Photos by Samantha Jane Beatty
Styling by Todd Ramos
Model Jerry Raines for Neal Hamil Agency
Grooming by Briana Dai
Photography assistance by John Lewis
Styling assistance by Tyler Treadwell
Shot on location at The Barn at Four Pines Ranch in Crosby
Costa Elena is a kite-surfing capital from December through April
The secluded, 3,000-acre property where Costa Elena is situated is bordered by a UNESCO World Heritage site; the development’s backyard is an impressive 400,000 acres of untouched land known as the Guanacaste Conservation Area. Located just 45 miles north of Liberia, Costa Elena includes eight beaches, coastal plains and mountain tops alike, and dozens of sustainably built ocean-view villas.
The Costa Elena Ocean Club includes an incredible infinity pool and a full bar with private cabana-style lounges; future plans call for two more Beach Clubs, restaurants, shops, apartments and more. A boardwalk from the Ocean Club through the mangroves offers more than a pleasant nature walk: Since it was introduced in 2005, the 40-year master plan for Costa Elena has included conservation efforts for endangered species like jaguars and the yellow-necked parrot (both of which are now thriving in the region — keep your eyes peeled!). Pellas Development Group has also stressed the importance of recycling, utilizing solar power and stabilizing infrastructure, as well as hiring local and supporting local artisans.
As for the villas, which are available for purchase (homesites from $350,000; turn-key finished homes from $2.95 million) or rent through Inspirato, they go beyond picture-perfect. Seemingly carved into the mountainside, the homes adhere to a contemporary-minimalist, nature-inspired aesthetic: The floors are a lightly polished concrete that doesn’t feel industrial or cold, but rather comfortably modern, warmed by the hand-carved furniture of teak and fast-growing local wood. The ceiling looks like woven wheat, and sliding glass doors open all the way to make it seem like the floor plan seamlessly includes a fabulous private infinity pool. Inside, there are board games, Apple TVs, a fully stocked kitchen and laundry, indoor-outdoor showers, yoga mats — and an ocean view that will tempt the laziest of beach bums to do sun salutations on the daily. (Especially while a dedicated housekeeper-chef whips up a gourmet breakfast in your kitchen each morning.)
While there are plenty of nature’s sights and sounds to soak up from the villa, there’s more to see and do nearby: Inspirato can book guests private boat rides, kite-surfing excursions, volcano tours, zip-lining and plenty of other Costa Rica-beloved activities.
Back on-property, Costa Elena’s winding roads lead to several hidden beaches — best to ask a Costa Elena staffer for assistance in finding the best plot of sand for posting up that day. At any given moment, it appears that you’re surrounded on three sides by water. It seems impossible, but on this little sliver a paradise, a peninsula just feet away from Nicaragua, anything is possible.
The development’s Ocean Club boasts an infinity pool just feet from a sandy beach.
Costa Elena contributes to conservation efforts of Costa Rica’s abundantly colorful wildlife.
The bar at Rumi's
A sense of warmth is felt as soon as one enters the space, which is designed by The John Studio to feel as if you’re dining in a Persian home — a very fashionable Persian home, that is. The walls are exposed brick covered in plaster using a traditional Iranian technique and painted white, a combination that results in a rustic feel. The floors transition from hardwood in the entry to concrete in the main dining room, and the whole space is soaked in a warm glow from fixtures that are more art than lighting. Hanging from the tall ceilings, the lights are designed to look like a whirling dervish, another nod to Persian culture. The restaurant is anchored by a large, open kitchen, with a traditional turquoise-tile backdrop against which cooks are seen working with different types of unique stoves.
One of the faces that can be seen in the kitchen is chef Ali Mesghali. He moved from Iran to Los Angeles as a young boy where he started his career working in Persian restaurants as a teen. Now he co-owns five locations of Rumi’s — three in Atlanta and one in D.C. About Houston, Mesghali says, “It’s long been on our radar for growth given its celebrated diversity and incredible food scene. It is not only home to a sizable international community, but also draws visitors from around the world for business and pleasure.”
The menu is divided into “Taste” and “Feast,” the former portion featuring smaller dishes meant to be shared — think smoked-salmon-and-veggie-relish-topped hummus, or the melt-in-your-mouth lamb sausage. There’s also eggplant dip three ways: smoked, fried or roasted. You really can’t miss.
Meanwhile, the “Feasts” are different combinations of thoughtfully crafted meats or vegetables. Mesghali is particularly proud of his Wagyu Zabuton Kabob, which upgrades the traditional kabob to include Urfa chili spice, gilled shishito peppers, and red onion. There’s also kabobs of Chilean sea bass, duck or lamb.
The cocktail menu includes more Persian twists: The Maydan is a cognac cocktail with Persian tea bitters, while the house gin and tonic includes dragoncello tarragon liqueur.
As attractive as the food and drink are, it’s the pretty people who fill the scene-y space that bring to life a truly exciting spirit at Rumi’s.
Corn 'ribs'
Forbidden Fruit cocktail
A spread at Rumi's
Gifts of Beloved cocktail
Roasted Mushroom Hummusiya
S.S Poet cocktail
The wine wall