Hacienda Pinilla Opened the Beach Club in Avellans

Hacienda Pinilla closed the year with a party for its staff, in which they all celebrated the five-star recognition granted to Hotel la Posada. They were happy to have survived a year marked in history as one of the most critical for business. However, the stock of its achievements favored investing owners and guests with the opening of the Beach Club, built amid the scenic beauty of Playa Avellanas. The inauguration was attended by the developer and owner, Mr. HG Patillo, who addressed the guests at the official opening enthusiastically; he gave an overview starting from 1967, when he decided to purchase the land and make a life project out of it. This project would not only expand the business, but would also help with the development of neighboring communities. He emphasized the fact that over 30 students have been granted a scholarship to study at American universities. Two of them have already come back as graduates and are part of the staff working for the Hacienda. "Everyone who works here has a chance to make the best of him/herself,” he said.

I asked Mr. Mauricio Estrada, General Manager of Hacienda Pinilla, how is it they managed to crystallize a project like the Beach Club in the midst of a crisis as deep as the one suffered in the world this year. He proudly explained, "We always think in the long term. This important work does not allow us to go back. We have never considered the option of sitting back on our objectives. We're giving customers a reason to invest in Hacienda Pinilla; we are increasing the added value of each property. This makes them feel safe. We have exceeded their expectations." He noted that this would not have been possible without the commitment and care of all the employees towards the company. "They know that we greatly appreciate their work and that in Hacienda Pinilla they can choose not only an occupation and a wage, but also the opportunities to improve themselves," he said and added, "We want and we need them to work, but at the same time we want them to enjoy doing it. The commitment of our officials does not surprise me. They are determined to pull it through together. The Beach Club is their life plan, too. We contribute in such a way that Guanacaste can grow, and become a better place, in peace with the environment.”

In order to describe the Beach Club, which generates about 40 jobs and required an investment of nearly $3 million, it is necessary to be placed in one of the most beautiful beaches of Guanacaste: Avellanas. The responsibility of the construction work was assumed by architect Mauricio Mora, an employee at Hacienda Pinilla. "We respect the open space characteristic of the Guanacaste architecture. We used local materials such as stone, wood, and stucco. We built large terraces and corridors, and a strategically located parking lot that does not obstruct the view of the sea or the mountains. On 3000m², we built the briefing room, the main restaurant, the Mandarin lounge with an exclusive atmosphere, and the pool area with an infinity edge that merges with the sea and that can be appreciated as you enter the building. We used the colors of the sea and sand of Avellanas. We designed the Kid's Club with a sand bed and an enclosed area with A/C for children to play with Legos and puzzles and read books; the massage room has a water wall. Las Palmas Grill, is where hamburgers, nachos, burritos, and beer are sold for those on the beach. There is an area open for customers wishing to dine in the moonlight. They also have showers, restrooms, and lockers. There is already a convention area with 90 seats and the Boardroom for 12 people, all for the enjoyment of visitors.

The main restaurant, Avellanas, surrounds an inviting pool which, in turn, is surrounded by palm trees. It was tastefully designed, and respects the concepts of beach, holidays, relaxation, and rest. The chef Olger Vally, in charge of supervising the restaurants in the Hacienda, created an international menu using the fruits of the area, in order to give a different touch to the dishes. With a menu of dishes like gazpacho and ceviche and an extensive menu of wines and cocktails, the Beach Club offers a third alternative to enjoy food, Lounge Mandarina. One hundred and ninety people can have lunch or dinner at these restaurants, with attention focused on making guests leave happy.

To complete the experience, Hacienda Pinilla Beach Club offers massages and body treatments, which are run by Adriana Leiva. According to Leiva, "We offer a relaxing massage with hot stones and Swedish deep tissue techniques, to undo the knots and release contractures. There is also another version in which we use special algae to firm and tone the skin. We do sports massage, reflexology, physiotherapy with a device called TENS that relieves the pain through hot and cold packs, along with a massage; we have treatments for people who suffer from migraine, acupressure through a 30-minute massage on the face; involvements with papaya, banana, and honey (Tropical) or with algae powder to firm, tone the skin, and release toxins (From the Sea) with green mud, exfoliations based on papaya, coconut, orange, and sugar, and some are salt- or coffee-based. We offer three facial treatments: moisturizing, cleansing, and revitalizing. We also have yoga classes for children and adults, and some special packages for weddings.”

Jessica Del Rossi, coordinator of the Beach Club, said cheerfully, "There is no other place in Guanacaste with the characteristics of the Beach Club." About the schedules, she said, "We will open daily from 9 am to 10 at night.” On Saturday, December 12, a race was held for the first time. Ms. Carolina Ramirez, Marketing Manager of Hacienda Pinilla said, "The Committee of Events at Hacienda Pinilla organized the event, with the financial contribution of the sponsors. The purpose was to promote sports as part of the healthy lifestyle we want to foster: a balanced lifestyle, discipline, harmony, and respect for others. It was an activity to unite families and friends. The race began at 8:00 am with the 5K runners and at 8:10 am for the 10K. The race finished at 10:00 am with an awards ceremony and a raffle of products and prizes donated by sponsors including restaurant meals, hotel accommodations, and horseback riding tours at Hacienda Pinilla. There were two categories, in both the men's and women's divisions: Adults (under 35) and Veterans (over 35). A very well signed route was designed for the race. It covered many attractions at Hacienda Pinilla. Runners enjoyed December’s sunny and windy weather. Among the competitors were a couple that had slept for only two hours. That guy was the winner of the 10K race.”

Hacienda Pinilla has many plans: They have proposed to build several housing estates, condominiums, a shopping village, and other hotels, which respond to market conditions. This is the new proposal of a company that benefits families, communities, and investors by making every effort to not hinder their development.