Walk barefoot onto the white sands of Playa Langosta directly from Villa Serena in Costa Rica
When researchers used a blue pen to circle geographical areas of thriving health and longevity, a series of ‘Blue Zones’ emerged that have now become synonymous with living well. The colour may have been a coincidence, yet each location held its own strong relationship to the sea and water, where the experience of nature was embedded into daily life.
What this proves is that living on the water is a life-enhancing decision, whatever kind of lifestyle you lead. Whether a beach day is about sunrise yoga or sunset margaritas, the presence of water forms a vitalising frame to our existence. An expanse of blue brings us psychological calm and even lowers our heart rates; while it can also healthily raise them with the vibrant coastal cultures that waterfronts often attract.
Here we explore how architecture can shape our experience of waterfront living. How can an architect-designed villa intimately guide us in symbiosis with nature, or dynamically suspend us in its wildness? Visit these four waterfront properties located in Latin America to answer which type of waterfront lifestyle is for you…
Seamless symbiosis at Villa Serena, Costa Rica
Imagine daily life in barefoot proximity to a private beach: following a path through a tropical garden each day out onto the cool white sand. Twenty-five years ago, Costa Rican architect Abraham Valenzuela designed Villa Serena for living in this soft kind of symbiosis with nature on uncrowded Playa Langosta.
The turquoise ocean beckons from the private dapple shade of the villa.
Residents of Villa Serena can enjoy dining al fresco dining in dappled shade or under the stars.
In designing the secluded villa for his sister and her family, he brought a deep sense of local cultural and environmental knowledge to the architecture. Life unfolds across timber-framed pavilions connected by terraces, pools and pathways. A three-bedroom main house is accompanied by a two-bedroom detached guest house. Lush gardens frame every sea view, forging a sensitive co-existence with nature; an easy intimacy that flows out to sea beyond.
The glass and timber living area in Villa Serena is surrounded by views of lush vegetation and the ocean.
Suspended in the wild at Magna Pacific, Costa Rica
Tropical vegetation and ocean views invite residents to spend time outdoors at Magna Pacific in Santa Teresa.
Oceanfront living can be emotionally intensified by a powerful architectural frame. Here at Magna Pacific, located above Playa Hermosa cove in Costa Rica’s popular Santa Teresa district, two adjoining contemporary villas and their 10 bedrooms suspend their inhabitants between the jungle’s wild tropical energy and the intoxicating vastness of the turquoise blue sea.
The infinity pool at Magna Pacific overlooking the ocean boarders an outside living space where residents can relax and dine.
Built of lava rock, tiger stone and walls of glass, the villas construct their own private realm stacked vertically into the hillside. Outdoor terraces, showers and saltwater lap pools extend towards the horizon, immersing inhabitants in nature while preserving a respectful boundary. Comfortably secluded, Magna Pacific is connected to the beach by a private trail. The property is a 25-minute car ride from domestic Cobano Airport nearby Santa Teresa. From Cobana, you can fly to Costa Rica’s international airports within 30 minutes.
Stewarding an ecosystem at Puerto Tigre, Patagonia
An ariel view of lakeside Puerto Tigre, located in the heart of Nahuel Huapí National Park.
Untouched nature has become a luxury asset to be cherished and preserved along with its culture, wildlife and ecosystems. Our subservience to the environment — in respect of its healing power of planetary equilibrium — brings with it a deep sense of purpose and pleasure, defining a way of life filled with learning and adventure.
A rare opportunity to undertake this kind of environmental stewardship has arisen in the heart of Patagonia’s Nahuel Huapí National Park at Puerto Tigre. This secluded 625-hectare lakefront estate with two kilometres of peaceful shoreline is accessible only by boat, and is crossed at one point over the picturesque Millaqueo River.
Nestled amongst the dense alpine forest, Puerto Tigre is surrounded by protected national parkland. The area is rich with wildlife and considered one of the largest bird observatories in Patagonia.
The estate’s architecture, dating from 1910, offers a base for those ready for its responsibility. Deer, wild boar, foxes, hares and a wide variety of birds share the pristine landscape. The main house and two caretaker cottages have been maintained in their original state, and two further homes have been added over the past decade.
Coastal hedonism at Casa Luna Tulum, Mexico
The dramatic entrance hall has lofty ceilings and warm, ambient lighting.
A view of the kitchen at Casa Luna in Tulum, where contemporary design and natural materials create welcoming interiors perfect for entertaining.
Ideal for uninhibited entertaining, it has expansive interiors with soaring ceilings and sliding glass walls, seamlessly flowing out to a landscape of social spaces: pools, a swim-up bar, a sunken conversation pit, terraces for alfresco dining and sunbathing. The panoramic yoga deck, cold plunge and gym are all ideal for the morning after.
The indoor-outdoor living space at Casa Luna flows seamlessly between the expansive dining table and outdoor pool.
Entertaining is at the heart of this unique property, with areas dedicated to gathering.
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