After raising their two daughters, Amanda and Tara, in Southern California and Arizona, Bob and his family felt ready for a major life change. Their love of travel, combined with a growing desire to live abroad, came at a time when life in the United States felt increasingly fast-paced and out of alignment with their values. Jill, inspired to deepen her vision of wellness, wanted to create a place where people could step away from daily pressures, unwind, and support their own healing.
At the same time, Bob was reaching a turning point after four decades in the music industry, as digital downloads began replacing record stores. Looking for a new direction, the Ruttenbergs started planning their departure from the U.S. For them, Costa Rica stood out as a hopeful possibility: a peaceful country without an army, known for its friendly people, stable democracy, strong literacy rate, access to medical care, and commitment to the environment.
In June 2005, the family traveled to Costa Rica for a two-week journey across the country. Their goal was to find land and build their own center. They visited coffee farms, rustic homes, and coastal areas, taking in everything from muddy roads to howler monkeys. The trip was memorable in every sense, and even the rain and rough conditions became part of the adventure.
During that time, Bob kept asking when they would see Finca Que Ama, a small hotel that had been mentioned in an online journal. At first, it seemed beyond their budget. After returning to Arizona, they received an email saying the owners had lowered the price and were open to discussing terms. Tara later visited the property and told her parents they would want to do everything possible to buy it. In September, Bob and Jill returned with a friend and psychic advisor to see the place for themselves.
They immediately connected with the energy of the property and fell in love with it. Although they did not have enough money at first, they quickly learned about investors, business planning, and financial projections. With determination and support from friends and professionals, they raised the minimum needed amount. Just eight months after first arriving on Costa Rican soil, they became the owners of a 10-room hotel.
What began as a search for a new life became the foundation for a meaningful project rooted in wellness, purpose, and a deep connection to Costa Rica.