The Most Luxurious Vacation Home Rentals in Costa Rica

The Papagayo Peninsula is perhaps Costa Rica’s most upscale area, home to the most luxurious hotels and vacation rentals in the country. Located in the northern province of Guanacaste, an added benefit to this area is the fact that it’s located near Guanacaste International Airport—less than 30 minutes! You can be off the plane, through customs and immigration, and be relaxing poolside within the space of an hour. Here are the cream of the Papagayo vacation rental crop:

Villa Manzu

Villa Manzu is a private retreat spread over five acres. This exclusive estate, used by the Kardashian family when they come to Costa Rica, provides a secluded environment for guests seeking privacy and luxury. With eight spacious bedrooms boasting ocean vistas, Villa Manzu is a serene escape.

Guests can enjoy two swimming pools, a spa, a theater room, and a sprawling bar/party area. The meticulously landscaped grounds feature hammocks and seating areas offering 180-degree Pacific views, where guests can relax to the sounds of playful monkeys in the tropical foliage. A dedicated staff of chefs, butlers, waiters, and adventure specialists cater to every need, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience. Guests have access to a variety of recreational equipment and activities, from paddle boards to kayaks and more.

The villa's prime location offers easy access to the Peninsula Papagayo's amenities, including the Golf & Tennis Clubhouse and the exclusive Prieta Beach Club. For dining options, guests can enjoy the gourmet creations of the villa's personal chef or explore restaurants including those at the nearby Four Seasons Hotel.

Villa Manzu's accommodation options include eight suites, each equipped with modern amenities. From the Pacifico suite with its king-size bed to the Children's Suite designed with younger guests in mind, every aspect of the villa exudes comfort and sophistication. Whether lounging by the pool or savoring the tranquility of the exclusive beach, Villa Manzu promises an unforgettable retreat in Costa Rica. With its impeccable service, breathtaking surroundings, and unmatched amenities, this esteemed estate sets the stage for an indulgent escape.

Villa Cielo Mar

Villa Cielo Mar offers a secluded escape amid luxurious surroundings. The villa's design maximizes its surroundings, with primary spaces like the living room, six bedrooms, and media room all offering outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby headlands.

The unique "bow and arrow" design of Villa Cielo Mar ensures complete privacy for guests, with air-conditioned interiors opening to ocean views and a covered outdoor living room providing a comfortable space to enjoy Costa Rica's tropical weather. The villa's three-floor layout steps down the cliff toward the ocean, culminating in an infinity-edge pool above the terrace, offering a dramatic illusion of swimming above the ocean.

Named for its expansive views of the ocean and sky, Villa Cielo Mar offers a picturesque setting for sunset and sunrise views, with opportunities to spot whales, dolphins, and manta rays. The modern architecture of the villa, with floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious interiors, invites guests to enjoy the outdoors while remaining comfortable. Each of the six bedrooms features queen-sized beds, private terraces, and bathrooms, with sustainable furnishings reflecting Costa Rica's natural beauty.

Nearby restaurants at the Andaz Hotel and Four Seasons offer dining options for guests, while other amenities on the peninsula include an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, tennis courts, hiking trails, and biking trails. Guests can also enjoy spa services and sport fishing tours within the gated community, with bicycles provided for exploring the area.

Casa Rosen

Casa Rosen is the third luxurious Papagayo Peninsula home on our list. With six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, this home offers unparalleled comfort and elegance for guests.

The main house features three bedrooms, a spacious living and dining area, and an infinity pool with a hot tub overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A professional chef operates a full kitchen and BBQ terrace, ensuring top-notch dining experiences. Entertainment options include multiple TVs and sound systems, with stunning sunset views over the ocean.

Next to the main house, the guest house has three further bedrooms, a full kitchen, lounge, dining area, and a recreation room with a bar and pool table. Each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom and private ocean-view balcony.

Amenities at Casa Rosen include an infinity pool and jacuzzi, a gourmet kitchen, WiFi, and central air-conditioning. The villa also features a home cinema, gym, and outdoor amenities like an organic garden and tropical kitchen. All in all, Casa Rosen offers a luxurious and comfortable stay for guests looking for a relaxing vacation experience.

Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica’s up-and-coming beach communities. Located at the bottom of the Nicoya Peninsula, this surf community used to be remote and hard to reach—but always worth it upon arriving! Nowadays, it’s still remote and a little away from major hubs, but nowhere nearly as much as it used to be, and that’s what gives it its appeal. 

In fact, nowadays, Santa Teresa attracts an eclectic mix of travelers and expats, who come to relax and surf. And among those travelers and expats, you’ll often find the odd celebrity (think Gisele Bundchen, Leonardo DiCaprio, and various assorted rock stars) in the lineup, on the beach, or at the local supermarket. Here are our favorite luxury rental homes in Santa Teresa:

Pasha Beachfront Estate

The Pasha Beachfront Estate is managed by the Cayuga Collection and offers an unparalleled luxury experience for beach lovers and surfers. Situated on nine acres of land with 700 feet of Playa Hermosa beachfront, the estate features a four-bedroom main home and three two-bedroom villas, accommodating up to 20 guests.

With a prime beachfront location, Pasha feels like a private oasis, with nearby tide pools and world-class surfing within easy walking distance. The estate's dedicated staff ensures a personalized experience, with services including a private chef, security, and housekeeping staff.

Pasha comprises four pools, six kitchens, and 12 bathrooms, blending luxury with nature seamlessly. Surrounded by local fruit trees and flowers, the estate minimizes its impact on the land while providing guests with an authentic and comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy delicious meals prepared by the private chef, with complimentary breakfasts featuring locally sourced ingredients. The kitchen is stocked with beverages and snacks throughout the day, and grocery service is available upon request.

A private pathway leads directly to Playa Hermosa, offering exclusive access to the beach and natural tidal pools. The home also has a complimentary surf guide to show you around the local breaks and give you lessons, or you can explore the forests surrounding the estate, with a licensed nature guide.

The OCiO Villas

Owned and managed by one of the very best hotels in the area, Casa Chameleon, the two OCiO Villas, located in the hills above Santa Teresa, offer an exclusive rental experience for family gatherings, intimate celebrations, and private retreats. Coming with expansive ocean views, it’s possible to rent both Villa Nimbu and Villa Numu together or separately, depending on group size or desire for privacy.

Villa Nimbu, the largest villa, features five oversized master suites with open-air bathrooms, designed to blend seamlessly with nature. Its exterior includes an infinity pool and stunning ocean views. For smaller groups, Villa Numu provides an intimate escape with a spacious master suite, private pool, and secluded surroundings. Both villas feature contemporary kitchens, al fresco dining areas, and sun-filled outdoor decks.

Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica, famous for its many quality boutique hotels and resorts dotted across the hills above the coastline and national park. It's an ideal destination for travelers wanting to experience Costa Rica's best natural scenery and wildlife. There are also a number of quality vacation rentals around Manuel Antonio, offering luxury, exclusivity, and privacy. This is our favorite: 

Punta de Vista

Punta de Vista is one of Costa Rica's most unique and luxurious homes. Designed by architect David Konwiser, the inspiration behind this property evokes the luxury of a private super yacht on land, evident in its modern design and expansive glass balcony walls.

What truly sets Punta de Vista apart is its exceptional service. With a staff-to-guest ratio resembling that of a resort, guests enjoy personalized attention that's second to none. From daily breakfast service to sunset cocktails by the pool, every aspect of their stay is meticulously attended to.

With 18 bedrooms spread across two villas, Villa La Isla and Villa Punto de Vista, Punta de Vista caters to events of all kinds, accommodating up to 48 guests. Whether for weddings, family reunions, or corporate retreats, its oversized social areas provide the perfect setting for unforgettable gatherings.

Guests can choose to book the villas separately for added privacy or combine them for the exclusive use of the entire 2.5-acre tropical reserve overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With an impressive annual occupancy rate of 90%, Punta de Vista is in high demand, often requiring reservations made at least a year in advance.
 

Tamarindo, in Guanacaste, is another one of Costa Rica’s most popular areas. This beach community is at the center of Costa Rica’s surf culture and when you add the beautiful beaches, glorious sunsets, restaurants, and nightlife together, you have yourself one of the best beach vacations in Costa Rica! And if you’re looking for a luxurious vacation home in Tamarindo, well, it has plenty of those, too:

Casa Bali

With breathtaking ocean views, Casa Bali is located in the exclusive Tamarindo Heights neighborhood of Tamarindo. This eight-bedroom Balinese-style home, accommodating up to 20 guests, comes with exquisite woodwork and finishes, showcasing the finest in luxury living. Located just minutes from Tamarindo's restaurants, stores, and nightlife, Casa Bali provides both seclusion and convenience.

Guests can relax or entertain in the estate's two infinity pools and enjoy the cooling waterfall cascading into the lower pool. With over 18,000 square feet of under-roof living space, the property features multiple kitchens, indoor and outdoor living areas, and landscaped gardens, providing ample space for relaxation and entertainment.

The decor exudes elegance, blending imported Balinese design elements with local craftsmanship. From the covered outdoor BBQ area to the landscaped gardens, Casa Bali offers a tropical paradise for families, couples, and groups alike.

Villa Sozo

Villa Sozo is a luxurious retreat with eight bedrooms, each featuring an ensuite bathroom, television, air conditioning, and stunning views of the ocean or lush mountains. The primary bedroom boasts a spacious terrace, a bathtub overlooking the trees, and a king-sized bed with blackout curtains for a restful night's sleep.

Guests can enjoy their morning coffee on the expansive terrace overlooking Tamarindo Bay before diving into the enormous pool, complete with a water slide and heated jacuzzi. The outdoor space also features a firepit, BBQ deck, and Sonos sound system, perfect for entertaining.

Inside, guests can unwind in the air-conditioned entertainment lounge with ping pong and foosball tables or watch movies on the large-screen Smart TV. The villa's staff, including a housekeeper and cleaning team, ensure guests' comfort and convenience throughout their stay, while the concierge service assists with arranging activities and reservations.

Included amenities such as daily breakfasts, beach equipment, and electric golf carts make exploring Tamarindo and its surroundings effortless. Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a getaway with family and friends, Villa Sozo provides the perfect setting for creating lasting memories in paradise.

Casa Alang Alang

Casa Alang Alang is a 15,000-square-foot luxury villa inspired by Balinese architecture and built with imported Indonesian materials and furniture. Coming with breathtaking views of the Tamarindo estuary and Pacific Ocean, the villa has eight bedrooms accommodating up to 19 guests, distributed across the main house and a separate apartment.

The home features two pools, including a 21-meter lap pool and an overflowing pool on the main floor. Other amenities include a yoga/exercise studio, ping pong table, WiFi, private parking, beach shower, and complimentary use of surfboards and beach chairs.

Guests staying at Casa Alang Alang receive concierge services, daily housekeeping, and breakfast buffet preparation. A private chef is available for lunch and dinner. The villa is just a five-minute walk from the beach and town center, offering easy access to restaurants and activities.

With its Balinese-inspired design, expansive living spaces that open to the outdoors, and a full range of amenities and services, Casa Alang Alang offers a luxurious and tropical getaway in a prime Tamarindo location.
 

Located in Playa Herradura, close to the beach town of Jacó on the Central Pacific coast, Los Sueños Resort is perhaps Costa Rica's best-known private community, boasting its own marina, golf course, the Marriott Resort, and vacation rentals galore. Many of these rentals are smaller condos but there are also a range of larger homes, some of them ultra-luxurious! Here are the very best ones:

Villa Firenze

By far the most opulent home in the resort, Villa Firenze is a 9,500-square-foot luxury villa in the Eco-Golf Estates of Los Sueños. Inspired by the Florence Cathedral in Italy, the villa was meticulously constructed in 2007 and underwent a full renovation in 2016 to elevate it to the highest standards of luxury.

The villa features six bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms that can accommodate up to 12 guests. Key amenities include a 50-foot infinity pool, walk-in spiral jetted jacuzzi, outdoor bar area with fire pit, private helipad, expansive gardens, gaming room with X-Golf simulator, and 24/7 concierge service.

Villa Firenze provides a premium all-inclusive experience with housekeeping, high-speed internet, designer furnishings, and a dedicated staff to cater to guests' needs. The concierge team can arrange personalized activities, excursions, private events, and more to ensure a memorable stay.

The villa's elegant Florentine architecture and decor blend European influences with renowned Costa Rican artwork and natural surroundings. Its location within the Los Sueños Resort provides access to the golf course, marina, beaches, and dining options.

With its palatial accommodations, upscale amenities, attentive service, and picturesque setting, Villa Firenze offers a luxurious and exclusive retreat for discerning travelers seeking an extraordinary vacation experience in Costa Rica.

Casa Ohana

Casa Ohana is a five-bedroom luxury villa located in Los Sueños' Vistas neighborhood. The villa has five well-appointed bedrooms, including a master suite with direct pool access and a detached casita with a private entrance. The main living areas open up to an outdoor pool deck with an infinity pool, jacuzzi, and outdoor kitchen through large retractable glass doors.

This home can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests, making it well-suited for families or groups seeking a luxurious yet private getaway.

Costa Rica’s deep south—the area below the Central Pacific, down towards the Osa Peninsula and the Dulce Gulf—is more focused on world-class eco-lodges rather than luxurious rental homes. Travelers come down here primarily to hike and commune with nature. It’s all about being outside and exploring the rainforests. There are luxurious eco-lodges down here, yes, but not so many rental homes. That said, if you are looking for luxury rental home in this part of Costa Rica, here’s a great possibility:

Cielo Lodge

The first thing to say about Cielo Lodge is that it’s not a fully-fledged vacation rental home. This place, located in the hills above Golfito, spends most of its life as a luxury six-bedroom eco-lodge, accepting guests per room like a hotel instead of renting out the whole property.

That said, Cielo Lodge offers the whole property as its “Rainforest Sanctuary” buyout package. This entails your group renting all six rooms out at once, with a limit of 24 people. As a hotel, Cielo Lodge doesn’t allow children under the age of 10, but guests renting the whole place can bring smaller kids. There is a four-night minimum stay for this option and guests will receive a private, customized rainforest experience. Packages can include personalized programs focused on wellness, yoga, agritourism, environmental education, indigenous community interactions, and more… depending on the group's interests.

The 660-square-foot canopy suites feature open-concept one-bedroom layouts with modern amenities. The lodge offers an infinity pool with rainforest and gulf views, guided nature hikes, birdwatching, boat tours, spa services, yoga, and meditation. All meals are included and prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.