Why village living is the future of living
In an age of hyper-urbanization, digital saturation, and increasing isolation, a quiet revolution is unfolding in unexpected places: small regenerative villages. I believe that consciously designed and co-created village living offers a powerful way forward. It represents a future where we live, connect, and thrive in deeper harmony with each other and the land.
As the founder of The ARK, a regenerative village for the new era in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how returning to intentional, community-rooted living can radically transform lives. The ARK is a living system that reimagines prosperity, wellbeing, and belonging, going far beyond a traditional real estate project. And we are not alone.
The data is speaking
The pandemic only accelerated what researchers across the globe were already noticing: people are leaving densely populated urban centers in search of deeper connections, access to nature, and a renewed sense of purpose. A 2021 report by the United Nations found a noticeable shift in population dynamics, with rural areas in Europe, Asia, and Latin America experiencing net population growth for the first time in decades. This wasn't just about avoiding lockdowns; it was about rediscovering balance, well-being, and belonging. A 2022 study published in Nature Sustainability found that people living in communities with high access to nature and strong social ties had lower rates of depression and anxiety, improved immune function, and greater overall life satisfaction. Meanwhile, social isolation in cities is rising: a Cigna study revealed that 61% of adults in the U.S. report feeling lonely.
Health is a lifestyle, not a fix
At The ARK, health is embedded in the design of everyday life. From morning farm walks to community-shared harvests and bodywork sessions, wellness is a culture. Located in the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's five Blue Zones, The ARK sits in a region known for exceptional longevity, vitality, and connection to nature. This isn’t unique to us. The Blue Zones, regions with the highest concentrations of centenarians, have one thing in common: tightly knit social circles, daily physical activity, and access to fresh food and nature. Village living naturally supports these pillars of longevity. When you live in a place where your food is grown close by, your neighbors know your name, and your purpose is woven into a shared mission, your nervous system relaxes. You don’t have to "seek wellness" because you live it.
We are wired for community
We’re not meant to be alone. From an evolutionary perspective, we survived as tribes, not individuals. Yet modern life pushes us toward separateness. At The ARK, we’re actively reversing this trend. Every gathering, every shared meal, every cooperative project is a reminder: interdependence is strength. This isn't utopian thinking. In fact, a Harvard study that followed 724 people over 75 years found that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy and healthy. People who are more socially connected to family, friends, and community live longer and feel more fulfilled.
The economics of regeneration
Village living isn’t about returning to the past; it’s about reimagining the future. At The ARK, residents also become profit partners. That means when the village thrives, everyone shares in its success. This model shifts us from consumption to contribution, from passive ownership to active stewardship. And globally, this matters. As more people seek alternatives to extractive systems, regenerative villages offer a scalable template: economically viable, ecologically respectful, and emotionally nourishing.
The invitation
Living in a village like The ARK is a powerful return to what matters most: health, purpose, connection, and the Earth beneath our feet. This vision is part of a larger awakening. Around the world, people are remembering what truly matters. The future is not defined by geography, but by relationships and connection.
And I believe it starts in new type of villages.
Marat