January 2013: Luxury hotel openings around the world Small-scale Kurà Design Villas is a collection of six villas in Costa Rica. The property was designed by a couple who are an architect and biologist and is intended to fuse stylish settings with ecologically responsible features. Features at the villas include a 19-metre infinity salt-water pool and spa. Rooms come with an iPad and free Wi-Fi in place of a TV, and numerous adventure activities are on offer in the surrounding countryside. Rates start at £275 in low season or £398 in high season; www.kuracostarica.com.