After raising her two daughters, Amanda and Tara, in Southern California and Arizona, Jill was ready for a new chapter. Her family’s love of travel, along with a desire to live abroad, came together with a growing sense that life in the United States was moving at an overwhelming pace. After working on John Kerry’s campaign in southern Arizona and reflecting on the direction her country was taking, Jill felt called to create a place where people could step away from daily pressure, unwind, and support their own healing.
At the same time, her husband Bob was also ready for change after four decades in the music industry, as digital downloads began replacing record stores. The Ruttenbergs started planning a move out of the U.S. Jill describes that period as deeply frustrating, saying she wanted to go somewhere more aligned with her values—a place where she could truly make a difference.
They first considered Mexico, but practical concerns around organic growing, self-sufficiency, water quality, land ownership, and government stability made it less appealing. Costa Rica, however, stood out immediately. Its peaceful national identity, stable democracy, strong literacy rate, access to medical care, and commitment to environmental protection all made a lasting impression.
In June 2005, the family sold their home in Tucson, received a full-price offer in the first week, and boarded a plane to Costa Rica for a two-week journey around the country. Their goal was to find land and build their own center. They visited coffee farms, rustic homes, and coastal areas, all while navigating rainy roads, muddy conditions, and plenty of family humor to keep spirits high.
During that trip, Bob kept asking about a place called Finca Que Ama, a small hotel owned by a young Israeli couple. At first, Jill thought it was beyond their budget. After returning to Arizona, they received an email saying the price had been lowered and terms could be discussed. Tara later visited the property and told her mother that once she saw it, she would want to do whatever it took to buy it.
Jill and Bob returned to Costa Rica in September, this time with their friend and psychic advisor Veronica, to experience the property for themselves. They felt an immediate connection and fell in love with the place. Although they did not yet have the full funds, they learned how to find investors, worked through business planning, and raised the minimum amount needed. Just eight months after first arriving in Costa Rica, they became the proud owners of a 10-room hotel.
As Jill says, the rest is history.