by VICTORIA ELIZABETH
CTFashionMag.com
Nestled deep within the heart of the lush, pristine and peaceful cloud forest in San Roman, Costa Rica, Lands in Love is a charming, quaint, and intimate resort owned and operated by 15 friends from Israel.
This group of intrepid activists (all vegan animal lovers) left their homelands behind around 15 years ago to open a grand scale, full-service resort and animal sanctuary, curated to serve as a one-of-a-kind vacation destination for like-minded people as well as a safe haven for multitudes of animals who would have otherwise been cast aside and left for dead.
Currently, Animal Love Rescue (partnered with Lands in Love) houses over 1,200 animals including an array of dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, and much much more, who experience daily love, affection, nourishment, and world class veterinary care from the selfless, hardworking staff.
As one could imagine, operating a such a sanctuary incurs a dizzying amount of expenses; therefore, the staff– who works around the clock to provide the nearly constant care and services to the aforementioned animal residents– needs all the help they can get.
The Backstage Pass team was elated to receive the opportunity to return for the fourth time to this serene tropical paradise for an exclusive spotlight on how you can stay, play, and most importantly help an incredible cause while saving animal lives in the process.
THE ROOMS
Featuring 38 rooms, each with their own beautifully curated rustic styles and personalities, every Lands in Love room offers a front porch facing the lush, world renowned Costa Rican cloud forest. Two of the rooms are customized for guests with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magnificent wonders of nature with comfort and ease.
We booked the main lobby room, featuring two single beds, a flat screen TV, desk, coffee maker, fridge, and full bath, which was exceptionally convenient for my 90-year-old Mimi to roam about the lobby and visit with guests while we engaged in our various activities.
Our other room included a king bed and bunk bed in a sizable and spacious room, perfectly suited for larger families, which included all the aforementioned amenities.
Accents including hand painted artworks and tropical decor contribute to the signature aesthetic of Lands in Love’s cozy accommodations.
THE FOOD
Prepared fresh to perfection daily by the internationally acclaimed chef, Naama, the onsite restaurant at Lands in Love Resort draws legions of guests and eco tourism groups from around the world who flock for this exquisitely prepared world class vegan cuisine.
Each morning, we began our day with a scrumptious breakfast, which alternated intermittently between the buffet, which included traditional Costa Rican rice and bean dishes, fresh fruits and toast with assortments of Israeli sauces and sweet fruity jams, as well as vegan bacon, “eggs,” omelets, and much more!
A beverage bar, including an array of fresh pressed juices as well as robust, flavorful and locally sourced coffee, is available and complimentary during buffet hours.
A dizzying display of carefully and artfully curated menu items is also available for guests’ enjoyment, offering carefully prepared vegan cuisines in nearly every culture and genre imaginable, including Italian, Mexican, American, Taiwanese, and of course, Israeli, just to name a few.
ACTIVITIES
Lands in Love offers guests a myriad of opportunities to indulge their appetites for adventure in a variety of pulse pounding outings deep within the heart of the jungle, creating lasting memories which will remain with you long after your trip’s conclusion.
ZIPLINE
A stunning view of more than 500 acres of forest as you zip through the canopy on our seven cables and five platforms. Our tour also included three trails, and a thrilling Tarzan swing, for a total of 845 meters.
SUPERMAN CABLE
Soar through the air on the 450-meter cable. Experience the thrill of a lifetime as you fly like a Superman high above the cloud forest, taking in stunning views of the natural beauty around you.
RAFTING
Explore the tropical wilderness of a deep canyon, filled with waterfalls, exotic animals, and tropical birds as you navigate through the white water choosing from two levels of options offered.
ADVENTURE CABLES
The adventure cables will take you on a thrilling ride high above the hidden valley. Enjoy breathtaking views as you zip through the air on a 450-meter-long cable reaching high velocities up to 150 meters above the ground.
CANYONING
Descend into a magical forest surrounded by water and canyon views. With five descents. Rappel down a hanging bridge and four waterfalls.
ATV
An off-road driving experience – an extreme tour of an ATV or Buggys that combines skillful driving speed and control of a vehicle that is completely reliable and safe to ride. (Special thanks to our trusty and personable guide, Pepe who took us to see the beautiful nearby La Roca Waterfall during our excursion.)
ECO-BIKE
An exciting and eco-friendly adventure that allows you to explore the amazing natural beauty of this area while enjoying the thrill of cycling on a cable stretched between steel towers in the middle of the sky
HIKING
See the animals in their natural habitat and the beauty of the giant trees, by a guided tour you’ll learn all about the flora and fauna of the area.
POP UP SHOW
Annually, since 2021, the Backstage Pass Team have been journeying into the depths of the Costa Rican cloud forest to produce fashion editorial shoots and showcase events to benefit the animal residents in need at Animal Love rescue.
This season, models from across the US including Sabrina Fasana (a Miami-based model and owner of the pet couture brand La Flora ) and North Florida-based model Coral DuMont traveled across the world to participate in this pop up show for a cause, which took place in front of a packed audience of resort guests as well as supporters of the Magnifique brand and model families and friends.
The incredible DJ Anthony spun some upbeat tunes as the models walked in a variety of designer walks, featuring themes ranging from black and white attire to Hollywood red carpet glam, and resort wear. The headlining portion of the show featured rescue canines rocking custom La Flora Couture Gowns, Hats, Suits, and more, leading to a special celebrity guest appearance by renowned pet clothing designer, JoAnna Colon (CEO and designer of Rebarkable Clothing) and her tea-cup Papillon breed, Chu Chi Love.
Magnifique co-founder and house photographer, Lynn (@lynnsimsphotographer) took dazzling end of runway content of the hour long fashion extravaganza, and the crew joined together following the showcase in the Hotel restaurant for a celebratory meal of an evening well spent for an even greater cause.
Be sure to donate to help these precious animal rescue residents obtain the help and care they so desperately need, and assist the earth angels who run the sanctuary in providing the best possible care imaginable.
Donation link: https://animallove.cr/donations/
Be sure to keep watch of the @victoriahenley Instagram page for more info on how you may enter a contest to win a FREE trip (including hotel stay, food, and activities for you and one friend.)
Special thanks to Alon Kaspi, my influencer liaison for this trip and the entirety of the hardworking Lands in Love Staff for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature.
WEBSITE: https://landsinlove.com
PHONE NUMBER
408-215-1000 (United States)
: +506 2447 9331 (Costa Rica)
INSTAGRAM @landsinlove_tierrasenemor
@animalloverescue
