“And you have to try new things, and Costa Rica is the place to do it safely. Fear of heights? Go ziplining. Issues with the ocean? Take a surfing lesson. Eat new things. There's so much interesting stuff that you can try. If you don’t like it, spit it out. It’s fine. It’s barefoot luxury, nobody’s going to judge you.”
We’re in great company with Harry Hartman and Mario Mikowski, good friends and great Owners of Nantipa, where they provide a sense of serene escapism and barefoot Costa Rican luxury for guests at their beachfront boutique hotel on the Nicoya Peninsula, which is recognized by UNESCO as one of only 5 Blue Zones in the world, revered for its secrets of longevity, health and happiness presented by its population.
Nantipa provides a sense of escapism in this emerging hot spot that is the ultimate place to be and not be seen. Harry and Mario first opened Nantipa’s doors in 2019 to redefine the concept of luxury with ease and sustainable practices at its heart. The result is a destination that offers tranquil bungalows, suites and villas, a vibrant community, gastronomic hub and growing reputation for surfing, wellness, and the ultimate Pura Vida experience.
In this episode, Harry and Mario banter back and forth about their Tico Beach Experience where a thriving ecosystem, full of smiling people and unparalleled hospitality, contributes to what they believe is the secret to the Blue Zone lifestyle.
Top Takeaways
[1:40] Harry and Mario banter back and forth about how their friendship dates back to kindergarten and includes a mutual sense of humor, focus on family, interest in American football and love of dogs.
[3:45] When Harry purchased beachfront property for his family in the charming town of Santa Teresa, Mario immediately saw the opportunity to build an authentic and sustainable boutique hotel to stand apart from the sea of all inclusive resorts.
[9:40] Nantipa sits along the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula which is recognized by UNESCO as 1 of only 5 Blue Zones in the world - where people are known to live the longest and most healthiest lives due to a combination of fresh and local diet, purpose in community, connection to nature, and movement of body.
[15:10] The Costa Rican “Pura Vida” lifestyle is a way of living that is joyous and optimistic, and the hospitality experienced at Nantipa - from the warm smiles at check in to the friendly conversations at the bar - are a testament to that.
[22:40] The world’s first ever “Blue Zone Wellness Experience” goes beyond a spa treatment in a serene natural setting, to a traditional balanced “Casado” dish presented for lunch, to the local beach cleanup guests can join in picking up micro plastics - a truly holistic approach to wellness as a lifestyle.
[26:20] Expect to dine in good company at Nantipa and around town with Costa Rican favorites ranging from arroz con pollo, patacones, ceviche, picadillo de papa, flan de coco and so much more!
[30:00] Santa Teresa attracts great diversity, from adventure seeking travelers and backpackers in search of authentic experiences, to celebrities like Gisele Bündchen wanting to settle down in a vibrant and thriving small town.
[40:20] Not only is connecting with locals important to understand a sense of place, but having lunch with an elderly resident provides an even greater perspective on how to have both appreciation for its past and empowerment to steward its future.
