Los Suenos, Costa Rica has become the premier destination in the Central Pacific region. Combining the top-rated marina in Costa Rica with quality resort living and amenities, Los Suenos is the epitome of what Pura Vida (pure life) truly is all about.

Building a Dream – The History of Los Suenos, Costa Rica

In 1991, developer William Royster purchased 1,100 acres of land overlooking Herradura Bay that ultimately would become the Resort and Marina at Los Suenos. Like many potential investors and expats, Royster envisioned the economic potential of real estate in Costa Rica.

After six years of planning, construction began in 1997 with the hotel, golf course, and the first of 800 planned residences that opened just before 2000. The Marina was opened to the public in 2001 with the completion of 200 slips and 80 dry units finished in 2003.

The Marina at Los Suenos – One of a Kind

The Marina at Los Suenos, Costa Rica has become known for its world-class facilities and ready access to some of the best deep sea fishing grounds in the world. The Marina Village commercial center and the 450 residence units make the Marina a must-see destination for hard core sport fishers and tourists alike.

Living and Playing at the Resort at Los Suenos, Costa Rica

Los Suenos provides a lifestyle second to none. Accommodations with stunning ocean, jungle and golf course views, shops, bars and restaurants, and the two acre, three million dollar beach club, take luxury resort living to the next level.

Championship Golf with a Natural Twist

The 18 hole championship caliber La Iguana Eco Golf Course is a unique blend of sport and nature. Designed by Ted Robinson, Jr. this par 72 course will prove a challenge for beginners and experts alike.

The 6,700 yard course plays into the lush tropical rainforest and back to Herradura Bay. The “gallery” of howler monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws transform a round of golf from a game to an adventure.

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort – Luxury and Relaxation

Opened in 1999 with 191 rooms and 10 suites, this fully-appointed luxury hotel is a central part of the Los Suenos Costa Rica resort experience. The top shelf amenities, including the casino, bars, and the Sibo Rainforest Spa and Retreat are available to all resort guests.

Experience Costa Rica at Los Suenos Resort

There are numerous tours and adventures that can be arranged from the resort to satisfy every taste. For those who hear the call of the sea, there are many deep sea fishing charters and whale watching tours (in season) available at the Marina that can give you the chance to hook “the big one.”

If nature and birdwatching is your cup of tea, tours of the nearby Carara National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park are just a short car ride away.  To get up close and personal, the Mangrove Monkey Tour will let you visit the playful whiteface monkeys on their turf and terms.

Partying at the Beach

Jaco, Costa Rica, long a favorite spot for surfers and beach lovers is just a 10 minute drive from Los Suenos, Costa Rica. This funky beach town is truly a blend of “Key West meets Pura Vida” with bars, restaurants, gift shops, stores, and great places to people watch.

Playa Hermosa, roughly five minutes from Jaco, hosts surfing competitions almost every weekend. For something different, this is a great place to watch the competitors “hang ten” while sipping your favorite beverage at one of the many bars along the beach.

Getting There Is Easier Than Ever

In 2010 the long awaited National Highway CR-27, known as the Carretera Prospero Fernandez from San Jose to Caldera opened, reducing the drive from San Jose to Los Suenos to a very manageable one hour. Taxis, shuttles, limos, and rental cars provide a variety of options to transport you to this luxurious tropical oasis.

Renting, Buying and Living in Los Suenos, Costa Rica

Los Suenos, Costa Rica and the surrounding area has many options for investors or expats who are looking to buy or rent a piece of tropical paradise. The Resort proper is a gated community that does have a constant flow of hotel guests and day trippers coming to the marina, to play golf, or to enjoy the many options that are available.

Most of the residential units at the resort or in the immediate vicinity start in the $150,000 range but can go into the millions. While much of the area is developed, there are still lots available near the resort proper and in the surrounding communities.

What Does It Cost to Live in Los Suenos, Costa Rica?

The cost of living in the Los Suenos, Costa Rica area largely depends on how upscale you wish to go. Rentals can average from $350 to $1,115 per month depending on number of bedrooms and proximity to central locations. On the resort property itself, rents routinely run between $2,000 to $3,000 per month.

Utilities (electric, water, internet, telephone, cable) can be as low as $49 per month to as much as $350 per month. Again, this depends on your usage (think running a/c constantly) and choice of packages.

There are some items, such as computers or other high-end electronics that aren’t as easy to come by in Costa Rica. However the greater San Jose area has many “Americanized” stores, such as Walmart, that are only an hour away.

Buying a Residence in Los Suenos, Costa Rica

The residential units in the Los Suenos resort proper are condominiums and are generally priced per square meter. Prices routinely run in the $400,000 range although prices but can go much higher depending on number of bedrooms, furnishings, and size.

The units are part of individual gated communities that share the common roadways with the Marriott Hotel and Resort. There is ample security and landscaping throughout the property

Los Suenos May Not Fit Everyone’s Tropical Dream

For all of its features, Los Suenos may not fit the ideal of your rustic tropical escape. With its modern amenities, Los Suenos is definitely mainstream Central America and not a secluded paradise.

For the budget conscious, Los Suenos is definitely a more expensive option than other areas of Costa Rica.

Many people enjoy the “resort experience” and Los Suenos and the Marriott certainly deliver it. However, if the allure of a small Costa Rican village or town is what you desire, Los Suenos is probably not for you.

Lastly, Los Suenos is a gated community. For those seeking to immerse themselves in local lifestyle and culture, this atmosphere may seem constricting.

What Does an Expat Need to Know About Living in Costa Rica?

Whether you are retiring, investing, or deciding to see what Costa Rica has to offer, there are some basics that every expat needs to keep in mind. First, and foremost, things move more casually here than in the U.S.; the phrase “tico time” is important to remember when making any schedules.

Unless you are planning on applying for residency under one of the categories, you will be required to leave Costa Rica every ninety days for at least 24 hours. Keep that timeframe in mind as you pursue your tropical dream.

Learning the language, while not essential, is something every expat should try and accomplish. Being able to understand what is being said on a daily basis will make your Pura Vida experience that much more enjoyable.

Los Suenos, Costa Rica – A Model Investment

The success of the Los Suenos Resort and Marina complex is a prime example of the potential of real estate investment in Costa Rica and Central America as a whole. The undeveloped land that William Royster purchased in 1991 has increased in value many times over and will continue to do so into the future.

The key to succeeding in this kind of venture is to develop a cohesive plan and partner with individuals who have both the knowledge and expertise to bring those plans to fruition. Identifying the paths to progress, such as finding the location best suited to enhance the project, is crucial to making your concept the success you envision.

A True Return on Investment

The increase in property values in Costa Rica has soared over time. A recent listing for a 200 hectare (494 acres) parcel with views of the bay at Los Suenos had a sale price of $13,000,000. If Royster were trying to purchase his 1100 undeveloped acres today, it would cost just under $30,000,000 dollars.

This kind of investment potential, along with the many other attractive features of Costa Rica (business friendly environment, low taxes, good infrastructure) cannot be ignored. If the prospect of owning and developing your own piece of “pura vida” is exciting, there’s no time like the present to begin your search.

Building Your Own Investment Plan

William Royster discovered the location for what would ultimately become the Resort at Los Suenos, Costa Rica while sailing the Pacific. The lesson here is to explore areas that appeal to you and see if there is one where you can envision your project coming to life.

Deciding what kind of investment you want to make is just as important as the location. Are you thinking of building a Costa Rican hideaway, a small development, or a major commercial enterprise? Framing your intentions is an essential step in bringing your plan to life.

Doing your research also means establishing a realistic budget and time frame. Rome wasn’t built in a day and making your Costa Rican dream a reality should be a long-term goal rather than a short-term sprint.

So When Is the Best Time to Build Your Dream?

Costa Rica continues to be a prime location for expats, investors, tourists, and business. So when is the best time to build your Pura Vida dream? The answer is simple:  Now!!

Map of Los Suenos, Costa Rica

Los Suenos, Costa Rica Fast Facts

• Population: Approximately 10,000 when including local villages
• Typical temperature: average maximum temperature is 32℃ / 90℉
• Nearest airport with U.S. flights: San Jose, Costa Rica
• Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose, Costa Rica