Are there any other projects or people working in Costa Rica that you admire?
We are currently collaborating with Zunya, a regenerative project and art community in Santa Teresa. We are starting to recover marine plastic from stations placed at the beach and turn it into sculptures. Zunya is inviting artists to intervene in the town with plastic debris installations, not just to upcycle waste but to create awareness.
What excites you about the country right now and what challenges is it facing?
I'm excited that Costa Rica has somehow managed to survive the crisis the pandemic brought. We have been able to enjoy nature independently of the virus. And that's truly a gift to me, to be able to find peace in the wilderness. One of the most important challenges we face is urban planning, controlling and limiting the huge housing developments coming to our beautiful preserved coastal communities.
Where are your favorite places for nature?
Santa Teresa has the most beautiful beach I have ever visited in the country: Playa Hermosa. Nosara is also super-cool, with wellness retreats such as Blue Spirit Costa Rica, where the owners bring in yoga practitioners and experts in holistic medicine. On the Atlantic side, one of my top places to visit is Puerto Viejo, a town in the province of Limón with beautiful nature and Afro-Caribbean culture. I also love the channels within Tortuguero National Park; they're so exotic. I recommend staying at Mawamba Lodge—it has stunning gardens and high sustainability standards. We also have amazing volcanoes: El Rincón de la Vieja is truly magical. When I’m in the area, I like to visit Hacienda Montezuma, for the beautiful waterfalls, horseback riding, hot springs, and more.
Any other places you'd recommend if a friend was coming to visit?
My favorite place to stay in San José is Casa 41, a five-room hotel in the Escazú area. The rooms feature incredible art, the food is great, and the service very special. I would suggest visiting Mercado Central for artisanal gifts and to try typical foods. In Escazú, I love to eat at Mexican restaurant Jaguar Negro, and in the Santa Ana suburb I go to Picnic for its delicious desserts.
Where do you go on vacation in Costa Rica?
I head to the wildest, most diverse place in the country—the Osa Peninsula. I adore its natural richness and eco diversity. It’s also very secluded. It has the minimum number of hotels, few visitors, and little human impact, which is super-important to me. The waves are amazing at Pan Dulce—it’s the best spot to start surfing.
Follow Carolina Sevilla on Instagram @carolinasevilla