HACIENDA PINILLA: IDENTITY AND CULTURE

Visitors from around the world who visit Costa Rica describe the country's inhabitants, affectionately know as "Ticos," as having the gift of kindness – an ease with which Costa Ricans make tourists from other nations feel at home. It is very simple to strike up a conversation with Ticos, and to take this interaction to the next level – to friendships that transcend borders and the passage of time.

A study recently revealed that the citizens of Costa Rica are the happiest people in the world. This is possibly due to the fact that they live less stressful lives than those om other parts of the world, as well as the Costa Rican custom of always being surrounded by family and friends, smiling often and, of course, the privilege of living in a country that has year-round colorful flowers, ripe fruits, sun and fresh air, even during the Costa Rican winter.

This is another of Costa Rica's advantages: there are two defined seasons – summer and "green season," which is marked by morning rains. Costa Rica does not experience extreme temperature changes, and so, even when it rains, there's always the possibility of going to the beach or traveling to the country's mountains and valleys.

The phrase "Pura Vida" defines the Costa Rican way of life, which is even less stressful in coastal areas. Historically, the citizens of Costa Rica have a high literacy rate. The absence of an army, as well as the country's political stability and respect for human rights, has helped further its reputation as one of the most peaceful and safest countries in the world. Costa Rica's infant mortality rate is very low, and there have been substantial advances in the treatment of disease.

Today, the new concept of "Blue Tourism" complements "Green Tourism," which describes tourism focused on a country's natural wonders. Blue tourism is a term derived from renowned scientific research that discovered five regions in the world, among them areas of Guanacaste, where residents live the longest lives and enjoy the best quality of life. While the United States, Canada and European countries suffer through winter and sub-zero temperatures, Costa Rica offers incredible sunsets, a warm climate, flowers in bloom, tropical fauna, and a wide array of attractions to enjoy. The province of Guanacaste is composed of beaches, valleys, and mountains, as well as friendly people and contact with nature in its purest form.

Guanacastecan cuisine is very natural. One of its staples is corn, which is used to make tortillas, chorreadas (corn cakes), and arroz de maíz (chicken and corn soup). Corn dishes are complemented with yucca, potatoes, chayote squash, carrots, green plantains, ripe plantains, seafood, chicken, and beef, and seasoned with herbs and spices including garlic, onion, celery, cilantro, and sweet pepper. These ingredients are used to create typical dishes including gallo pinto (rice and beans), casados (a dish that combines several typical foods), empanadas (turnovers), tortillas and picadillo de papa (minced potatoes) and chayote (minced chayote squash), among others. Of course, a cup of Costa Rican coffee can't be missed, and visitors can also try aguadulce, a drink made from tapa dulce (caramelized sugarcane powder).

When visiting Hacienda Pinilla, you will have access to some of these culinary-cultural discoveries, as well as fusion cuisine that blends Costa Rican and international flavors. Make your vacation a true experience, not just a trip. At Hacienda Pinilla, a beach resort, nature and a residential community await. You will also have access to our golf course, tennis courts, horseback riding tours and hiking excursions, and are invited to stroll our pristine beaches, indulge in a spa treatment, dine at our various restaurants, discover our Beach Club and, on special occasions, enjoy dances and traditional cuisine. All of this is available at our exclusive destination, which is both safe and all natural, and will please even most discerning guests. Visiting Hacienda Pinilla is a reward for your senses.