Yahoo Lifestyle Getting Stranded at Villa Avellana in Costa Rica Is the Best Thing That's Ever Happened to Me
“So one thing you may not know about Costa Rica is that it’s currently underwater,” is a text I sent from the pool bar of Villa Avellana this past November. A private, luxe-doesn’t-even-begin-to-describe-it rental starting at $26,000 per night (yes, you read that correctly) nestled within the beachfront wilderness of Peninsula Papagayo—often called the Hamptons of Costa Rica—this 33,000 square foot mansion had been my home for the past three disproportionately rainy days of my tropical getaway. Severe, unseasonable rainfall had drenched the area to the extent that the closest airport had been closed indefinitely, leaving me stranded in paradise until further notice. And frankly, I wasn’t mad about it.
The fact that I was able to extend my stay without hesitation—let alone continue being waited on hand and foot by Villa Avellana’s devoted 20-person staff—is a testament to both the sky-high standard of excellence this talented team surpasses on the daily, and the truly unique nature of the experience they provide. Combining the luxury of a five-star hotel with the privacy of a vacation home and the hospitality of a personal staff, a stay at Villa Avellana is truly an experience you can not find anywhere else.
Read on for everything there is to know about this once-in-a-lifetime destination that redefines ritzy, and why you might want to get stuck there too.
THE QUICK HITS: VILLA AVELLANA EDITION
Name: Villa Avellana
Location: Peninsula Pagagayo, Costa Rica
Cost Per Night: Starting at $26,000 per night, five-nights minimum
Best For: High rollers, girls’ getaways/bachelorettes/group trips, family vacays
While You’re Here, Visit: Prieta Beach Club (a five-minute walk down the beach!), Arnold Palmer Ocean Golf Course, or any of a wide variety of offsite experiences that Villa Avellana’s concierge will happily coordinate
Vibe Check: Peak private luxury
Most Iconic Photo Spot: In the Jacuzzi/pool directly overlooking the ocean
Don’t Leave Without: Taking the property’s 42-foot yacht out for a spin
THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
When you first enter Villa Avellana, it kind of feels like walking into an exceptionally wealthy friend’s place. This private residence is available on a buyout-only basis, meaning anyone you’re sharing the space with is someone from your own party (hence why this destination is best for families/group trips of up to 18). There’s no bustling lobby, no check-in process to be handled. Just walk in, receive a warm welcome, and have your bags instantly whisked away to your room.
After being picked up from the airport by a Villa Avellana staff member and escorted to the property in a private vehicle, it was a matter of minutes before the general manager took one look at me, clocked my damn number, and said, “Has anyone offered you a drink yet?” before bringing me out to the pool bar. If there’s anything about Villa Avellana that takes any amount of getting used to, it’s that unmatched level of instant, individualized, 24/7 attention. The staff is unbelievably skilled and attentive but never underfoot or overbearing, quickly picking up on guests’ schedules, habits, needs, and desires and meeting them before you even have to ask. It truly does feel like being queen for a day (or several days, re: the property’s five-night minimum).
THE ROOMS
The property features 10 bedrooms, each with private balconies. I found myself in a spacious ocean-view room with a king-size bed, an open wardrobe area, and a balcony that was somehow as private as it was roomy.
The chic bathroom featured double sinks and a luxe shower, plus a perfectly soft yet lightweight bathrobe I described to an inquiring lover-friend with whom I share a passion for exceptionally high-quality hotels with even higher quality robes as, “Incredible, perhaps the best I’ve ever seen.”
As someone who loves my alone time—and absolutely needs a space to retreat to for my ever-crucial Introvert Breaks on group trips—having a place to myself this quiet, airy, and spacious was a huuuge plus. Not to mention, the private balcony nestled within the trees and featuring the comfiest patio furniture on which I’ve ever had the privilege of flopping out was the ideal way to soak up the magic of the environment without, you know, actually having to participate in an Outdoor Activity (far too much stimulation for my Pisces soul).
THE AMENITIES
It’s tough to talk about the amenities at Villa Avellana because the amenities are…pretty much anything and everything you could possibly want. Guests enjoy a truly bespoke experience tailored to their individual needs and interests, and can enjoy any number of curated activities on the property, from yoga classes and spa treatments in a treehouse to surf lessons, paddleboarding, and snorkeling at the beach. Guests also have access to the property’s 42-foot luxury yacht which, you know, is casual!
And while there’s plenty to explore in the surrounding area—your dedicated concierge can help you book pretty much any experience Costa Rica has to offer, from zip-lining and helicopter tours to crushing a round at Peninsula Papagayo’s championship golf course—there’s also plenty to keep you entertained if you just want to chill at the house. Play video games in the media room, try your hand at ping pong downstairs, or go for a dip in the pool (followed, of course, by a soak in the adjoining hot tub, where I spent approximately 80 percent of my trip).
Anything else you have in mind? Literally just ask. Odds are very high your concierge can make it happen.
THE FOOD AND BEV
Unlike a traditional hotel, Villa Avellana doesn’t have any onsite bars or restaurants. Rather, all of your meals are prepared by your very own private chef, so you get to enjoy Michelin-star quality dining from the comfort of your own palace. Personalized menus are prepared with guests’ specific tastes and preferences in mind, and there’s nary a craving or dietary restriction this team can’t accommodate. The property features two full-size kitchens and dining areas—one outdoor, one indoor—where guests can dine together. Don’t feel like joining the party? The staff is happy to offer room service for those of us (me) who love a breakfast-in-bed moment.
As for the drinks, a full bar stocked with tippity top-shelf liquor and the freshest ingredients imaginable awaits outside, where an onsite mixologist can whip up literally any cocktail (or mocktail) you could ever dream of. Not sure what you want? No problem—your bartender will ask you just a few quick questions and surprise you with a custom creation you didn’t even know you needed. (Trust me, you won’t be sorry.)
THE BOTTOM LINE
Remember when I said staying at Villa Avellana is a truly unique travel experience? You get it now, right? Honestly, you’ll have to actually stay there to really understand—and this is very much not the place for anyone balling on a budget (sorry)! But if you’re looking to experience the true height of luxury for the ultra-elite and happen to have ultra-elite amounts of cash to blow (or a friend who's willing to blow some for you), this is the place to do it. 10/10 would get stranded in Costa Rica again just to experience it.
You Might Also Like
