Planning a Private Villa Vacation in Costa Rica

A private villa holiday takes a little more thought up front than a hotel booking, and gives back considerably more once you are there. Most of the work happens before you book.

Start with how your group travels

The right villa depends far more on your group's habits than on its size. Groups that cook together need a large open kitchen and a long outdoor table. Groups that are out every day should prioritise proximity to the marina. Families should look for flat outdoor space and shade. Decide this before you look at photos.

Decide on the season

The dry season runs roughly December to April, with reliable sunshine and the highest rates. The green season brings afternoon rain, lush scenery, quieter beaches and better value. Neither is a bad choice — they are simply different holidays.

Budget for services, not just the villa

The services are what turn a good villa stay into a great one, and they are easy to underestimate. Personal chef service is $300 per day including three meals and groceries. Private driver service is $250 per day for up to 12 hours. For a group, both are usually better value than the restaurant-and-taxi alternative.

Book the villa first, the rest after

Secure the villa through its Airbnb listing, then arrange services around it. That order matters: the villa determines your dates, and the services fit around your arrival and departure. Booking a charter before you have confirmed the house is how plans fall apart.

Arrange transport in advance

The drive from San José airport is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Some properties include airport transportation and some do not — confirm which before you assume it is covered, and arrange a private transfer if it is not.

Plan loosely once you are there

The best villa holidays are not fully scheduled. Choose one anchor per day — a charter, a beach, a national park — and leave the rest of the day open. The pool, the terrace and a good dinner at the villa will fill more of the week than you expect.

Get the villa and the services right, keep the daily plan light, and the trip largely organises itself. If you are unsure which villa suits your group, tell us how you travel and we will suggest the ones that fit.