In 1991, while cruising the Pacific Coast, Californian
developer William Royster dropped anchor in Herradura
Bay. He was immediately captivated with the region's natural
beauty, unique topography and the warmth of the Costa
Rican people, and envisioned the creation of a world-renowned
destination resort community at that site.
After purchasing an 1,100 acre parcel of land that was
home to 400 head of cattle and free roaming horses, Royster
began six years of feasibility studies that would ultimately
lead to the development of the Los Sueños Master Plan.
One of his key accomplishments was to establish good working
relationships with the various government institutions
responsible for development, planning and environmental
protection, which resulted in the Costa Rican government
adopting new policies and regulations to strengthen the
tourism industry. Los Sueños Resort was declared a project
of national interest, and the country's first Marina Law
was enacted based on the environmental, construction and
operational standards that had been established by Los
Sueños Resort.
Construction commenced in 1997 with major infrastructure,
including a vast drainage network, sewage treatment plant
and road system. At the same time, Royster's staff began
an ambitious reforestation program that reclaimed 200
acres of the rainforest that had been destroyed by cattle
farming and resulted in the return of many native species
to the area.
The resort's hotel and golf course were inaugurated on
the eve of the millennium, and the first of 1000 projected
residences were delivered that same year. Costa Rican
President Miguel Angel Rodriguez personally laid the cornerstone
for Los Sueños Marina, which officially opened to the
public in 2001. Construction of the 200 slips and 80 dry
storage units was completed in 2003, and the first phase
of the Marina Village commercial center opened in December
2003.
The efforts and expertise of Royster and his partners
Paladin Realty Partners (formerly William E. Simon and
Sons Realty) and Braemar Homes have made Los Sueños the
most successful resort development in Costa Rica. Over
500 luxury residences and home sites have been conveyed
to date, a sales record that is unprecedented in the region.
Los Sueños Marina is considered the hottest destination
in Latin America for its world-class facilities and renowned
billfishery, and the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf
Resort is enjoying enviable occupancy rates year-round.
The next eight years will see the completion of the remaining
phases of Marina Village, conveyance of all 1000 luxury
residences and the construction of an eco-lodge in the
rainforest reserve.
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