How to Customize Your Villa Excursions: Unique Manuel Antonio Costa Rica Tours
When people think of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica tours, the same images often come to mind: the monstera-peppered trails of Manuel Antonio National Park, a golden sunset cruise on the Pacific, or a day filled with hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling in the rainforest. Those experiences are classics for a reason. But they’re only the beginning when you’re staying at a luxury staffed villa that takes things to the next level.
At Villa Punto de Vista, we believe the most memorable moments are the ones shaped entirely around you. And that includes your excursions.
A trip to Costa Rica shouldn’t feel like ticking boxes from a brochure. It should unfold like a story that could only belong to your group. One that’s written through your interests, your rhythms, and your sense of adventure.
That’s why every excursion we design is bespoke.
Some days might mean adrenaline-packed adventure tours. Other days might bring slower, more intimate encounters that immerse you in Costa Rican culture. Each moment is intentional, and each is tailored.
Here’s how our approach to excursions turns a stay at Villa Punto de Vista into something far beyond what you’d expect from a typical vacation rental or even the most exclusive luxury hotels in Costa Rica.
Our Villa Philosophy: Experiences as Individual as You Are
Manuel Antonio is a place of contrast: lush rainforests that tumble toward sunlit beaches, playful monkeys crossing rooftops while you sip cocktails at world-class restaurants, and both calm and adrenaline waiting at your doorstep.
But not everyone arrives looking for the same kind of adventure, and after twenty years of hosting discerning luxury travelers from around the globe, we know this better than anyone in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, and beyond.
Some travelers thrive on challenge. Others come to slow down. Families look for connection across generations, while corporate groups seek bonding without the boardroom.
Our job is simple: we listen.
We ask what excites you, what grounds you, what sparks that wide-eyed sense of wonder, and then we shape an experience around it.
For families traveling with little kids in Costa Rica, that might mean a private guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, spotting toucans, sloths, and scarlet macaws through the canopy.
For others, it could be something completely unexpected, like transforming our villa game room into a private tattoo studio, where a local artist etches a permanent reminder of your week in paradise.
At Villa Punto de Vista, there are no “standard packages.”
If it matters to you, it matters to us. And if you can dream it, we’ll find a way to make it real.
What to Tell a Concierge Before Customizing Your Tours
If you’re working with a travel planner, here is a checklist of things they’ll need to know to customize tours for you.
But, if you stay at Villa Punto de Vista, our welcome process before your stay answers most of these questions for us with preference sheets and travel information that will be gathered by Gloriela, your pre-arrival concierge. You’ll just need to let her know what type of experiences you’re looking for, and she can take it from there.
However, not every resort experience is like this! After over 15 years of hosting guests and a lifetime of Costa Rica knowledge from our local staff, we’re able to curate something truly special without the checklist. So, if you’re staying elsewhere, use this!
1. Your Group’s Vibe and Goals
- Are you here to relax, find adventure, celebrate, or reconnect?
- Do you prefer slow mornings or early-start adventures?
- Are you looking for high-adrenaline activities, cultural immersion, or a balance of both?
2. Ages and Activity Levels
- Ages of everyone in your group (this helps with safety + pacing)
- Anyone with mobility limitations or recent injuries
- Anyone who prefers gentler activities vs. high-intensity excursions
- Kids’ interests and comfort levels with wildlife, water, or hiking
3. Must-See / Must-Do Items
- Specific wildlife you hope to see (sloths, monkeys, toucans, whales, etc.)
- Specific experiences you know you want (catamaran cruise, surf lessons, tattoo artist, private chef picnic, etc.)
- Bucket-list items or activities you’re curious about but not sure how to plan
4. Dietary Needs + Food Preferences
- Dietary restrictions (Kosher, gluten-free, dairy-free, allergies, etc.)
- Foods you love or absolutely avoid
- Any meals that should be coordinated during excursions (picnic lunches, snacks, hydration setup)
5. Schedule Preferences
- Preferred days for adventure vs. relaxation
- Early riser or slow-morning group?
- Nights reserved for private dinners, celebrations, or nothing at all
- Any planned events that excursions need to work around (wedding week, birthday dinner, team meeting, etc.)
6. Comfort Levels + Personal Preferences
- Comfort with boats, heights, long drives, or rough terrain
- Water confidence (swimming, snorkeling, kayaking)
- Interest in local culture, art, food, and community experiences
- Desire for privacy vs. social/local immersion
7. Logistics + Timing Details
- Arrival and departure times
- Whether you prefer private transportation (boat, helicopter, van)
- Any special accommodations needed for elders, infants, or pregnant travelers
8. Special Requests
- Surprise moments (birthdays, engagements, family reveals)
- Personalized touches (tattoos, private performances, curated gifts)
- Experiences tied to your passions (cycling routes, wellness rituals, photography outings, etc.)
Beyond Standard Manuel Antonio National Park Tours: Custom Tours & Experiences for Villa Punto de Vista Guests
As noted above, our excursions in Manuel Antonio are special. We can always put together the private yoga classes, unique experiences for nature lovers, meals at El Avion, and more, this is not where our services end.
To illustrate just how limitless your time in Costa Rica can be, here are some of the extraordinary, highly customized excursions we’ve designed.
A Cyclist’s Dream in the Central Valley and Beyond
When the father of the bride, an avid cyclist and business owner, came to stay, he wanted more than sightseeing. He wanted to cycle in Costa Rica. And not just casual beach rides, but the kind of long, challenging treks he and his cycling group trained for back home.
Our team got to work. Months before the trip, we mapped out a daily route (40–70k depending on terrain) through Manuel Antonio, surrounding towns peppered with lush rainforests and coastal roads. Some guests brought their own bikes; the father of the bride requested a high-end, double-shock bike sourced and delivered just for him.
Each morning at 5 am, a local triathlete and national racer guided the group. Hydration stands with bananas, fresh coconuts, and electrolyte packs appeared at precise intervals, while one ride ended at a hidden waterfall where the cyclists could cool off.
This wasn’t a tour you’ll ever see listed at a Manuel Antonio hotel or any of the adventure tours in the local guidebooks. It was a cultural and athletic immersion, built uniquely for one man and his friends — and it became a highlight of the entire wedding week.
Local Cultural Experiences for the Kids No Guided Tour Could Deliver
Another family staying at the villa wanted their kids to learn in Costa Rica and connect more deeply with the culture, beyond beaches and wildlife. Their request? Play soccer with locals and really immerse their own children in the culture.
Our concierge arranged a pickup soccer game in Londres, a small town 45 minutes from Manuel Antonio, where he and his family live. Guests brought uniforms and balls as gifts, while our beloved gardener, whose family runs a Manuel Antonio hidden gem restaurant, joined to host refreshments.
But it didn’t stop there.
The family’s daughters were dancers, so we invited a local folk academy to perform and lead a class for them at the villa.
That night at dinner, we had one more surprise for them: the girls performed for their parents in newly made traditional costumes, gifted to the girls by our team to deepen their experience even more. They truly learned how to be Ticos!
These were more than just classes or excursions. It was a cultural bridge, a memory layered with generosity, joy, and connection that will shape their tiny hearts for a lifetime.
Art at the Villa: Tattoos in Paradise
Some memories you take home in your heart. Others, on your body. At least, a few recent guests attending a women’s retreat did!
For a group of guests who wanted something bold, we transformed the villa’s game room into a tattoo studio.
A local artist, renowned for his craft, set up his station against the backdrop of the rainforest with the Pacific Ocean in the background. Guests laughed, sipped specialty cocktails made by Jackson, our resident bartender, and took turns designing personal mementos of their Costa Rica trip in the form of travel-inspired tattoos.
It wasn’t just about body art. It was about tangibly anchoring a transformative week forever linked to the sights and sounds of Manuel Antonio.
Kosher Dining in the Middle of the Rainforest
Sometimes, guests with specific needs worry they’ll miss out on Costa Rica’s magic. That’s never the case at Villa Punto de Vista.
For our Kosher-observant guests, thoughtful dining doesn’t stop at the villa doors.
Guest-favorite excursions, such as canyoning down local waterfalls, taking a catamaran cruise to see local wildlife, or exploring the mangroves while kayaking, traditionally include a shared lunch.
However, the lunches aren’t typically Kosher or catered to strict dietary considerations when run by even the best local companies.
Instead of compromising, our team discreetly meets guests at the end of the tour with freshly prepared, carefully packaged Kosher meals so they can finish enjoying the experience with the rest of the group.
The result?
Everyone enjoys the same breathtaking views, the same awe-inspiring adventures, the same wildlife encounters, but with complete peace of mind.
The Ultimate Physical Challenge: Reto Mae Hike
For the adventure seekers, few challenges rival the infamous Reto Mae hike. With 4.6 stars on Google Reviews, this hike is no ordinary trek, but all adventure seekers love it.
It’s a 10-kilometer, five-hour test of stamina where parts of the path require crawling on hands and knees. The reward? Access to pristine private beaches otherwise unreachable, hidden coves where the jungle kisses the ocean.
When guests want to participate in this epic trek, our team always ensures proper hydration with coconut water and healthy snacks along the way. Part of the reward is a private picnic awaiting you upon arrival after the hike at one of the most secluded, pristine beaches you’ll ever lay eyes on.
For those who crave more wildlife and wilder terrain than Manuel Antonio National Park can offer, this is the ultimate test and outdoor triumph. We recommend tackling this only if you’re in peak physical condition, as it is a physically grueling hike.
Curating the Manuel Antonio Experience
Of course, many guests still want the classic Costa Rica excursions: a catamaran cruise across the Pacific, a morning spotting monkeys and sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park, or kayaking near the calm waters of Playa Biesanz.
But even here, we tailor every detail by helping guests:
- Choose the right excursions for the right season, whether mid-December’s sunny skies or October’s occasional shower.
- Time a sunset cruise so dolphins play in your wake as you toast with champagne.
- Pair a walking guided tour of the park with a private chef’s picnic on the beach.
- Suggest a day trip to La Fortuna or the Arenal volcano for guests craving hot springs and waterfalls.
- Arranging transportation from San José or Quepos by private boat or helicopter, rather than a rental car.
Even the most “ordinary” excursion becomes extraordinary when every choice is intentional. Eva K. and her group did it all when they visited us at the villa, sharing:
“We organized a latin dance lesson with a live band and two dance instructors on the rooftop – it was so much fun, we extended from 2 to 3 hours because everyone was having such a good time.
We also organized a Spa Day and turned the rooftop into a spa – getting a massage and falling asleep under the lull of the rainforest – amazing!
We took a mangrove tour and then rented a catamaran Tom Cat – did some snorkeling, swimming plus a huge bonus for us, we caught up with a humpback whale – that was spectacular – to be so close.
We organized one evening of Karaoke and a movie night on the rooftop.
Finally one evening we had a special dinner. The setting was spectacular, the entire table was lit by hundreds of candles and the meal was as just outstanding – every course was delicious, way above what we were expecting.
Overall: This turned out to be a vacation of a lifetime for our entire extended family, party of 20, ages 11 to 85. I am sure we will try to recreate this vacation one day soon. So thank you David for building this magnificent villa, for selecting such outstanding people to manage it and for giving us the opportunity to create such unforgettable memories.”
Why Choose a Luxury Villa Over Manuel Antonio Hotels?
There are many wonderful Manuel Antonio hotels and vacation rentals. But what makes Villa Punto de Vista distinct is our philosophy: you are never bound to someone else’s script.
Luxury, to us, is not about marble lobbies or gold details.
It’s about freedom.
Our team is more than helpful — they’re visionaries, connectors, and creators.
They know the right guide, the right driver, the right local artisan. They know which restaurants are truly unforgettable, which waterfalls are best in August, which trails reveal the most birds in April.
When you stay with us, you don’t just visit Costa Rica. You experience it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Manuel Antonio Costa Rica Tours
What makes Villa Punto de Vista excursions different from other Manuel Antonio Costa Rica tours?
Unlike standard tours offered by Manuel Antonio hotels or local operators, every excursion at Villa Punto de Vista is designed exclusively for you.
Our concierge team creates bespoke experiences curated around your group’s interests and style of travel.
Can I still enjoy excursions if I have dietary restrictions, like keeping Kosher?
Yes. One of our specialties is accommodating dietary needs without compromising the experience. For example, when local tours include a shared lunch that isn’t Kosher, our team discreetly provides freshly prepared Kosher meals so you can enjoy. We are one of the only villas in the area that has this capability.
What kind of adventure tours can be customized in Manuel Antonio?
Adventure in Costa Rica takes many forms: hiking to hidden waterfalls, kayaking through mangroves, snorkeling at Playa Biesanz, or tackling the challenging Reto Mae hike to private beaches. Whether you prefer adrenaline-packed excursions or a slower-paced day of birdwatching, every activity is tailored to your comfort level and curiosity.
Is Manuel Antonio National Park included in customized villa excursions?
Absolutely. The park is one of Costa Rica’s crown jewels and a favorite for wildlife lovers. Our guided tours can be arranged to avoid crowds or even extend into a sunset cruise afterward.
When is the best time of year to plan tours in Manuel Antonio?
Each season offers something special. Mid-December to April brings sunny days perfect for sailing or hiking. May through August offer lush rainforests and abundant wildlife, with only an occasional shower. September and October are rainy but reward adventurers with vibrant waterfalls and fewer crowds. November is a hidden gem, just before peak season begins.
How do I get to Manuel Antonio from San José?
We’ll arrange it for you. Options include a private car service, luxury van, helicopter transfer, or even a scenic boat ride from Quepos. Guests often choose private transportation over a rental car so they can start their vacation stress-free.
What are some unique excursions Villa Punto de Vista has created before?
Some of our most memorable custom tours include:
- A multi-day cycling trek with hydration stations and a local triathlete guide.
- A cultural immersion with folk dance classes and soccer games in a nearby town.
- Kosher dining set-ups in the middle of the rainforest.
- A women’s retreat that included a private tattoo artist session in our villa game room.
These experiences aren’t in any brochure — they’re created just for you.
Plan Your Bespoke Villa Vacation with Custom Manuel Antonio Costa Rica Tours
What sets Villa Punto de Vista apart is not only its architecture, its sweeping ocean views, or its position in the Manuel Antonio area. It’s that your trip here is never pre-written. Because luxury is not about what’s on offer, it’s about what’s possible. And here, in Costa Rica, everything is possible.
Your next Costa Rica vacation could be just another trip, or it could be the story of a lifetime.
At Villa Punto de Vista, we invite you to choose the latter.
To let us know what lights you up, what grounds you, and what you dream of, and let us shape the rest.
The jungle, the ocean, the people, and the spirit of pura vida are ready.
All that’s missing is you.
Search available dates and let’s start planning your luxury villa vacation in Manuel Antonio today.
Christien Johnson is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Villa Punto de Vista Estate, an award-winning private resort in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. With nearly 20 years in luxury hospitality, he has helped make the estate a benchmark for private villa experiences, earning 700+ five-star reviews, 13 consecutive WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards (an achievement only secured by the top 3% of venues worldwide) and a vote as the #1 wedding venue in Costa Rica, as well as recognition from Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Johansens, and the Global Choice Awards as the Best Villa in Central America.
Christien also founded and manages Vista Destinations Luxury Travel Agency, Costa Rica Weddings, and Costa Rica Chefs, and advises brands worldwide on automation and AI in luxury hospitality, shaping the next era of high-touch, personalized travel as a trusted voice in private-estate and transformational travel.
