Beyond Five Stars: We Lived the Ultimate Costa Rica Villa Experience

by Angela | Feb 21, 2025

Sheldon James on the move!

As part of bringing you the best, we make sure we would never send your family anywhere we wouldn’t bring our own. So we recently packed up (kids and all) and spent some time at Villa Avellana, a home we featured as part of our spotlight series last year.

We were struck by the phenomenal quality of our visit. The level of care, luxury and things to do was truly spectacular, placing this villa among the world’s top ultra-luxe vacation experiences. But if Costa Rica isn’t on your itinerary this year, explore these other exceptional homes instead!

For best-in-class staff

An onsite team that doesn’t just meet your needs but stays two steps ahead is gamechanging, especially when travelling with kids or older parents. The staff at Avellana were attentive, detail-oriented and seamlessly synced up to give us a worry-free experience.

It reminded us of the elite treatments we’ve enjoyed at Tranquility in Turks or Casa La Laguna in Cabo.

1 - Tranquility, Turks and Caicos

22 Guests • 11 Bedrooms • 13 Bathrooms

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2 - Casa La Laguna, Los Cabos

14 Guests • 7 Bedrooms • 7 Bathrooms

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For amazing activities

Avellana boasted a huge variety of activities that were fun for all, and some designed just for kids while the adults relaxed. We experienced everything from rum tastings and cooking classes to incredible water activities. Paddle boards, surfing, snorkeling and a 42’ luxury yacht are all included, as well as all the water safety and support personnel.

For a similarly well-equipped experience, we recommend the Ani Estates – they have villas in hotspots around the world!

1 - Ani Dominican Republic, Dominican Republic

28 Guests • 14 Bedrooms • 15.5 Bathrooms

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2 - Ani Anguilla, Anguilla

20 Guests • 10 Bedrooms • 12 Bathrooms

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For elite surroundings and dining

We were charmed by Avellana’s utterly private feel, including a black sand beach to ourselves. The home is modern, lavish and comfortable, designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape. And the food was spectacular: seafood delicacies, rich BBQ cuts and plenty of kid-friendly options.

For luxuriously on-par amenities, we loved Casa Amore in Punta Mita or The Resort in Spain.

1 - Casa Amore, Ranchos 1, Punta Mita

33 Guests • 9 Bedrooms • 9 Bathrooms

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2 - The Resort, Spain

28 Guests • 14 Bedrooms • 21 Bathrooms

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Still thinking Costa Rica?

We took the opportunity to tour a few other properties, and we liked what we saw. Avellana books up quickly, but these other contenders have our seal of approval.

1 - The Hive, Costa Rica

16 Guests • 6 Bedrooms • 8 Bathrooms

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2 - The Point Luxury Villa, Costa Rica

17 Guests • 7 Bedrooms • 7.5 Bathrooms

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Wherever you’re thinking of going next, we’re ready to help you book, build and experience your best trip yet.

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