Creating a boutique wellness resort in another country isn’t your typical real estate project. For Diana Ossa and Josh Dobken, it became the clearest expression of their values, combining sustainability, hospitality, and intentional living. In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan talks with the couple about their boutique hotel in Palm Springs, and how they turned a shared vision into a property grounded in purpose.
Diana and Josh didn’t set out to become real estate developers. Their decision emerged from a desire to live more consciously. After leaving the U.S., they chose Nosara for its natural beauty and community values, then started planning a wellness retreat that prioritized connection with nature, with self, and with others.
They designed their resort to feel grounded and serene. Each element—layout, materials, amenities—was chosen to support ease, rest, and intentional experience. They emphasized simplicity over flash, believing that presence and clarity would resonate more than extravagance.
As they shared with Jonathan, their venture represents a lifestyle more than a traditional investment strategy. They’re creating a space they’d want to live in, not just a place to generate returns. This philosophy shaped how they budgeted, how they phased the development, and how they crafted the guest experience.
Here are a few takeaways from the episode:
- Intentionally designed spaces can offer more long-term impact than scaled developments.
- Simplicity, sustainability, and community matter to modern travelers and investors alike.
- Real estate doesn’t have to follow conventional formulas; it can reflect your personal rhythm and values.
For anyone considering real estate through the lens of lifestyle and legacy, this episode offers a grounded look at what it means to build something lasting—both for others and for yourself.
If you want to learn more about Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing Podcast, check out https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/268/.