Costa Rica offers coastal land investment opportunities similar to those in the American sun-belt states during the mid-seventies. In many places such as Florida, California and the Carolinas the value of an acre of prime costal property has increased by more the 2000% since 1975. In these financially turbulent times diversifying one's investments to include prime coastal real estate warrants serious consideration. Savvy investors recognise Costa Rica is a developing nation with immature infrastructure. This is particularly evident in certain areas on the Pacific Coast. Yes, there are outstanding opportunities but you need to careful where and how you invest!  There can be 'Problems in Paradise'.

February 2009 > Update

During Pat's latest visit to San Miguel by the Sea, he met with a posse of 4 local environmental experts who spent a week researching existing environmental and social conditions. Apart from going door to door to interview local communities, they identified flora (each and every single tree), fauna (monkeys, birds, butterflies, insects, reptiles etc) and fresh water sources.

After gathering all the data, this team from San Jose turned the valuable information over to an international team that comprised of one of the world's leading sustainable tourism planners Hitesh Mehta, a Kenyan who is based in Florida and his associates, Matt Flynn from Australia but based in San Jose and Arthur Adeya a Harvard educated Kenyan based in DC. Click Here to meet Hitesh

Hitesh and Matt then walked and kayaked the entire area for 5 days and are currently preparing a full blown environmental planning audit of the existing Laguna Mar master plan. Hitesh's team will also determine the best placement and linkages of development program items.

End Game is that our area is developed with a self sustaining true green plan which will enhance property values.

Pat O'Neil, CEO of Loring Investment Fund, recognized the environmental issues early in his search for the "right place" to invest in Costa Rica. He chose San Miguel because it is completely undeveloped. For the past several thousand years San Miguel has been home to an incredible variety of tropical wildlife. The terrain ranges from rugged rainforest and hilly jungle to gentle, scenic valleys where local farmers still graze their cattle. A few eco-friendly businesses have established themselves in San Miguel. Jose operates a small but remarkably well stocked community store offering fresh, local produce, canned goods, essential supplies and a decent selection of wines. At the beach there are three restaurants and two small, inexpensive hotels.

Mel's ranch is nearby

San Miguel is now building a sidewalk from the coastal road to the beach. This is about one-quarter mile long. The beach is crystal clean and the surf is excellent for more accomplished surfers. The San Miguel beach is 7 miles long and during the busy season there may be 30 – 40 people on the beach. A “lights down” law restricts beach lights that disturb sea turtles. It is strictly enforced. Read more about the beach...

At San Miguel by the Sea the undulating topography creates unique vistas from every home site some with panoramic ocean views. The beach is walking distance. The environment is pristine. Every homesite fronts on a public road (maintained by the municipality) and is fully serviced with water, power and phone. Wireless high speed internet is accessible via ISDN and Satellite. 

There are two international airports in Costa Rica. One in Liberia and the other in the capital San Jose.  San Miguel by the Sea is a 2 to 3 hour drive from Liberia and about 5 hours from San Jose. Short flights from both of these major airports are available on a daily basis to the Corozalito airstrip which is only 10 minutes away from San Miguel. Click for more information on getting here...