Who Wants Tahiti? | Pathfinder International

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Costa Rica Southern Zone beaches
It looks a little like Tahiti...but what's not to like?

Dear Reader,

A complaint about a recent chill weekend in Costa Rica's Southern Zone surprised me. "It's a bit like Tahiti" ran the comment, "not what I'd expected at all. I mean, who wants Tahiti?"

For once, I didn't know what to say. I couldn't figure what was wrong with Tahiti. To set the record straight, I've never visited Tahiti. But online photos capture an island of sharp forest-clad mountain peaks, long sandy beaches, and the scarlet splash of hibiscus flowers. It looks very appealing. And yes, it does look a little like the Southern Zone...

The Southern Zone is where the mountains meet the sea. It's Costa Rica's final frontier. You won't see big cities, sprawling resorts or mega-malls on this coast. Around two-thirds of the land lies inside protected reserves and national parks. Cloud-ringed mountains cloaked in rich green rainforest sweep majestically down to soft-sand beaches and the wide blue ocean. Waterfalls tumble their way down rocky crags.

Corcovado National Park, just one of several parks in the area, is truly wild. It doesn't have roads, stores or hotels. Massive trees tower overhead, filled with chattering monkeys, neon-bright frogs and spectacular birds. Vines drape themselves over tree branches, and around immense tree trunks. The thick undergrowth conceals big cats and tapirs. Giant otters play in sparkling rivers. This is the "most biologically intense" spot on the planet, according to National Geographic.

The Southern Zone stayed pristine because it was so tough to get to. Poor roads and rickety bridges made the trip slow and uncomfortable. But a new coastal road opened in January 2010, cutting the drive time from San Jose (Costa Rica's capital) to three and a half hours. The new road is putting the Southern Zone firmly on the map...and within the sights of tourists, developers and property shoppers.

For now, the Southern Zone is like a giant outdoor playground. Swimming, surfing, sea kayaking, canopy tours, zip lining, horse riding, bird watching...adventure and fun...await you.

Surprisingly, there's a large residential community in the Southern Zone called Pacific Lots. The developer visited in the 1980s, fell in love with the location and bought a farm on a whim. When she got home, her family and friends told her she was crazy. But then they asked her to sell them an acre here and an acre there. That's how the development started. Today, it covers almost 14,000 acres, and more than 200 owners have already built homes here.

It's attracted a small band of expats who live in the community, work with the developer, or run businesses here. So in this little outpost you can savor a rich cup of coffee...fresh-baked baguettes...oven-fired pizza and smokehouse chicken...French, Italian and Indonesian cooking...even pick up fine wine, Italian cheese, or Swiss chocolate for a picnic treat.

While the landscape in the Southern Zone might remind you of Tahiti, the property prices won't. Lots in Pacific Lots start from only $40,000. And to see this hidden gem for yourself, why not join a Southern Zone chill weekend?

You'll travel the new coastal road, spend time in Pacific Lots...enjoy freshly-prepared, delicious meals...and explore the beaches and parks nearby. You'll try on the Southern Zone for size, and see if it fits...

All you have to do is get to San Jose, and the developer will take care of the rest. For only $250, you get airport transfers, meals, transport, and accommodation. You get to sit back, soak up the Southern Zone's magical atmosphere, decide if it's right for you....and see if it reminds you of Tahiti...

The next trip runs January 26th-29th, 2012. Contact the developer here to find out more or to book your spot.

Margaret Summerfield