Bali style shows off in Costa Rica at Lacqua Viva Resort and Spa
Covered open-air walkways, wide verandas and smooth wooden decks, thatched-roof pavilions in jungle gardens, hidden courtyards reflecting pools and temple carvings, living spaces that invite the landscape inside …
these are all elements of the architectural phenomenon known world-wide as "Bali Style."
The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of "paradise". Bali is more than a small Indonesian island; it's a tropical state of mind. That "Shangri-La" vision has carried Bali's rich imagery far and wide in modern tropical architecture, furniture, art and garden landscaping.
Tropical architecture is all about working with the elements of nature to achieve living comfort in hot and humid climates. Balinese design is known for mimicking and blending in with its surroundings. When it comes to modern Balinese houses, solid walls are not necessarily included. Wood, bamboo and natural stone are used generously, earth tones are dominant, and steeply pitched thatched or clay-tiled roofs with big overhangs help protect interior spaces from the tropical sun's brightness, as well as gushing rain showers.
Living spaces often open to gorgeous, lush green gardens, lofty mountains, or beautiful coastlines. The spirit world is very important in Bali, and their homes evoke relaxing, meditative energy. To mimic Bali's beautiful landscapes, this highly-popular architectural style creates tropical landscape settings with inner courtyards set off by wooden decks, pools and water features.
Bali-style architecture is exceedingly popular in tropical Costa Rica. L'acqua Viva Resort and Spa at Playa Guiones, by Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a spectacular example of Bali-style architecture. The hotel's name means "live water," which is a key element flowing throughout the property. Hotel buildings and guest suites seem to float on abundant surrounding water mirrors, ponds and pools. Triangular pitched roofs sport wide thatched overhangs. A large elevated wooden deck by the pool provides space for sunning, along with shaded areas for when you need a rest from the heat.
L'acqua Viva Resort & Spa is located one kilometer from the fine white sand beach of Playa Guiones, known for great Costa Rica surfing. L'acqua Viva is part of the Enchanting Hotels group of Costa Rica. The best way to reach Nosara and Playa Guiones is to take a domestic flight from San Jose or Liberia to the Nosara domestic airport.
Article by Shannon Farley
