GOLFITO, Costa Rica - An old steam locomotive sits silently on the edge of a majestic jungle. Remnants of the past remain in Golfito, but so do the building blocks for a promising future. The quiet town of Golfito, once a bustling port for Chiquita Banana, is moving out from behind the shadow of the now-gone banana company days to become the next adventure frontier in Costa Rica.

Jim Lynskey, Miami native and visionary developer, knows this to be true. During visits to the area, Lynskey was struck by the intense beauty of Golfito. The thriving rainforest, thickly forested hills, pristine beaches, calm waters and fresh, clean air enchanted him, later inspiring his selection of the town as the site for Bahia Escondida Bayside Residences, Marina Village and Yacht Club. Now in collaboratio with Las Vegas-based developer Great American Capital, construction of this environmentally conscious community is underway, with its initial phase set to debut in early 2009.

Located on the country's South Pacific Coast, Bahia Escondida is set in the midst of one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet, as recognized by National Geographic. The beautiful nature surrounding the site, with its rich wildlife and adventure opportunities, summons eco-travelers and sport fishing enthusiasts alike. World-class fishing is a prime attraction, with an abundance of Pacific sailfish, marlin, dorado, tuna and in-shore species to be found in the local waters.

With only 450 residential units and a state-of-the-art, 217-slip marina, Bahia Escondida aims to preserve all that makes the area special by having a low-impact on the surrounding environment.

"Respecting the land and Golfito's past is a top priority in each step of the development of Bahia Escondida," commented Lynskey. "Only by protectig what we have, can we ensure a promising future for generations of residents and visitors to come."

Looking Back

Built in the late 1930s by the United Fruit Company, now known as Chiquita Brands, Golfito enjoyed a magnificent heyday as the centerpiece of the banana production industry during much of the 20th century. Over 90 percent of the country's banana exports, in fact, were grown and distributed from Golfito's quiet shores during the 1950s.

Chosen by United Fruit executives for its calm, deep waters, Golfito provided a safe, natural harbor for loading the fruit company's Great White Fleet of banana boats, aptly named for their fresh white paint, which reflected the sun?s hot, tropical rays.

As United Fruit witnessed continued success in its Golfito operations, the company invested heavily in the construction of new roads, homes, schools, banks and hospitals, and with the help of the Atlantic Railroad, a project originally started in 1871 by one of United Fruit's founders,Golfito was transformed from a vast wilderness to a true banana republic.

In 1984, more than four decades after United Fruit made Golfito its home, the prosperous banana producer closed its facilities, which led, in turn, to economic hardship throughout the area. Subsequently, in 1990 after almost a century of service, the Atlantic Railroad was indefinitely suspended, due to further financial losses.

Moving Towards a Bright Future
The future of Golfito is now closely tied to the development of the new Bahia Escondida. The project will not only provide a unique luxury retreat for tourists but will also benefit the town financially by revitalizing its local economy. Jim Lynskey, the original visionary and president of Bahia Escondida's holding company, Hacienda El Dorado, says it best:

"My mission is to help preserve and develop the area and to show the world all that Golfito has to offer, while simultaneously generating a source of income for the local people."

The first phase of the project, spanning a total of 40 acres, will offer a new, high-tech marina and an enchanting waterfront village of shops, galleries and restaurants, all reminiscent of an authentic tropical plantation town. Also along the waterfront, luxury residential units will overlook the bay, where residents will enjoy first-class amenities such as the private yacht club, spa, fitness center, and sparkling pools.

It's a delightful scene to picture. The village's grand wraparound porches look out over a serene blue harbor. Palm trees sway softly in the light wind, while sport fishermen board their vessels for yet another excellent day of fishing. Gabled roofs and angled bay windows greet visitors at every turn. This peaceful atmosphere is the heart of Bahia Escondida and the embodiment of the Costa Rican mantra "Pura Vida," or "Pure Life."

Residents and visitors can enjoy life's simple pleasures at their own pace.

Future phases of the project will bring construction of the final 300 residential nits. These one- to three- bedroom units will be set along a centrally located park, surrounded by priceless views of Costa Rica's lush, tropical rainforest and towering verdant mountains dotted with banana trees.

With a concierge service ready to coordinate excursions, airport transport and other exclusive conveniences for the residents and slip members, pleasure yachters and adventurers alike will surely be drawn to this charming retreat.

For more information, please visit www.becostarica.com or call 1-866-50-BAHIA.