Costa Rica - Working Towards Carbon Neutrality

Costa Rica is racing to become the world’s first carbon neutral nation. In order to reach this lofty goal by its target date of 2021, Costa Rica must reduce its fossil fuel combustion and offset what cannot be eliminated with carbon sequestration, such as through the planting of trees or the scrubbing of industrial emissions.

The bid for carbon neutrality is not only a platform for global environmental leadership but a shrewd investment in the nation’s own economic future as the world’s standard-bearer of eco-tourism.

A significant source of Costa Rican oil combustion is in the production of electricity in its Moín oil-burning facilities in the region of Limón. The table below shows the estimated breakdown of electrical power sources in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica

Power Source Percentage

Hydroelectric 81%

Oil 8%

Wind 8%

Geothermal 3%

Solar 0%

Here is the link to this article:

www.soldeosa.com/editorial/07-01-2009-nocarbon.html

Costa Rica Photo of the Week

Resident artist, Hai Zhang, snapped this photo on his recent 2 week residency at Monte Azul.

Hai will be returning to Monte Azul in March 2010 to complete his project, "Waiting for the Rain".

info@monteazulcr.com/www/en/fineart

Monte Azul Artist Creates Unique Fashions

Monte Azul and Costa Rica artist, Karla Solano, has taken here fantastic mixed media work and created a one of a kind fashion item - The Beso Boot.

Please e-mail inquiries:

info@monteazulcr.com

Your Costa Rica Vacation: You Don't Have to Rough It (Part II)

You don't have to rough it while enjoying the mountains and rainforest of Costa Rica.

When staying at Casa Palo Alto, Costa Rica's premier vacation rental, enjoy the spa like bathroom, a full sized bath tub and shower.

Enjoy your day in the rainforest, horseback riding, jumping off the waterfalls, or just sitting by the pool. When the day is done, come back to your suite and pamper yourself.

Visit our website at:

www.monteazulcr.com

Sleep Well on Your Next Vacation

Guests at Monte Azul Boutique Hotel in Costa Rica often claim that they “haven’t slept this well in a long time.” Our lively breakfast discussions usually include explanations ranging from the the soothing white noise of the nearby Chrripo River, the quiet of our remote river valley, the high thread count sheets and comfortable mattress, and general exhaustion after a full day of hiking, horseback riding, zip lining, etc.

A recent article in the New York Times offers another suggestion for consideration: temperature. The article (link attached) suggests the optimal sleeping temperature for the average person is between 60 - 68 degrees F. As it turns out, that is the temperature every night, year round at Monte Azul.

Despite our proximity to the equator (8 degrees north) and location in the Costa Rica Rainforest, Monte Azul Hotel is situated at an altitude of 3,500 ft above sea level. As such, we benefit from cooler, mild temperatures that range from 60 - 80 degrees year round. Typically, guests wear sweaters/sweatshirts in the early morning and evenings, and shorts or pants and t-shirts during the day.

That contrasts dramatically with the low lands, where temperatures can approach a sweltering 100 degrees F during the day, and a very uncomfortable 80+ at night.

If your vacation includes the beaches of Costa Rica, consider a night or two at Monte Azul before heading home, to ensure you are well rested.

www.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/health/04real.html

Come Stay at Casa Palo Alto, Costa Rica's finest mountain vacation rental.

Cafe Blue at Monte Azul serves the finest cuisine in Southern Costa Rica and the Chef is available for in home food preperation.

visit us on line: www.monteazulcr.com/www/en/hotel/lodging/casapaloalto

Your Costa Rica Vacation: You Don't Have to Rough It (Part I)

Monte Azul Hotel, while secluded in the mountains and rainforest of southern Costa Rica, does offer hi-tech comforts.

Until 3 years ago, there were no telephone lines in our valley. Today, our telephone lines are complemented by high speed internet access through our Wi-Fi network in every suite, Cobalt Bar, and Cafe Blue.

So while your blackberry isn't yet likely to get your 3G downloads, turn on your wi-fi function and you can stay in touch with the office, family and friends. Don't worry, we won't tell anyone you have full connectivity.

Please see the attached link to the local English language news source, Tico Times.

www.ticotimes.net/business.htm