Gourmet slow food from Thomas Keller's French Laundry

Much of the 20th and 21st century have been devoted to making our lives faster: fast communication, fast transportation and fast food. But in the quest to live as efficiently as possible, the little luxuries enjoyed in slower times began to fall by the wayside. The art of letter writing, storytelling around a hearth and preparing a feast from scratch are fading into obscurity with each passing decade.

Recognizing the environmental and health dangers in promoting fast, cheap food, the Slow Food Movement was founded to celebrate and nurture the concept of eco-gastronomy – the connections between plate and planet.

What Exactly Is The Slow Food Movement?

The Slow Food Movement places a focus on sustainable eating and farming. Organic fruits and vegetables, free-range, grass fed livestock and locally sourced food are hallmarks of the Slow Food Movement. It has been proven that non-organic fruits and vegetables have less vitamins and minerals than their organic counterparts, and certain studies have pointed to the prevalence of antibiotics and hormones in poultry and livestock as the precursor to many human diseases, as well as resistance to antibiotics.

What Makes Slow Food Superior?

Slow food is organic, natural and full of flavor. The time it takes to prepare a fine gourmet meal is anything but fast, which is why the slow food movement is today associated with the finest in gastronomic achievement – top restaurants, the finest quality ingredients and out of this world dishes. Since the opening of its New York-based outpost in 2000, the Slow Food Movement has gained notoriety with adoption of the philosophy by America’s leading chefs.

Who Makes Slow Food?

Thomas Keller, world-renowned restaurateur and owner of two Michelin-starred restaurants including Napa’s The French Laundry and Manhattan’s Per Se, procures almost all the fresh, organic ingredients for his famous French Laundry fare in the backyard of the restaurant; the perfect definition of the Slow Food Movement. At $275 per plate, Keller’s meals have won the hearts and stomachs of everyone from food critics to Wall Street barons, proving that Slow Food is indeed a luxury worth waiting for.

Nosara has a handful of great surfing beaches, including Playa Guiones, Playa Negra, Playa Grande, Witch’s Rock, Ollie’s Point, Mal Pais, Jaco Beach and Playa Hermosa. Playa Guiones is arguably the best-known surfing beach in Nosara, and offers 2-6 foot surfs with long rides, safe enough for beginners but still enough of a thrill for dedicated surfer guys and girls. Windy days can bring the big waves, and with them come some of the most perfect barrels to take for a ride.

The waters are filled with a good mix of local Ticos and Ticas (Costa Rican men and women), sun-bronzed ex-pats living out their endless summer and eager tourists looking for a surfing thrill. Everyone is friendly and out there to have a good time, so beginners need not worry about the intimidation factor. For novice surfers who want to learn the basics, consider taking lessons from one of the two popular surf schools in the area:  Safari Surf School and Coconut Harry’s Surf Shop. All this can be enjoyed just minutes away from Kalia’s luxury eco-villages Ruby Skky, Emerald Woods and Black Beauty.

BRAC Grey Water Recycling Tank

Grey water recycling is an undeniably eco-savvy solution for conserving water. A grey water recycling system is also easy to install in a home, is not excessively expensive, and can reduce your home’s overall water usage by a third or more, all without impacting your life one bit.

What Is A Grey Water Recycling System?

A grey water recycling system involves a filter tank that catches the water from your shower, bath, washing machine and sinks. This tank then uses chlorination or other disinfecting methods to clean the water, and is connected to a pump that returns the water to the toilets for reuse. The resulting water is called grey water, and is perfectly suitable for use in the toilet. It smells fresh and clean, and looks just like water that originates from the tap yet it has a huge impact on a household’s amount of water use. After being reused for the toilet, the water is flushed out through the normal sewer system, just as usual. Kitchen and drinking water usage actually only comprises 10% of a household’s total water usage, which is why recycling bath, shower and sink water helps dramatically reduce wasted water.

Grey Water Recycling Systems in Kalia Homes

With luxury green living as the Kalia community’s mantra, grey water recycling systems were incorporated into each and every home to reduce water usage. The luxurious showers and baths may be appointed with the finest Italian fixtures, but eco-conscious residents can rest easy knowing that their home helps reduce water waste. Kalia homes feature a top of the line BRAC grey water filtration system that reduces water usage by over 30%.

Grey water recycling systems are the Kalia homes’ means for reducing water waste, while the finest Italian plumbing fixtures are the means through which the residents get to enjoy their water.  Kalia embodies the belief that a commitment to sustainability and a penchant for true luxury living are not mutually exclusive. Each home is the definition of eco-luxury at its best.

The Beauty of Zuchetti Water Fixtures

Zuchetti plumbing fixtures are celebrated around the world for their commitment to the highest standards of design, luxury and quality. Originally founded in 1929 by Zuchetti Rubinetteria, the company has been family owned and operated for three generations. With each new generation the company has renewed its commitment to research, innovation and quality to create the most sophisticated water fixtures available on the market today. Zuchetti is known for their sleek, simple designs that make a statement.

The clean lines and striking chrome finish align ideally with Kalia’s luxe modern interiors, making Zuchetti the perfect match for our residences. Zuchetti’s mission statement is to make every ordinary moment a special one – from delighting in the design of a sleek curved faucet to reveling in relaxing properties of their powerful showerheads. With Kalia’s own commitment to extraordinary living, we feel it’s a perfect fit – and we think you’ll agree.

Luxury and Sustainability in hotels. Princesse Bora Lodge, Sainte Marie Island, Madagascar

We’re beginning to broaden the base of topics covered on Costa Rica Modern Eco-Living, in hopes that the same readers who enjoy topics on Costa Rica sustainability will also find interest in the fascinating sector of eco-luxury. What used to be at opposite ends of the consumer spectrum – sustainability and luxury – are slowly but surely merging as pioneering companies, brands and individuals are seeking the best of both worlds. Sustainable couture, green travel and eco-luxury are buzz words that characterize this shift, and this week we’d like to share two articles that speak to the heart of the issue. Happy Reading!

The End of “Pop Luxury“?

The Business of Fashion tackled the issue of sustainable luxury earlier this year with this interesting article.  Key points include Hermes’ Executive VP, Christian Blanckaert, declaring an end to “pop luxury”; the fleeting, temporal fix with fast fashion. Instead, he proposes a shift in the focus of luxury consumers to fashion that can be considered a long term investment, since these pieces of clothing and accessories have a longer shelf life and more value over trendy, short-lived counterparts. It’s a compelling argument, and a read that shouldn’t be missed.

Luxury & Sustainability in Hotels

Stemming from the world’s first Sustainable Luxury Fair in Paris, this article explores the topic of sustainability amongst leading luxury hotels. Biodynamic champagnes, battery-powered scooters for quick jaunts to the café and low-flow faucets are just some of the ways the world’s leading hotels are providing their patrons with eco-friendly alternatives. Read the full article here.

Emperor penguins atop an icy glacier.

Wealthy adrenaline junkies and intrepid travelers need not sacrifice their everyday luxuries to experience sweeping adventure. Thanks to a growing class of travelers with upper crust sensibilities and a longing for excitement, luxury travel companies are offering high end adventure tours to some of the world’s most intriguing places.

Accustomed to living richly in their daily lives, these discerning globe trotters want to spend their nights among jaguars and water buffalo in the African plains – while settling down to sleep amongst the finest five hundred thread count pillows and sheets in a luxury tent. For fearless travelers with such tastes, here is a list of some of the best adventure tours for the rich and famous:

Adventure Collection Tour to Antarctica

Sail south from the tip of Argentina into the other-worldly white plains of Antarctica. Large ships outfitted with bars, lounges and libraries break through glacial ice and on-board naturalists lecture on Antarctica’s rich and unique wildlife. On the mainland, socialite travelers will find themselves in the company of royalty – in the form of the regal Emperor Penguins that call the arctic home. Further adventuring can be accomplished by sea kayaking through icy cold waters, camping in the white wilderness and even cross country skiing.

Abercrombie & Kent’s Ancient Wonders Adventure Tour

Delve into the ancient wonders that lie within Israel, Jordan and Egypt on this luxury adventure tour from Abercrombie & Kent. Leaders in upper crust adventure travel for decades, Abercrombie & Kent travel guides will lead explorers through the sands of the ancient world by camel. Adventurers will get a taste for Bedouin life by enjoying tea with local families, preparing a Jordanian meal at the Petra Kitchen and taking a refreshing dip in the Dead Sea.

Gaia Hotel & Reserve in Costa Rica

The Gaia Hotel & Reserve offers discerning travelers a Costa Rica Adventure Package that includes three days of exploring the country’s pristine rainforests, mangroves and beaches. Adventurers can satisfy their need for thrill on rushing white water rapids or by guided ATV tours that uncover Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, and satiate their need for luxury by curling up in Gaia’s plush suites in front of a flat screen TV.

EgoGir Suit

Though more and more women’s wear designers are now using organic cotton and alternative fibers, it’s still hard to find luxurious, sustainable men’s wear. Save an organic cotton t-shirt here and there, the attention paid to creating a stylish and sustainable men’s line has been minimal. Thanks to our sleuthing, we have located two fabulous eco-friendly lines that will satisfy the most discriminating consumer.

Bagir’s EcoGir Collection

International clothing company Bagir is shifting their company’s focus with their new EcoGir line. The same tailored fit and quality construction that has made Bagir a coveted brand is infused into EcoGir, with one exception – all materials used in the EcoGir line are either from recycled materials or organic fibers. EcoGir goes so far as to offer an expertly tailored, smart-looking suit jacket made from recycled plastic bottles. The most amazing thing is that the resulting garment looks like something ripped from the pages of GQ.

John Patrick Organic

John Patrick Organic

John Patrick Organic is a luxury label with the mission of creating clothing with integrity. The brand has a holistic view of what it means to be green, and is a sustainable company in every sense of the word: they using looms crafted from old bicycle wheels and support cottage industries in developing countries. The result is a handsome and dapper line of luxe sustainable menswear that looks as good as it feels. Though Organic also creates clothing for women, the men’s line is given just as much careful thought and tailoring – a welcome anomaly in a limited world of sustainable menswear.

Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula

Whether you are a weary traveler in need of blissful escape or a wealthy expatriate looking for a new pied-a-terre, these beach front properties are the place to be. Sweeping ocean views, rich culture and great activities place the Nicoya Peninsula, Cable Beach and Antibes high on our exclusive list of locations.

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

More than just a single beach, the Nicoya Peninsula is a stunning expanse of beautiful beaches. Since much of Costa Rica’s coastline is protected through national parks and nature preserves, the majority of the ocean front property is natural and undeveloped. Not only does the Nicoya Peninsula offer both blissful beaches and wildlife-laden rainforests, it is also considered one of the world’s biggest blue zones; areas where residents live unusually long, healthy and satisfied lives. Thanks to new eco-friendly coastal developments like Kalia, expats with an eye for luxury living can own their own dream property on the pristine peninsula and spend their free time saving endangered Leatherback turtles from extinction, hiking through lush rainforests and taking sunset boat tours through winding crystal rivers.

Cable Beach, Australia

Cable Beach

Renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Cable Beach is a flawless stretch of white sand beaches along the Indian Ocean. Blessed with year-round gorgeous weather, Cable Beach’s remote location helps high stress executives escape the fast-paced daily life and truly relax. Among the unique activities on Cable Beach is the sunset camel ride along the shore, which is definitely something to be experienced. Adventure lovers will revel in the freefall skydiving and excellent surfing conditions that characterize the destination. (source: goAustralia.about.com)

Antibes Beach

Antibes, France

Studded with 48 different beaches along the fifteen miles of coastline, Antibes is lush with history and beach front beauty. The dramatic rocky cliffs that characterize Antibes’ beach front property offer breathtakingly gorgeous views of the crystal blue waves breaking along the shoreline. For entertainment, travelers and residents can revel in the culture and history of Antibes’ abundant music festivals, theater, and museums. Well heeled shopaholics can also enjoy the famed shopping among ritzy Antibes boutiques.

(source: wikipedia)

Viridis Luxe

One of the most under-utilized ways to go green is to choose organic cotton and clothing made from sustainable materials. When the sustainable clothing movement began, little was available in the way of high end luxury fashion. But thanks to these forward-thinking women’s wear designers, sustainable clothing has been elevated to a coveted, stylish luxury.

Viridis Luxe

The mission of Viridis Luxe is to provide customers with “sustainable luxury”; something they’ve certainly accomplished. Viridis Luxe designs consist of beautiful pieces constructed from an exclusive blend of fine cashmere and long-fiber hemp, which results in a fabric that’s super-soft and luxurious to the touch. Each piece exudes a chic, modern aesthetic that appeals to the style-savvy women who value sustainability.

ecoSkin

ecoSkin

ecoSkin celebrates the beauty of an eco-friendly lifestyle while embracing high fashion and luxury garment construction. An amateur environmentalist, ecoSkin’s designer noticed that fashion provided few options for discerning women who want to live a green, responsible lifestyle. By creating her own luxury eco-friendly clothing line, Skinner wanted to ensure that everything about ecoSkin was truly green. In turn, ecoSkin is made with natural, sustainable fibers and the company maintains the highest standards in manufacturing and fair trade practices at their local factory. The resulting pieces are beautiful, comfortable and trend-forward without being too trendy – the perfect combination for a discerning woman who wants sustainable style.

Costa Rica & Green Building

On the forefront of sustainable luxury living, Kalia embraces the importance of green building. Though Costa Rica already established a chapter of the Green Building Council, it was just inducted this week into the World Green Building Council. The press release making the announcement discusses Costa Rica’s green building goals, including their push to become the first carbon-neutral country in the world by 2021.

Read the full article here: Costa Rica Joins World Green Building Council

Cutting Edge Costa Rica Healthcare

Costa Rica’s world renowned health care system is getting a boost from private equity investors, who have just injected funding into Pacific Plaza Health and Living (PPHL). PPHL will be a state of the art private healthcare complex located in northern Costa Rica, and is set to include the country’s second CIMA hospital.

CIMA Hospitals are run by the International Hospital Consortium, and aim to provide the best in medical care. Currently, Costa Rica’s San Jose CIMA hospital is known as the best in the country thanks to CIMA’s exacting standards for patient care, physicians and facilities. If San Jose is any indication, the latest CIMA hospital in PPHL will offer another top option for Costa Rica health care.

Read the full article here: Aureos Capital Backs Costa Rican Healthcare Facility