Why Alegría is an Intentional Eco Village — Not Just an Eco Hotel

Why Alegría is an Intentional Eco Village — Not Just an Eco Hotel

Alegría defines itself first and foremost as “an intentional eco-village in Costa Rica, rooted in permaculture, shared governance, and land stewardship.” That mission statement sets the tone: the project is designed for people who want to live, build, and steward land together—far beyond what a short-stay eco hotel can offer.

Resident ownership, not transient guests

Lots are sold to future neighbors who then design and build their own homes. New owners work within a Governance model lead by the HOA, the Design Review Committee, and resident-led circles such as Farm Review Committee and Conflict Resolution team to keep every build aligned with community values. In other words, the people sleeping here are stakeholders shaping the place, not overnight visitors.

Food systems you help farm, not buffet lines

A two-acre community farm and orchard—planted in 2018 with 600 fruit trees and complemented by 1,700 native trees across the 170-acre property—feeds the village. Owners (or their renters) reserve a weekly harvest share, and volunteers show up at dawn on Tuesdays to pick, wash, and weigh produce for their neighbors. The result is fresh food, shared labor, and a direct connection to the land—again, miles away from hotel catering.

Shared values that guide every decision

Alegría’s written values revolve around the permaculture ethics of Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share, and Future Care. These principles inform everything from waste-water treatment to event planning, giving the village a clear moral compass instead of the “service first” mentality of hospitality businesses.

Daily life built on participation, not room service

Residents participante in activities across the shared areas, like swimming in the Hive pool, cooking together in the shared kitchen, dancing in the Yoga Shala, or visiting the zero-waste monthly feria. The calendar is packed with AcroYoga, kids’ swimming lessons, martial arts, book clubs, and potlucks—all organized by neighbors for neighbors. This constant co-creation is what makes the place vibrant; it can’t be replicated by paid staff or hotel programming. (Alegría Village)

A place to join, not just to visit

Prospective residents can book a tour to understand the land, the farm, and the community before deciding whether to buy. Visitors are welcome—but only as a step toward participation, since the long-term vision rests on people who live the values day in and day out.

In short, Alegría is structured so that everyone here owns a slice of responsibility—land, food, governance, and culture. That depth of commitment is what separates an intentional eco-village from even the greenest eco hotel.