Discover the Celebrity Hotspots in Costa Rica’s Exclusive Papagayo Peninsula

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The Papagayo Peninsula, situated along Costa Rica’s northwest coast, epitomizes luxury and exclusivity, attracting a host of celebrities and high-profile individuals. Encompassing a 15-mile stretch of coastline and 31 pristine beaches, this breathtaking locale has hosted stars like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga, as well as Anant Ambani, an Indian billionaire known for his opulent wedding that included a performance by Rihanna.

This stunning peninsula functions as a 1,400-acre gated community, emphasizing both privacy and sustainable living. While a few upscale resorts—including Four Seasons and Andaz—are present, the area remains largely undeveloped, preserving 70% of its natural landscape. Wildlife thrives, with monkeys, iguanas, and even jaguars roaming freely, while human traffic is minimal.

The extensive natural offerings cater to adventure enthusiasts and wellness seekers alike. Activities such as snorkeling, volcano hiking, diving, kayaking, and whale watching are available. Additionally, there are options for golfing, yoga, surfing, mountain biking, ziplining, and tennis. A newly established sports park adds to the range of activities, alongside a marina designed for superyachts. Here’s a look at the premier villas that attract the elite to this tropical paradise.

Villa Avellana

Who Stays There: Notable guests such as tech moguls, bank executives, music producers, and prominent entertainers.

The Property: Opened in 2023, this modern villa blends teak and glass within an expansive three-acre retreat, offering an ambiance that is part tech haven, part boutique resort. It features ample social spaces, including both indoor and outdoor dining areas, an 82-foot lap pool, a bocce court, and several lounge areas, plus a private beach segment.

Rooms: The villa boasts ten spacious bedrooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces overlooking either the ocean or lush tropical surroundings. With over 33,000 square feet of living space, it accommodates mid-sized gatherings and family reunions alike.

Location: Villa Avellana resides within a gated cul-de-sac on the secluded Playa Prieta, which houses only the Prieta Beach Clubhouse. The gentle waves and shallow waters make it ideal for beginner surfers.

Activities: The villa comes with a 42-foot Boston Whaler yacht and a small dinghy, granting swift access to the Gulf of Papagayo’s aquatic adventures. A comprehensive array of water sports equipment is available, including electric jetboards, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear, while ziplining and volcano hikes await just a vehicle or helicopter ride away.

Best Perks: Guests enjoy dedicated staff services, including a professional chef, beach expert, concierge, and a barista. The attentive general manager, Thomas, can coordinate everything from tennis matches to private massages.

Price: $45,000 per night, all-inclusive.

Casa Las Olas

Who Stays There: Exclusively frequented by billionaires, such as Anant Ambani and his wife, Radhika Merchant.

The Property: Known as one of the peninsula’s most luxurious properties, Casa Las Olas is a stunning cliff-side villa crafted by architect Jaime Rouillón. This rose-hued residence includes 18,000 square feet of living space divided across three levels and is fully managed by the Four Seasons, providing guests with access to top-notch services.

The Rooms: The villa features six bedrooms, including two luxurious primary suites equipped with private balconies and outdoor showers, all with stunning ocean views. Additionally, amenities include a gym, chef’s kitchen, and children’s bunk room, catering to up to 16 guests.

Location: Perched above Pietra Bay, Casa Las Olas guarantees privacy, with thick jungle enveloping its 1.5-acre property.

Activities: Casa guests can easily enjoy amenities and excursions offered by the Four Seasons, including access to two pristine beaches and an 18-hole golf course, along with various outdoor and cultural experiences.

Best Perk: Each room features panoramic ocean views, while the primary suites provide idyllic soaking tub vistas of the waves below, and the 100-foot infinity pool creates an illusion of floating into the Pacific.

Price: $45,000 per night in high season; $23,000 in low season, with additional charges for personal attendants and activities. The villa is also available for purchase at $25 million.

Andaz Costa Rica Resort

Who Stays There: Notable guests include Shonda Rhimes, DJ Walton, Chelsea Clinton, and Marc Mezvinsky.

The Property: The Andaz Costa Rica offers a more accessible luxury. Recently expanded with three-bedroom penthouses, the accommodations average 2,407 square feet and feature private plunge pools and outdoor seating areas.

The Rooms: Each penthouse includes a primary suite with a terrace and soaking tub with bay views, alongside provisions for in-room dining through a complete kitchen and bar. With a capacity for up to eight guests, the living area integrates seamlessly with outdoor spaces.

Location: Located near the peninsula’s entrance, the villas sit atop the highest ridge, offering commanding views of the surrounding area.

Activities: The resort’s expansive offerings include kayaking, snorkeling, wellness activities, and cultural classes, appealing to guests of all interests.

Best Perk: The newly opened Casa de Playa beach club at Playa Nacascolo provides an optimal beach experience; a cabana with Champagne service can be reserved for a more indulgent day at the beach.

Price: Rates start at $10,000 per night during peak season and drop to $4,000 in the low season.

The Hive

Who Stays There: This exclusive residence attracts influential figures such as Fortune 500 CEOs and former professional athletes.

The Property: Discover a one-of-a-kind design at The Hive, an artistic villa that embraces themes of nature and creativity. Inaugurated in 2023, this 17,500-square-foot property displays an eclectic mix of architectural influences with carefully curated interior designs that make each room feel remarkably unique.

The Rooms: The villa comprises six bedrooms, all featuring water vistas and exquisite furnishings. The primary suite offers a luxurious experience with its vaulted ceiling and two gold bathtubs, while thoughtful design and strategic layouts ensure privacy for guests.

Location: The Hive occupies a tranquil bluff with sweeping views of Bahia Huevos, offering isolation and serenity amidst lush surroundings.

Activities: A dedicated concierge is available 24/7 to customize excursions, such as beekeeping visits, pottery workshops with Indigenous artisans, fishing trips, and wildlife excursions.

Best Perks: The property features an infinity pool sculpted from natural stone that echoes the colors of the Pacific, gathering attention as one of the most picturesque settings on the peninsula.

Price: Rates begin at $24,900 per night in peak season and $14,900 during the low season.

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