Wednesday 24 October 2012

Costa Rica - A country where organic is just as important as stylish...




"...If we lose the battle against tropical deforestation, we lose the battle against climate change. Please join us in trying to save the rainforests - for the sake of our children and grandchildren..." (Prince of Wales - The Prince's Rainforest Project)

The Prince's Rainforest Project was launched at a WWF event in October 2007. Since then it has focused on two very specific aims. The first, to identify appropriate incentives to encourage rainforest nations to slow their deforestation rates. The second, to raise awareness of the link between rainforests and climate change.


As the maps above illustrate, Costa Rica is one of the few examples that managed to 'buck the trend' of global deforestation. Starting in the 1990's after almost two decades of having one of the highest rates of deforestation (when forest cover dropped to just 21% in 1987 - compared to 75% 50 years earlier) the government (backed by the people) luckily stepped in and launched a sweeping new policy to save the remaining forest and to encourage new planting. Today, forest cover has increased to 51%  proving that with the right policies in place and attractive incentives, deforestation can not only be halted but can indeed be reversed altogether. For more information please click on the link below, where you can download a fascinating online booklet - http://www.rainforestsos.org/book/

At Pura Vida Ecolodge, ever since the beginning, one of our 'backbone' philosophies has been to try to take care of the environment just as much as our guests. We realized early on that there is a great bunch of people that want to travel in style without feeling guilty. Luckily Costa Rica provided us the perfect platform as it's a country where organic is just as important as stylish and the government plans to be the world’s first carbon-neutral country by 2021.

"...Leave the brashness and bling of resorts and hotels behind for a more natural, understated approach - and everyone benefits...


 
View of Pura Vida Ecolodge from the roadside above - showing the original 'palapa style' roof, the lush green valley, the flowing river Terraba and of course, the stunning Pacific ocean views... (Taken mid August 2012 around 10am)   

Pura Vida Ecolodge is a very special Jungle Villa: it has been specially designed to exist symbiotically with the surrounding forest, jungle and wildlife, the reserve's fruit trees and colourful plants are maintained using filtered greywater and instead of bringing in bottled water to give to our guests, we rely on the pure fresh flowing water of one of the many mountain streams in the area. The style, finishes and colours of the interior decor compliment the vibrant surroundings: airy open-plan living spaces which provide guests with ample comfort and luxury at the same time as feeling natural and organic - in a nutshell - Eco-Luxury.

The westward facing corner of the Jungle Villa's 'wrap around teak deck' where guests can enjoy dramatic view of both the Pacific Ocean, el Rio Terraba and the Pura Vida Ecolodge jungle reserve.

The Southwest view (from the front balcony) looking over the valley towards the Osa Peninsula and Panama (on the left) and the mouth of the Rio Terraba, the Pacific Ocean (and the Isla de Cano) on the right

Abundant foliage, plants, fruit trees and colours attract a wide variety of birds and wildlife to the retreat

Take advantage of our introductory PROMO prices (via AirBnb - link below) for the coming high season - beginning this December! Pura Vida!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/720986


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