Here are three businesses that chose Costa Rica
Costa Rica isn’t just beautiful—it’s a smart place to build. In these three founder stories, Bill and Nancy Ripley explain how Horizon Pacific in Tamarindo grew into a values-led property management company employing about 30 people. Michael Mills recounts how sailing Spanish Dancer and the rise of Liberia’s international access unlocked a steady pipeline of real estate clients, culminating in his leadership at Tres Amigos Realty in Playas del Coco. Michael Miller of Property Analytics PV in Playa Flamingo shares why family ties and community-focused valuation make Costa Rica the right home for his business. Together, they show how stability, lifestyle, and service culture create durable returns.
Michael Mills – A Pioneer in Guanacaste Real Estate
Michael Mills’ journey to Costa Rica began with family. In 1991, his sister and brother-in-law built Villa Casa Blanca, a boutique B&B in Playa Ocotal, and by 1995, he accepted their invitation to visit. Coming from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Michael was already accustomed to the rhythms of Pacific Coast living—sailing, fishing, and ocean adventures. Yet Costa Rica offered something truly unique: year-round perfect weather and the warm embrace of some of the friendliest people he had ever met.
Encouraged by his brother-in-law, who was already active in real estate, Michael quickly immersed himself in the local property market. He earned his credentials through the Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR) and purchased Spanish Dancer, then the fastest catamaran in Costa Rica and even featured in the Costa Rica Tourism Magazine. From there, he launched a successful sailing and sunset charter business, introducing visitors to the beauty of Guanacaste’s coastline while naturally cultivating relationships with clients who, like him, fell in love with Costa Rica and wanted a place to call home.
The timing was fortuitous. With strong rumors circulating about Liberia’s airport transitioning to full international status, and luxury hotel brands beginning to scout the Papagayo region, Michael saw the perfect synergy between tourism, lifestyle, and real estate investment. Settling in Playa Hermosa, he often reminded clients that within 20 minutes of clearing customs at Liberia International Airport, they could have their toes in the sand and a cocktail in hand. By day, he was “Captain Mike” at sea, and by land, he partnered with Michael Simons to handle client transactions and share their growing expertise.
This November marks Michael’s 26th year living in Costa Rica. From his first days sailing Spanish Dancer to becoming Managing Broker of Tres Amigos Realty in Playas del Coco, he has remained passionate about sharing the wonders of Guanacaste with the world. Today, Michael continues to help newcomers discover the lifestyle, beauty, and investment potential that captivated him nearly three decades ago—and still fuels his love for Costa Rica every single day.
Bill & Nancy Ripley
Owners Horizon Pacific – Tamarindo
For Nancy and me, the water has always been part of our story. From growing up surfing on the shores of New Jersey to waterskiing together on the lake in our hometown, where we both grew up and met, to raising our two children on the coast of South Carolina, feeling the salt air on our skin and wind in our hair has shaped the way we live.
Visiting Costa Rica for the first time in 2004 was unforgettable. Surfing its waves, experiencing its vibrant culture, meeting warm-hearted people, and taking in lush landscapes gave us a sense of freedom that felt like home. By 2006, we had bought our home here.
In 2008, we bought Horizon Pacific, and by 2011, we moved here full time. With decades of experience in real estate and property management, I knew we could build something special. Horizon Pacific Management and Rentals became our way to live that dream every day, offering homeowners and visitors not only access to this extraordinary place, but also service rooted in integrity, honesty, and respect. Today, we proudly provide steady employment for around 30 dedicated team members and give back to the community that has given us so much. For us, property management is more than a business; it’s a promise to care for both people and place.
Michael Miller, Founder of Property Analytic PV, Playa Flamingo
For many years, my family and I would escape to Costa Rica for our vacations. Each visit drew us in a little deeper—the lush landscapes, the welcoming spirit of the people, and the sense of balance between life and nature all left a lasting impression. What started as a place of rest slowly began to feel like something more: a second home.
Over time, I realized that Costa Rica was not only a place where I wanted to spend time with my family, but also where I wanted to bring my life’s work. As a professional real estate appraiser, I’ve always been passionate about helping people understand the true value of property. Here, surrounded by beauty and growth, the idea for Property Analytics PV was born.
Costa Rica’s unique blend of natural richness and forward-looking development makes it a place where real estate isn’t just about buildings—it’s about communities, sustainability, and opportunity. By planting our business here, I hope to contribute to that vision and to give back to a country that has given so much to us.
For me, this is more than business. It’s the continuation of a love story that began years ago on family vacations and has now become part of our future.
