Villa El Cantico – my own story as The Owner. Just a bit over 9 years ago, my family and I discovered Costa Rica. Through a typical travel planner, we came to Costa Rica. We were seasoned travelers. Before our 3 boys were born, we’d not only traveled – but also lived extensively outside North America.

We’d taken our oldest newborn son on our 10th anniversary trip to Bermuda. (Spent that time mostly having room-service meals on the balcony since he didn’t behave to typical adult restaurant expectations.) We’d taken all three boys around the world – Hawaii, Australia, Italy, and Africa, and to many other closer-in spots around the North American patch.

We found ourselves in a very special place for us all in Costa Rica. Wildlife of course. But better: the local people and positive attitudes about outsiders. For once, I felt immediately on vacation only 4 hours into a week’s visit. Better than that, we all as a family found ourselves reconnecting to one-another… perhaps it was the climate, or perhaps it was the interesting surfing and body-boarding, perhaps it was the virtually people-free beach. Or just perhaps it was the place and the people.

Just a year later, we were given an opportunity for me to take a professional “sabbatical.” Sometimes offered for time to write a book. Most often times used as cherished time re-connect with ones’ own family. We returned to Costa Rica and rented a house.

We were there when the buildings came down on 9/11. Our temporary neighbor sought us to tell us about it early that morning – I think he wanted some understanding and consolation. We watched CNN International and tried to explain that madness to our sons.

Every informed traveler I know says “never buy real estate on vacation.” I’m cynical and I agree with this.

But the time my family and I spent in Costa Rica changed us all a bit. “Reconnected” is the easiest way to put it. But perhaps somewhat more profound than that.

I found myself flying again to Costa Rica – this time to search for a permanent plan. My wife and I agreed that we’d look for a “future option.” Maybe a place to retire. Maybe a place where our sons will bring their own families. Booted-up, I tramped rain forest and real estate – sometimes with real estate professionals. Some better times – alone -- to think about what Costa Rica has meant to me and my family.. In late 2002 I found the spot. The land was pretty raw. Road bad; electrical rudimentary, water only occasionally available due to hotels further down the road. But could sort of see what this could be like. We named the spot Villa El Cantico. “The Melody” of the rain forest -- sights and sounds.

I’ll skip the part about architects, contractors, permits, etc. It’s similar but different from building a home in North America, Europe, or wherever.

Our Home and Our Family. Villa El Cantico is nearly 5 years old now. The gardens have grown in. The view of the beach and Manuel Antonio National Park is better even than I envisioned in 2002 on that raw land.

We now visit about once a year. We used to visit more frequently and for longer periods.

But our sons are older now, and we have more of their activities to support here in Chicago. Now when we visit, we tend to bring along friends of our sons, and friends of our family. We held a lengthy debate as a family before deciding to rent out our home.

Finding Melissa and Kevin made it easier.

As you stay in Villa El Cantico, we sincerely hope you find reconnections with one another, and just possibly – find renewed magic similar to what we’ve found in Costa Rica. Kris