Back in 2007, Airbnb rebranded vacation rentals to the point where it’s now a generic term. The self-catering landscape is a slightly mixed bag, though. Travelers have shared their worst experiences online, from the annoying (huge binders of house rules), to the fraudulent (a sea view that was actually a painted mural on a brick wall), and to the alarming (flooded basements and a meth lab next door). Consequently, even if all goes well, there’s a level of uncertainty in booking privately owned and run holiday homes.
However, hotels and resorts, which offer more quantifiable standards and full service, struggle to meet the needs of group travelers, whether catering for multi-generational families, groups of friends or special occasion celebrations. There’s something about sitting by your own pool, rosé in hand, sharing a get-together without anyone else invading your space.
But then again, there’s grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, tidying up … who wants to do chores?
Well, here’s a solution to the conundrum. Villa Avellana, a privately owned luxury villa in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste dry forest region, in posh Peninsula Papagayo, has fashioned a fully serviced vacation retreat where you and 17 of your besties can relax in spectacular style, offering privacy in a drop-dead location, where your every whim can be met by a staff of over 20 hospitality professionals.
The 33,000-square-foot home, with 10 ensuite balconied bedrooms, is a multi-million-dollar dream, blending indoor and outdoor spaces that take in a 3-acre beachfront setting overlooking picturesque Prieta Bay. Built in 2023 by Sarco Architects, with an eye to merging into the nature around it, the house has soaring, airy spaces and upscale comfort for all 18 adults (plus five kids, all housed together in a super cute dorm room) who come to enjoy it.
Everything, and we mean everything, has been thought of. A tree house behind the main residence has spa treatment rooms and a yoga deck.
The 82-foot infinity lap pool overlooking the secluded beach has a spa, and even a cold plunge, courtesy of a wellness-focused guest who requested it. (You ask, you receive!)
Extensive gardens across a footbridge offer play space and canopied loungers. Hammocks swing beside the calm waters looking out across the bay speckled with volcanic rocks.
What really sets Villa Avellana apart, however, is that your stay is truly all-inclusive, with gourmet dining from Chef David Moya Villalobos, who’s been working at the villa since its opening in 2023.
The fare is outstanding, featuring fresh five-star meals with a local flair. Have a sunset barbecue on the beach complete with live music, or a picnic with pizza from the brick oven in the adjoining gardens, all paired with fine wines. A la carte breakfast might include fresh fruit protein shakes, or eggs and tacos with traditional gallo pinto (rice and beans.)
The poolside bar is expertly run by Rosita, who can take your preferences and create a bespoke cocktail. She’ll even read your mind and bring you a glass of Champagne to sip on while you sit in the tree swing on the beach to watch the sunset. All the service is prompt and efficient, while being friendly and unobtrusive.
General Manager Thomas Freitag, a Canadian/Tico, describes the villa as a “land yacht” and that’s exactly the vibe — unobtrusive service that seamlessly caters to your group’s desires. “What makes us truly special is the genuine warmth and connection from our team,” he said.
You could spend a blissful week just chilling, but the villa also comes with a captained 42-foot Boston Whaler (of course it does). Fancy some spearfishing? Whale watching? Snorkeling? Surfing? Check. Tubing behind a Zodiac boat? Another check. On land, hiking guide Rollo is on hand to take you around the bay, wildlife-watching to spot the capuchin and howler monkeys, coatimundis, iguanas and parrots.
Positioned as it is within the gated Prieta Estates neighborhood, your neighbors are the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton across the bay, and you have access to their gym and tennis court complex, golf, spa and kids club. Golf carts and chauffeured SUVs are at your disposal to get you there. Sergio is your go-to concierge to arrange all these activities, or any other add-ons you may require for special occasions.
Now, admittedly, this level of indulgence, inclusivity and exclusivity doesn’t come cheap. The buyout-only villa runs from $26,000 per night up to $44,000 in high season, with a five-night minimum, only bookable at VillaAvellana.com (where, incidentally, photos don’t do it justice).
While that is eye-watering, split it between a few paying guests and you are essentially looking at a similar price to that of a high-end cruise. Only, without any other guests.
Now, that’s how to justify that splurge.
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