Can beans, corn and a sunset add years to your life? In this Costa Rican hotspot, the answer might be yes.
Locals in the Nicoya Peninsula — one of the planet’s five original Blue Zones — regularly outlive the average American by a decade, fueled by generations-old dishes made from whole, natural ingredients.
Now, as wellness-chasing jet-setters flock to the region, luxury resorts like The W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal are putting a five-star spin on that age-defying fare, drawing travelers and expats alike who are hungry for the recipe to a longer, healthier life.
“Costa Rica’s culinary culture has always been natural, honest and health-focused,” Diego Mollenhauer, the resort’s executive chef, told The Post. “It is rooted in tradition — food prepared ‘the old-fashioned way,’ preserving flavor and nutritional value without additives, chemicals or artificial enhancements.”
So it’s no wonder that mindset informs what they serve up at their restaurants — including a five-course tasting menu inspired by the Blue Zones of the world.
What fuels Nicoya’s centenarians
The average lifespan in this lush, sun-soaked peninsula is 85, yet many residents thrive for decades beyond that. In fact, the coastal region’s share of centenarians is about three and a half times the global average, according to the BBC.
“Here, diet plays a crucial role in well-being and longevity,” Mollenhauer said.
Science agrees. A 2024 study tracked the diets and health of 2,827 Costa Ricans aged 60 and up over 15 years. They found that those who ate a traditional diet had a significantly lower risk of death from any cause.
Elderly Costa Ricans with the highest adherence to the eating style had an 18% lower risk of death compared to those with the lowest.
“The foundation lies in the ‘golden trio’ of corn, beans, and squash, which provides a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, plant-based protein and fiber,” Mollenhauer explained.
Low consumption of red meat and animal fats complements the diet, with locals opting instead for natural sources like avocado and seeds.
“This nutritional approach supports cardiovascular, digestive, and metabolic health, contributing not just to a longer life, but a better one,” Mollenhauer said.
It’s not just what they eat — it’s also what they drink. The local water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, minerals that help prevent heart disease and strengthen bones.
Couple that with daily sunshine and plenty of time spent outdoors, and you get a lifestyle built for longevity.
Now, Americans are taking notice.
Live long or dine trying
The W Residences Costa Rica, a high-end enclave tucked inside the gated Reserva Conchal community in the Guanacaste Province, is home to a growing number of expats chasing the Blue Zone lifestyle.
Buyers previously told The Post that clean eating was a top priority when they decided to purchase a home in the luxury resort community.
“Being a little bit older, I am trying to be more health conscious,” said Nils Thorjussen, a 59-year-old from Park City, Utah, who owns a five-bedroom eco villa on the property.
“When I’m here, there’s access to a lot of really healthy food options. You’ve got the sea right there, so if you want fresh fish, that’s easy to come by. Otherwise, natural fruits and vegetables are quite accessible,” he continued.
But it’s not just residents who are drawn to Nicoya because of its food. The W’s Reserva Conchal property is also home to a luxury hotel, which has five restaurants serving tourists hungry to discover the region’s secret to a long life.
“More and more, we’re seeing people that want to eat what we can offer from the local community,” said Fabián Fernandez, the property’s business manager. “We are actually including menus that are aligned to the Blue Zone.”
It’s a major selling point. Surveys show that more than half of guests are willing to spend more at a hotel for healthier, cleaner food choices — part of a larger boom in wellness tourism.
In crafting The W’s offerings, Mollenhauer emphasized the use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, many harvested right from the resort’s on-site garden and apiary.
“We proudly serve beloved classics like gallo pinto, along with other vegetable- and legume-based dishes that represent the balanced, nutrient-rich character of the country’s traditional diet,” he noted.
At the resort’s fine dining restaurant, Latitud 10º Norte, head chef Erick Agüero takes things a step further, offering a five-course tasting menu inspired by the Blue Zones of the world, incorporating key ingredients and culinary traditions from each that promote longevity.
Guests can even learn to prepare a Nicoyan staple, with chefs guiding them step-by-step to make fresh ceviche using locally caught fish.
The locale doesn’t just have delicious food, Mollenhauer said — “it promotes a sustainable, health-conscious lifestyle rooted in Costa Rican tradition and Blue Zone wisdom.”
“Visitors leave not only having tasted ‘pura vida,’ but truly taking it with them — for life.”
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