Pura Vida!
In Dan Buettner’s bestseller, The Blue Zones, the author names five places in the world where people live longer and happier lives. One is the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. After visiting, we quickly discovered why. —Cecilia
Sunset Stroll Go for an unforgettable horseback ride on the sandy beach.
MUST STAY:
The destination of our mother/teenage son Costa Rica getaway is Florblanca Resort—a luxury address where I could relax, and where Sean might find enough stimulating activities to keep him off his phone. The resort sits on the southwestern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula just outside the city of Santa Teresa. The intimate 11-villa beachfront resort overlooks Playa Santa Teresa—a pristine white-sand surf haven. There are tide pools to explore, or lush, waterfall-filled rainforests, where you’ll spot monkeys and iguanas. It’s everything the website touts, and more. florblanca.com
Blue Zone Cecilia basking in Costa Rica’s 80° temps and warm ocean waters—salve for the soul.
MUST PLAY:
There’s no shortage of things to do: Surf lessons, horseback riding on the beach, sports fishing, snorkeling, yoga, ziplining, standup paddleboarding and more. We rode ATVs to explore the lush jungles of the Cabo Blanco National Preserve, Costa Rica’s first protected area, followed by a hike through a lush rainforest. You’ll see waterfalls, over 150 types of trees, and wildlife, including monkeys and birds.
106 GENLUX SPRING/SUMMER 2020
Nestled in the jungle landscape, Florblanca’s six rooms and villas offer private, tropical-themed spaces that seamlessly flow in to outside. There is Wi-Fi, but no televisions.
MUST MEET:
Say hi to the resort’s general manager, Cody Dillon, an American transplant from Colorado whose personal active lifestyle complements Florablanca’s eco-friendly ethos. The young wife, and mother of twin boys, 2, loves to surf, where you’re likely to find her daily.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF FLORABLANCA RESORT, COSTA RICA
GETAWAY COSTA RICA
GENLUX