A Seed to Table Experience

Robert Lewis Stevenson said “Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” That is the premise behind Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve & Adventure Park in Finca Pangola Costa Rica, the environmentally focused brainchild of Henk and Jackie Morelisse, Naples residents for 30 years. The Morelisse’s began with a seed or more accurately, two million indigenous seeds in an effort to reforest a depleted plantation in Costa Rica. The project protects six square miles of primary and secondary rainforest, home to critically endangered species including the green macaw, tapir and jaguar.

The seed developed into a luxurious eco travel destination in the northern region of Costa Rica that boasts the longest elevated boardwalk though primary rainforest in South America. A two and one-half-hour, incredible photo scenic drive from the San Jose airport that takes you past the breathtaking La Paz Waterfall does not fully prepare you for your first sighting of Cinco Ceibas Rainforest & Adventure Park. A multi colored, hand build gate opens to welcome you as you drive past a gatehouse that looks like an enormous birdhouse. There is no doubt the property was created by an artist with an adept eye for color as the unusual designs of the buildings that blend into the tropical jungle and enhance it. Colorful exotic birds and howler monkeys call from the canopy high above, as humming birds zoom about like tiny drones through the lush heliconia’ s as a friendly staff member greets you with a welcoming smile and cool refreshing juice.

“I wanted to create an environment where visitors can totally relax in luxury, but at the same time immerse themselves in the tremendous lush wonders of the rainforest,” says Jackie Morelisse creative director of Cinco Ceibas. “And, I wanted to do it in such a way that it is truly unique and in harmony with the environment” Cinco Ceibas received awards from The Costa Rican tourist board for sustainable tours and lodging practices and a carbon neutral designation form the European based Carbon Neutral as well as the highest rating on Trip Advisor in the northern zone of Costa Rica.

Guests are welcome to stay overnight in one of the three colorful and comfortable cottages that both immerse you in Costa Rican culture and provide you with the comforts you enjoy on a vacation. With all of the activities and spa opportunities available for visitors of all ages and abilities and the abundance of locally sourced and deliciously prepared dining on site, it is likely you will want to stay. Guest are welcome to enjoy horseback riding through meadows with views of the majestic Central American volcanoes or kayaking on the Rio Cuarto, a rustic river experience through the jungle with giant trees overhead. There is no doubt that the highlight of the project is a one-mile boardwalk through the primary rainforest. The boardwalk, which was hand-built to minimize any adverse environmental impact to the rainforest, provides both a great vantage point and protection from the elements.

Rainforest luxury is the only way to describe Cinco Ceibas yoga and spa platform where guests enjoy private spa treatments and massages as they drift off to the rainforests mix tape of the trickling river below, exotic birds and calls from curious howler monkeys that scramble down the trees to watch. Full individual and group spa and wellness retreats are available that include organic facial treatments, yoga, meditation and locally sourced healthful meal s prepared in their Cinco Fusion Cafe.

Insatiably creative, Jackie Morelisse found a way to transform culled trees on the project into one of a kind furniture designs that can be best described as furniture art. By employing local craftsman Cinco Ceibas became the base for her BouTeak by Jackie Morelisse furniture line that is now available at the Miromar Design Center in Estero, FL. “When I saw the beauty of the hardwoods and the potential I was hooked,” says Morelisse. “I began drawing beds, cabinets and tables and the concept was born. I discuss the designs with our carpenters and they build the handcrafted pieces, every piece is unique”.

From seed to table, my experience at Cinco Ceibas left me feeling refreshed and aware of how I can limit my impact on the world around me. It also left me thinking that my living room could use an upgrade with a new coffee table from BouTeak. I’ll pass along my old coffee table to a friend, so I don’t think that adds to my carbon footprint.

To travel from Naples to Cinco Ceibas in the northern zone of Costa Rica is easy. There are a host of direct flights from Miami or Fort Lauderdale to San Jose that make the two and one-half-hour flight regularly. Staff at Cinco Ceibas can coordinate your transportation or there are several car rental companies or book a shuttle van in advance. The two and one-half-hour drive by car from the airport to Cinco Ceibas takes you past the Poas Volcano. Learn more at www.cincoceibas.com

BouTeak by Jackie Morelisse is located at the Miromar Design Center, 10800 Corkscrew Road, Suite 148, Estero, Florida 33928. Information is available at www.bouteakbyjackiemorelisse.com, 239-949-0998