Don't Check Your Brain at the Border
By Christopher Cooper
I always believed in the maxim, “diversify your investments”. So during our working careers my wife and I used to buy real estate, especially south of the border.
When it came time to retire, we chose to live at least half the year on the shores of Lake Chapala, Mexico. Lake Chapala is at almost the same elevation as Denver, Colorado, but rarely gets as cold. There is a brief mild winter, but most houses are neither heated or air conditioned.
Because of the ideal weather and prices which are still less costly than in the United States, this has become a popular retirement community with people from around the world, but especially the USA and Canada. Ex-patriots in Mexico number in the hundreds of thousands.
As the baby boomer generation ages, this and other places like Roatan Island in Honduras, Costa Rica, the coasts of Mexico and, of course, most of the Caribbean will become more popular – and more expensive - with retirees.
These are ideal retirement locations and I don’t mean to discourage anyone from considering them. But don’t check your brain at the border. Except for Puerto Rico, these are all foreign countries. Not everyone speaks English and things are done differently.
If you are considering a second home and make inquiries, you will swiftly become acquainted with the large realtor populations of these places. Surprisingly they will mostly be very friendly Americans or Canadians, willing to wine and dine you, introduce you to the local ex-pat community and explain the ins and outs of foreign living.
About a year or so ago, International Living ran an article titled: “Not All Sharks Swim Under the Water”. It was about ex-pat realtors and the tales they tell. And this is where the location of your brain becomes critical. Take everything you’re told with a grain of salt. Hang out in any local pub, and you’ll likely meet disgruntled ex-pats who are disgusted with wherever you are.
Also take what they tell you with a grain of salt, but carefully consider both sides of the picture.
When you are on a trip, you are on vacation. Things are all fun and games. You meet new people, party and drink too much. You sightsee and have a great time. But living in these areas can be a lot different. The phones and electricity may not work all the time. Internet service can be spotty. You might have to pump and purify your drinking water. There can be disputes with the native population, which you’ll generally lose.
There will be many sharks – generally ex-pats – that will be more than willing to take advantage of your naiveté.
So some advice:
1. Don’t believe everything you are told. Check everything out with as many different sources as you can. And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t.
2. Remember you are a guest in a foreign land. Don’t act like a spoiled brat. The cultural gap can be huge. And even if a local resident speaks English, there are often misunderstandings due to that cultural gap.
3. Don’t invest your money with some friendly bloke you meet in a local pub, no matter what return he guarantees. As a matter of fact, keep your money in the states or Canada, safely tucked away in a reputable bank or brokerage firm. If you want to keep some local currency on hand, open an account at a real bank. Keep the same accountant that you had in the states or Canada.
4. The laws are different. In many countries a Notary will handle both sides of a real estate transaction. But you still have the right to hire your own lawyer, interpreter and building inspector and surveyor. You would be shocked to learn how many people don’t – I know I didn’t. And in many countries, lawyer-client confidentiality and conflict of interest are unheard of.
5. While most of the native population will be respectful of you if you return the favor, you will be a target of local thieves. Crime will probably be lower than wherever it is you’re coming from, but it exists – especially house break-ins and auto theft. You might also find yourself resented by the more well-to-do local population. It might be hard to make friends with them.
6. Try to learn the local language and customs. Don’t try to impose your values and watch where you try to butt in.
7. In many places, the only thing you will have in common with other ex-pats is the language. So be sure you choose a locale with a sufficient ex-pat community so you can create friendships. For the most part there will be many warm, welcoming people willing to include you in their social circle.
8. Be prepared to deal with poverty, people living in appalling conditions, child labor and more. There will be many groups to help, but there never seems to be enough to put even a small dent in the problem. Some of the problems are due to the local culture and there is nothing you can do about them.
There is no such place as paradise, at least not in Mexico, South America or the Caribbean. You can live a very nice life style, but nothing is perfect.
For more articles about planning for retirement and financial planning, visit http://www.credit-yourself.com/financial-planning.html
Chris Cooper is a retired attorney. Aided by his wife Aileen, who has an MBA in Finance they endeavor to provide personal financial planning advice.
For more personal finance articles, visit http://www.credit-yourself.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Cooper
Want To Know More About Costa Rica?
By Norm Goldman
Today Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel and Bookpleasures is pleased to have as a guest Erin Van Rheenen, expert on travel to Costa Rica and the author of Living Abroad in Costa Rica.
Good day Erin and thank you for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.
Norm:
Please tell our readers something about yourself and your expertise pertaining to Costa Rica.
Erin:
I’ve been travelling since I can remember, starting at the age of three, when my parents moved us from Portland, Oregon, to Lagos, Nigeria. That living abroad stint lasted two years, and since then I’ve lived in many places, including Ireland, Mexico, New York (a foreign capitol in its own right), Guatemala, Ecuador, and most recently, Costa Rica. I’ve traveled throughout the Americas and Europe, and have a running list of places I still want to visit.
I’m also the author of Living Abroad in Costa Rica, a guide for people who are thinking of moving to that country. The first edition came out in Winter 2004, and gives readers candid and comprehensive information on real estate, immigration, the business climate, private and public schools, expat social life, and Costa Rican history and culture. I describe in detail the various parts of the country, trying to give people an idea of what it would be like to live there.
I’ve been interviewed on CNN and on several radio programs, have made many bookstore appearances, and run a side business helping people plan their escape to Costa Rica. I feel that having lived in many different countries gives me a broader perspective—I can better appreciate what’s unique to Costa Rica, like its political and economic stability, and the fact that nearly 25% of its territory is set aside in nature reserves and national parks.
More complete information (including my Top Ten Favorite Places in Costa Rica) can be found on my web site, Living Abroad In Costa Rica.
Norm:
Where is Costa Rica and how easy is it to travel from the United States, Canada or Europe to this country?
Erin:
Costa Rica is right in the middle of the Americas, at the northern end of the narrow isthmus that connects North and South America. Of the seven countries that make up Central America, Costa Rica is the second smallest (El Salvador is the smallest). Despite its diminutive size (it’s about the size of West Virginia), Costa Rica has two beautiful coastlines (the Pacific and the Atlantic, also called the Caribbean), lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and great adventure travel options like rafting, hiking, and surfing.
It’s easy to get to Costa Rica from North America. It’s a three-hour flight from Miami, five hours from New York City, seven hours from Los Angeles, and eight and a half hours from Toronto. You don’t need to apply for a visa—a valid passport is sufficient. When you arrive in Costa Rica they automatically stamp your passport with a visa good for 90 days.
Norm:
Would you consider Costa Rica a good choice for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon destination? Why?
Erin:
I can’t imagine a better place for romance. Costa Rica is safe and comfortable but still wonderfully exotic. You can’t beat it for natural beauty, great weather, and that laid-back vibe that makes everything a lot more fun.
The tourist infrastructure is developed enough that you’ll be able to realize your every whim. Want to get married barefoot on a white sand beach at dusk, torches lighting your way to the altar? Not a problem. I’ve heard of couples marrying at the base of thundering waterfalls, the spray so drenching the wedding party that everyone wound up in their underwear. Or people tying the knot in a jungle lodge, near the rim of an active volcano, or hundreds of feet above the treetops, clipped into zip lines on one of the ever-popular canopy tours. I even heard of one couple who married in matching toucan outfits. With those beaks, it must have been hard for the groom to kiss the bride.
There are countless hotels, resorts, and tour companies that offer wedding packages. You can arrange things yourself, but it’s nice to have someone else take care of the details. Costa Rica is also known as a gay-friendly environment, and some places specialize in gay and lesbian commitment ceremonies.
Norm:
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica from the point of view of weather, costs, crowds, and the availability of flights from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia, etc?
Erin:
In terms of weather, there are two seasons: from early December through the end of April is the dry season, sometimes called summer, while May through November is the wet or “green” season. Different parts of the country have slightly different weather patterns. The Caribbean (Atlantic) coast, for instance, has more rainfall overall, and its driest month is often September, when the rest of the country is absorbing heavy rains.
Tourist high season coincides with dry season (Dec – April), with a second mini-high season during the Northern hemisphere’s summer—June July, and August—when kids are out of school and families take their vacations. Around Christmas and New Year’s is what you might call a hyper-high season, with prices shooting up and availability going down. If you plan a wedding or getaway around Christmastime, make sure you’re planning ahead—more than a year ahead for some of the most popular areas. Easter is a very important local holiday, and the week leading up to Easter Sunday sees the country all but shut down, as Costa Ricans head for their excellent beaches and national parks.
Some hotels, tour operators, and car rental outfits offer green season (May-November) discounts, and you’re likely to find the crowds thinning out a bit during those months. The rains can be prodigious, although they often come and go quickly, leaving the rest of the day for you to enjoy the outdoors. A variety of flights from North America, Europe, and Australia are available year round.
Norm:
How safe is it to travel to Costa Rica?
Erin:
There is far less violent crime in Costa Rica than there is in, say, the United States, and political violence is almost unheard of here. Costa Rica has a history of pacificism that dates back to the abolition of its army in 1949. Unlike neighbouring republics, the country has no guerrillas, no political prisoners, and no military coups. It is known for its stability and its relative prosperity.
Still, petty theft is on the rise, as it is in many tourist hotspots, and travelers must be cautious. Never leave your bags unattended, and make sure you park your car in a safe place (most hotels have guarded lots).
Norm:
Could you give our readers an idea of the costs involved if travel originates from the USA or Canada?
Erin:
Airlines are adding more flights from North America to Costa Rica every day, and prices keep coming down. Standard flights from Miami run around $300, from Texas expect to pay $400 - $500, flights from New York City would be $500 - $600, and from Los Angeles you might pay around $600. But as seasoned travelers know, there are always deals to be had. The other day at a bookstore reading I was bragging about a $350 roundtrip fare I’d found from San Francisco - Costa Rica, and a reader handed me a flier for a $200 flight on that same route. Plan ahead, shop around, and you’ll find some amazingly low prices.
Norm:
If you had to choose 5 unequalled venues in Costa Rica for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why?
Erin:
Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano
Only a few hours' drive north of San Jose, the Arenal area is lush and green, thanks to fertile volcanic soil from nearby Arenal Volcano. The volcano woke from a two-century nap in the 1960s, and has been active ever since. For rooms where you can lie in bed and watch the volcano go off, check out Arenal Observatory Lodge (http://www.arenal-observatory.co.cr/), an old vulcanology research station made over into a comfortable lodge with extensive grounds.
If you want to sit in hot springs while the volcano rumbles above you, try the Tabacon Hot Springs, with or without its nearby hotel.
For a peaceful lake view that will make you think you’re in a tropical Switzerland, try the La Mansion Inn , a Belgian-run enclave with de luxe cabins, excellent food and service, and free boating and horseback riding. They also have an excellent hotel in Manual Antonio, on the central Pacific Coast.
Northern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula (Guanacaste)
The northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica has the most sun and the greatest variety of lodging options. You’ll find everything from beachfront Bed-and-Breakfasts--the intimate Sueño del Mar near Tamarindo specializes in weddings--to all-inclusive resorts, like the Paradisus Playa Conchal, right on a beach made up entirely of tiny pink and white shells.
For fun, you can take a night tour and see giant Leatherback sea turtles lay their eggs, go on a canopy tour, try your hand at surfing, or just laze on the beach or in your suite. With the airport in nearby Liberia receiving more and more international flights, you can skip the flight to San Jose and the four-hour drive to the coast. Flying into Liberia means you’re less than an hour from the beach.
Southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula
There are some great alternative-flavored beach towns here, like Montezuma and Mal Pais/Santa Elena, that have an appealing blend of rustic and luxury. You tale the ferry from the mainland, bounce down a rutted dirt road but end up at a 4-star hotel, like Flor Blanca , with its excellent restaurant and celebrity-studded guest list.
For those who don’t want to spend a 4-star fortune, try Tropico Latino, a charming little beachside collection of well-appointed cabins that, last time I was there, was preparing to host a large wedding party from the U.S. Montezuma is easier to get to (the road is paved most of the way) and is slightly more developed, though surfers will better appreciate the breaks at Mal Pais/Santa Elena.
Between where the ferry docks (Paquera) and Montezuma you’ll find a popular all-inclusive resort called Bartelo , near the town of Playa Tambor.
The Caribbean Coast
If each of Costa Rica’s seven provinces feels like another country, the Caribbean zone qualifies as another universe. Even the weather is different—with dry season in the early fall, when it’s raining in the rest of Costa Rica. Check out the quirky beach towns of Cahuita or Puerto Viejo, or tie the knot at a riverside lodge overlooking one of the country’s best national park (Tortuga National Park).
The venerable tour outfit Costa Rica Expeditions runs a lodge Tortuga Lodge and offers wedding packages.
Maybe you’d like to seal the deal amid the peace and beauty of a yoga retreat with a ocean view.
Check out Samasati Nature Reserve , but remember, you and the wedding party better have 4-wheel drive if you’re going to make it to this church of nature on time.
Another great yoga retreat where you can arrange to be married is in the Central Valley, just a 20-minute drive a from the San Jose airport.
The Osa Peninsula
National Geographic calls this fabled land “the most biologically intense place on earth.” It’s Costa Rica’s Amazon, a tropical rain forest where tall trees drip vines, scarlet macaws screech, and the country’s remaining jaguars roam.
There are several luxurious lodges on the coast between Puerto Jimenez (which you can fly into from the international airport in San Jose) and Carate, on the border of Corcovado National Park. It takes some time to get here, but once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of a paradisical nowhere.
On the other side of the Peninsula is Drake’s Bay, near excellent diving and snorkling at Caño Island, and with some very luxurious, isolated lodging, like Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, which you can only reach by boat. Casa Corcovado has wedding and honeymoon packages available.
Norm:
What should people know about celebrating a wedding in Costa Rica from the point of view of requirements, experience of the various hotels, etc.
Erin:
Getting married in Costa Rica is easy, unless you’re a woman who has divorced within the last ten months (see #8 below). Otherwise, bride and groom just need valid passports (which of course you’ll also need to visit the country). Birth certificates are not necessary, and there is no minimum stay required—you can get married the day you arrive if you’re in a hurry.
Many hotels and tour companies offer wedding packages that take care of all the legal details, arranging for the wedding certificate to be sent to you once you get home (it takes a few months to be processed in Costa Rica). But whether you get help or do it yourself, you’ll need two witnesses, who cannot be family up to the third degree. As this excludes the bride’s and groom’s mother, father, sister, brother, grandparents, and most cousins, your best bet for witnesses are either friends you bring along or local strangers you entice into being a part of the wedding party.
No notarized documents are required, because all data will be included in a sworn statement which bride and groom sign the day of the wedding. The statement must include the following information for both bride and groom:
1) Full name
2) Profession/Occupation
3) Current address (home address)
4) Passport number and nationality
5) Date and place of birth - (city, state or province, country).
6) Full name of Father and Mother and current citizenship - (no initials, and you’ll need to provide your mother’s maiden name).
7) Mailing address -- This is the address where the final documentation will be sent. (It can take up to three months for the Costa Rican civil registry to process the application.)
NOTE: Once the couple receives their marriage document from Costa Rica, they must register it in their own city of residence. It is best to call city hall, town hall, municipality or equivalent to inquire where marriages are registered, and take the document as proof of marriage. Costa Rican marriages are recognized all over the world.
8) Marital status - if divorced, you’ll need to list the date, city and state and the name of Court that decreed the divorce, plus the ex-spouse’s full name. If you have been widowed, you’ll need to list the time and place of your spouse’s death.
NOTE: Costa Rica law stipulates that if the bride is divorced, her divorce date must be at least 300 days prior the date of the upcoming wedding. This law--archaic but still in effect--is designed to avoid children from a previous marriage being born into the next marriage. If the bride doesn’t want to wait 300 days between divorce and remarriage, she must undergo two pregnancy tests by two different doctors, have them certify the negative results, have the certification translated by an official translator, and run through the required chain of signatures ending in the Secretary of State (or equivalent, depending on the country), and the Costa Rican Consulate. This must be presented to the officiating notary prior to the ceremony. Best to just wait out that ten-month period, no matter how eager the couple.
Norm:
How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for their honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding in Costa Rica?
Erin:
It depends on how big the wedding party is, and how elaborate you want the ceremony to be. If you’re going all out and you want one of the more popular places during high season, I’d plan up to a year ahead. For smaller, simpler weddings, a few months ahead should do it.
Norm:
What resources are available on the Internet pertaining to weddings and honeymoon vacations in Costa Rica?
Erin:
Most of the hotels and agencies I list above have wedding packages available. And there’s no shortage of companies that would love to help you out—an internet search will net dozens.
Norm:
Is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?
Erin:
I just want to warn people that they might fall head over heals in love—not just with their partner, but with the country of Costa Rica. A lot of people go down and find they don’t want to leave. If you suffer the same fate, take a look at my book, Living Abroad in Costa Rica (http://www.livingabroadincostarica.com/), to see that relocating to paradise is easier than you think.
Thanks Erin.
Norm Goldman is Editor of the travel site sketchandtravel.com and the book reviewing site http://bookpleasures.com.
Norm and his artist wife, Lily, meld words with art focusing on romantic destinations. They are regular contributors to their own travel site, http://sketchandtravel.com/ as well as a number of other travel sites.
Norm's book reviewing site, bookpleasures.com, comprises a team of over twenty five reviewers who come from all over the globe and from all walks of life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norm_Goldman
Costa Rican Beaches - Modern Wonders
By Kenth Nasstrom
Beaches in Costa Rica are one of the most important assets of the country when it comes to tourism.
Costa Rica has since many years worked hard to save the rain forest and has during recent years begun to do the same with their beaches.
The west coast of Costa Rica with beaches like Jaco, Quepos, Manual Antonio, Puntarenas, Playa Conchal, Playas de Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Tamarindo and many other, is a complete tourist, sportsfishing and surfers heaven.
You can literally walk from one beach to the next in a lot of places, and it is still possible to find small sand beaches with cocos palms where you can be all alone or have a nice time with someone.
Something to consider when visiting the Costa Rican beaches is the increasing interest of keeping the beach clean and inviting. Waste baskets can often be found on the beach or close by, and regular test of not only drinking water but also the sea water have begun on many of the most visited beaches.
The tourism has not only brought with it good things. Real Estate has become really big, especially at the beach. Land prices as well as constructions are being sold for fantasy sums every day and new condominiums, beach houses and hotels just pop up out of nowhere to still the need for more places to host visiting tourists.
Puntarenas, one of the beaches closest to San José is a good example of this. Puntarenas has never been known for having special beaches. But due to being very close (approx 2 hour drive) to the capital, San José, has the beaches in and around Puntarenas increased in value.
Many high class resort hotels including Fiesta Resort (All-Inclusive) can be found there.
Some of the best looking beaches and probably least expensive are the ones that attract surfers. This as the waves makes it less interesting to swim and relax, and this makes the beach less interesting for your common tourist.
So when visiting Costa Rica, make sure you visit at least some of the beaches like Playa Hermosa, Playa Manuel Antonio (with its 3 beaches and protected forest) and if time allows go to the east coast (Caribbean side) and beaches like Cahuita and Playa Puerto Viejo. The contrast is big and will spice up your Costa Rican beach experience.
Kenth "The Designer" Nasstrom
http://www.costa-rican-information.com/costa-rica-beaches.html
Costa Rican Information. Beaches, Car Rentals, pictures and information about Costa Rican culture.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenth_Nasstrom
St. Regis Announces Ultra-Luxe Resort in Costa Rica
St. Regis Continues Dynamic Growth Path With Third New Property Announced In Latin America
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced an agreement has been reached with Genesis, a Costa Rican-based development firm, to build a new St. Regis Resort and Residences in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica.
Scheduled to open in 2008, the resort will be developed with the participation of Lionstone Development, a Miami- based luxury hotelier and developer and will be managed by Starwood's ultra-luxe St. Regis brand.
When it opens, St. Regis Resort, Costa Rica will introduce an unrivaled dimension of luxury and bespoke service to Costa Rica. "As we grow the St. Regis brand we continue to seek only the world's most exclusive addresses, and there are few resort destinations in the world that embody the raw natural beauty of Costa Rica," said Kerry Hatch, President of St. Regis. St. Regis Resort, Costa Rica designed by Zurcher Architects, a leading Costa Rican architectural firm, will feature a total of 133 luxurious accommodations.
Each guestroom will include oversized outdoor terraces complete with outdoor showers, netted day beds and relaxation coves. For the ultimate in privacy and pampering, the resort will boast four ultra- luxe spa suites outfitted with plush private treatment areas, plunge pools and the finest amenities. The Presidential Suite, the crowing jewel of the resort, will be perched on a dramatic cliff, complete with three spacious bedrooms, private pool and breathtaking views of the tropical forest and the Pacific Ocean.
Resort amenities will include three pool areas set within the tropical landscape, a specialty restaurant, themed three-meal restaurant, lobby bar, pool bar, beach club and an 11,000 square foot Remede Spa and Fitness Center featuring outdoor meditation areas and nine deluxe treatment rooms. The resort will also offer 3,750 square feet of meeting and function space. St. Regis Residences, Costa Rica will include a total of 49 one, two and three-bedroom condominium-hotel residences, 42 deluxe whole ownership private villas and nine magnificent estate homes all delivered with private plunge pools.
Indigenous materials will be utilized to create private residential dwellings that are destined to be the most luxurious in the region. Residence owners will enjoy full access to the resort's services and amenities including its St. Regis Butler Service, the exclusive Remede Spa and fine dining restaurants. The resort's magnificent guestrooms, suites and residences will be designed by Cheryl Rowley Associates, the acclaimed Beverly Hills-based design firm.
"We are thrilled to announce our third new St. Regis property in Latin America, following the recent announcements of the St. Regis in Mexico City and the St. Regis in Punta Mita. We look forward to welcoming the world's most discriminating travelers and residence owners," stated Osvaldo Librizzi, President of Starwood Hotels &Resorts in Latin America. "St. Regis Hotel, Costa Rica will introduce a new dimension of elegance, style, luxury, hospitality and gracious living to the country." St. Regis Resort, Costa Rica is ideally situated in Playa Coyol, a lush tropical wonderland home to abundant flora and fauna, dramatic views to the Pacific Ocean and stunning private beaches.
This project will be the only internationally branded hotel surrounded by a National Wildlife Reserve, the Ara Macao Wildlife Reserve. Located 65 miles from the San Jose's International Airport, the magnificent resort is readily accessible from the country's main airport and situated on a 250-acre site on a secluded bay within close proximity to the Los Suenos area which features an 18-hole golf course and a marina.
"We are excited to work with the prestigious St. Regis brand, as well as one of the top developers in Costa Rica, to create one of the most exclusive real estate and resort offerings in Latin America, "said Diego Lowenstein, CEO of Lionstone Development. Alberto Kader, CEO of Genesis added, "Managed by one of the most internationally renowned names in the hospitality industry and located within a breathtaking Wildlife Preserve, St. Regis Resort and Residences, Costa Rica will offer the ultimate in privacy and pampering in a tropical paradise." Beloved for its signature St. Regis Butler Service, exquisite design and enviable locations, St. Regis is among the world's most revered luxury hotel brands.
The brand is growing rapidly, with a development pipeline of over 20 properties opening within the next five years. St. Regis has also made significant strides into the luxury residential real estate market with exclusive St. Regis Residences in the world's most desirable locales including Anguilla, New York, Bali, Mexico City, Singapore and beyond, all of which are under development and commanding premium prices per square foot.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood(R) Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), Sheraton(R), Westin(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, W(R), Le Meridien (R) and the recently announced Aloft (SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts.
For more information, please visit http://www.starwoodhotels.com/. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts includes the most celebrated properties in the world. Founded by John Jacob Astor with landmark St. Regis Hotel, New York over a century ago, the company will unveil highly anticipated St. Regis properties in Bora Bora, French Polynesia (2006)Fort Lauderdale (2006), Mexico City (2007), Punta Mita, Mexico (2007),Singapore (2007), Anguilla (2008), Atlanta (2008), Deer Valley, UT(2008), Puerto Rico (2008) and Bal Harbour, FL (2009) that will further enhance the brand's legacy. Personalized service and amenities, enviable locations and luxuriously localized design are recognized worldwide as hallmarks of the St. Regis experience. For more information on St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, please visit http://www.stregis.com. Lionstone Development has a 30-year track record of owning, developing, leasing and managing hospitality, gaming and residential properties. Lionstone's current portfolio includes several luxury resort properties from world-renowned brands in Miami and the Caribbean and the company is developing more than 2.5 million square feet of high-end residential and mixed-use space throughout South Florida. For more information, visit http://www.lionstone.net/.
** Please contact Starwood's new, toll-free media hotline at (866)4- STAR-PR (866-478-2777) for photography or additional information.**
Costa Rica: An Exciting Real Estate Investment Prospect
By Rhiannon Williamson
The CIA world factbook clearly states that in its opinion Costa Rica is a ‘Central American success story’, and the government of Costa Rica is keen to expand on the country’s success and have announced the implementation of a seven year plan for the economic expansion of the country.
To this end they are actively encouraging international real estate investors and those looking for a retirement or second home overseas to come to Costa Rica and explore its exciting and affordable property market.
The Costa Rican real estate market is one of the most exciting in Central and South America right now as a direct result of the Costa Rican government’s commitment to promoting the property sector. With the implementation of a series of tax breaks and investment incentives available to overseas real estate buyers the success of the Costa Rican property market is practically guaranteed.
For those looking purely for real estate investment opportunity, Costa Rica offers two main angles for property investors to explore: -
Firstly as the natural beauty of Costa Rica proves an irresistible draw for more and more travelers and those in search of the perfect getaway, so the demand for rental and hotel accommodation in Costa Rica is on the increase. The supply of quality accommodation in Costa Rica cannot meet current demand and this situation is likely to deteriorate as the popularity of the country increases. The government is well aware of this fact and is keen to attract those wishing to develop specifically for the tourism market.
Secondly Costa Rica is becoming increasingly popular with the soon to retire US baby boomers who are actively seeking an affordable and attractive location in which to retire. Because Costa Rica enjoys relatively low crime, is neutral, has a relatively high standard and low cost of living it is gaining a reputation among pre-retirees as a must-consider destination.
There is therefore room for the development of real estate to suit this particular market or for the purchase and long term lease of real estate to this market. This particular group of people also represents a strong resale demand for those who buy now, improve property and intend to resell in the medium term to release gains accrued.
The real estate investment climate in Costa Rica is hot right now with the government working flat out to attract sustainable foreign direct investment – those interested in making a move should consider committing to the market sooner rather than later while it remains a buyer’s market and before opportunities for the strongest investment gains are eroded by increased levels of investor awareness and interest.
Rhiannon Williamson writes about real estate investment in emerging markets worldwide.
To read more about real estate investment in Costa Rica click here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rhiannon_Williamson
Beware of Upfront Fees When Buying Property Abroad
By David Carter
There is a new pitfall facing unwary overseas property buyers, and it comes in the shape of upfront fees.
In the past year, I have been offered discounted properties in Costa Rica, Mexico, Bulgaria, Dubai, France, Spain, Cyprus, New Zealand, Hungary, Estonia, Barbados, and lastly the United States. Yes, that is overseas to me, based as I am, in Hampshire England.
Moreover, they all come with significant upfront fees, and guess what? Those upfront fees are non-returnable under any circumstances.
A new raft of companies has sprung up, and as far as I can see, they are totally unregulated. They specialise in offering what they call discounted properties. It works like this: they negotiate, so they say, a discount on the developer's properties. This can range from 10% to as much as 25% of recommended retail price, except no one would be so vulgar as to give a property, a recommended retail price.
So on a nice villa overlooking the ocean somewhere, which normally sells for 250,000, these kind companies will offer you that same villa at say, 200,000, giving you, in theory, an instant equity profit of 50,000. Of course, they don't do this for nothing. Typical upfront fees are 3%, which on this example would be 6,000. This is invariably payable upfront, and immediately, and it is non-returnable.
After you have paid, your application to buy the property is processed. Most people buy, utilising the on the spot local mortgages, but if for any reason they fail to offer the buyer a mortgage, the deal falls down dead, and guess what, the introducer has made a fat commission, and the buyer has made a fat loss.
Recently I wrote to four such companies offering these "unrefusable" deals, and asked them if for any reason the transaction was not completed, would my fees be refunded? I am still waiting for two of those companies to reply to me at all. So what does that say? While the other two, quite fairly told me that the fees would not be refunded, and there should not be any problems.
But there could be problems couldn't there? Firstly, we all know that sometimes buyers applying for mortgages in their own country are turned down. Imagine the additional difficulties that could be placed in the way when the transactions are being carried out, possibly in a foreign language, utilising a different legal system, imagine the extra snags that could occur then. And if these agents are taking their fat fee upfront, and it is non-returnable under any circumstances, are they really that bothered if the deal then falls down? They have their money, they are fine thanks.
And are these discounts true discounts? Quite coincidentally, my sister was travelling in the area where one of these developments was being hawked around by more than one of these property-introducing companies. She went and took a peep at the villas. And very nice they were too. High spec, nice location. Guess what? The villa that the property company had assured me was being discounted from 250,000 to 200,000, was in fact being offered on site to any member of Joe Public who strolled in for, yes you've guess it, 200,000.
So the buyers are sitting at home dreaming that they are buying bargains when in fact they are throwing fat fees straight out of the window, for no reason.
If you are looking to buy a home overseas, don't consider paying upfront introduction fees. It is as simple as that. What is that old maxim? If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. I am still looking for a second home overseas, but buying through third parties who charge a big upfront non-returnable fee? I don't think so.
David Carter’s latest published work is SPLAM! Successful Property Letting And Management. Splam! contains over 240 pages of hints and tips on how to start your own property business on a limited budget, and how to successfully let residential property.
You can view actual extracts of the book at http://www.splam.co.uk/ and order a download or a hard copy at this site or you can go direct to the publishers at http://www.lulu.com/dc He also runs a holiday cottage website where you can access over 7,000 holiday cottages, apartments and villas worldwide at http://www.pebblebeachmedia.co.uk/ Don’t you deserve a holiday? Well of course you do! You can contact David on any matter any time at supalife@aol.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Carter
Why Costa Rica?
By Bobby Stone
Someone recently asked me why anyone of sane mind would want to move to a third world country such as Costa Rica and actually plan to live there. I would like to share, and to document, the reasons for this to my fellow American citizens who may someday decide to pick up their roots and do the same.
One of the primary reasons Costa Rica was selected is because of the multitude of climates that you can select to live in. If you want to live by the ocean and the great beaches of Costa Rica where it is hot and the humidity is high, the Caribbean coast is the ideal location for you. If you desire to live near the ocean and more great beaches where it is hot but the humidity is significantly lower, then the upper Pacific coast is the place for you.
If you like it better in the temperate zone between 65 and 75 degrees, the western central valley is beckoning to you. Drive 20 km north in the central valley and you may need a sweater by day and two blankets by night. The coastal areas are the only places where you may need air conditioning and then only occasionally. There are cooling breezes throughout the country.
Another major reason is the lower cost of living. Utilities such as electric, water, and phone rates are drastically reduced. Food costs are extremely low with most restaurant meals so inexpensive that dining out may cost only a few U.S. dollars. Housing in many parts of the country can be obtained for as little as $100.00 U.S. per month for an unfurnished home or apartment.
The purchase of a three bedroom home in many locations can be found for $30,000 or less. There are many retirees who will vouch that they live very comfortably on a retirement income of less than $20,000 U.S. The Costa Rican people are found to be a gentle, non-violent, and considerate people. They believe in family and traditional social morals that many times appear to be lost in other countries.
Costa Rica itself is a democratic country, does not have a standing Army, and relies on its police force to maintain law and order which they do very well. Violent crime is almost unheard of in Costa Rica. There are occasional break-ins of vehicles, some purse snatchings, but these are not of the violent nature where firearms are used and human life is in danger as in many other countries. These mostly occur in or around the larger cities.
In the country and smaller towns they are almost unheard of. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries to vacation or to retire in that can be found. Another very appealing fact to many is that foreign residents may purchase property in Costa Rica with many safeguards in place by the government. These may be used for vacation, investment, or retirement purposes. Property taxes are extremely low and there is a ready source of labor for domestic and other purposes in the country with maid and general labor costs of just over $1.00 U.S. per hour.
Homes can be constructed by master builders for one fourth to one fifth the cost of a similar home in the U.S. I have not as yet mentioned the breathtaking scenery of the mountains, rainforests, wildlife, birds, waterfalls, fishing, sailing, boating, and the many wonderful tours that can be taken from the many good tour operators in Costa Rica which are outstanding.
I am sure that given the proper time, I could climb out of my hammock here on the terrace where a cool breeze is blowing, put down my drink, and think of many other reasons why someone would choose to live in the wonderful third world country of Costa rica. However, at this time I have overtaxed myself in my accounts of these wonders. As we say in Costa Rica, "if it does not get accomplished today, there is always manana".
I hope I have answered some of the more basic questions of why anyone would move to Costa Rica. If you ever get tired of where you are living, and want to vacation or retire to the wonderful country of Costa Rica, there is always room for you in our beautiful adopted country. Pura Vida everyone.
Bob and Debby Stone are former residents of Naples, Florida, and are now residents of Costa Rica.
You may visit them at their website which is at http://www.costaricapropertysa.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bobby_Stone
Retire in Costa Rica
By Abigail Durden
People choose to retire outside of their native country for a variety of reasons. Some people choose to retire abroad in order to bask in a preferred climate. Some people crave a shift in their pace of life, and some retire abroad for a change of scenery-be it the mountains or a beach.
For a large number of retirees, the primary consideration for retiring abroad is their finances.
The reality of rising inflation and a falling income come retirement age encourages a search for affordable living, beyond borders, in retirement.
Over the last 45 years, inflation in the U.S. has averaged about 4.5% annually. If you currently earn $50,000.00 per year, you will need to earn $52,250.00 next year ($50,000.00 x 4.5) and so forth in order to maintain your present standard of living and stay even with inflation. In the same vein, if your investment returns an average of 8% you can reasonably expect inflation to eat away about 3% to 4%, based on historical figures.
At 4% inflation you will lose half of your purchasing power in 18 years. Certainly no one can predict the future and inflation could in fact decrease and inflate investments. However, most American retirees are not counting on inflation decreasing to secure their future.
International living has revealed itself as a viable option for retirees. According to the Social Security Administration, in 2002, 242,128 American retirees had their Social Security benefits sent outside of the U.S.
Costa Rica sports between 20,000 and 30,000 Americans, according to the U.S. embassy there. Costa Rica has lured American and European retirees with its beauty, affordability, and stable government. One reason being that so many retired Americans have chosen Costa Rica is that Costa Rica is a tax haven for retirees. Americans living in Costa Rica do not have to pay income taxes on social security received from the U.S. government.
Countless testimonials from Americans now living in Costa Rica claim their social security check affords them luxuries that it wouldn’t afford at home in the states. In Costa Rica, dining out will set you back $10, beach front real estate can be a fraction of what it costs in the U.S., and an orange will cost you seven cents. Additionally, testimonials by American retirees describe a more peaceful day to day life in Costa Rica-one void of crime and stress.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2010, nearly 40 million Americans will be 65 or older. By the year 2030, that number will jump to nearly 76 million. One can be certain that as inflation continues to rise, a percentage of people will be looking to retire outside of the U.S.
If you have traveled in Costa Rica then you know how captivating the beaches, jungles, and mountains can be.
The beauty of Costa Rica along with the warmth of the Ticos and the affordability of a day to day life encourage retirees to research what Costa Rica offers. It is not uncommon for retirees to look towards their favorite vacation spots as a possible place to call home. If you have never traveled in Costa Rica, I suggest you enrich your life and take a trip to the paradise many now call home.
Abigail Durden is a writer with over 20 years of experience traveling, writing and living abroad. Her newest book, Live and Retire in Costa Rica is an informative guide that explains how easy it is to make the move to live in Costa Rica.
Please visit the following url for additional information: http://costa-rica-resources.com/free-costa-rica-tips.aspx
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abigail_Durden
Southern Zone Airport Advances
By Rebecca Kimitch
Tico Times Staff
rkimitch@ticotimes.net
The prospect of taking a direct flight from the sophisticated streets of London to the untamed jungles of Costa Rica's Southern Zone may be on its way to becoming a reality. Officials recently selected a site between the towns of Sierpe and Palmar Sur, off the Inter-American Highway, as the future home of the still-unnamed Southern Zone international airport.
While some hope the airport will push the area to become as internationally popular as the northwestern province of Guanacaste, where development is burgeoning and the airport needs expansion, others worry it might destroy the untouched wilds of a region known for its remoteness.
Promises of a Southern Zone airport have been made for years; however the Ministry of Public Works and Transpor-tation (MOPT) finally appears to be moving forward with the plan.
The Southern Zone Development Authority (JUDESUR) has agreed to provide ˘600 million ($1.2 million) to fund part of the next step to making the airport a reality – developing an airport master plan and conducting thorough soil and climatic studies.
"We have seen the experience Guanacaste has had since the construction of (Daniel Oduber International) airport. Tourism there has grown greatly and campesinos are able to export their products – they have direct access to international markets. This is the experience we want for the Southern Zone," explained William Pérez, executive director of JUDESUR, a semi-autonomous government institution that distributes government funds in the Southern Zone.
JUDESUR may provide additional funds to complete the three preliminary reports, or other funds can be obtained relatively easily, according to Vice-Minister of Public Works and Transport Eduardo Montero.
Funding the airport's construction is another story, however. The government does not currently have any funds for such a large infrastructure project, Montero said. The possibility remains that it could be developed through a concession, in which a private firm would construct and operate the airport for a set number of years, dividing profits with the government, before turning it over to the state. The country's main international airport, Juan Santamaría near San José, is in the process of being expanded through such a deal, but the project has proved to be hugely controversial and resulted in a three-year contract dispute that is only now being resolved (TT, Feb. 10, March 17).
JUDESUR isn't particular about either kind of financing, it just wants the project done, Pérez said. He expects the studies to take a year, and, if resources are allocated immediately, the Southern Zone could see a new airport five years later. However, such a quick turnaround doesn't seem likely because of the politics involved.
Giovanni Ramírez, manager of Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge in Drake Bay, along the Southern Zone's Osa Peninsula, hopes authorities will take their time.
"This area isn't ready for such a large airport," he said. "It's a rural people, and the tourism here is eco-tourism. We don't want massive tourism.''
Mike Stiles, owner of the 12-room Río Sierpe Lodge, agrees.
"If they brought in 250 people on a flight, I'm not sure where they would go. The tourism infrastructure here is well behind that kind of curve to need an international airport," he said.
"This is not a Guanacaste, where they destroyed the environment 50 years ago," he added, acknowledging the Sierpe community is split on the matter.
While Pérez recognizes that the area doesn't currently have the infrastructure necessary to support such a project, he said an airport would attract companies to build infrastructure. It would also provide much-needed jobs to the area of Palmar Sur, which is not a tourist attraction in itself.
The Palmar Sur site was chosen in part for its centralized location, with easy access to the Southern Zone's tourist attractions, such as Corcovado National Park, the Golfo Dulce and Dominical Beach.
In addition, the airport will mainly be on Agricultural Development Institute (IDA) lands, simplifying the expropriation process, Montero said. It also offers appropriate climatic and geographic conditions for flying.
Guanacaste Model?
While some leaders in the Southern Zone attempt to model themselves after the Guanacaste airport, the northwestern region has already outgrown it facilities.
With use of the airport, located in Guancaste's capital Liberia, growing at unprecedented levels in recent years, expansion is crucial. Growth has been so rapid that recent expansion designs have already become outdated, according to Montero.
Last year, the number of passengers who passed through the airport was approximately 350,000, compared to 194,000 in 2004 and 91,000 in 2003.
The United States Trade and Development Agency has therefore agreed to donate $300,000 for the creation of a master plan for the airport.
The plan will calculate future growth in the number of passengers and flights that use the Liberia airport and define which expansion projects should be priorities.
"The master plan will become the airport's backbone," Montero said.
For example, the plan, which is expected to be complete in a year, will determine whether more jet space is necessary for private jets, if more boarding gates are needed for commercial flights and how big the terminal and commercial space should be, explained Public Works and Transport Vice-Minister Lorena López.
For regular users of the Liberia airport, this may sound like déjŕ vu. Last year, a contract was awarded to a three-company consortium to design a new airport terminal. But Montero told The Tico Times that this and other previous designs use an outdated study's predictions for airport growth that were surpassed in 2004.
"How can the government move forward with a design when the reality is now totally different?" he asked.
Previous design plans will therefore be discarded, Montero said. New designs should not be made until the master plan is complete, he added.
However, Luis Solano, general manager of Indeca Ltd., one of the companies in the consortium awarded the design project last year, said he has heard no word that their design will not be used.
Debate has also emerged regarding whether the airport should be expanded through a private concession.
