Kura Design Villas Brings Minimalist Design to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

Starting with a commitment to protect the local environment, Alejandra Umana ( the biologist) and Martin Wells ( the architect) are both Costa Ricans who want to share their love of the country’s biodiversity and beauty with a hospitality experience that enhances yet does not compete with the surrounding wilderness. Set on an impressive mountain ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean and near the town of Uvita, Kurà was created around a minimalist design which allows the lush mountain top rainforest to blend in with the elegance of the accommodations.

The property features six hillside villas for up to 12 guest, including two suites; two infinity villas featuring high ceilings and expansive terraces, tucked beneath the salt-water infinity pool; and two junior suites boasting unique tree-canopy views, perfect for wildlife-watchers. A full service spa also offers private yoga lessons upon request.

“We wanted to prove that being ‘eco’ does not mean we can’t offer beautiful design and elegant hospitality, even if we are deep in the heart of the rainforest on top of a mountain,” says Wells. “Each Villa has been designed to encourage our guests to interact with nature in a very authentic way – we hope they want to spend as much time indoors watching the nature that surrounds them, as much as they want to be outside exploring.”

Each villa features an open-plan concept that showcases luxurious amenities such as a king-sized bed with quality linens, plush towels and bathrobes, a double rainfall-style shower, a private minibar and wine cellar, an espresso coffeemaker, an iPod docking station, and free wireless internet. Shared guest amenities include a 19-metre (62-foot) saltwater infinity pool; an outdoor lounge, bar and spa area; and private jungle hiking trails. Guests will enjoy daily meals at the on-site restaurant serving Costa Rican fusion cuisine using local organic produce and tropical ingredients. The Diablitos Bar serves Costa Rican-style drinks and cocktails where guests can lounge in the shade; the Sky Lounge provides guests with a 360 degree view for star gazing at night.

And guests can rest easy knowing their footprint while visiting is being minimized as much as possible. Guiding them on this commitment to support sustainable tourism is Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, a company that manages eco-friendly and sustainable lodges, hotels and inns throughout Costa Rica and Nicaragua. And, as with all Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality properties, Kurà Villas is a sustainable operation. Eco-friendly features include solar panels to provide electricity and heat water, a rainwater collection system, LED lighting throughout the property, and the use of biodegradable cleaning products. When designing the menus, as many local ingredients as possible are used and local guides and tour operators are employed to provide services to guests.

Overnight room rates for a villa at Kurà range from $440 - $540 USD per night in the green season (May 1-October 31) to $640- $740 USD during the high season (November 1 – April 31). All rates are based on double occupancy and include daily a la carte breakfast, and are inclusive of all coffee, tea, seasonal fruit juice of the house and one round trip transfer from the town of Uvita (approximately 15 minutes) to the hotel. More information may be found by visiting www.kuracostarica.com.

Beyond the Villas, guests have the opportunity to explore the Whale’s Tail sandbar formation within Marino Ballena National Park and Caño Island, which is rated one of Costa Rica´s top diving spots, and between the months of December and April humpback whales migrate here to the warm waters off the coast to mate before returning up north. Kurà also offers access to white-water rafting, ziplining, kayaking, waterfall rappelling, and surf lessons.

More information: www.kuracostarica.com/