Last week I had the pleasure of working with a client that was interested in a private family retreat in the jungle. She was looking for a place where she could find privacy and serenity but not sacrifice easy access to the area’s beautiful beaches or everyday needs.

We began our search in the Portalon area where the new coastal highway is under construction, and there is constant activity on the new bridges, culverts and expropriation efforts that are the forerunners to the asphalting that was just authorized by Oscar Arias and should be complete within 24 months.

I have to say I love my job. My Satellite office is a 4×4 SUV and a sharp machete, long pants, and rubber boots replace my fax machine and computer when I leave Manuel Antonio.

Instead of “water cooler” conversations, I discuss tropical flora and fauna with my clients while we stare at million dollar views and drink from fresh coconuts.

After a day in Dominical and another in Uvita, we worked our way down to Ojochal and found what we were looking for. There is a special energy that you can feel when you walk in a real primary forest.

The trees are the size of cell towers and it can feel like you are treading in a lost section of the globe. Primary rainforest with waterfalls and ocean views is Pura Vida at its peak, and that is what the area south of Quepos is all about.

The best values right now on large estate sites and private ocean view lots are in Portalon, Uvita, and Ojochal. Prices range from $3-$20 per square meter in most cases, and there are still some undiscovered gems to be found and polished.

Uvita, because of its geography will most likely be the commercial center of the area and already attracts thousands to its Marino Ballena National Park. Playa Ventanas is the southern most beach on the Costa Ballena that has clear water and easy access. It is famous for its “Ventanas” which are natural rock windows that you can walk through at low tide.

The Southern zone of the Central Pacific is one of the most beautiful sections of coast in the country. It is a little out of the way and the local residents and expats like it that way.

What is your version of Paradise? Pool at a luxury home in Dominical with five acres offered at US$1.85 million

If you have ever dreamed of living in the Manuel Antonio area and would like to know more about real estate for sale please contact our Recommended Costa Rica Realtors Daveed Hollander, John Wieland and James Drews by using the simple form below: