The story of our land: from overgrazed pastures to a regenerative village
The story of The ARK begins long before it became the contemporary regenerative village it is today. The land holds a rich history intertwined with the region’s agricultural past.
In 1966, Joaquín Sánchez purchased this property from the Zamora Gómez family using proceeds from coffee production in Palmares. At the time, it was a mix of mountainous terrain and farmland used primarily to grow beans and corn. Over the years, it transitioned into pasture land for cattle grazing—a practice that, while vital to the economy, eventually left the land overgrazed and depleted.
By the time The ARK acquired it, the land was severely degraded, with very little productive soil remaining and only 15 species of plants scattered across its vast area. Despite this, the land still possessed immense potential—a potential that would soon inspire a transformative vision.
A fateful encounter
In May 2021, Marat Omarov arrived in Santa Teresa with a clear goal: to find the perfect land for a pioneering regenerative village. After several days of searching without success, the final morning of his trip brought an unexpected twist. During breakfast at The Bakery, Marat and his then-partner, Sebastián Grazzini, happened to share a table with a French couple who mentioned a beautiful piece of land they had recently seen.
Intrigued, Marat and Sebastián decided to visit the property. The moment Marat saw it, he was captivated. The land’s rolling hills, raw beauty, and potential to support a thriving community struck a deep chord. It was, as Marat later described, love at first sight.
The birth of The ARK
By February 2022, the development contract was signed, formally launching the project. The ARK was publicly presented in June 2022, revealing a vision for a contemporary regenerative village unlike any other. However, the timing was far from ideal. The world was emerging from the pandemic, and vacation property markets like Santa Teresa faced significant downturns. The once-thriving demand for such projects had dissipated almost overnight.
Despite these challenges, Marat and the team were undeterred. Instead of stepping back, they saw this period as an opportunity for introspection and growth.
Resilience and Reflection
The years 2022 and 2023 were the most challenging in The ARK’s history. With no sales to sustain the project, Marat relied entirely on personal resources to keep the vision alive. These were years of deep reflection, during which the team worked tirelessly to refine the project’s purpose and approach.
A critical milestone during this time was the creation of the permaculture farm. What was once barren, overgrazed land began its transformation into a thriving ecosystem. Today, The ARK’s farm boasts over 200 plant species—an extraordinary leap from the mere 15 present when the land was first acquired.
Simultaneously, the team challenged traditional investment models, determined to create a project that prioritized community, regeneration, and shared prosperity over short-term gains.
Honoring the land’s legacy
Following the principles of a regenerative vision, Marat extended an invitation to Joaquín’s family—the custodians of this land since 1966—to remain part of its future. Beyond paying a fair purchase price for the property, Marat ensured that the family would share in The ARK’s success by offering them 25% of all proceeds from the project’s businesses. This decision reflects The ARK’s commitment to equity and honoring the history of the land and those who nurtured it for generations.
Today: a vision in progress
The ARK today consists of 88 expansive residential agricultural lots, each starting at 5,000 m². The decision to limit the number of lots and maintain larger parcel sizes was intentional, designed to preserve more land for reforestation and the restoration of biodiversity.
We believe that true luxury lies in living on and stewarding the land. This philosophy drives every decision, ensuring that the natural environment is not just preserved but regenerated.
What’s next for The ARK
The ARK’s journey is far from over. Several transformative projects are planned, further enhancing its role as a model for regenerative living:
— Retreat Center: A space for reflection, healing, and personal growth, surrounded by nature’s serenity.
— Education Center: A hub for learning that embraces hands-on, regenerative education for both children and adults.
— Holistic Clinic: Offering integrative health services that address physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
— Sports Center: A space promoting physical activity and community wellness.
— Co-Creation Lounge: A collaborative environment for residents and visitors to develop ventures based on regenerative business principles.
Through these initiatives, The ARK strives to be an example for both new and existing communities, inspiring them to embrace the principles of regeneration and shared prosperity.
From its origins as overgrazed pastureland to its current transformation into a hub of biodiversity and community, The ARK is a testament to perseverance, vision, and the power of collective action. It serves as a living blueprint for how people and nature can thrive together, creating a brighter, more connected future for all.