NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF's recent op-ed in the New York Times argues that Costa Rica may be the happiest nation on earth. Costa Rica recently ranked first in 3 different international studies on happiness

Read the NYT aritcle

This years ISA World Surf Games will be held at Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica, one of the top surf destinations in the world. Playa Hermosa is just a couple minutes south of Jaco and close to Joya Pacifica. We will be attending and have a booth there, if you are going to the games stop by and see us.

from AOL -

Forget Disneyland! Costa Rica is the happiest place in the world, according to an independent research group in Britain with the goal of building a new economy, "centered on people and the environment." In a report released Saturday, the group ranks nations using the "Happy Planet Index," which seeks countries with the most content people.

In addition to happiness, the index by the New Economics Foundation considers the ecological footprint and life expectancy of countries. "Costa Ricans report the highest life satisfaction in the world and have the second-highest average life expectancy of the new world (second to Canada)," the organization said in a statement. They "also have an ecological footprint that means that the country only narrowly fails to achieve the goal of ... consuming its fair share of the Earth's natural resources." The Central American country, tucked between Nicaragua and Panama, touts its lush rain forests and pristine beaches. Its president, Oscar Arias Sanchez, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for trying to help end civil wars in several Central American countries. This year's survey, which looked at 143 countries, featured Latin American nations in nine of the Top 10 spots. The runner-up was the Dominican Republic, followed by Jamaica, Guatemala and Vietnam. Most developed nations lagged in the study. While Britain ranked 74th, the United States snagged the 114th spot, because of its hefty consumption and massive ecological footprint. The United States was greener and happier 20 years ago than it is today, the report said. Other populous nations, such as China and India, had a lower index brought on by their vigorous pursuit of growth-based models, the survey suggested. "As the world faces the triple crunch of deep financial crisis, accelerating climate change and the looming peak in oil production, we desperately need a new compass to guide us," said Nic Marks, founder of the foundation's center for well-being. Marks urged nations to make a collective global change before "our high-consuming lifestyles plunge us into the chaos of irreversible climate change." The report, which was first conducted in 2006, covers 99 percent of the world population, the statement said.

By Jeffrey Hickcox & Michael Anthony of Ameurope Global Services

The Global Financial Crisis, as it is being called, is clearly the number 1 topic of discussion. Economists and politicians have weighed in from all sides to paint a universal picture of despair. However, one economist, Peter Schiff, accurately states, "There is always a bull market somewhere." There is mounting evidence that Costa Rica is that 'somewhere' and one would be wise to look at the fundamentals of why Costa Rica maintains a strong position amid global weakness.

Costa Rica is ranked the 8th most stable country in the world. a March 2009 study by The Economist Intelligence Unit, in collaboration with George Mason University, has identified the most politically and economically stable countries amid the global economic meltdown. Using 17 measures that encompass social structures, economic statistics, political structure and history, the report was compiled from a comprehensive study of 164 nations. 1. Norway, 2. Denmark, 3. Canada, 4. Sweden, 5. Finland, 6. Switzerland, 7. Mauritius, 8. Costa Rica, 9. New Zealand, 10. Luxembourg Other notable rankings include: USa 56th, Nicaragua 77th, Mexico 87th, and Panama is ranked 131st.

Solid real estate values. Costa Rica's real estate market remains stable because private capital and foreign buyers primarily drive it. Whereas the market in the United States is critically dependent on institutional financing and the job market, both of which have been recently decimated. With the expected explosion of retiring baby boomers, demand for property in Costa Rica is poised for long-term growth. Furthermore, other popular retirement locations like Mexico are less attractive now because of increased crime, while high taxes, expensive health care, and general cost of living plague Florida or arizona, making retirement in the U.S. nearly impossible for many americans. Costa Rica clearly represents an oasis for retirement abroad.

Costa Rica is a developing country. By definition, a developing country is in a state of growth. Costa Rica now boasts an unemployment rate less than that of the United States and has some of the best social indicators on the planet. Furthermore, with the arrival of CaFTa, privatization will be introduced, which will update or replace inefficient national systems, thus creating more jobs across the board and strengthening overall growth opportunities. Road conditions are not only improving dramatically, but as new highway initiatives are completed, the country's key locations will be connected, thus creating more efficient business transportation as well as offering the tourist ease of transit between destinations. Major companies such as Pfizer, Amazon and Western Union, are seeing growth potential and have increased their staff in Costa Rica, even as they have downsized worldwide.

History of Stability. Costa Rica is more protected than its North american and European counterparts during any crisis, because of its unique political stability, strong social structures, a large middle class, and a strict lending environment. Costa Rica's economy is rooted in reality; credit has always been difficult to obtain, and there is a cultural lack of consumerism. although real estate continues to increase in value, it is not likely for there to be such a universal 'bubble' as was seen in the United States, simply because there is not a subprime lending environment, or 'easy credit' to encourage people to use their house as a source of cash. These stable financial indicators combined with an educated work force and investment- friendly tax policies will continue to keep Costa Rica's economy stable.

Healthy tourism. Costa Rica still derives most of its income from tourism. It stands as the most visited nation in Central america, with nearly 2 million foreign visitors per year, a higher per capita rate than other popular destinations such as Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Brazil. Furthermore, with popular expat destinations such as Mexico experiencing increased instability, Costa Rica offers a safe haven. Moreover, Costa Rica continues to gain popularity for its strong stance on the environment, which has led to a ranking of 5th in the world on the 2008 Environmental Performance Index rating (an index developed by Yale University)? up from 15th place in 2006. This trend will continue as more channels are opening for those interested in ecotourism and sustainable living.

China. Regardless of politics, the fact that China has begun to invest in a country the size of West Virginia bodes well for Costa Rica on many levels. Costa Rica has already been the recipient of a new stadium, and now there are talks of a new $65 million dollar science and business center. added to this is the fact that the Chinese people are increasing their wealth and are now beginning to travel in earnest. China is building 40 new airports in order to accommodate departures from their country. It is estimated that the Chinese will be the largest group of travelers in the world, perhaps numbering 115 million in coming years. Costa Rica is now on their radar, and by virtue of sheer numbers, the Chinese will dramatically enhance business and tourism in Costa Rica.

True, the world economy is gloomy, and no country is completely immune from the fallout, but the fact that Costa Rica is a developing country, changing in fundamentally beneficial ways for the tourist, retiree and investor, presents a positive and exciting alternative for those desperately seeking some good news.

We recently sponsored young Kattia in the ''Singing For Love'' event put on by the Roberta Felix Foundation. The Roberta Felix Foundation acts as an advocate to bring legal, medical, and dental support to disabled children who live in the counties of Aguirre and Parrita. The mayor of Quepos and a member of the Costa Rican soccer team also attended to show support. Roberta Felix is also the owner of the Hotel California, a familar name/place for anyone who have joined us on one of our recent client trips.

First Phase Of The Caldera Highway To Be Inaugurated Next Week

After some 30 years in the making, the road to Caldera that will take minutes to travel between San José and the Pacific port, is finally taking shape and the first phase of the highway will be inaugurated by the current ministra de Transportes, Karla González.

The new road, as it is being called, starts at the Ginmasio Nacional at the east end of the Sabana, passing through Escazu and Santa Ana and then winds through the mountains, and ending up at the port of Caldera.

Travelling to Caldera from San José today takes about 2 hours on the Interamericana Norte. On the new San José - Caldera route travel will be only 45 minutes. That means that travel to beach town lik Jaco and Quepos/Manuel Antonio is also reduced in greatly, 45 minutes to Jaco and less than 2 hours to Quepos.

The first phase of the highway to be inaugurated next week runs between the Sabana and Santa Ana, known as the autopista Prospero Fernandez, which has been resurfaced, bridges widened and the illegal accesses along the highway closed off. Also, several pedestrian overpasses have been added along the route, as well as bus bays at bus stops.

The second phase that is expected to be finished by December weaves through the mountains connecting towns like La Guacima, Turrucares, Siquiares and Orotina.

The second phase is really the only brand new portion of the San José - Caldera highway. Machinery and work crews have been busy, on and off, for years moving earth and building the 14 bridges along that section of the route.

The section will also have a "Centro de Control de Operaciones" (Operations Centre) located in the area of the Rio Grande, which will house ambulance, tow trucks, fire fighting equipment and a new Policía de Transito (traffic police) station.

The new highway will also include a rest stop and emergency telephones, a new concept in Costa Rica.

The third phase is between Orotina and Caldera, which route is being rebuild to accommodate the new highway. Work on that section is being completed, as the route becomes a four lane road from two and the bridges being widened and reinforced. The third phase is expected to be finished by early 2010.

Once finished, the San José - Caldera road will be a marvel for tourism and locals. However, it won't be cheap.

At Escazu there will be 29 toll booths (14 each way). Toll booths are also located in Santa Ana (Piedades) as well as several other points on the way to and from Caldera.

The cost of a complete trip between San Jose and Caledera will cost ¢1.900, each way. Buses will pay ¢3.790 and trucks of two or three axles, ¢4.740 and five axles ¢11.990.

The San José - Caldera highway is being constructed and will be operated and maintained by the consortium, Autopistas del Sol, under concession from the Ministerio de Obtas Publicas y Transportes.

from InsideCostaRica.com

"More than any nation I?ve ever visited, Costa Rica is insisting that economic growth and environmentalism work together." -Thomas Friedman discusses Costa Rica's environmental policies in a recent article

Read Article Here

From the Tico Times: The recent big fishing story was the second leg of the Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series tournament the last three days of February. All told, 45 boats entered, catching and releasing 172 sailfish and 391 marlin ? amazing marlin numbers for a three-day tournament this time of year. First place went to the boat Let it Ride, second place was D Flawless and the Game On finished third.

Read about why Ben Schreiner opted to have his double hernia surgery performed in Costa Rica, and his experience with Costa Rica's healthcare system in a New York Times article about the growing trend of medical tourism.

photos © NY Times

Read the NY TImes Article

DCL Property Developers are Planning a Natural and Eco Adventure Theme Park called La Chonta Costa Rica. The 746 acre park will be located in the Parrita area, which is close to Joya Pacifica. It will include rides, tours, a 1640 ft zip line, electric buggies, and luxury camping accomodations. We will send out more details as they become available over the next few months.

Read the A.M. Costa Rica Article

The New York Times recently ran a great article about traveling in Costa Rica and the wide variety of sights and activities available. A must read for anyone planning a trip to Costa Rica.

Read the NY TImes Article

Finance plans available for new home construction.
Call today for details.

The Mirador model is a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath villa, offered at $219,000. Visit the Joya Pacifica Design Site to learn more.

www.joyapacificadesign.com

This two bedroom, one bath villa includes the following features:

-Nicaraguan barrel tile roof
-Cedar, Teak and Malina woods in kitchen cabinets, doors and windows
-Exposed Natural Teak beams
-Malina wood tongue and groove ceilings
-Hand forged wrought iron door and window hardware
-Tile floor and shower
-Shower bathroom
-Hand painted sinks
-American Standard faucets
-Double stainless steel kitchen sink
-Westinghouse fans
-Septic Tank

Our July Weekend Client Trip was another great one, thanks to everyone who came! Pictures of the property tours and the rafting trip have been posted on our web site. If you have a great picture from the trip, please upload it to our photo page, we would love to see them!

photos

On July 25th Joya Pacifica staff and owners recently took a trip to the local school for Guanacaste day, which celebrates the vote, by the people of Guanacaste, to join Costa Rica instead of Nicaragua in 1824. The day was celebrated with traditional dress and music.

The infrastructure is ahead of schedule and we will be ready to proceed with closings August 1st.

Infrastructure projects in the area continue, and several are slated to be completed this year, including bridges along the Pan American Highway. The Quepos bridge, is due to be completed in 4 to 6 weeks and will greatly increase the ease of travel in the Central Pacific Region. In Quepos, Marina Pez Vela (pictured) is also slated to begin operation this year.

We've put together a short video with footage from our last trip. If you have been curious about our trips watch the video to learn more about what we do on our Costa Rica trips.

Weekend Video

Chris and Tammy, recent buyers at Joya Pacifica, joined us on our April client trip and were married shortly afterwards. Congratulations from all of us at Joya Pacifica.

We had over 100 people join us on our April client trip, it was a great time for everybody, and we are planning our next trip for late June. Check out the photos from our last 2 trips here:

Dec 07 trip photos

Apr 08 trip photos

Construction on the infrastructure at Joya Pacifica is progressing quickly: the gates are finished and the water plumbing, electric poles, road grading, and the drainage systems are nearing completion. The Las Vegas bridge is also well underway. Due to the quick progress of the project we will soon be changing our terms. Starting June 1st the terms will be changing for new contracts from balance due in two years to balance due in one year. Act soon to take advantage of the current terms!

To all who joined us on the trip, welcome home! It was great trip, and an even bigger success than last time. To everyone who went, we hope you all had as much fun as we did. Like last time we are posting pictures of the trip and acitvities, but this time we would like to see all your pictures as well. So please go to the link below and upload your photos and captions. We've put a few up already and will be adding more over the next few days, check back for new pics!

Weekend Photo Pics

Located in the Quepos/ Manuel Antonio area, Marina Pez Vela will service the area's growing sport fishing industry. The marina will open up access to thousands of miles of ocean and fishing grounds, and promises to be one of Central America's top Pacific marinas. The finished marina complex will have retail space, residential units, a boutique hotel, grocery store and more. Marina Pez Vela, a world class marina facility, is expected to raise real estate prices in the area.

The buildings shown are for density comparisons only and they will have a ?tropical? look with extended roof systems for shade and rain. There will be 150,000 square feet of retail space with high end shops and restaurants plus many other vendors all on the first floor.

Our construction schedule will be updated again soon, Our dredge will be on site soon and the barge & crane that will assist and install the dock systems has arrived on site.

We are on track to begin opening for the 2008-09 season!! At the Miami boat shows we announced new amenities and services we are working on that will be available within and around the marina and residences. The negotiations with several ?flagged? hotel and marina management companies are proceeding with many great ideas from all and progress is being made. We are now completing and signing contracts with Bellingham Marine for our dock systems. We also have several major restaurant chains that are acquainted with marina resorts and wanting to participate.

Marina Pez Vela will begin opening this year ? 2008!

Jon Licata and Crystal Larson got engaged on their recent trip to Costa Rica; they are pictured here, at the Joya Pacifica property, viewing their newly purchased home site.

We had a great time at Roger Dean Stadium this week. Thanks to everyone who came out!

The gate is due to be completed this season.

We will be touring the property and viewing the road and gate construction; the rest of the weekend will be full of tours and activities, including horseback riding, jungle tours and more.

Thu April 17th
Arrive, San jose

Fri April 18th
1. Leave San Jose for Joya Pacifica
2. Barbecue/picnic
3. Cocktails at Mariposa

Sat April 19th
1. Property tours / horseback riding
2. Zip line / mangrove tours
3. Sunset cocktail party at Salsapuedes

Sun April 20th
Return to San Jose



Spaces Are Filling Up Quickly!

If you are interested in joining us please call 800-993-0962, for travel arrangements contact Debra Belcastro at 754-422-5480.

We are at Roger Dean Stadium for Spring Training through next Thursday's game. Come see us, and don?t forget about our April weekend trip to Costa Rica (17th-20th), call now for your reservation, spots are filling up!

We welcome Joyita to our family. Joyita ('little jewel') was born just before midnight on Feb. 29 on lot 222.

Delta Airlines has announced two new direct Boeing 757 flights to Costa Rica starting February 2008, departing from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The flights depart New York City with destination to the cities of San Jos? (the capital) and Liberia. The San Jos? flights will run every day of the week except Wednesday and Saturday.

Our last client trip in December was a great success and we are looking forward to our upcoming trip in April. This trip is for owners and prospective owners, and will be a great occasion for people interested in Joya Pacifica to meet the owners and future neighbors. We will be touring the property and viewing the road and gate construction; the rest of the weekend will be full of tours and activities, including horseback riding and a pig roast at Salspuedes in Manuel Antonio. This weekend will be the last opportunity to view the property and take advantage of pre-development pricing, as the prices will rise at the end of April. Space is limited, call 800-993-0962 to reserve your spot today.

Construction is booming! Since the end of the rainy season a couple months ago construction has ramped up and is moving ahead full steam. Road and drainage construction, the entrance gate, and water piping are all underway and on schedule.

Photos from the Dec 6-9th client trip. Includes photos from the infrastructure groundbreaking ceremony, the Salsapuedes party and the deep sea fishing and hiking trips. Many thanks to all of our clients who contributed photos.

Click to View the Photos and Video

On Dec 7, 2007 Joya Pacifica held the ground breaking ceremony to inaugurate the infrastructure construction. Construction of the gate, roads, and waterworks is now underway. In attendance were several local officials, including the mayor of Paritta, Gerardo Acuna Calderon. Banco Nacional and Chicago Title, Joya Pacifica?s title insurance company, also had representatives on hand.

Patrick Monesi, a principle at Joya Pacifica, shaking hands with the mayor of Paritta, Gerardo Acuna Calderon at the Joya Pacifica ground breaking. Left to right: Alvaro Salas Castro (Business Manager, Chicago Title), Jennifer Morsink Schaeffer Phd (Executive Director, Chicago Title), City Engineer of Parrita, Patrick Monesi (Joya Pacifica owner), Gerardo Acuna Calderon (Mayor of Parrita), Rodrigo Zapata (president, RZ&Associates).

Joya Pacifica is pleased to announce that we have been endorsed by Banco National, the national bank of Costa Rica. Not only will Banco Nacional be customizing new-home-construction loan programs for our clients they have also become our financial partner insuring a timely completion of our project's infrastructure. Bank endorsements, while common in the United States, are unusual in Costa Rica; Banco Nacional's endosrsement is a testament to the integrity of the Joya Pacifica project.

Banco Nacional Overview:
The Banco Nacional de Costa Rica was founded on October 9th, 1914 under the name of Banco Internacional de Costa Rica focusing in the agriculture and rural regions of the country. In 1936 their name was changed to Banco Nacional de Costa Rica and since have expanded to encompass every financial aspect of the Costa Rican Market. Banco Nacional has a large net of services backed up by 140 branches, 240 ATMs all over the country and 4,587 employees making it the largest banking entity in Costa Rica.
Their mission is to offer universal and standard financial services using regional attention, the use of electronic channels for regular operations and help with the financial development of Costa Rica. They offer full banking service including loans, savings accounts, stock market, bill payments on line, real estate help, investment and retirement funds and more.

Saudi Arabian Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal recently visited Costa Rica. The prince, listed by Forbes magazine as the 13th-richest billionaire in the world, is a principal shareholder in the Four Seasons chain of hotels, which has a hotel on Costa Rica's Papagayo Peninsula, known for its exclusive, luxury resorts. In a press conference, following a brief meeting with President Arias, the prince announced he would be investing in at least six more hotels in Costa Rica, two of those on the Papagayo Gulf. Other celebrity have recently invested in Costa Rica. Steve Case of America Online is planning an $800 million resort, the project will be developed in cooperation with Sol Kerzner, the man behind the famed Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas. Mel Gibson recently purchased a large swath of property in Guanacaste. Both Case and Gibson Met with president arias to discuss social development projects for Costa Rica.

Introducing the Joya Pacifica tour bus, coming to a city near you. Look for the bus in Florida, New York and Atlanta in the coming months; a definitive schedule will be announced soon. The first event the bus will be at is the International Home Show in Toronto, Oct, 5-8.

Joya Pacifica is pleased to announce our upcoming national advertising campaign. Film crews returned last week from Costa Rica with hours of fantastic footage. After the editing process is complete a two minute commercial will begin airing in select markets, and going nationwide soon after. A 30 minute infomercial is also in production and will begin airing soon. The footage and commercials will be available for viewing on our website in the coming weeks.

oya Pacífica is pleased to announce the introduction of THE JOYA ESTATE COLLECTION which is comprised of four distinctive single-family estate homes ranging in size from 2500 square feet to over 4500 square feet of under roof living. All homes will feature clay barrel roof, spacious floor plans, ceramic tile flooring, a generous appliance package, elegant plumbing fixtures, carports and/or garages and many more standard features.
Our model home program offers a variety of add-ons such as cabana?s, guest houses, caretaker quarters, summer kitchens, swimming pools and an array of options from flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures and professional services that will include interior furnishings from furniture to bed linens, to concierge services.

Joya Pacífica is prepared to accommodate your housing lifestyle regardless of your home being an investment property, vacation property or full time residency. We have a renowned Costa Rican Architect, Ernesto Polini, equipped to design a custom home to meet all your needs should our model program not work for you.

July 13, 2007, the President of Costa Rica, Dr. Oscar Arias, paid tribute to developers Harold Lovelady and John Kane during his dedication of the marina site today. His remarks acknowledged the difficulty in obtaining regulatory approvals to build a project of the scope of Marina Pez Vela, and the perseverance of the developers to bring the project to completion. Once open in 2008, Marine Pez Vela will be the largest marina in the country. Several hundred people including Members of Congress, the Cabinet, the municipal leaders of Quepos and the press attended, showing their commitment to the development of the region and Marina Pez Vela.

President Dr. Oscar Arias speaking at the dedication ceremony said ?I am very happy to place the first stone here today. I look forward to placing the last one as well. The people of Quepos and their local municipal representatives should be very proud of their decision to grant Marina Pez Vela this concession. I commend your valor in staying persistent with your quest for this project."

Carlos Ricardo Benavides J., Minister of Tourism, lent his support to the proceeding as well saying, ?The government of Costa Rica is appreciative of the investment initiative shown by the American and Costa Rican investors in this project. It is much too difficult for investors to bring projects like this one in Costa Rica, and we must work to make this type of investment in our country easier to accomplish. The building of this grand marina will be supported by myself and the government in every way possible."

The Mayor of Quepos, Oscar Monge also pledged his support for this project and commended Mr. Lovelady and Mr. Kane on their commitment to the community and the people of Quepos. ?This project means many jobs for the citizens of Quepos. We are committed to working with Marina Pez Vela to develop training programs for the employees of the Marina, and to working with them for the marina?s continued support of the needs of the community."

?The 300 slip project will create an exciting destination for sports fishing industry and will increase tourism to Quepos, Costa Rica? said Harold Lovelady, founder of the project. ?We look forward to completing the marina and establishing the first ?full service? boatyard and repair facility in Central America."

Earlier in the day, President Arias inaugurated the bridge ?Quebrada Suya? donated by Marina Pez Vela to the city of Quepos in a ribbon cutting ceremony that was attended by a large number of government officials and the public. The bridge is the primary access to Quepos and the Manual Antonio tourism area where over 250,000 tourists visit annually.

The permit for the entrance gates has been received, construction can begin on the entrance gates.

The area for the gates has been cleared and graded in preparation for the construction of the entrance gate.

The Joya Pacífica sales affiliate teams are growing. Our new affiliates recently spent several days familiarizing themselves with the property and meeting all of the Costa Rican staff.

The steel necessary for completing the marina has recently entered the country and is on it?s way to the marina.

Engineers and construction crews are currently working on completing drainage for the road system in order to prepare it for rock laying and grading.

Joya Pacífica?s newest office, our on-site sales office, is finished and ready for business.

The bridge spanning between the Joya Pacífica Property and Quepos has been completed and now allows for two way traffic.

Marina Pez Vela construction continues, currently they are bringing in the rock for forming the marina walls.

Survey crews recently completed the marking of all lots on the Joya Pacifica property.

Las Vegas Road, which connects Joya Pacifica and Quepos, has recently been improved by the Costa Rican government, making it one of the best roads in the region. These improvements have made the drive to Joya Pacifica a breeze.

Due to the increasing popularity of the region two Bridges in the Quepos/ Parrita area have been widened to allow two way traffic, easing travel to Joya Pacífica.

The first step in the construction of the main road is completed, now topographers and survey crews are plotting the individual lots. Meanwhile the bulldozers have cleared the space for the community gate.