They say you never know how many friends you have until you buy a beach house! Today's creative living profile comes to us from Jennifer Plotkin. We wanted to know more about beach life in Nosara, Costa Rica. We interviewed Jennifer Plotkin and her husband Gordon who have created a unique and exciting home for their family in Costa Rica. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your lifestyle Jennifer!
Photographer: Mark Saunders
Read full interview after the jump......
Photographer: Mark Saunders
How long have you had a home in Costa Rica?
We designed our home in Costa Rica while I was pregnant with our first daughter, about 5 years ago. It was built and finished when she was 6 months old, so we've owned it for a little over 4 years.
What do you love about Nosara?
We absolutely LOVE the essential purity of Nosara. There is still a feeling of being in an unspoiled natural environment. The landscape, the beaches, the wild animals, and the local people are so beautiful. Everything still seems to flow with the rhythms of nature and the ocean.
Photographer: Mark Saunders
How much yoga do you actually do when you are there?
Well, it depends on if you are asking before or after kids :) But, we have some beautiful yoga teachers there and its an incredible place to do yoga, amidst the sounds and smells of nature. Our daughters really love to join the classes too.
What are the essentials to bring to Nosara?
Flip flops, bathing suit, a comfortable dress, sun hat, sun glasses and sun block. If you surf, a surf board.
Photographer: Mark Saunders
Is there a secret beach you love?
There is an incredible beach about 45 minutes up the coast (up the dirt road) from Nosara called San Juanillo. Its a white sand beach, where the fishermen come in. The shells there are the most vibrant pink and purple colored shells I've ever found. Its like a treasure hunt and the water is beautiful. There is a very spiritual high vibe feeling there.
Photographer: Mark Saunders
What is your best tip on traveling internationally with kids?
Bring as much healthy food and snacks with you on the plane as you can (until you land and they make you get rid of it)! It really helps to keep everyone balanced and sane.
Photographer: Mark Saunders
What is your favorite restaurant in Nosara to go to with kids?
The kids LOVE the Harmony Hotel. The food is incredible and they love the Costa Rican casado. There is also a fantastic Turkish restaurant called La Casa, where they are happy to lay out rugs and pillows on the ground of the open air restaurant for the kids to fall asleep, while the parents enjoy dinner! We also love La Luna which has couches, pillows and tables leading to a gorgeous beach. You can watch the surfers at sunset and play in the sand while you wait for a delicious dinner!
Photographer: Mark Saunders
Do you have a favorite kid-friendly hotel recommendation?
We have stayed many times since they were babies at the Harmony Hotel. The staff (and people in general in Costa Rica) adore children. The children feel incredibly free to roam and wander the beautiful grounds there and search for monkeys, birds, butterflies, crabs, and all sorts of indigenous wild plants and animals.
When is the best time of year to go to Costa Rica?
Probably December through March. Others say July and August are best.
Resources:
The Harmony Hotel-Guiones Beach, Nosara 5233, Costa Rica, www.harmonynosara.com
Restaurants-La Casa, Mango Street, North Playa Guiones, Nosara
La Luna-Playa Pelada, Nosara
Best Yoga-Nosara Wellness, Upper road to Playa Pelada, Nosara www.nosarawellness.com
Best Beach-Playa San Januillo, a small fishing village just north of Nosara. It is still a relatively undiscovered slice of Costa Rica.
How to get to Nosara:
The main airport is San Jose (Juan Santamaria International Airport, code – SJO) you will most likely find lower priced flights. However, Nosara is about a four-to-five hour drive from the San Jose Airport, depending on traffic!
If you fly into Liberia (Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, code – LIR) the flights are typically more expensive, but from Liberia you are closer to Nosara, roughly a two-hour drive.
Photographer Mark Saunders can be found on Instagram @marksaundersphotography or www.marksaundersphotography.com
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