Costa Rica Luxury With RockResorts Flair

Rock Resorts, the legendary luxury hotel group founded by the Rockefeller family and now a part of Vail Resorts' lodging division, is taking on a new property in Costa Rica. 

Beginning in the New Year, the Xandari by the Pacific Resort and Spa on Playa Esterillos Estes will become Alma del Pacifico Hotel. Alma del Pacifico will undergo a total renovation while remaining open during spring and summer 2011, the time to find pricing values in what will become a world-class luxury resort.

Currently there are 10 fabulous RockResort properties located in Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, Jackson Hole, Breckenridge, Santa Fe, Miami and St. Lucia. Half Moon in Rose Hall, Jamaica will become a RockResort on Jan. 1, 2011 followed by Balcones del Atlántico in the Dominican Republic and then Alma del Pacifico.

In keeping with the company's expansion into real estate ventures, such as the recent acquisition of the Northstar at Tahoe ski resort in Nevada, RockResorts will manage all hospitality and lodging operations at the adjoining 700-acre Del Pacifico at Esterillos master planned residential development. Future plans at Del Pacifico at Esterillos include an equestrian center, 18-hole golf course, boutique hotel and additional residential units.

Located on Playa Esterillos Este, the property is halfway between Jaco Beach and the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park. Alma del Pacifico Hotel currently features 20 spacious private beachfront villas with original artwork and private terraces with views of the Pacific Ocean or lush gardens. There are two swimming pools, an outdoor Jacuzzi, herb and vegetable gardens, an art galley, an artisan shop, a restaurant and bar, a fitness center and a renowned spa.

Adds Barry Strudwick, principal of Del Pacifico Hotel Partners and Grupo del Pacifico, "Del Pacifico is more than another development on a pristine beach. We are creating a community that has been thoughtfully and carefully planned and constructed with a lively town center that embraces Costa Rica's rich cultural heritage, a community that celebrates the natural beauty of the rain forest and playa and a cherished place - either your home or your vacation destination - that preserves the soul of Costa Rica."

This part of Costa Rica is known for its world-class sport fishing and surfing; and nearby there are opportunities for days of spa and yoga; hiking in Carara and Manuel Antonio National Parks; canopy and zip line tours; whitewater rafting; horseback riding; sea kayaking; catamaran tours to Nicoya Gulf islands; river tours through mangroves; and shopping and nightlife at the bars and restaurants in nearby Jaco and Manuel Antonio.

For more information and reservations, visit LegendaryLodging.com/CostaRica or call 506/2778 7070.