WARNING: the following images may cause extreme jealousy, spark major bath renovations, or even an impulsive purchase of plane tix to Costa Rica...
Developer Manuel Torres keeps one key design concept at the forefront when developing bathrooms -- bring the outdoors in -- aiming to create a spa experience at every turn.
Kiana Resorts
Over the years Torres' business travels have taken him to over 50 countries - primarily in Asia and South America. It was during this time that he kept mental images of the architecture and design he encountered -- all of which culminated in the Kiana Resorts in Dominical, Costa Rica.
While the Kiana Resort features individually owned condos, it is run like a 5 star resort -- right down to the spa-like baths. And Torres wanted to accommodate residents' desire to be outside as much as possible...
Against the backdrop of a locally grown bamboo covered wall lays a carved rock vessel sink upon a poured concrete counter. After making their way across a layered cut rock floor (which lends a cooling effect to tired feet), guests find themselves at a triangular tub. Craving the fresh ocean air? Gently slide open the windows and loose yourself in the lush greens growing against a rock wall.
His Home Away From Home
Spending his time between San Francisco and Costa Rica, it only made sense for Torres to build a family home amidst the rainforest. Again, he paid special attention to the bathrooms -- even adding one just for the kids...
One evening, while back-packing through Mexico in the mid 1980s, Torres found himself tired, hot, dirty, and miserable -- until befriending the house sitter of a lavish estate. Standing under the home's outdoor shower overlooking the ocean and jungle, he found his own personal nirvana.
Remembering his outdoor shower experience fondly, Torres vowed to one day have his own. And what better location than overlooking the Pacific Ocean? Torres eases into each day while standing on a teak deck (harvested from Torres' development team's local teak plantation) under a rainfall showerhead. Adding a colorful touch is the adjacent mosaic floor inlaid with
hand-picked stone from the home's beach-front property.
Check out all of Manuel Torres' personal baths.