About Us, The short story...
First, I want to thank my family, in particular my father, Don, and sister, Kim, without whom none of this would have happened. Additionally, I want to thank each and every guest who has ever passed through Casa Zen, whether for a night, a year, or simply dinner. Equally, if not more so, I want to thank the employees of Casa Zen, without whom this place would not function, and I would have been committed to an asylum. It has been an incredible experience, and I am eternally grateful to everyone who has contributed to making it so special.

My father, pictured above, has lived in Costa Rica for nearly 20 years in the northern central valley of the San Carlos province – about 45 minutes east of Volcan Arenal. I've been visiting my dad for the last 18 years, and in the year 2000 I visited Mal Pais and Santa Teresa for the first time. Not happy with my life in the world of cubicles at the time, I was drawing plans in the sand for my small hostel with a “central gathering area” (now the rancho where you are likely sitting). Since he had expressed interest before in doing a project closer to the beach, I pitched my idea to him for a hostel and small restaurant. He actually said “yes”. We built Casa Zen in 2004, and are now enjoying our 4th successful year. Thank you again to everyone who has helped make it what it is today! And yes, I AM from Kansas City. And no, it is NOT overrun with cowboys. And no, I do NOT own a pair of ruby red slippers. However, I DID arrive here riding a tornado, with my cat Punkin tucked under my arm.