COSTA RICA

PUT FRIENDS FIRST AND RELAX WITH PURA VIDA

Costa Ricans have long been known as the ‘happy rebels of Latin America’ and their unofficial motto, pura vida, might just explain why. The phrase, meaning ‘pure life’, encourages locals to keep cool, stick together and stay optimistic. Okay, so Costa Ricans have plenty to be happy about – from sunsets that look as though they’ve been painted, to endless white sandy beaches, rainforests and 500,000 unique species of plant and wildlife.

But ticos also enjoy higher levels of wellbeing than many of the wealthiest countries in the world because they take care of each other. Pura vida means socialising as often as possible, and seeing friends regularly is one of the key indicators for happiness and even boosts our health as much as exercise and diet, according to research from the University of North Carolina. As one friend put it: ‘If a Costa Rican meets you once, they’ll be really nice. If they meet you a second time, they’ll hug you and make plans. And from then on in, you’re pretty much friends for life.’ Pura vida necessitates opening up a little more than many of us might be used to in Northern Europe but we can all make time for friends in our lives. Costa Ricans excel at relaxing, too, banishing clock-watching and enjoying what’s known as ‘Costa Rican Time’. This roughly translates as ‘late’ or ‘in no hurry’ – for anything. So spend time with your most laid-back friends – the ones who are never in a rush. Make them sit down and tell you their secret – and enjoy some pura vida.