Guest Perspectives: A Perfect Luxury Villa Stay in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
We arrived at Villa Punto de Vista, a luxury villa in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica that feels more like a private resort than a rental home, well past midnight. But we were still greeted by a glorious champagne-filled reception, which meant I wasn’t too keen on waking up early on our first full day, but also knew I didn’t want to miss a thing. After an internal pep talk, I grabbed the remote to open the automatic blackout curtains rather than rolling over and drifting back to sleep.
The second the curtains hit the halfway point, I saw a swift blur of movement, unsure what had just pranced by our suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows. It didn’t take long to figure out what the mystery creature was, because not more than 30 seconds later, a whole troop of white-faced capuchin monkeys playfully danced across the railing in front of our room, with the backdrop of the jungle and Pacific coastline on the horizon.
It was in that moment, our first real look at our surroundings since we arrived after dark, that I knew we were in for a treat during our stay at Villa Punto de Vista in Manuel Antonio.
What It’s Really Like to Stay at Villa Punto de Vista, a Private Villa in Costa Rica
When the villa team asked me to recap my stay, I jumped at the opportunity to share our experience. This trip was a special reunion of friends, a first vacation with kiddos tagging along, and a welcome respite for entrepreneurs hustling every day.
Here’s a peek at our Villa Punto de Vista experience (which, truthfully, doesn’t do it justice because you have to experience the magic of this place for yourself).
Mornings at Villa Punto de Vista: Chef-Made Breakfasts, Whale Watching, and Sloth Spotting
When we emerged from our suite for breakfast, those with little ones were already up and whale watching with the binoculars as the team got breakfast prepped. This was something we didn’t realize we’d get to experience, but every few minutes, you’d see a spray of white mist coming off the ocean in the distance, knowing it was one of the playful whales making its morning rounds. Not surprisingly, the kiddos in the group were the first and best whale spotters and learned so much in Costa Rica.
The spread featured a fruit platter with cantaloupe, watermelon, golden berries, dragon fruit, star fruit, and passion fruit, pancakes with all the fixings, sausage, bacon, gallo pinto (Costa Rica’s signature rice and beans dish), local pastries and empanadas, eggs, and more.
Plus, of course, passion fruit mimosas to pair with the villa’s coffee blend. Breakfast of champions! The morning was a slow one, lazing around the villas’ many comfy common areas with ocean views while catching up, as our group hadn’t seen each other in nearly a year.
One of the most unexpected things to do in Manuel Antonio turned out to be right at the villa: sloth spotting, from the balcony, which we also did for hours.
Midday, Harold, our amazing villa manager, suggested a quick ride to the beach down the hill, where we sipped on fresh coconuts from a local vendor. No better way to start our Costa Rican adventure.
Costa Rica Massage with a View: Rooftop Relaxation at Villa Punto de Vista
Since we visited Costa Rica during the rainy season, we expected a few storms but were gifted with perfectly sunny weather nearly the entire trip. One of the only times we experienced a true storm was during our massages on the Villa Punto de Vista rooftop. If you’re searching for a Costa Rica massage with a view, this is it.
As the storm rolled in, thunder echoed in the distance as we walked up the stairs in our cozy villa robes, and rain began to trickle across the roof above us. As the massage got underway, my masseuse’s expert hands worked through every knot from the previous day’s travel, her deep, intuitive pressure moving in sync with the rolling thunder and the steady rhythm of raindrops as they grew stronger overhead. The sound of spa music floated faintly in the background, but nature quickly stole the show, composing a score more calming than any curated playlist.
It was, without question, the best massage of my life.
Though I never wanted it to end, my husband and I eventually surrendered the space to the next couple, assuring them they were in for the treat of a lifetime, then floated back down to the villa’s heated pool for a swim in the warm afternoon rain.
Waiting for us was a fresh fruit platter and two perfectly chilled glasses of rosé. Just one simple example of how we wanted for nothing all week. Jackson, Harold, Erick, Jossue, and the entire concierge team took the best care of us all week. Our entire group travels a lot, some even working in the luxury hospitality industry themselves, and haven’t ever experienced service quite like this.
Private Chef Dinners & Wine Tastings at Our Luxury Villa in Manuel Antonio
After an afternoon lazing in the pool, heat and jets on, we retreated for a quick catnap our luxury villa suite before dinner.
Now, I am not a napper. But the buttery-smooth embrace of the villa’s sheets changed my tune. We literally bought them for our own bed at home when we got back.
When we woke, it was time for a wine and cheese tasting with Erick, the villa’s in-house sommelier. As a group of winos and foodies, we wanted to indulge and treat ourselves, but we weren’t sure we could do that in Costa Rica since it’s typically not a wine country. Erick proved us wrong with a perfect lineup of international wines, paired with bites and cheeses from the villa’s private chef. During the courses, after Erick had explained the story behind the wines, they even surprised us with a local guitarist, who was such a treat and really added to the ambiance of the evening.
What was great about this was that it was just us. The parents in the group could enjoy without feeling guilty about their kiddos running around or having fun.
There were no other guests, so there was plenty of space for Mom and Dad to enjoy while also keeping an eye on the little ones. It’s rare they get that time, and it was special to watch as they sipped, dancing barefoot to the guitar with their family between each pairing.
Costa Rica Itinerary: What to Do During Your Stay at Villa Punto de Vista
Our just-recapped first day was definitely the most chill of our trip, which I’d recommend wholeheartedly. Truthfully, you won’t want to leave the villa on day one because you’ll be so captivated.
The rest of the week we put together with the help of the villa’s sales team and our pre-arrival concierge, Gloriela, was nothing short of perfect and captured exactly what everyone in the group was seeking from this special friend’s trip – which, if you’ve ever planned a group vacation you know can be tricky. The villa made it seamless.
Day Two: Wildlife Tours, Local Lunches, and a Sweet Costa Rica Spice Farm Visit
This was our day for cultural and nature adventures.
After an equally delicious breakfast, we were met at the villa by our private naturalist guide, Meli. She was a nature wizard, pulling out her scope at all the best spots so we could see the wildlife up close and personal. We had time to wade in the beautiful protected waters at the park, which were calm enough for all ages. We were even able to see the villa from the guide’s scope, which was pretty cool to see how far immersed in the jungle we actually were.
Then, the villa team brought us to a delicious local lunch in Quepos at Soda Sánchez to try Costa Rican casado.
One of the little ones in our group had a cold, so Harold actually came with the villa’s car to take them to the doctor to get some antibiotics. This was seamless and helped her feel better in hours, putting her parents’ minds at ease.
In the afternoon, we made our way to Villa Vanilla Spice Farm, where we were treated to cinnamon hibiscus tea, rich chocolate, and three heavenly ice creams made from the farm’s own cacao and vanilla. We left with bags full of treats and zero regrets (except that we didn’t bring a second suitcase just for snacks).
Since it was a pretty busy day, we opted for the private chef service and enjoyed local stuffed patacones (plantains filled with shredded beef), steak with peppercorn sauce, and the most delicious tres leches cake with mango and strawberry (a little secret: I don’t even like tres leches but the group wanted it so I gave in. This tres leches was different and converted me – I’d ask for this specific tres leches as dessert for my last meal).
We ended it with a nightcap in the hot tub under the stars like every night.
Day Three: Waterfall Adventures, Rooftop Yoga, and Horseback Riding on the Beach
This was the day we leaned into play.
The men in our group opted for adrenaline and adventure, canyoning down waterfalls deep in the jungle returning muddy, exhilarated, and totally ready for an ice cold Imperial (Costa Rica’s national beer).
Meanwhile, the rest of us took the slower path, sipping Costa Rican cocktails expertly made by Jackson by the pool and snacking on fresh fruit and snacks we filled the villa with before arriving, reveling in the rare luxury of stillness.
That morning, we all joined together on the rooftop for an all-ages yoga session. The villa helped arrange a private instructor for us, and somehow, even the two-year-old in our group held a perfect down dog next to her mom. There’s just something about practicing yoga with the ocean breeze at your back and toucans overhead that makes it hit different. The instructor, Mei, is a certified massage therapist and Reiki practitioner, so she infused both into her practice, which made it the most relaxing and unique class I’ve ever done.
Later in the afternoon, I broke away for a solo horseback ride on the beach — something I’d been dreaming about for years and shared with Gloriela and the team before I came down to Costa Rica, and they made it happen.
Riding through the surf, galloping with the wind in my hair through the sand, I felt freer than ever. The moment was pure magic and exactly the kind of experience I hadn’t even realized I needed to kick a bit of burnout I’d been experiencing prior to arrival at the villa in Costa Rica.
That evening, we decided to head into downtown Manuel Antonio to El Lagarto, a local steakhouse recommended by the villa team, for dinner. Since it was the off-season, we had the restaurant practically to ourselves despite it being one of the most popular local restaurants, which made it feel like a hidden gem. Harold and the villa team dropped us off and picked us up — no taxis, no stress — just a fun night out with good food and even better company.
It was a day of perfect contrast: high-energy adventure balanced with deep exhale moments. And somehow, Villa Punto de Vista made all of it feel easy.
Day Four: Beach Picnic, Jungle Monkeys, and Poolside Massages at the Villa
For our last full day, we wanted to soak up every second at the villa. No excursions, no outside plans, just pure, unhurried enjoyment of this magical place.
We kicked things off with a private beach picnic arranged by the villa team, and they pulled out all the stops. Shaded loungers, beach toys for the little ones, a tiki-style beach bar for the adults, and a fresh, flavorful lunch spread that somehow tasted even better with the ocean breeze and sand between our toes. The kids splashed in the waves while we sipped cocktails and floated between sun and shade, savoring the simplicity of it all.
Back at the villa, a few of the group members who hadn’t yet experienced a massage got their turn — and let’s just say, they understood immediately why we hadn’t stopped talking about it. Meanwhile, the rest of us lounged by the pool, rotating between the hot tub and the shaded daybeds, not quite ready to accept that the trip was winding down.
And then, in true Costa Rica fashion, the jungle reminded us who was boss.
Just as we hopped in the pool for a final afternoon swim with a floating fruit tryay, a monkey swung through the treetops above and promptly dropped a banana peel right on my head. Equal parts hilarious and on-brand, it was the perfect sendoff from our primate neighbors and the ultimate reminder that this wasn’t your average vacation.
We ended the day with a final chef dinner and a night under the stars in the hot tub… again. Because how can you not?
It was a day of deep exhales, belly laughs, and unhurried connection. A reminder that sometimes, doing less is the very best kind of luxury.
Day Five: Saying Goodbye to the Best Luxury Villa in Costa Rica
You know it’s been a good vacation when you cry because you have to leave.
I’ve been lucky enough to experience some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, but I can honestly say I’ve never gotten emotional saying goodbye to a place. Villa Punto de Vista changed that.
From the moment we arrived to the moment we reluctantly stepped into our ride to our next destination, every second was filled with thoughtful surprises, seamless service, and genuine care from a team that felt more like family by the end.
It’s hard to put into words what makes Villa Punto de Vista so special, but if I had to try, I’d say this: the place is stunning, yes — but it’s the people that make it magical.
As I saw the entire team lined up outside the villa to bid us safe travels, the flood gates opened, and I didn’t stop crying until well into our car ride to our next destination. Thank goodness for sunglasses.
Nearly a year later, we still talk about this experience on a weekly basis — no exaggeration.
Ready to Book Your Luxury Villa Vacation in Manuel Antonio?
This private villa in Costa Rica redefined what vacation means for us — offering beauty, ease, and connection we’ll never forget. It was the best villa we could have chosen for this vacation with friends.
We dream of the next time we can visit this beautiful home away from home, because they won’t be able to keep us away for long. Thank you, Harold, Erick, Jackson, Alfredo, Rosa, Sara, Jossue, and every single member of the team who made this experience what it was. I hope you know the impact you have. We’ll be talking about this trip for years — and planning our return the second we can.
Until then, pura vida.
If you’re ready to book your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Villa Punto de Vista in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, check upcoming availability and start planning with their incredible team today.
