Q & A with Moraya Ianoco - Owner of Ylang Ylang Beach Resort

How and when did your family discover Costa Rica? My parents came to Costa Rica from Holland and Florida in the 1970s. They fell in love with Montezuma and put roots here. My sister and I were born here in the 80s.   When & why was the business started? My parents began by earning a living selling dried fruit. From their earnings, they opened a health food restaurant, El Sano Banano in the center of Montezuma. Slowly, they developed the beachfront property that would become Ylang Ylang Beach Resort. They set out to create a beautiful oasis where family, friends and partners could come to enjoy the natural surroundings of Costa Rica in a secluded yet nurturing and comfortable environment. In late 2004, they changed the name to Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, named after the exuberantly aromatic Ylang Ylang flower that grows profusely in the tropics. What were the most challenging things in the early days about opening the business for your parents? The property does not have road access, so every bit of material for building was brought in in a jeep or by hand. Tourism was not so big in Costa Rica at that time, so the business has been a work in progress over the past 30 + years.   Why in your opinion is Ylang Ylang successful and what are some of your favorite things about it? Ylang Ylang is successful because it offers a unique location, directly on the beach but surrounded by lush tropical forests. Many guests claim they see more wildlife here on our property than in some of the national parks! This is because we have no road access and our property is along a protected reserve wildlife corridor. In addition to the picturesque location, our staff is the heart of Ylang Ylang. They remember guests year after year by name, they welcome them every morning and evening with genuine kindness and comfort. It’s clear that they love their work here. Guests love that there are plenty of activities for adventure. Our area offers most of what Costa Rica has to offer all in one place. There are also many opportunities to rest and rejuvenate. Our food quality is in line with this, offering fresh, healthy meals in our restaurant. Who are some of your longest serving or/and most valued employees? Anita, who works in the bar, has worked with our family for 40 years. She started off as my babysitter and then has continued on with work in the restaurant. Similarly, Patricia, the head of our restaurant staff, has been with us for 20 years. Our chef, who retired last year, was also with us for 25 years. She had no experience and my mother trained her. We have many other wonderful and valuable staff members who have been with us for 10-15 years as well.   What future plans or changes are you thinking about making to the business? No future plans at the moment. There are always small improvements and upgrades we’re making all the time, but nothing major. We like to keep the cozy, intimate feel of our property.   What is your personal favorite dish on the Ylang Ylang menu? It’s too hard to choose just one!!! If I had to choose, I’d take the shrimp fettuccine in a garlic sauce.   Just for Fun!! Where in Costa Rica or Central America do you like to visit when you are not working? Arenal Hotsprings   Who is your Favorite Band or Musical Artist? I have been a DJ as a hobby since I was 15 years old so making me pick a song is quite hard as I love all kinds of music, but if I had to pick I would say Vivir Mi Vida by Marc Anthony as I absolutely love to Dance salsa and this would be my favorite song.   Who is your Favorite Comedian or/and Actor? Joaquin Phoenix and Denzel Washington   A movie you can watch over & over again? The Mask.   What would be your go-to Karaoke song? I am not much of a singer at all, and have actually never sang a Karaoke song, but if I had to choose I would go with Danza Kuduro (Don Omar & Lucenzo)   Do you have a talent, skill or experience that most people might not know about you? I am very techy and handy! I’ve set up all the systems at Ylang Ylang and often fix maintenance issues myself. I also love to kite board and surf!   You can invite 6 people to a dinner party plus a chef. They can be friends or family or people you do not know and would like to meet, dead or alive. Who would you invite and who would be the chef to do the cooking? All 4 of my grandparents from both my mother and fathers side, my mother and my father. For the chef I would have D’Twins (two local girls I grew up with which have formed into self made chefs and work together as one, making some of the best meals I have tasted. I often have them cook for us for my birthday celebration :-)