Sophisticated Living Features Lamangata in Full-Length Profile on Costa Rica’s Perfect Blend of Adventure and Luxury

Sophisticated Living

Sophisticated Living dedicates a full feature to Lamangata Luxury Surf Resort in its May/June 2026 issue, offering readers an immersive look at the property through the eyes of writer Bridget Cottrell, who traveled with her husband for a week-long stay on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast.

The piece, “The Sweet Spot,” traces founder Debbie Gruelle’s path from wakesurfer to hotelier, describing how her background in environmental studies and custom home building shaped every detail of the property, from its position on a steep hillside above the Pacific to its solar panels, rainwater collection system, and on-site garden supplying the kitchen.

Cottrell highlights the surf program led by Junior “Chagüe” Vargas Salazar, a 2024 longboard champion, whose instruction she credits for helping two self-described newbies catch and ride waves unassisted by their second session. Chef Tony’s kitchen earns equal attention, with the writer describing a menu built around freshly squeezed juices, housemade bread and ice cream, and dishes developed in close collaboration with Debbie, incorporating recipes sourced from around the world.

The feature closes with a quote from singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, a figure Cottrell describes as a patron saint of surf culture, on the feeling of being in the ocean: “Every time I get a chance to be out in the ocean, it’s like hitting a reset button for me where I just feel alive again, in perfect balance.”

Read the full feature in Sophisticated Living

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