Luluberlu

This chic downtown Puerto Viejo art gallery—clear evidence of a Costa Rican design boom—leverages the cultural confluence of Afro-Caribbean, European, and indigenous influences that shaped the town’s history. The decor is rather extravagant, and the inventory, which includes some items fashioned on-site from natural materials, has paintings sharing space with mosaics, handmade jewelry, decorated mirrors, and straw lamp shades that resemble colorful beach hats and the region’s indigenous cone houses. The exclusive swimwear line carried here seems inspired by the gallery’s beachside location as well as by Costa Rica’s sinuous, sensual shores.

This chic downtown Puerto Viejo art gallery—clear evidence of a Costa Rican design boom—leverages the cultural confluence of Afro-Caribbean, European, and indigenous influences that shaped the town’s history. The decor is rather extravagant, and the inventory, which includes some items fashioned on-site from natural materials, has paintings sharing space with mosaics, handmade jewelry, decorated mirrors, and straw lamp shades that resemble colorful beach hats and the region’s indigenous cone houses. The exclusive swimwear line carried here seems inspired by the gallery’s beachside location as well as by Costa Rica’s sinuous, sensual shores.

Love locally made handicrafts and artwork? If so, Luluberlu Gallery is a must-visit boutique. Backpacks made of colorful oilcloth prints, batik sarongs (perfect for the beach) and jewelry made of seeds and shells are among the items for sale here. Home decorations—many with mosaic surfaces—are also on offer.