Vistas Newsletter August 2011
PERIODIC NEWSLETTER FOR VISTAS DEL LAGO
Juan at the guard house opening the new security gate. Noel & Juan doing a great job on the entry and all the new plants in Vistas del Lago.
This Issue
Randall & Jairo are the night time security guards
Construction Updates P.1 Local Attractions P.2 Local News on Vistas P.3 It has been a busy year so far at Vistas del Lago! With the recent sales our new lot owners are building their dream homes. It has been a long awaited dream for us to see the neighborhood start to grow, and with such a wonderful mix of great people coming together, we look forward to our many wonderful Vistas gatherings
As I sit at the lake house I am amazed at the beauty here at Vistas. Just tonight as the sun was setting there was a double rainbow over lake Arenal as the rain fell gently with a cool breeze I can only express how grateful we are to all have landed here in this magical piece of paradise, and so happy so many of you also know what a wonderful place Vistas del Lago is. Brad is finishing up David’s home on lot 57 and will begin construction on Ed & Beaty’s new home on lot 31. Jack will be moving into the lake house on lot 3, Delena is enjoying her new casita on lot 41. Kevin & Brenda will be here in August! We look forward to welcoming our new neighbors as we continue to grow.
Jack lot 3 Ed & Beaty lot 31
Sincerely, Brad & Bev
David lot 57
Kevin & Brenda lot 15
Delena lot 41
Local Attractions
Local News
Featured In International Living June Issue Written by Dan Prescher & Suzan Haskins Arenal and Around
Visit to the windsurf site with Dan & Suzan from International Living
Town of Tilaran Meeting with the Mayor with Dan Prescher & Suzan Haskins
We also had a vistas neighborhood meeting with our Mayor about the condition of the lake road and are in the process of getting some much needed repairs done. A special thanks to Zetty for researching and drafting the letter to the Mayor and to our homeowners and neighbors who attended the meeting and donated truckloads of material. Many thanks goes out to Delena, Zetty, David, Ed & Beaty, Kevin & Brenda,Jack,David,Jeremy,Danilo, Derek, John, Chocolete, we could not have done it without all of your help.
From the Gold Coast we drove up to Liberia and down the Pan American Highway to Canas, where we turned north into the mountains toward this remarkable 33-square-mile lake anchored on its east end by the perfect cone of an active volcano, Volcán Arenal. It was our first time approaching the lake from the Liberia side, which took us to the south side of the lake instead of the usual north shore approach from San José. It was a valuable experience. The drive to the lake from Liberia is easier and faster than the drive from San José, and we got a chance to see Tilarán for the first time. This little commercial center is the shopping hub for the south side of the lake, and our friends Brad and Beverly Sheatz, who own a development called Vistas del Lago on the lake shore, introduced us to the town’s vice-mayor, Maureen Boniche Uglade. No sooner had Maureen heard we were in Tilarán than she arranged a meeting at the town hall, an interview with the manager of the area’s telecommunications firm and a talk with the mayor himself, Arias Ortega Jovel. Everyone from the mayor on down greeted us with such warmth, friendliness and enthusiasm that it was like running into old friends—not an uncommon occurrence around Lake Arenal. For the next few days, we toured the area and relaxed near this gorgeous body of clear water. The lake was expanded in 1979 as part of Costa Rica’s hydroelectric system, and the lake and its power stations now supply 70% of the country’s electricity. The expat community around Lake Arenal, while small, is extremely close-knit. Even the local developers get along well together while good-naturedly competing for sales. Given its natural beauty, the friendliness of both locals and expats, and the wide variety of affordable property around the lake, Suzan and I are amazed at how peaceful and uncrowded the lake has remained: Mile after mile of clear, smooth water and green, wooded shoreline in every direction. I know of lakes in the U.S that are nowhere near the equal in scenery and water quality. And yet they’re completely overrun with boats and jet skis every day of the week when the weather is good. Lake Arenal nearly always has good weather, and on any given day you can go out on the lake and be the only craft on the water. But a place as astounding and affordable as Lake Arenal can’t stay a secret for long. Until now, the winding, three-hour drive through the mountains up from San José has kept things quiet. But as we discovered, the drive in from Liberia in the other direction is easier, shorter and just as scenic. We expect things to change. ! Captain Ron’s Fishing tour The premier fishing guide service on Lake Arenal. Your adventure starts the moment you launch with Captain Ron. Experience the thrill of catching a guapote or machaca when you fish Lake Arenal, a sparkling fresh water 33-mile lake located in the north-central highlands of Costa Rica. contact us by email :info@arenalfishing.com or Phone (506)8-339-3345 Ron’s cell phone.
GINGERBREAD Gingerbread is for people who want to experience a unique dining atmosphere like no other on the shores of Lake Arenal. The restaurant provides a cozy relaxed atmosphere where large and small parties can enjoy. It is the menu of International Fusion flavors created by chef Eyal BenMenachem that make for an experience to remember. Every week he showcases a variety of "made to order" entrees changed daily with the availability of hand selected fresh local beef and pork. For sea fare, Freshness is the key to preparation! Also, all of the desserts are homemade, ranging from flavors of rich dark chocolate to fresh fruit concoctions bursting with ripeness. If you’d like to stay overnight their unique rooms offer all the comforts you would expect, full baths, showers, air conditioning, satellite TV and wireless service. Private porches are perfect for relaxing while watching the sunset or enjoying the morning with their complimentary homemade continental breakfast. For reservation call-2694 0039 www.gingerbreadarenal.com
Several of our homeowners own more than one lot in Vistas del Lago! Many lot owners purchased their initial lot and decided to buy another lot as well, just can’t get enough of a good thing ! Some lot owners are planting their lots for future use and look forward to their retirement days ahead. Mary Helen has spent the last couple of years planting trees one her lots.. see photo below
Zetty has started planting on both her lots....see photos below
Plans for the neighborhood this year in Vistas del Lago Organic Farming Co-op We would like to encourage all our neighbors to plant not only trees and flowers but fruits and vegetables free of pesticides and herbicides so we can have a weekly farmers market. Chickens and fish ponds are also welcome.
Delena has landscaped all around her guest house it looks gorgeous.
Coming soon! Condos We are also planing on building a few condos in the front there will only be a handful of these units available in Visas del Lago Clubhouse As always neighborhood improvements are dependent on continued sales, please tell a friend you can earn a commission and we all benefit from better amenities. We have a special offer for Vistas del Lago homeowners at the Springs hotel in Fortuna (they were recently featured in a episode of a TV show The Bachelor) we get half price on hot springs day passes and reduced hotel rooms its a great place to visit when you have visitors or want to relax in the hot springs while enjoying the biggest view of Arenal Volcano.
Thanks to Melissa for all her hard work! We appreciate her more than she knows and wish her all the best with her new baby boy that will arrive in October. We are praying for a healthy happy delivery to our soon to be Mamacita. You will be a great Mom!
For those who have not been there yet you can see them online at www.springscostarica.com. We can arrange your visit for you,just let us know and we will book it for you.
Kayaks are now available at the guard house !
We’re here to help in any way we can, if its purchasing your lot or an additional one, building your new home or ideas on how to get started? Just let us know what you need!
Fly and Buy Program Are you interested in visiting Vistas Del Lago? If so we can help plan your trip. From local tours, to the best accommodations. If you plan specifically to visit Vistas Del Lago and end up as one of our happy buyers in the neighborhood we will refund the cost of your flight (send us an e-mail or call us at 1-800-978-LAGO for details).