It wasn’t until the world slowed down that we had the chance to explore the oasis on our doorstep. During a hike one day in the pandemic, we stumbled upon an old avocado farm, its mountainsides covered in a sea of purple blooms. We knew there was something special here. We are, by nature, impulsive and easily excitable — and as luck would have it, the property happened to be on the market. Sometimes curiosity, a little ambition and perhaps a touch of naivety are all it takes to change the course of your life.

We saw the potential in the land before we really knew what we were getting ourselves into. What felt like a small, spontaneous decision would become something much bigger: a physical connection to land, a piece of the world that could be ours and, hopefully, something we could share with others. Both Ana and I grew up on farms and we wanted that same connection for our daughter, Maia. For her to observe natural cycles, rain, animals, soil, sunsets, farmers at work, and to all the ups and downs that come with living close to nature.

Life on the land teaches you to pay attention. To listen, observe and figure things out for yourself. You learn to live with your successes, work through your mistakes and find your own way forward. There is a resilience and confidence that comes from that, not from having all the answers, but from learning to respond to what is in front of you. La Lucia has become that space for our family and we invite you to follow as we farm and regenerate this special piece of land. 

We named it after the Santa Lucia flower, which draped over the mountain in a purple blanket. In Costa Rican tradition, this small flower is gifted in January to bring good fortune and prosperity, making it the perfect symbol for this incredible place. It was just the sign that we needed. Sometimes, when things are meant for you, they simply find their way into your path.

We always felt it was important to have something of our own that connected us back to our purpose. For us, Finca La Lucia is that place. It’s a way to reconnect with our food cycles and create a space that feels deeply in tune with the land. A place to gather, share meals, and spend time with family and friends. And, if all else fails, it’s a place where our daughter can grow up surrounded by nature, making meaningful memories along the way.

Much like our early years with VIDA, weekends are now spent at the farm, and when we’re not there, we’re talking about it. This chapter of our lives is about farming and the rhythm of work that comes with it: improving the soil, managing cattle, growing produce, and learning from the land. The farm has become a platform for bringing to life everything we’ve learned along the way.

In many ways, it embodies what we strive to achieve through our projects - harmony, land stewardship, and connection. We see ourselves as stewards of this land. It humbles us. We feel small beside it, and that’s a good thing.