This sequence of photos shows the how the construction of the villa evolved over time.

jV-s1AU6xm8

Villa Luces que Flotan was designed to connect the earth with the sky in a circular fashion. Its spiritual elements and seclusion high on the slopes of Poas Volcano provide quietude and inspiration for prayer and meditation. The villa is ideal for creative thought for artists or for those seeking spiritual or personal growth. Its neo-monastic style provides spaces well suited for workshops, seminars, retreats and musical and theatrical performances. The villa rests high on the slopes of Poas Volcano above the city of Grecia with broad views of Costa Rica's verdant Central Valley. Villa of Lights that Float is named for its views of thousands of shimmering lights from the Central Valley below, the star-filled nights and fireflies drifting past. In the central courtyard a partially submerged and glowing spherical fountain appears to float. Small arched bridges with ice-block centers glow at night from pool lights below. Utilizing his background in anthropology owner Gene Warneke created the basic design in 1990. After traveling through several continents, Gene found a stunning site to build his visionary home and then a superb and gifted architect, Rodrigo Torres. Together they created a modern monument to the sacred past. The villa is a harmony of ovals and circles consciously integrating the land with the sky. Multiple curved forms create a harmonious and comfortable ambience throughout. Absolutely unique in its style, the villa's design blends sacred Amerindian forms and alignments with warm Spanish hacienda and serene monastic forms. As did the Inca with their sacred structures, the villa is aligned towards the highest peak of the horizon, Cerro Turrubares. A long lap-pool penetrates the center of the villa and points precisely at the peak. From the pool's infinity line swimmers may recline on a ramp to relax and enjoy the sweeping valley vistas before them. The courtyard forms a sunken amphitheatre with a tropical backdrop of bananas, orchids and ginger plants. At the heart of the villa lies a central fountain. The fountain water bubbles over the terracotta-colored sphere down into the crystal clear pool of blue and yellow-tiles. At the far end of the pool, waters spill over an infinity line into a basin above a large semi-circular Jacuzzi. A submerged massage platform tiled with the colors of the Chakra bi-sects the pool. In front of the Jacuzzi lies a small gently sloping valley of flowers and lawn that allows for privacy and breathtaking views of the Central Valley. The entire circular villa roof slopes directly toward the fountain sphere. The villa room divisions point toward the sphere like spokes of a wheel. The broad circular sweep of the roof dramatically connects the courtyard and villa with the sky. The home's southern alignment and curved roof design provide passive solar heat for the cool mountain nights. Year-round day and nighttime temperatures that average 74 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit respectively make air-conditioning and heating unnecessary. Located in a small gated community, access to the home is via a half-mile paved road through an exquisite park-like setting. The Rio Achiote below the property offers streamside walks amid virgin forest and waterfalls. The abundance of varied wildlife is to be enjoyed daily. Hummingbirds and butterflies hover throughout the flower gardens. Toucans, parrots and snowbirds nest nearby on the forrested slopes of Poas Volcano. To fully experience the splendor of Villa Luces que Flotan one must float in its pools, or sit amidst its quietude and watch the tropical world below.

Z9ZbHfPUU2A

Latin jazz trio from Grecia Costa Rica plays El Dia Que Me Quieras inside Complejo Los Arcos bar El Rincon Bohemio.

Qir_j7qWuJM

Biologist Dan Janzen discusses the beautiful caterpillars, butterflies and moths of the Costa Rican forests.

qxnKYZRowOs

Views I shot on an Eastern Sierra road trip in 2006.

d77Wvy64Udw