.

But, it's the Equine Learning Program with horses that was the highlight for me. This is where you meet YOU through learning how horses guide us. I highly recommend to go here just for this program.

Farther up the mountain, just north of Dominical, I stayed at a majestic architectural gem built by a former Chef de Cuisine from Belgium. This sustainable retreat is first class and Filip prepares three meals daily that will your highest expectations.

Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Sea is where The Idea House is will take place.

Next, I flew north on Nature Air to La Fortuna, which is the Arenal Volcano area to visit the Leaves and Lizards retreat.

Leaving to fly back to the U.S., I took a three hour bus ride from La Fortuna over to Libera and flew out of this international hub.

First Stop

1

A lovely Inn so full of natural light and character. A great place to sit in patio's with good food and WiFi.

I ďŹ rst met Eric when I was working on a retreat

Adventure Inn Eric Robinson, owner of Adventure Inn, is an expat from Canada who arrived in Costa Rica twenty years ago. He started Adventure Inn after packing up a trailer with his two boys and literally driving all the way from Canada. As Eric owned several hotels in Canada previously, his project with Adventure Inn in San Jose' started with the idea that a special place needed to be close to the airport to cater to travelers when arriving in San Jose'. And, he has done just that - Adventure Inn is one of the best locations to stay when staging a trip within other areas of Costa Rica.

project in Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. He was just starting to put the Adventure Hotels Association in place and our resort was taking part.

Eric had had studied environmental issues in college, then traveled overland to 32 countries.

Costa Rica felt the best. This is when he decided to make the move. For the last 20 years he has helped to shape the hospitality industry in Costa Rica.

The purpose for the Adventure Hotels Association is for destination resorts in Costa Rica to come together as a group to better position their marketing in order to not give up the horriďŹ c commissions the commercial booking sites take, which is upwards of 25%.

For travelers, I encourage you to make your travel more specialized by staying at the boutique lodges and retreats that are so much more personalized.

When you book direct through the Adventure Hotels Association or with the properties directly, you will save at least 10% and the properties will so appreciate YOU!

To book Adventure Inn and other properties I visitied, go to:

Adventure Hotels

Second Stop

Vista Canyon Inn You will make new family friends here. I absolutely adored this place - just everything about it!

Your Hosts: Marsha and Eleazar

Leaving Adventure Inn, Marsha, owner of Vista Canyon Inn came to pick me up.

By the time we arrived at Vista Canyon, we were like best friends. My three days with Marsha and Eleazar, her partner for the Inn, was so special. We shared many ideas about life and living, eating the best Italian food I've ever had, laughing and all around having a really good time.

Thank you so much!

Their idea to move to Costa Rica and start an Inn was not easy. It was the culmination of plans on possibly retiring in Costa Rica, to actually moving to San Jose', then buying an older property and starting a complete renovation.

Marsha Waddelow and Eleazar Hernandez had been partners in running a successful real estate practice in Dallas for over a dozen years, but when Marsha and her husband Dave decided it was time for a change, they opted to turn over the real estate business to Eleazar.

However, it did not take long for Eleazar and his wife to decide to also move to San Jose' with Marsha and Dave.

Retirement was the original plan, but within a short time, they ran across an interesting property where people stayed after going to Costa Rica for surgery. The property was run down, but a huge vision began to take shape.

They ended up buying the property and after four years of sometimes painfully hard work, the property was transformed into the beautiful destination it is today.

The two joke about the times they asked each other. "What have we done? Will this renovation ever end?

They oďŹƒcially opened for business November 1, 2011. They have never looked back.

Being with Marsha and Eleazar, I saw their special relationship. The story goes back - before Eleazar was married or even thought of having kids, he was working with Marsha in real estate. Even though Dave and Marsha have a daughter and four beautiful grand kids, Eleazar is like the son they never had.

Vista Canyon Inn is now Marsha and Eleazar's new real estate baby, and their love for people and hospitality shows.

As I travel, I'm always looking for the best places for solo women travelers who also work as they travel. So, I want to share that Vista Canyon is a perfect location. It's like having your own boutique Inn that is not too big and not too small. The rooms are very comfortable, WiFi is great and you can work in the garden patio. There is a nice pool and hot tub that you will probably have all to yourself, and you can walk to restaurants about a block away.

Vista Canyon is also an excellent place to travel with a small group for workshops or retreats. A special service is a personalized massage treatment from an exceptional therapist who comes to the Inn.

Chillequelas & Eggs Breakfast

Beautiful Patios to relax

Ask Marsha about the Italian restaurant down the street. I have to mention it because it was that good. It is 5 star best! Dave, the owner, quickly became a good friend and served Marsha and I the best dinners. I asked to go back there every night!

In talking to Marsha about becoming an expat in Costa Rica, she was honest and quick to share; there are going to be positive and negative aspects anywhere you live. But, the good things about living in Costa Rica definitely out weigh the bad for them.

I also asked where she thought travelers and expats will go in the future? Marsha shared, "When we first came Costa Rica, it was kind of like when people started going to Mexico. Now, Costa Rica and Central America is the new market. With new U.S. policies and terrorism, more people are looking to move. Central and South America are those new places."

I think their lifestyle is contagious. I wanted to stay much longer and will definitely come back.

To Book, contact Marsha or Eleazar directly. They will work with you to plan your trip and provide a special price for you.

817-470-4634 Toll Free from US & Canada 506-8624-4186 Costa Rica Callers info@vistacanyoninn.com Maria Camille and Marsha - owner of Vista Canyon

Flying to Quepos on Nature Air After leaving Vista Canyon Inn, I traveled via Nature Air south to the pacific ocean side of Costa Rica to Quepos.

Flying in these smaller planes is my favorite mode of transortation. Coming from a background of owning a skydiving center, these smaller planes give me such a sense of adventure.

Nature Air flies fairly low during the approximately forty minute flights, so no matter which direction you're going, you're able to see the mountains, valleys and topography of the land. It's all very special.

You can also charter a plane if you have about 8 people to make the fare low enough. But no matter alone, or with a group, in any direction, the fare is usually around $40 - $70.

Franco, from Waterfall Villas picking me up at the quaint Quespos airďŹ eld

That 's Me!

Third Stop

Meet Me at WaterFall Villas We're Going to Have a Wellness Retreat - It will Be the Best Ever!

Hosted by Waterfall Villas Owner and Retreat Guide - Fateh!

Fateh Kaur Bolivar

As I have been to Bali, I know the difference between authentic and not. What Fateh has accomplished here is remarkable. The vibe - the energy is like none other.

Live Beautifully

Fateh kept the retreat fairly small at six rooms, which I really liked. It is a special place for healing retreats, yoga and learning how to eat healthy through juices and vegan foods.

When I arrived, I was taken back by the beautiful surroundings - it was like being in Bali.

I never thought I could become totally vegan, but after following Fateh's regime' and food choices - I totally could do it. The food was so good! Not bland and tasteless - each meal is an event in itself.

Owner and developer, Fateh Kaur Bolivar has been traveling to Bali for over 30 years. Her tuned sense of healing from energetic places is what brought Fateh to the Baru Rainforest and the property called, Cascadas Farallas Waterfalls.

At the time, Fateh was actually going to live in Australia and had spent several years getting a Visa, but when she heard of this special property in Costa Rica, her plans changed.

The property had never been for sale previously. It was a very unique situation to have the chance of owning this twenty six acres.

Fateh, an ex CEO of a software company, gave up the idea of living in Australia and bought the Costa Rica property instead.

Good Choice!

Because of her alignment with Bali and its culture, she went beyond what most would commit to. She actually went to Bali and picked out every door - bed - table - roof - everything and had it all shipped to Costa Rica in containers.

The outcome is perfect!

As I spent time taking photos of the property, I got more into the little details that Fateh put in place.

Most often, the paintings and stain glass productions are Fatehs work.

Even the shampoo and condititoner in the shower were handmade. They are wildcrafted formulas and the recipe is secret.

They are displayed in beautiful little bottles and it was absolutely the best product!

Transformation to Health Retreat The Retreat Includes: Accommodations in the luxurious Buttery Suite with a balcony overlooking the waterfalls.

3 Ayurveda Treatments - 4 hand massage with Shirodara for opening the third eye and achieving deep relaxation.

Fateh is a certiďŹ ed Kundalini Yoga teacher and leads all yoga sessions and retreats. She has deep knowledge and lives her talk - I loved her classes.

Fateh also has a passion for cooking since adolescence and is a top vegan raw foods chef. She teaches her Costa Rican cooks the recipes she has learned over a lifetime. I hope Fateh makes a recipe book one day!

I highly recommend the Transformation to Health package, which is 8 nights.

This is part of the retreat I experienced over the three days I was there. The food and the special juice drinks were like none other - really! You will release toxins stored in your body that have accumulated over years. This is the retreat where you can reset yourself on a new road for healthy living.

Detox Deluxe Lava Rock massage, which includes detoxifying coffee and clay exfoliation and a Sacred Chocolate body mask - a Mayan ritual lasting 2 hours.

All meals are included and personalized based on your needs.

A consultation to develop and personalize a program that you can continue throughout your life to maintain ultimate health.

Contact Fateh directly at: info@waterfallvillas.com or call toll free from U.S. or Canada Waterfallvillas.com 1-888-986-0086

Fourth Stop

Edge of the World After leaving Waterfall Villas, Fateh drove me towards Dominical to meet Luke and Devon, owners of Edge of the World retreat.

Going to each new location and meeting the owners was one of the most interesting and fun part of this trip. It's about making new family friends and learning about dreams that are brought to fruition through hard work and vision.

Getting to Edge of the World was a short drive up from the beach, to about 600 feet in elevation, which presented breath taking views of the valley and ocean below.

Luke and Devon and their two daughters are originally from North Carolina. They decided to move to Costa Rica about four years ago.

Devon and Luke, Owners of Edge of the World

It's a big decision to move out of the country with two young daughters in school. I have big respect for what Luke and Devon have accomplished. It's never easy, but they make it look like it is.

After buying their home, which sits within a larger 800 acre property, Luke and Devon took on the inspiration and refurbished three other cabinas that were on the property.

For those who travel and work, they have a very good WiFi hub in the back patio at their house, which is a quick walk down the road. While I was catching up on work, they brought me tea and coffee cakes.

So special!

The cabinas are perched above acres of private jungle, including several seasonal waterfalls, a lagoon, a wide variety of fruit trees, walking trails, birding and more.

This is the perfect place for a group, or family, as each cabina sleeps at least 4 - 6 people.

Devon and Luke did a wonderful job of making the cabinas homey and colorful.

The cabina I stayed in had an outdoor kitchen Caribbean style, which I really liked. I could totally live this way. Cooking outside was fun - it made a special place to have meals. It feels festive - like a group of friends should be there at every meal.

Each cabina has a different layout. One particular cabina seen on the right had an indoor kitchen, but still had an outdoor feel as it is screened in.

The use of colors makes you feel so Happy!

Walkways to the cabinas are winding pathways through bamboo gardens and owers.

In North Carolina, Luke's former business was building rustic garden structures, so he has the creative building expertise. In fact, his creations are quite famous as he has designed and installed his structures across the United States for both public and private spaces.

Bananas and fruit is delivered to each cabina every morning along with hot fresh Costa Rican coffee.

An Afternoon in Domincal With Luke, Devon, Juniper and Keira from Edge of the World Retreat

Book Direct with Luke at: EdgeCostaRica.com For Enjoy Beauty International readers, you'll receive a 10% discount on your entire stay, plus a complimentary welcome breakfast on your ďŹ rst day.

U.S. phone: 919-533-9424 forwards to Costa Rica

Devon and Lukes daughters, Juniper and Keira were the best hosts. They have taken to Costa Rican life seemlessly and were deďŹ nitely a special part of this stay for me.

The road to Las Nubes

After leaving Edge of the World retreat, Devon dropped me off at the road to San Andres which leads to Las Nubes Eco Lodge. Agustin was there to pick me up in their quad for the 25 minute ride up the mountain to Las Nubes. It was so fun!

Agustin, Las Nubes Manager - Devon, Edge of the World owner

Fifth Stop

El Cielo de Costa Rica Las Nubes Resort FILIP D’HULSTER, from Belgium, came to Costa Rica for a visit during a career and life change. He soon bought fourteen acres of land at the top of a beautiful mountain that overlooked the pacific ocean not far from Dominical and Quepos.

Within a few years, he built an architectural masterpiece of a dream resort. Now, ten years later, he and his partner Fabiola Quesada are not going anywhere.

I arrived here at beautiful Las Nubes

Filip and Fabiola's hospitality was precious! I was greated with a fresh drink with beets, apple, ginger and some greens.

It was really cool to watch Filip cook, as he is a top Chef de Cuisine. Filip, in fact, does all the cooking for guests at Las Nubes - it's part of the whole experience.

Usually, dinner is ready about the time the sun is going down over the PaciďŹ c - very peaceful, beautiful and romantic.

Filip built Las Nubes with the help of a friend, Stijn De Witte, also from Belgium. Stijn was the inspiration for the artistic design.

The building of four cabinas and two large upstairs suites above the main lobby took two years to build.

Las Nubes is totally off-grid and completely self-sustaining.

There are no straight lines or square rooms, instead the architecture is based on sacred geometry and Fabonicci principles with owing lines and curves.

The open-air cabinas are very large and beautifully decorated.

The walls curve into a sea shell design where there is a large shower, sinks and extensive marble tables around the corner.

While building Las Nubes, Stijn had inspirational lists written so everyone taking part could be inspired and become a team - which they did. It was the best time ever for all of them!

Pilip camped on location while building Las Nubes

Mango - Avocado Tartar Cooking with Filip at Las Nubes

Recipe: Chop in small pieces: Onions Mango's Avocado

Small amount of: Cilantro Salt Pepper

Chop onion, then avocado in equal proportions.

Chop mango, then add cilantro, salt and pepper. Mix together.

Garnish with sprig of edible greens and a cherry tomatoe halved.

Filip's barbecue smoker and beautiful kitchen

Las Nubes Reservations To make a reservation, email Filip directly for the Adventure Hotels Association discount. No booking engines and hassle, make your plans directly with Filip.

Las Nubes is the perfect place for a a solo traveler, a couple or for a retreat or get-to-gether for a small group of 8 - 12 people.

The WiFi is good! Use in the beautiful open-air lobby, sitting area or out by the pool. http://lasnubescr.org/ ďŹ lipdhulster@hotmail.com

Quepos to La Fortuna

Leaving San Jose'

I ew on Nature Air again on my way to La Fortuna. It was just after hurricane Otto had come through the northern part of Costa Rica, so there was a lot of rain. I'm on my way to Leaves and Lizards Resort by Arenal Volcano.

Arriving La Fortuna

When I landed, the Leaves and Lizards Retreat driver was there to pick me up for the 25 minute drive to the property.

Leaves and Lizards

Where you meet YOU through Equine Facilitated Learning Programs

Sixth Stop

Leaves and Lizards was my last location. It's a beautiful area close to the Arenal Volcano. I was looking forward to this stay as they facilitate learning through working and communicating with horses.

Equine Facilitated Learning (known at Eponicity) encourage us to look within ourselves to find balance, regain strength, renew spirit and rediscover our power.

Debbie Draves Legg and Sally Nilsson teaching Equine Eponicity programs

Arenal Volcano right in front of my room at Leaves and Lizards!

The vision for building Leaves and Lizards started when Debbie Draves Legg and her husband Steve Legg took a vacation to Costa Rica in 2003. During the vacation their dream of moving to Costa Rica became a mission of "how do we make this happen."

After a 25 year career as a registered nurse, Debbie was inspired to create a healing retreat. The horse program found its way into her life serendipitously after the move.

"Things that seemed so important in the US, like what kind of car you drive, how big your house is, name brand this and name brand that were unimportant in Costa Rica. Spending Sunday's with family and friends, planting trees, education, and conservation take the place of the superďŹ cial goals, which advertisers try to convince us are essential for happiness."

"We started to seriously consider the possibility of moving to Costa Rica. How would we do it? When would we do it? What will the family say? So, we started a list."

"Our ďŹ rst list made up the pro's and con's of moving. The pro's easily out weighed the cons, so that was easy. The next list was not so easy it involved wrapping up 40+ years in the United States and setting the stage to begin a new life in another country. We were ready to make the move in 2006."

Steve is an artist and curates all the molded structures and murals

Steve Legg served in the Air Force for 12 years and was stationed in Turkey and Greece and was active during the first Gulf War. He worked the last 9 years for a local grocery store chain as a mechanic.

"We purchased the property in April 2006 and started the cabin construction in August. We finished the Monkey, Toucan and Volcano Cabins by January 2007."

"We quit our jobs on Labor Day 2005 and spent the next few months getting our houses on the market and preparing for the move."

"In May 2007 we reforested the property and planted 3,500 trees, then added the Heliconia House in 2008 and then the Hummingbird, Coco, Congo and Mariposa

by December 2009. The Lava Lizard restaurant also opened in December 2009!"

"Friends helped us find 26 acres of land, near the tourist center of La Fortuna with unbeatable views of the Arenal Volcano. They also helped us through the property buying process."

"In 2015 we added a yoga deck and riding arena for hosting events and community programs, which are a huge benefit to our community."

I spent two days with Sally and the horse named Beauty in a mini program. As I previously spent many years riding and showing horses, I was familiar with some of the principles. But, I have never worked through my own psychology with a horse - a total reversal of how one usually thinks.

Here, the horses pick which person they want to be with during the day. You sit in the ring with a blind fold on as the horses come into the ring. The right horse will come to you. It is THEY who do the picking. You learn how the horse connects with you by your energy.

You will quickly learn where your communication is weak or strong. It's really amazing and I'm now reading more about this. I will come back for the full program for sure!

The herd at Leaves and Lizards has grown to 26 horses, and while I was there, we found out two new mares are pregnant.

Debbie is now an Advanced Eponaquest Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) and Riding Focused instructor. In 2016 Sally Nilsson arrived after quiting her corporate attorney life in London. She now works with Debbie offering retreats and corporate workshops in the Eponicity programs. People are coming from all over the world to learn with the horses.

Although I only had two days, I quickly found out a key point within my communication - which translates to business, lifestyle goals and beyond. The horse I was working with (called Beauty), showed me I had to be very clear about how I communicated with her. When I was clear and my energy was in the thought, she quickly knew what I wanted her to do. When my energy was low, she just basically ignored me. The process was so special.

Here is more information about the horses: The Horses: The Costa Rican horses, Costarricense de Paso also known as Criollo, are a combination of several Spanish horses (Barb, Andalusian, Arab) and the Peruvian Stepping Horse. This magical combination has created horses with a smooth, comfortable gait. They are fearless, sure footed, hardworking and extremely versatile.

The horses are cared for and trained using natural/relationship based horsemanship techniques. They use Dr. Cook’s Bitless Bridles. Options range from the highly spirited Criolla to low key Quarter Horses and anywhere in between.

The Nature: You may feel like you have entered into the ‘Land of Oz’ during your trail rides. The rides take you cantering across rolling hills, through rain forests, fording clear rivers, and trotting down isolated country roads through sleepy villages.

Views from the hilltops are breathtaking. The Arenal Volcano dominates the vista, look the other way; you’ll see 3 more volcanoes in the distance and across the Northern plains and Lake Nicaragua shimmers on the horizon. You’ll be sure to spot all sorts of creatures, including curious monkeys (without wings), happy sloths, dozens of species of flamboyant tropical birds, poison dart frogs and maybe even an ocelot or other wild cat. Your guides will teach you about the environment and how the flow of energy works in the complex circle of life in the rain forest.

The Energy: There is something indescribable about the energy here. Some say it is a shift in consciousness. You find the Costa Rica motto, ‘Pura Vida’ (pure life) has a special meaning on the back of your horse.

The Guides: Some rides include a bilingual naturalist guide and a local cowboy and horseman. Your guides will become fast friends and lifelong kindred spirits. They will offer you guidance and encouragement to improve your horsemanship skills and facilitate a Vinculo (special connection) with your equine companion.

Ask for Adventure Hotels special In US or Canada call: 1-888-828-9245 or 1-866-860-7613

leavesandlizards.com leavesandlizardsretreat@gmail.com

The Idea House

An Artist Residency and Creative Work Space coming to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

A Crowdfund Project through Indigogo Campaign starting soon - join us! Info Here

The Idea House An Artist Residency for Creative Ideas

Enjoy Beauty International is inviting creative thinkers to take part in pioneering a new concept house built especially for "creating ideas." The crowd funded project will bring together a new vision for architecture, art, and landscape to become a place and space for guest artists, writers, photographers, media producers and entrepreneurs who will be invited through out the year to Connect, Create and Relax.

Putting design ideas together

GUEST ARTISTS Artists, idea creators, writers, photographers, entrepreneurs visit by invitation as a guest

The land sits within 250 acres of primal rain forest with the Caribbean Sea just a few miles away. It is continuously astonishing and its opportunities are boundless.

The building lot for The Idea House is within the gated community called Samarcanda, which sits next to the Samasati Rainforest Retreat and Sanctuary - an international wellness/yoga/retreat (in operation for 20 years). Both are totally self-contained and self-sustaining.

Guest Artist - "Trip" writes about his time at the Samasati Retreat installing an art project on a wall.

"Samasati is a place in the jungle somewhere lost between howler monkeys, blue morphyl's, and mythical sloths. Everyday while I painted, I was visited by hundreds of different animals, birds, and tiny creatures. Just the sound alone would after a few days, regulate my thoughts, the way the canopy of leaves would break up the sun. This place is like no other in the world I've visited.. I hope one day I can return. "

By Maria Camille The Idea House is a passionate project I started while envisioning the best use of a beautiful piece of land I own on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. I wanted the land to be used for a higher purpose. A place that would inspire others to produce their creative ideas and provide the setting to reinvent oneself.

After much thought, the idea has taken form as a guest residency offered through invitation to aspiring creative individuals including artists, writers, photographers, producers, choreographers, entrepreneurs and creators of ideas. The Idea House will include a large studio along with a remarkable living space that gives creative inspiration, refuge, and reection to those who look to create new projects and ideas.

As The Idea House sits within a rain forest, it becomes a stimulating eco-system to produce and reect on emerging bodies of work. It allows for one or those within a group to explore and create while meeting new people and experiencing life organically in a new location.

The Idea House will be a pioneering new model as a creative space that welcomes artists of all disciplines from around the world to expand thinking, produce their art form or to reinvent their future.

Made for Travel My Favorite Products I Took For: Journey Costa Rica

Made for Travel

Favorite Product Pick

Lifestraw Water Bottle We make contaminated water safe to drink.

Stop at a river, stream, or even a puddle. Fill up the bottle, screw on the lid, and sip ďŹ ltered water through the mouth piece.

I tried the LifeStraw Water Bottle on the Journey Costa Rica trip after Aristia Rosenberg - (Remote Year Traveler) told me about it. I used it throughout my trip even though most water in Costa Rica is drinkable everywhere.

I'm glad I found Lifestraw and became familiar with how it works. It's easy to use and I felt much safer drinking from unknown water sources even if I did not need to. I give it a high 5!

Maria Camille, Publisher http://lifestraw.com

Aristia Rosenberg Remote Year Traveler - Video Marketing - Producer

I've always loved travel: the adventures it brings and the lessons it teaches. I decided to become a digital nomad when I applied to Remote Year (a program that brings together 75 digital nomads to live and work together in one new country a month for a year). When I was accepted, I knew I had to make it happen.

One of the most important items I brought on my trip was the Lifestraw Water Bottle: it ďŹ lters water from the tap so I don't have to worry if the water is safe or having to constantly buy bottled water. arestiarosenberg.com

Made for Travel

Favorite Product Pick

Y Not Natural - Trans Warm Emu Oil Balm From Australia - all natural joint and back balm for travel

The Trans Warm Balm is a must for me when traveling long distance flights. I use the balm on my back and knees for pain and stiffness. It also warms you up in a nice way. The balm is one of the Y Not Natural Omega 369 Sport products. They are a high potency blend of Emu Oil and other premium therapeutic essential oils that provide temporary relief of muscular aches, pains, spasms and sciatic pain.

Research shows that wintergreen (which is in the balm) is tissue specific; its main compound methyl salicylate “prefers” tissues compared to blood, with levels up to 30 times higher in muscle tissue than blood levels. This means that the active compound works where it is applied rather than being quickly removed by the blood supply.

Y-Not Natural OMEGA 369 Sports Trans Warm Balm also contains Emu Oil, which has potent anti-inflammatory action.

Maria Camille, Publisher

Y Not Natural - Australia From Perth, Australia - Where Natural Started

We base our formulas and ideas on the wisdom of Australia’s land - the plants, the ocean, the minerals and the Outback and it’s indigenous cultures.

Over the last 10 years, we've been building our foundation, one ingredient at a time. We have learned to extract and combine the most powerful ingredients into our product lines. It's because of our passion for all things organic that we believe our formulas are the best ever created.

Y Not Natural’s quality Emu Oil is Australia’s most widely used and penetrative natural therapy oil.

Ynotnatural.com.au

Made for Travel

Favorite Product Pick

Teva Skin Science Based on traditional Ayurvedic formulas

Discover for yourself why I love the Teva Sun Protect SPF 30+. It's my favorite and is the best selling organic mineral sunscreen on the market today.

Teva uses non-nano particulated micronized Zinc Oxide at 22% concentration in a pure organic shea butter base fortified with a host of all natural Ayurvedic skin healing agents. It also has carrot oil and other essential steam distilled botanicals to help protect your skin even further.

I especially like this formula because it applies easily without any ghostly sheen and has a fabulous light scent.

Maria Camille – Publisher

Deborah Oxley Founder Teva Skin Science - World Traveler

Teva Skin Care was born from the inspiration of travel and new cultures.

Deborah Oxley and her husband (an airline pilot flying internationally) discovered the original ‘topical Botox’ (BioScience Peptide Complex) while on a trip to New Delhi. This cream was legendary among flight crews due to it’s wrinkle fighting ability, moisturizing benefit and extreme gentleness.

Deborah ended up bringing the cream to the U.S. and has now developed a truly superior line of 100% organic and Ayurvedic skin, hair and personal care products made in their all organic production facility in Asheville NC.

http://www.tevaskincare.com/

Made for Travel

Favorite Product Pick

rareESSENCE Aromatherapy Travel Candles, Room Mists and Aromatherapy Inhalers

Even though packing space is limited when I travel, I always bring one rareESSENCE travel candle, a Lemongrass Room Spray (wonderful for keeping mesquitoes away) and several of the aromatherapy inhalers.

Sherri Jobelius and Brian Paulsen Founders; rareESSENCE Aromatherapy

I got to know Sherri and Brian after looking for natural essential oil candles for travel. My research showed that they had the best, sourcing only the finest 100% essential oils from all over the world, such as euphoric Jasmine Sambac from India, buttery Sandalwood from Tamil Nadu and rare Zdravetz from Bulgaria.

Sherri Jobelius and Brian Paulsen created rareESSENCE Aromoathery using their years of knowledge of plants. rareESSENCE has a complete line of single-note essential oils, essential oil blends, and aromatherapy products formulated by their certified aromatherapists.

It's an essential for me to travel with products that nourish, are pure and keep me feeling good.

Their family is made of the people who work the fields, distill the oils, blend the fragrances, pack the boxes and ship the finished products.

Try some of these products next time you take a trip they will make your room and surroundings even more special.

Maria Camille – Publisher

Their process is far more complicated and costly than the path most companies choose and their positive energy is transferred into everything they create.

"We hope you feel, see and smell the love and care that we put into each and every one of our products." rareESSENCEaromatherapy.com

Made for Travel

Favorite Product Pick

Rustico Travel Journal Journals are at the heart of our travel journies -

I bought a Rustico Journal before I left for the Costa Rica Journey. I had come across the Rustico website by accident, but when I saw the journals and that they were made in Utah (one of my favorite locations to visit because of the most beautiful mountain ranges and best hiking and skiing) I bought one.

When I received the Journal, it immediately felt so special. It's very unique as it's hand bound, the paper is substantial and it wraps up neatly with the strap.

I've never taken a journal on a trip - now I don't know why, because it's fun to write down your travel notes and special thoughts each day.

I give it a high 5!

Maria Camille – Publisher

Isacc Childs Founder, Rustico - Adventurer - Writer

"I was on a travel journal kick in the spring of 1998 and bought ďŹ ve for a backpacking trip. My buddies and I spent most of our time crossing Eastern Europe. I wrote like mad.

After the college journey ended we wanted more, so we went to Montana!

The journal I used in Europe found its way out of my rucksack. A page fell out, there was poor quality - it was all messing with my treasured entries and was not something I was cool with. That was it.

I needed a new journal. Something maul proof that didn't cramp my style. After a disappointing search, a book-binding course and a few Benjamins later, I hunched over a hide of top-grain leather and a full ream of cotton rag paper, crafting it right." http://www.rustico.com/

Made for Travel

Favorite Product Pick

Zytlus Photo Lense The World’s First Dual Optics for iPhone

I found out about the Zytlus journalist package for iphones and androids about a month before leaving to go to Costa Rica. I thought I'd give it a try as I've wanted to learn to do more of my own photography for Enjoy Beauty International magazine.

I can say this is definitely a keeper for me. I loved using this system. They have all the lense types you need, which fit onto the phone.

It's very compact and easy to use. I also purchased the tripod - a bluetooth for snapping the pictures came with it. This makes all the difference for not having to click from the phone to take the picture.

Now when I travel, I'm totally focused on taking photos. It's my new thing! In fact, most of the photos in this issue are taken by Ztylus.

I give it a high 5!

Maria Camille – Publisher

Zytlus Photo Solutions For Journalists - Travel Photographers

The Team at Ztylus Innovation started their journey as a self-funded company working out of - where else - a garage.

With a small dream to create new and unique products, they built their company from the ground up with a great team of young and innovative entrepreneurs. They create, manufacture and proudly have brought all their products to market.

They look to share their same passion for these products with other people who are passionate about travel photography. http://ztylus.com/

Lets Network!

Waterfall Villas in Costa Rica. Walk way to Spa.

What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create. — Buddha

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