By Nathalia Romero, Copywriter and Real Estate Writer 12/22/2025
The Ark is an 80-hectare development located five minutes from Santa Teresa beaches on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. This Santa Teresa real estate development includes individually titled lots, fractional ownership villas, and a community of 34 residents from 16 countries.
The Ark: Sustainable Development in Costa Rica
The Ark is ideally situated within the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's five recognized Blue Zones, known for its residents' exceptional longevity. Research attributes this to key factors like diet, physical activity, strong social connections, and environmental conditions. This sought-after location is also just a five-minute drive from the beaches of Santa Teresa.
Costa Rica achieved a significant ecological milestone by reversing nationwide deforestation after the 1980s, making it the first country to accomplish such a large-scale reversal. The Ark contributes to this effort by protecting 25 hectares of forest. It operates a 6-hectare permaculture farm that supplies food to the community, utilizing regenerative agriculture techniques to restore soil health.
“We believe in a community where each individual has the freedom to express themselves, while contributing to the collective well-being. A space that nurtures both personal and communal growth, fostering deep connections between people and the planet.” - The Ark Development
Development Philosophy That Sets The Ark Apart
The Ark is intended to be sustainable development in Costa Rica by emphasizing land preservation and community integration, a fundamental principle that distinguishes it from traditional real estate developments. This dedication is demonstrated through practical initiatives such as strictly limiting construction within designated zones, using solar power, keeping unpaved roads to reduce environmental impact, and replacing landscaping with a productive farm that feeds its residents. The Ark promotes genuine connection with the local town of Santa Teresa by avoiding the isolating paradigm of gated expat communities and requiring participatory ownership from its residents, guaranteeing that property buyers are actively committed to both conservation and community engagement.
Built on four pillars: Autonomy: independent energy, water, and food systems), Health: vitality rooted in nature, Regeneration: restoring land and economy through conscious design, and Unity: shared vision honoring individualit. The Ark fosters genuine connection with Santa Teresa through participatory ownership. Self-funded and free from investor influence, residents share in profits from all project businesses, with 31% of resale commissions allocated to the community. The Ark offers flexible, interest-free payment plans tailored to investors.
Background and Development Approach
The Ark was founded by Marat Omarov after his experience in Tulum, Mexico, where he witnessed rapid, environmentally damaging development during the 2020 pandemic. Omarov designed The Ark to prioritize environmental restoration and sustainable practices, moving away from typical extraction-based development models. Over several years, The Ark successfully built trust in the community by demonstrating a steadfast commitment to environmental protection and deep community integration.
The Ark operates as a self-funded development without external investors, allowing the village to evolve organically through the participation of its residents. Owners receive comprehensive representation services, including architecture, permitting, cost control, and construction oversight, plus access to additional services like gardening, vehicle rentals, and property maintenance. Residents also benefit from special discounts and perks for all experiences at The Ark and within its global community network. Through a profit-share model, residents participate in the village's financial success without liability for losses or operational obligations, sharing in the collective growth of the community.
Santa Teresa Available Properties Through 2CR
2CR has multiple lots and properties available at The Ark with different price points and ownership structures.
Titled Lots: Ocean, Mountain & Jungle Views
Lots range from 5,000 to 9,259 square meters (1.2 to 2.3 acres), starting at $297,000, with payment plans available. Options include Ocean View, Mountain View, and Jungle View lots with individual titles. Each lot allows up to 25% building density and can accommodate multiple structures, including a main house, guest house, and food forest gardens.
Each lot features rolling terrain with views of valleys and the Pacific Ocean. Natural airflow keeps properties comfortable without air conditioning in most cases. The village is fully solar powered, eliminating electricity bills and blackouts, with water supplied by ASADA of San Isidro.
Lot owners receive a percentage of village profits, based on the stage of joining, access to all village amenities, and participation in the rental program once construction is complete. Construction typically takes 8-12 months, depending on home size and complexity, with costs averaging $1,500 per square meter.
Fractional Ownership Villas
Fractional Ownership offers a flexible and accessible way to become a part of The ARK community. Own part of a beautifully designed property and enjoy it throughout the year based on the number of shares that you own. Fractional ownership is perfect for frequent travelers, remote professionals, and those seeking affordable, scalable investments with the freedom of ownership and none of the hassle of year-round property management.
In this type of ownership, you would purchase shares of a specific house. Each house has 12 shares, with 1 share representing one month of use of the house. Each share is priced at $22,000 during the pre-sale phase, rising to $25,000 once the house is completed. You can buy all 12 shares and have complete ownership of a specific unit for $240,000, rising to $265,000 post-completion. Your shares can be resold at any time at market value.
The first fractional ownership houses will be built on Lot 45, which is located for easy access to the community amenities - sports center, co-creation lounge, community hub, and the main entrance down to Santa Teresa. This is the perfect spot for future guests to stay, to take advantage of all the facilities, and enjoy being part of the community.
Fractional ownership villas maximize privacy, following the land's natural contours with functional, non-intrusive vehicular access and convenient parking. Each fully furnished unit, designed by Terreo Studio with interiors by Suma Gallery, includes private, carefully landscaped gardens for enhanced seclusion and a connection with nature. All residents share a centrally located communal pool.
Any unused weeks go into The ARK's rental pool, and you will earn rental income, minus a 15% property management fee. There is a $600 per year maintenance fee for each share, and this covers everything: all utilities, cleaning, taxes, and upkeep.
Community Life and Amenities
The Ark serves as a flourishing development for entertainment and well-being, providing a varied and extensive calendar of events intended to promote social connections and personal growth. Its monthly calendar includes a range of movement sessions for all skill levels, from ecstatic dance and martial arts to yoga and pilates. The Ark is a renowned hub for artistic expression, frequently serving as a unique platform for musical and performing artists. It regularly hosts concerts, showcasing the talents of both local and international artists.
The Ark offers seasonal programming, holiday events, and continuous learning workshops focusing on holistic wellness, sustainable living, creative arts, and personal development. These enriching activities are open to both community residents and the wider Santa Teresa public. Many classes and events operate on a generous donation basis, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.
Current amenities include:
- Yoga shala
- Children's playground<
- Communal kitchen and gathering spaces
- Fire pits
- Padel and pickleball courts
- Integrated farm land
Planned additions include a semi-olympic pool, wellness center, art center, co-working space, and health center. Activities available in Santa Teresa include world-class surfing, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, waterfall hikes, yoga, meditation, dance, and farm volunteer days.
Property Value Considerations
Land values at The Ark increase as infrastructure develops and the community grows. Properties benefit from environmental restoration work happening on the protected forest areas and permaculture farm. The development keeps natural areas minimally managed. Wildlife moves freely through the property. The approach differs from highly maintained developments elsewhere in Costa Rica.
Buyer Profile for The Ark
The Ark suits buyers looking for:
Long-term Costa Rica luxury investment
- Active community participation and shared activities
- Environmental conservation alongside property ownership
- Primary or vacation residences in Costa Rica with ocean access
- Options for flexible ownership through fractional shares for partial-year use
The community-focused development accepts natural, less-manicured surroundings. It suits remote workers, active retirees, and families desiring a nature-centric upbringing for children. The international residents foster cultural diversity and enduring relationships.
Contact 2CR About The Ark Properties
The Ark has titled lots, fractional villa shares, and completed properties available in Santa Teresa. The development combines beach access with forest preservation on the Nicoya Peninsula.
2CR represents current inventory at The Ark, including lots for custom builds, fractional ownership options for flexible use, and turnkey estates ready for immediate occupancy. We handle property selection based on your requirements, construction coordination from permits through completion, and ongoing management including rental services and maintenance.
Our team knows The Ark development, local construction practices, and Costa Rica property regulations. We can arrange site visits, explain ownership structures, and provide accurate cost projections for development.
Contact 2CR to review available Santa Teresa properties at The Ark and determine which ownership structure fits your timeline and budget.