As the second installment of a two-part article on private residence clubs in Costa Rica, this piece will focus on clubs in the Southern regions of the country.

Thanks in large part to its booming eco-tourism industry, Costa Rica—which is on track to emit zero net greenhouse gases by 2021—has become Central America’s most visited country, with 50 percent of its annual 1.9 million foreign visitors hailing from the U.S. Abundant national parks, volcanoes and beaches mean that even those typically more inclined to luxuriate poolside would be hard-pressed not to spend some time in the lush, tropical surroundings for which the country is known.

The Northern and Central parts of the country along the Pacific Coast have seen the most development, due in part to their proximity to two international airports, while the Southern part of the country remains a less-developed haven for eco-tourists and adventure-seekers. Still, luxury real estate developments dot Costa Rica from north to south, and those who fall in love with the country and want to set up a permanent vacation home will have plenty of options. If you’re not looking for a year-round home, private residence clubs, which offer the opportunity to own a property without the hassles of whole ownership and full-time property management, might be the perfect option for you.

Here, we take a look at some of the shared ownership offerings in the Southern regions of Costa Rica.

Tranquilo

Located on 740 acres of land in the Puntarenas province on the Central Pacific coast, Tranquilo offers a spectacular rain forest setting and nearly four miles of ocean frontage with white sand beaches. The development’s 100 three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath, 2,200 square foot condominiums are divided into quarter shares, allowing owners three months of use per year. The price per share is expected to fall near $300,000, and the first tower is slated for completion in 2009.

Reserva Quepos

Located minutes from the Quepos airport and situated on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Reserva Quepos is adjacent to the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Only 25 percent of the property’s 50 acres will be developed, leaving plenty of natural land for owners to explore. Residences range from two-bedroom duplexes, with two units per structure, to three-bedroom, single-family dwellings of nearly 3,000 square feet. Ownership is sold in one-twelfth fractions, entitling owners to four weeks of usage per year. Interestingly, the specific month is set at the time of purchase, and affects the pricing of the unit. For example, a three-bedroom, single-family residence is priced at $41,900 for usage in the low season (or rainy season, between May and mid-November) and $46,900 in high season. The gated community, with occupancy expected in 2009, will also feature a clubhouse, restaurant, swimming pool, tennis courts and miles of biking and walking trails.

Bahia Escondida

Should you decide that a fraction of a home in Southern Costa Rica just isn’t enough, consider Bahia Escondida, a whole ownership option located in the Golfito region on a natural harbor surrounded by a national park. The property will feature 400 residential units and a 300-slip marina with one-third of its slips sized for 80-foot or greater yachts and mega-yachts. Slated for completion in mid-2010, the waterfront residences will range from one-bedrooms sized at around 1,200 square feet, to 2,800 square-foot three-bedroom units. Pre-construction prices run from $300,000 to over $800,000; slips start in the mid-100s. The community will also feature a yacht club, health club, two pools and a bayside pedestrian village, complete with boutiques and restaurants.