“We love the raw beauty of Costa Rica, we were actually married here seven years ago,” shares Crystal Willis [above], owner of haute Hamptons boutiques Blue 1, which Willis opened in 2007 with her husband, Jarret. “Operating our two East End locations keeps us crazy busy, so each winter we look forward to an escape to Costa Rica. The laid back style of island life lets us just be in the moment and enjoy the natural beauty around us.” Crystal shares a snapshot from her Caribbean holiday in this NEW KDHamptons Travel Diary below:

KDHamptons: Where did you stay in Costa Rica?
Crystal Willis: We stay in a town called Nosara in a beautiful, modern, glass home on a hill overlooking the Pacific, surrounded by beautiful lush plants and wildlife. We prefer renting a home rather than staying in hotels because we love the intimacy, having a great kitchen, and our own amenities. One of our favorite things to do is have a chef come to the house and cook for us. We are lucky to have friends who have homes on the island and recommend who to use − this time we used Chef Carlos, from Barcelona.

KDHamptons: What was your typical day like in Nosara?
Crystal Willis: Our typical day started off with the sun beaming into our room,  around 6:15am. Birds and monkeys all calling and singing. We head down stairs to make a fresh fruit smoothie, and head down to the beach, which is a five minute drive. We walk for a couple hours watching the surfers, snorkeling, and collecting sand dollars and shells.  We leave the beach at 11am as it gets so hot, and head home to the pool.  Before jumping in we do a little work out: circuit push ups sit ups, lunges etc. Then we make lunch, swim, and relax. Mid-afternoon, we head back to the beach or browse the local shops. You never know where you will be inspired. For dinner, we eat out as there are so many amazing local restaurants. La Luna is our favorite spot to watch one of the most romantic sunsets while sipping cocktails.  We watch the sunset every night, whether from the beach or the house. Heaven!

KDHamptons: Share a highlight from the trip?
Crystal Willis: Our best meal was at Tibidabo a Mediterranean restaurant in Nosara. We just love the décor of the place its modern and edgy and in an open air setting. The staff is super friendly but really you find that all over which is also so nice.  The seafood paella, tapas, and montaditos were all so amazing.

KDHamptons: What are your five fashionable travel essentials?
Crystal Willis: Here goes…

1. A fun & beachy romper or caftan by Jens Pirate Booty
2. Beauty Products: Nude sheer Phyto Lip Twist lip gloss by Sisley.  Loreal Voluminous mascara in blackest black,  and Charlotte Tilbury FilmStar Bronze & Glow bronzer and highlighter.
3. Pily Q bikinis and a one-piece by Solkissed [above].
4. A great pair of destroyed shorts by One Teaspoon
5. A FUN accessory:  I packed Tracy Watts head wraps in black, white, and cobalt blue.  They’re waterproof so I wore them on the beach and for boat rides. At night they look really chic paired with a sundress. We will offer them in the boutique this spring.

KDHamptons: How would you describe your personal Hamptons winter style?
Crystal Willis:  I would characterize my Winter look as street style, simple but with an edge. A great pair of skinny boyfriend jeans by AMO, a plaid shirt by Rails or chunky sweater by CLOSED paired with a moto leather jacket by Veda and a pair of Isabel Marant booties. Love a scarf by DESTIN to finish the look. We always buy fingerless gloves by Autumn Cashmere for the season so I am sure to have a pair on. Winter is all about layering which is why it’s my favorite time of year to dress. You can really play and create different looks.

KDHamptons: Share any Blue 1 news with our readers?
Crystal Willis: We picked up some new amazing accessory lines and a few new emerging designers. We love to get Hamptons shoppers excited about brands they may not be familiar with, but we soon will become staples in their wardrobe. We are constantly getting new pieces in now that Spring is around the corner and share new arrivals on our social media channels. Its our 10 year anniversary at the store so we are planning some amazing fun events this year.  Stay tuned!  Store locations: Blue 1, 2397 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton; 631-237-1796; Blue 1, 124 Main St, Westhampton Beach; 631-288-5830

For more Blue 1 news, go to:
www.shopblue1.com
Instagram: @shopblue1
Twitter: @blue1boutique