Vineyard festivities preserve historic sites, and a Costa Rica package offers crystal clear views

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Hotel Three Sixty has partnered with the high-performance scope brand Swarovski Optik to offer a package that brings nature into focus in Costa Rica.
Courtesy of Hotel Three Sixty
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THERE:
COSTA RICA PACKAGE OFFERS CRYSTAL-CLEAR VIEWS
What do Swarovski Optik and Costa Rica have in common? Both are committed to practicing active conservation and preserving biodiversity in the spirit of what Costa Ricans refer to as
pura vida
, the pure life. With that in mind, the adults-only Hotel Three Sixty has partnered with the high-performance scope brand to offer a package that (literally!) brings nature into focus. In early 2023, in an effort to practice active conservation, Swarovski Optik purchased 285 acres of rain forest on the Osa Peninsula, a region estimated to contain around 2.5 percent of the world's biodiversity. The rain forest and its hiking trails are not currently open to the public, however the hotel's Swarovski Optik View of Ojochal Package offers hotel guests access to six miles of moderate to intense level trails where they are likely to spot any number of species, including Red-capped Mannikins, Scarlet Macaws, Turquoise Cotingas, and four species of Trogon. The package includes a pair of CL Curio binoculars to keep (for optimal wildlife spotting); transportation to the rain forest; a guide to Ojochal's most spotted birds; and a four-night stay in a premium villa, one of 12 at the hotel that perches at an altitude of almost 1,000 feet in the remote southwest rain forest. Hotel amenities include outdoor pool, spa and fitness center, its own 58-acre trail-lined rain forest reserve, and open-air restaurant and bar offering freshly sourced local products along with sunset views of the coastline and Pacific. Package rate from $2,377; without the package, a la carte pricing for daily binocular rentals and transfer to the rain forest is available. 800-417-6712,
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Courtesy of EZQuest
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Forbes

3 days ago

• Forbes

Luxury Meets Birdwatching At Costa Rica's Hotel Three Sixty

Hotel Three Sixty officially opened in 2017. Dominated by towering volcanoes and vast swathes of rainforest, the Central American country of Costa Rica comes equipped with a staggering array of different landscapes to explore—and as an added bonus, this scenic nation has also mastered the delicate balance of conservation and tourism. With more than a quarter of its land protected through national parks and reserves, there's plenty of pristine wilderness to explore across the country, with Hotel Three Sixty serving as the perfect base for a front-row seat to its fascinating flora and fauna. Equipped with just 12 villas, this tranquil, adults-only property offers an in-depth immersion into the splendor of the Costa Rican countryside, with 58 acres of preserved rainforest to explore across the estate. While the hotel doubles as a top-tier relaxation destination thanks to its open-air infinity pool and full-service spa, visiting ecotourists can spend their stay strolling along the many nature trails snaking through the surrounding woods, with iconic Costa Rican creatures like the white-nosed coati, capuchin monkey and three-toed sloth all calling the area home—and while Hotel Three Sixty is a top destination for encountering wildlife, it's far from the only venue worth visiting across Puntarenas Province. Capuchin monkeys are a common sight throughout Costa Rica's jungles. Located just an hour away from Hotel Three Sixty, the Swarovski Optik Rainforest acts as a crucial haven for Costa Rican flora and fauna, coming equipped with 285 acres of protected land between Piedras Blancas National Park and Corcovado National Park. As of right now, the preserve isn't open for public tours, but Hotel Three Sixty guests are welcome to explore its splendor with the 'A Swarovski Optik View of Ojochal' package, a concept that comes complete with transportation to the rainforest, a guide to the region's most commonly-spotted birds and a pair of CL Curio binoculars to take back home. Upon arrival to the Swarovski Optik Rainforest, visitors have the opportunity to spot a truly staggering array of plants and animals, with well over 1,000 species recorded across preserve limits over the years. In terms of avian life, the treetops play host to renowned Costa Rican species like the red-lored amazon, turquoise cotinga and slaty-tailed trogon, while lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of a scarlet macaw soaring overhead—but it's not just birds that call the surrounding region home. Amphibians are common throughout the reserve, with the Golfodulcean poison frog being a particularly interesting endemic species, and Costa Rica as a whole is also renowned for its high diversity of moths and butterflies, with the Swarovski Optik Rainforest at-the-ready to set up overnight moth lamps to ensure prime viewing conditions. Costa Rica is home to six toucan species. Though high-end lodges abound across Costa Rica, Hotel Three Sixty has mastered the art of relaxation and outdoor adventure, offering a wealth of lavish amenities mingled with top-tier wildlife experiences—and to sweeten the deal, the Swarovski Optik Rainforest is just an hour away. For any seasoned birdwatchers hoping to cross a few megaticks off of their life list, this polished hotel offers ideal accommodations, providing guests with a chance to set off into the pristine wilderness each morning amidst the relaxing hum of Costa Rica's native fauna. As you plan your next adventure in the jungles of Central America, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for a stay at this luxurious lodge.

New York Post

3 days ago

• New York Post

Americans are moving to Blue Zone paradise for a healthy retirement

When Ricardo Caceres first set foot on Conchal Beach as a child, it was little more than a quiet stretch of white sand where locals camped and played in the crystal-clear waters. 'That's been my favorite beach for a very long time,' he told The Post, recalling his family's move to Costa Rica in the 1970s. 'That's what drew me to eventually come full circle and spend a good chunk of the year there.' Now 54, Caceres is part of a growing wave of Americans trading red, white and blue for Nicoya's Zona Azul — where locals enjoy some of the longest, healthiest lives on Earth. 13 Reserva Conchal is a luxury resort founded in 1996. It is based in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Courtesy of Reserva Conchal The 80-mile peninsula, located just south of the Nicaraguan border, is one of the world's five original Blue Zones. Its residents are more than twice as likely as Americans to reach their 90s in good health. Expats chasing the Blue Zone lifestyle have flocked to Costa Rica in recent years, fueling a boom in luxury tourism and hotel-branded private residences across the region. Among them: The W Residences Costa Rica, a high-end enclave tucked inside the gated Reserva Conchal community in the Guanacaste Province — where Caceres snapped up a plot of land in March 2020. 'At Reserva Conchal, we are a community that embraces wellness, a connection with nature and a slower and more intentional pace of life,' Fabián Fernandez, the property's business manager, told The Post. 'Being in a Blue Zone is a part of our DNA, and most of the people that come and invest in Reserva Conchal are definitely taking that into consideration.' 'Your exercise routine is a lot different. You eat healthier. I usually lose weight when I'm there.' Ricardo Caceres 13 Ricardo Caceres purchased a lot in Reserva Conchal in 2020. From fast food to slow living Before building his tropical retreat, Caceres spent decades working in the restaurant industry. At 21, he left Costa Rica for Los Angeles, working as a McDonald's crew member while putting himself through college. Over the next two decades, Caceres rose through the ranks to become the director of operations for a major franchisee, eventually opening several McDonald's of his own before relocating to the Phoenix area. When he grew tired of the grind, Caceres circled back to the beach of his childhood — now home to a sleek, sustainable community. He broke ground on a five-bedroom home just as the pandemic began. By late 2021, it was ready. Now, he and his wife Melissa bounce between Arizona and Costa Rica while their daughter finishes high school in the States. 13 A growing number of native Costa Ricans are moving to Reserva Conchal. Courtesy of Reserva Conchal 'Being on-site changes your routine completely,' he said. 'You really feel like you're on vacation, even though you're at your own house.' And this is no sleepy surf shack. Private owners of homes in The W Residences enjoy access to all of the amenities offered at the W Hotel on-site, including a fitness center, golf course, tennis courts, a spa, two pools and miles of private trails winding through lush rainforest. Caceres starts each day with a workout, then hits the beach for a walk or paddleboard session in the calm Pacific waters. 'Your exercise routine is a lot different,' he said. 'You eat healthier. I usually lose weight when I'm there.' 13 Conchal Beach is considered one of the best in Costa Rica. Courtesy of Reserva Conchal The cost of moving to paradise Reserva Conchal is now developing its 17th residential community. Buyers can choose undeveloped lots to build their dream home or opt for move-in ready private residences. Options include single-family homes, condominiums, and branded rentals that owners can lease out when away. 'Most of the Blue Zone is inside yourself, it's the way you act, the way you behave and the way you live. When you're there, you become a part of it.' Ricardo Caceres Private forest-view lots in the new Laurel community start at $645,000, while pre-built properties currently available at The W Residences range from $4.35 million to $5.45 million. Most buyers hail from North America and Europe, though Fernandez said more native Costa Ricans are moving in, too. 13 Caceres' home is part of the community's rental program. 'Everyone that comes to Reserva Conchal — especially people that are from the States but also Costa Ricans that are currently living in the central valley or San Jose — are looking for a more balanced and healthier way of life,' he said. Not waiting for retirement While Caceres has mostly stepped back from the restaurant world, he still consults on large projects and juggles a few ventures — often from his breezy Costa Rican home office instead of Arizona. 'It's really no different, except the view is better. The whole vibe is a lot more relaxed and you're less stressed,' Caceres said. 'I never wear shoes there — that tells you everything.' And the longer he stays, the more he embraces the local mindset. 'Most of the Blue Zone is inside yourself, it's the way you act, the way you behave and the way you live,' Caceres said. 'When you're there, you become a part of it.' Park City meets pura vida Nils Thorjussen is also on a mission to find a new rhythm of life in Costa Rica. 13 Nils Thorjussen and his family are originally from Park City, Utah. Nils Thorjussen A self-described 'serial entrepreneur,' the 59-year-old most recently spent a decade at the helm of Verge Aero, a startup that creates choreographed light shows using drones. 'It's been a really cool, fun ride, but I'm ready to work less,' said Thorjussen, who admitted he'd been grappling with feelings of burnout before handing over the reins and stepping into a part-time role earlier this year. 13 Private residences on-site are designed to foster a deep connection with nature by seamlessly bringing the outdoors in. Courtesy of Reserva Conchal When Thorjussen began searching for a second home, Costa Rica's accessibility quickly became a major draw. 'It's easier to embrace it as opposed to being in an environment where there's a Kentucky Fried Chicken on every corner.' Nils Thorjussen 'It's within reasonable striking range of the US — it's like a three-hour flight from Houston — so it's easy to access as opposed to some of the other Blue Zones, like in the Mediterranean,' he said. 'That was really important to me.' Thorjussen and his wife, Rebecca, now travel back and forth between their home in Park City, Utah, and a five-bedroom, fully-staffed eco villa perched high above the coastline inside Reserva Conchal. 13 Many private residences feature solar panels and cutting-edge sustainable technologies. Courtesy of Reserva Conchal 'When I'm here, I'm happy as a clam,' the father-of-two said. 'It's definitely good for my mental health, because you can really check out and chill out and enjoy life. It's very easy to transition to a different speed.' The Nicoya Peninsula's reputation as a Blue Zone also intrigued Thorjussen, who was curious how the region's lifestyle might influence his own well-being. 'For the most part, people here live more simply and closer to nature,' he said. 'When you're surrounded by that, it's easier to embrace it as opposed to being in an environment where there's a Kentucky Fried Chicken on every corner.' 13 Reserva Conchal is home to a wildlife refuge. Courtesy of Reserva Conchal That connection to nature is now woven into his daily routine. Thorjussen starts each morning with a stroll around the property, taking in the lush greenery, flitting parakeets and the calls of howler monkeys echoing through the guanacaste trees. He's already planning to relocate his sailboat once he and Rebecca make the move full-time. Thorjussen's habits have shifted in other ways, too — particularly when it comes to food. 'Being a little bit older, I am trying to be more health-conscious,' he said. 'If you want to avoid processed foods, it's much easier to get fresh ingredients here than it is in most of the US.' 13 Reserva Conchal has a fully operating apiary that produces all-natural honey. Courtesy of Reserva Conchal 13 The property has several greenhouses and gardens. The traditional Nicoyan diet is primarily plant-based and centers around beans, corn and squash, along with rice, fresh vegetables and antioxidant-rich tropical fruits. They eat a considerable amount of dairy and enjoy lean proteins like fish, chicken and eggs in moderation. The water in the Nicoya Peninsula is also packed with calcium and magnesium, which wards off heart disease and promotes strong bones. Couple that with the vitamin D Costa Ricans soak up by spending a lot of time outdoors, and it promotes a longer, healthier lifestyle. 'Although I'm sure I would be able to be reasonably healthy in Park City, it's certainly easier to execute here,' Thorjussen said. 13 Thorjussen is looking forward to moving to Costa Rica full time. Nils Thorjussen Living longer, together Community and social responsibility are also at the heart of the Blue Zone lifestyle, according to Fernandez. The Nicoyan motto 'plan de vida,' meaning a reason to live, fuels elders' positive outlook, active routines and strong sense of purpose in their community. Locals credit this mindset for their extraordinary longevity — and Reserva Conchal is bringing that spirit to life on-site. 13 Reserva Conchal is a luxury eco-resort that was founded in 1996. Courtesy of Reserva Conchal 'Having a sense of community has been very, very important for residents,' Fernandez said. 'They want a deeper connection with the community around where they live.' At Reserva Conchal, both residents and staff roll up their sleeves for local volunteer projects, including painting schools, planting trees, cleaning beaches and even scuba diving to remove debris from coral reefs. Sustainability is also at the forefront. More than 85% of on-site waste is recycled, composted or reused. The community runs two wastewater treatment plants plus Costa Rica's first sea-water desalination plant. Impressively, it offsets 20% more carbon emissions than it produces. 'Residents want to be more connected with nature, to have a purpose in their lives, to be a part of a more supportive community, so I do hope that in the end it will help them live a longer life,' Fernandez said. 'I know that it will be a more fulfilling one.'

New York Post

27-05-2025

• New York Post

From wildlife watching to exotic spas, here's what's trending in the Hamptons in 2025

Spying on marine life with a pair of binoculars or just having a fancy spa day, here's how the better half does Long Island's better half. Vision quest 4 We spy … Marram hotel guests spotting Montauk wildlife through a partnership with Swarovski Optik. Read McKendree See it to believe it. Montauk's boutique resort Marram has a new marine program in partnership with luxe binocular brand Swarovski Optik. The goal? To zoom in on the local coastal ecosystem. The 96-key hideaway has tapped New York marine biologist Ryan Mahoney to guide and educate guests on quests to view local wildlife, using the power of the Austrian optical instrument maker's binoculars and stationary ST Vista scope ($16,200 retail). Pop them on your peepers and take in wild whales, seabirds and maybe even a mermaid, all while Mahoney talks you through the circle of life on the water. Talk about going clear. Spa day 4 Naturopathica has opened a relaxing new spa at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton. Naturopathica After the harrowing commute, a weekend in the Hamptons needs to be healing. For the last three decades, the wellest swells on the East End have headed straight for the Naturopathica spa in East Hampton. This summer, the holistic brand is opening its latest healing center at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton. Both guests and locals can stop by for botanically backed treatments, like the brand's signature Defy Facial or Chill Massage. Meanwhile, the original East Hampton address is offering a fresh City to Sea Membership, a $225 per month program that gets you spa credit on either the East End or in Naturopathica's Tribeca flagship, plus discounts galore. Sun-chic safe 4 Suit up for summer with Watskin's latest UPF 50+ swimwear. Watskin Eventually actress and Hamptonite Lois Robbins got the bad news: carcinoma. The doctor's orders? Stay out of the sun. But how? She took matters into her own hands and — with the help of a sewing machine, an eye for design and reams of UPF 50+ fabric — Watskin was born in 2023. This season, the sunwear brand has released fresh looks for the Hamptons, including colorful swimwear — try tops, bottoms and catsuits in 'Midnight Flora' (from $145) — and tennis looks — slip on the Ivy dress in white and navy ($365) — for both women and girls. Sun safe, while making a splash? It's never looked so good. Wedded bliss 4 Thanks to Art of Eating, weddings at Montauk Manor will now be even more decadent. Art of Eating There's an art to planning the perfect East End 'I do.' It requires careful planning, a flexible budget and, occasionally, sharp elbows. Even then, pleasing all those opinionated aunts and second-cousins-once-removed is easier said than done. But there's a universal cheat code: good food. This season, Art of Eating — a dream team of the Hamptons' top caters and event planners — is adding Montauk Manor to its list of exclusive wedding venues. Their goal? To make your persnickety in-laws swoon over custom menus that highlight 'local growers, baymen and foragers' at a Montauk icon that's sure to impress your Brooklyn besties.