Costa Rica is the most biodiverse nation on the planet, home to more than 500,000 species that thread through a network of national parks and designated marine conservation areas and represent nearly six percent of the world’s biodiversity. The country is so conservation-forward that it rates the quality of its beaches under the Blue Flag award program, a gauge for the highest standards of water quality, cleanliness, and eco-management.
Villa Avellana, an exquisite 33,000-square-foot villa on the luxurious Peninsula Papagayo–also home to the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Andaz Costa Rica Resort, and Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve–is tucked into three acres along a pristine Blue Flag horseshoe beach in Guanacaste Province, at the end of a peaceful road.
Combining the amenities of a five-star hotel with the warmth and hospitality of a close friend’s private home–albeit a very elegant, exclusive one–the stylish, modern villa, designed by Sarco Architects Costa Rica, provides a secluded setting flanked by beach and rainforest. Available only as a buyout, which makes it perfect for a gathering of friends and multigenerational family or a small company retreat, the property accommodates 18 adults and five children in 10 spacious ocean-view suites. Private terraces are perched in the trees, an incredibly relaxing place to lull yourself asleep with the thrum of the forest. Gargantuan, well-equipped bathroom suites will delight even the most finicky. And the extraordinary Villa Avellana team of 20 is dedicated to providing an extraordinarily generous and thoughtful Pura Vida guest experience.
For those seeking wellness and relaxation, a gorgeous infinity pool and jacuzzi look out over the water, and it’s easy to grab a margarita at the open-air bar. There is a hilltop yoga deck and studio that opens to the sound of the surf, where yoga and meditation can be arranged, along with outdoor massage. For those desiring a change of pace, guests have access to The Club at Peninsula Papagayo, a two-minute walk along the beach, which includes the Prieta Beach Club with a kids’ club as well as a restaurant and full-service spa, and the Arnold Palmer Ocean Golf Course.
Privacy and impeccable hospitality are the standouts here. The Golden Key concierge will organize pretty much anything—rainforest tours, ziplining, helicopter tours, visits to a local natural preserve, a chocolate-making class, tennis, fishing excursions, wilderness walks—perfect for families and groups who want to explore. Guests can snorkel, surf (private lessons are available), paddleboard, or head out on Culebra Bay for twilight cocktails on a private 42-foot yacht that is exclusively yours throughout your stay. Or simply curl up by the pool with a book, gaze out at the calm water from a spacious Jacuzzi, take a morning walk on the beach, or enjoy a swim in the bay. In the evening, gather in the media room or organize a ping pong tournament or a bocce game.
Delicious, family-style meals are inflected with Costa Rican and international flavors, helmed by an in-house chef whose inventive menus are inspired by locally sourced, organic produce and fresh-caught fish (the ceviche is highly addictive). If you are a meat lover, you’ll want to know that Villa Avellana partners with Costa Rica’s top Wagyu beef producer for meltingly tender cuts that may be prepared on the outdoor grill. Breakfast is a favorite, with fresh-baked breads, eggs prepared to order, delicious yogurts, tropical fruits (there will never be enough papaya for me in my lifetime!), gallo pinto (Costa Rican-style beans and rice) and, of course, plenty of delicious Costa Rican coffee, made in the traditional chorreador.
Over 70 percent of Peninsula Papagayo consists of protected land and national parks, with more than 14 miles of hiking trails and 21 beautiful beaches. But be warned: you may not ever want to leave the villa. It’s that good.
