Sometimes a single vacation can change the course of a life. For Doug, that life-changing moment came during a short trip to Costa Rica in the mid-1980s—a journey that began as a simple tropical escape and evolved into a permanent relocation, a new philosophy of living, and the creation of a lush botanical garden in the hills of Tilarán, near the Arenal region.
This is the story of how one man came to Costa Rica, fell in love with the land, and chose a life rooted in simplicity, sustainability, and the spirit of Pura Vida.
The First Encounter with Costa Rica
Doug first arrived in Costa Rica in 1986, traveling from Miami, Florida to attend Costa Rica’s first international orchid show. The trip was one of those classic four-day, three-night adventure packages, designed to give visitors a taste of the country’s natural beauty.
It was March, the dry season. The skies were blue, the air warm, and the countryside bursting with life.
Like many first-time visitors, Doug was immediately captivated—not just by the orchids, but by the feeling of the place. Costa Rica felt different. Slower. More authentic. More human.
But one visit was not enough.
Six Weeks That Changed Everything
In July of that same year, Doug returned to Costa Rica—this time staying for six full weeks. He traveled extensively, cruising through the country from coast to coast, mountain to jungle, city to countryside.
Back then, Costa Rica’s infrastructure was far from what it is today.
“It took five hours to get from Boyeros (a stoplight in Liberia) to Flamingo,” Doug recalls. “And I had to un-stick the Land Rover twice with a winch just to get there!”
The roads were rough, often muddy, and sometimes barely recognizable as roads at all. But rather than deterring him, the challenge only deepened his appreciation for the country’s rugged charm.
Discovering Tilarán
On his return journey to San José, Doug passed through the small town of Tilarán, located near Lake Arenal. He spent the night at Cabinas Los Lagos and drove along dirt roads to view the glowing lava of Arenal Volcano that evening.
Standing there, watching molten rock illuminate the night sky, he had a moment of absolute clarity.
“I told myself,” Doug says, ‘This is where I retire.’
At the time, it felt like a dream—a distant idea tucked away for some future chapter of life.
But dreams, when nurtured, have a way of becoming reality.
Twenty Years Later… A New Life Begins
Twenty years later, Doug did exactly what he promised himself—he retired to Costa Rica and settled in the countryside of Tilarán, far from the congestion of the Central Valley and the commercial chaos of tourist hubs.
Today, Doug considers this region to be Costa Rica’s true Pura Vida—a lifestyle unfiltered by gated communities, shopping malls, and imported habits.
“This is Pura Vida without the need of living in a cage,” he says.
Living Like a Tico
Doug didn’t come to Costa Rica to recreate Miami. He came to live like a Tico.
On his land, he built a greenhouse and developed several garden areas filled with tropical plants and flowers. He planted countless varieties of fruit trees, creating a living, edible landscape that produces year-round.
His small homestead includes:
- Rabbits
- Egg-laying hens
- Meat chickens
- A small pig pen
This is not hobby farming—it is a lifestyle rooted in self-sufficiency and respect for the land.
“I have zero interest in PriceMart or Multiplaza,” Doug says with a laugh.
From Farm to Botanical Garden
Over time, Doug transformed his property into what is now known as the Arenal Botanical Gardens—a living classroom and sanctuary where visitors can walk among tropical plants, fruit trees, orchids, and native species while learning about Costa Rica’s biodiversity.
Rather than manicured lawns and imported landscaping, the garden reflects the natural rhythms of the land. It is wild, colorful, and alive—just like Costa Rica itself.
Visitors don’t just see the plants—they understand them.
Building with the Land, Not Against It
Doug’s approach to construction mirrors his philosophy of living.
The wood used to build his two cabins and personal home was harvested from a neighboring farm.
“I paid a fair price,” he explains, “but I also made the old guy some nice outdoor furniture—Adirondack chairs—as part of the deal.”
This kind of exchange—personal, respectful, and mutually beneficial—is common in rural Costa Rica and reflects the cooperative spirit of the countryside.
Affordable Living Outside the Central Valley
Doug is quick to point out that life outside the Central Valley is not only richer in quality—but significantly more affordable.
“WOW,” he says. “You need to get out of the Central Valley.”
Here are a few examples he shares:
- Lomito de res (beef tenderloin): 400 colones per kilo
- Cleaning help: 850 colones per hour
- Mechanic: 500 colones per hour—fast and skilled
By comparison, he notes that a Honda shop in Miami charges $60 an hour, often with far less personal care.
Smart Living, Tico-Style
Doug has embraced local wisdom when it comes to utilities and energy use.
“I put my water heater on a timer,” he explains. “I run it from 5:00 to 5:30 AM, and I can still take a fairly warm shower at 8:00 PM.”
Simple adjustments like this keep costs low while maintaining comfort—another lesson in living efficiently rather than excessively.
Craftsmanship and Pride
One of Doug’s proudest accomplishments is a cabin he recently completed. The structure is a testament to what can be achieved in Costa Rica when creativity, craftsmanship, and local materials come together.
The cabin features:
- Handmade cedar doors, windows, and furniture
- Etched glass
- Custom plaster ceilings with exposed beams
- Italian ceramic tile
- Real plumbing and electrical work
- Security alarm system
And the cost?
$4 per square foot—turnkey, fully furnished, including dishes, coffee maker, stove, refrigerator, and even a new TV.
A Life Well Chosen
Doug’s story is not just about retiring abroad or building a garden. It is about choosing a life aligned with values—simplicity, sustainability, community, and independence.
He didn’t come to Costa Rica to escape life. He came to engage with it more deeply.
From muddy roads and glowing lava to orchards, chickens, and handcrafted cabins, Doug’s journey reflects what is possible when one follows intuition and embraces change.
For those dreaming of a different way of living, his message is simple:
“Come on by.”
Costa Rica, after all, has a way of turning visitors into caretakers—and dreams into gardens. 🌿