What “Fully Staffed Villa” Really Means — And Why It’s the Ultimate Luxury for Group Travel
Luxury villa travel is having a major moment, especially as groups of friends, families, and corporate teams look beyond hotels for a more private, personalized experience. But with that rise in popularity comes confusion.
The issue here is that, thanks to the growing popularity of alternative accommodation types marketing themselves as “luxury villas with staff” or “fully staffed villas”, many villas are over-promising and under-delivering on the service front.
This leaves guests underwhelmed and upset that they didn’t receive the service levels they anticipated, and paying for a level of service that simply doesn’t exist.
How do we know this?
Because these groups come to us afterward, anxious that they’ll be met with the same subpar experience.
Our response:
You can rest fully assured that will never be the case at Villa Punto de Vista Estate.
To us, a fully staffed villa is more than just a rental with infrequent housekeeping or an attendant who checks in once or twice a day. It’s a private estate supported by a full professional hospitality team, as you’d receive at a hotel dedicated exclusively to your stay. The kind of team that is trained in five-star service and anticipates your needs before you even ask.
Since we’ve owned and operated a luxury staffed villa for nearly 20 years, we’re sharing exactly what should be included in your villa experience if you’re looking for it to be fully staffed. Plus, we’ll share what questions to ask throughout the booking process to ensure you receive exactly what you’re looking for during your private villa stay.
What’s Included at Villa Punto de Vista, a True Fully Staffed Villa in Costa Rica
First, what do we include?
Let’s break it down not just by service, but also by honoring the amazing individuals on our team who will be part of your stay.
Pre-Arrival Concierge
From the moment you book, you have support on your side.
You’ll immediately be introduced to Gloriela, your pre-arrival concierge and the heart behind so many of our guests’ most memorable stays.
She’s been with our team since the very beginning, crafting seamless travel experiences with her signature warmth and attention to detail. Born and raised in Costa Rica, Gloriela knows this country inside and out, from secret hidden gems to the best restaurants.
She’ll handle every detail before you arrive, from making sure rooms are arranged based on preferences to organizing excursions and chef experiences. By the time you reach the villa, everything will already be taken care of thanks to her masterful touch and attention to detail.
General Manager & On-Site House Manager
When you arrive, Raul and Sergio are your anchors.
Raul, our general manager, oversees operations across both villas. He’s the calm, steady presence ensuring every part of your stay unfolds with ease, both behind the scenes and on the ground.
Sergio, your on-site house manager, is your right-hand host during your stay, coordinating meals, scheduling transportation, and checking in to make sure you’re never wanting for anything.
Their blend of professionalism and genuine care is what makes so many of our guests return year after year. They don’t just manage your stay; they take care of you like family.
Butlers & Bartenders
Jossue, Jackson, Erick, Sigrid, Jose, Fran, Pablo, and Hugo are loved and adored by all guests for a reason. They’re masters of connection, bringing a joy and energy that make the villa feel alive.
They are your go-tos for anything you need, any time of day, and your primary contacts throughout your stay.
You’ll be added to a group WhatsApp chat with them upon arrival, so you can always reach them. However, they’re typically there with what you want in hand before you even ask.
Our butler team has all been trained in elevated mixology and craft a mean specialty cocktail with Costa Rican flair. Give them a flavor profile, a favorite fruit or liquor, and they can come up with your vacation’s signature drink you’ll want to be sipping on all week long.
But, it’s so important to note that these incredible individuals aren’t just bartenders or butlers — they’re memory-makers, experience-creators, and the ones who will make you feel right at home, thousands of miles away.
And guests take notice, sharing:
“The best part of our trip ( 7 couples ) was the care and service of the kind villa staff-from housekeeping to drivers-to coordinating adventure – to being served drinks on the pool ! What a delight and truly felt spoiled rotten ! Jackson , Harold, Erick, Sigrid-all completely felt like enjoying pura vida with our family! They became our friends overnight! Thank you Villa La isla -villa punto de Vista -we will be back -you made us fall in love with Manuel Antonio and you! Pura vida !”
-Dori, April 2025
Chauffeur & Driver
Each villa includes a vehicle for guest transportation throughout the stay.
The entire team is certified to drive and is on call and ready to pick you up or bring you somewhere at a moment’s notice, whether that’s the beach or a dinner reservation.
When you’re out and ready to come back to the villa, you simply text the WhatsApp group or call, and they’ll come get you and bring you back.
For excursions and airport transportation, while these services are additional, Gloriela will coordinate everything in advance through our trusted partners and manage payment so you don’t have to deal with multiple companies and vendors.
Sommelier
If wine is your love language, you’re in for a treat. Erick, who you may remember as one of our butlers, is also a certified sommelier. His global wine knowledge and passion for pairing add an elevated touch to any stay.
Erick can lead guided tastings, curate bottles that complement your dinner menu from our exclusive on-site wine cellar and share insider insights on international vintages and Costa Rican labels alike.
If wine is important to you, we’ll schedule your stay to align with his availability so you can sip, learn, and linger.
Breakfast Chef & Breakfast Service Team
Included in every stay is a robust made-to-order breakfast from one of our amazing chefs, Vera or Steven. Every morning begins with our signature made-to-order breakfast, a highlight for guests and a true taste of Costa Rican hospitality.
Your breakfast chef works hand-in-hand with the breakfast service team and prepares local favorites like gallo pinto (rice and beans), fried plantains, fresh tropical fruit, and made-to-order eggs, alongside international classics.
Every morning you’ll wake to just-brewed, locally roasted, single-origin coffee from the country’s central highlands, a blend made just for the villa by our partners. Don’t worry, we’ll send you home with some.
Enjoy breakfast poolside with panoramic ocean views, watching whales spout in the distance, or on the open-air dining terrace surrounded by rainforest with playful monkeys making an appearance.
Full Housekeeping Team
Our housekeeping team, led by Sara and supported by Jeimy, Ana, Damiella, Geovanna, Cora, and Beatrice, keeps the villa pristine throughout your stay, with multiple daily cleanings of your guest suites, common spaces, and bathrooms.
They handle everything from fresh linens and turn-down service to personal laundry upon request. You’ll never have to lift a finger, just enjoy the feeling of walking into a refreshed, airy space every day.
Full Grounds & Maintenance Team
Behind the scenes, our maintenance and landscaping crew keeps the property in perfect condition. Elliott, Axel, Alfredo, Israel, and Mamfred know how to keep things blooming and operating flawlessly, 24/7.
From maintaining the infinity pools and elevator systems to tending the tropical gardens and wildlife walkways, their work ensures your stay is surrounded by natural beauty and technical precision.
Every view is framed just right because someone has thought through every detail.
Security Team
Your peace of mind is part of the experience. Villa Punto de Vista’s discreet, 24-hour on-site security team oversees guest safety and access, ensuring privacy without intrusion.
Johann, Arnulfo, and Jose blend seamlessly into the background so you can relax knowing everything (and everyone) is taken care of.
Additional Staff Can Always Be Added, As Well
Now, while that staff is full-time throughout your stay, we can also hire additional teams to support as well, including, but not limited to:
- Private chefs for full-day meal service or special events
- Babysitting and nanny services for families traveling with little ones
- Yoga instructors, Reiki practitioners, sound bath experts, esthetitians, and massage therapists for in-villa wellness sessions
- Event staff and service teams for weddings, retreats, or corporate events
- Kosher consultants to help plan and oversee dietary requirements for Kosher travelers
- Naturalists, cacao experts, or dance instructors for in-villa workshops and grounds exploration
- And more!
Whatever you imagine, we bring it to life.
And guests notice that level of thoughtfulness immediately:
“In addition to the exceptional amenities, it’s worth noting the professionalism and friendliness of the villa’s staff. They anticipated our needs and catered to our every request with a genuine willingness to make our experience truly special. Special shout-out to Rosa who was always willing to go above and beyond for us and Sigrid for her extra special Bloody Mary’s.”
-Jack, April 2025
25+ Questions to Ask When Searching for a Fully-Staffed Villa
When you’re narrowing down options across destinations, here’s a checklist of questions and factors to evaluate.
These will help you ensure you’re really getting the fully staffed villa experience you desire, which does look different for every group based on individual priorities.
1. Culinary & Dining Experience
- Is a private chef included? How many meals per day are provided? Are groceries included or billed separately?
- Are butlers, bartenders, mixologists, or sommeliers included? What are their typical duties during service?
- Does the villa offer pre-arrival concierge planning to help with restaurant bookings, excursions, or pre-stocking the kitchen?
2. Guest Experience & Personalized Service
- What is the guest-to-staff ratio?
- Are the staff dedicated exclusively to our group, or shared among multiple villas or rental properties?
- Is there an on-site villa manager or concierge? What are their typical hours, and will we have the same manager each day?
- How is communication handled during our stay—via WhatsApp group, in-villa phone, or another direct method?
- Does the villa staff speak our preferred language(s)?
3. Housekeeping, Maintenance & Security
- How many housekeepers are there, and how often are services provided? Are linens changed daily or only upon request?
- Is laundry service available? If so, how often, and is it included in the rate or billed per load?
- Are maintenance, pool/garden staff, and driver services included?
- Is there dedicated on-site security for the property?
4. Event Support & Group Logistics
- Is event staffing arranged, and what is the cost? (For weddings, retreats, or corporate gatherings.)
- Are there contingency plans for emergencies or special requests during large group stays?
5. Staffing Policies & Availability
- What’s the policy for staff days off? Will service continue uninterrupted, or are there designated times when staff aren’t available?
- What additional staff or services may incur overtime or extra fees?
6. Family & Lifestyle Services
- Are child care or nanny services available? Are they included in the rate or arranged separately?
Villa Hospitality Expert Insight & Tips
In the world of luxury villas, not everything labeled “fully staffed” lives up to the name.
Many properties that promise a “staffed villa” offer little more than occasional housekeeping or a part-time butler who disappears after breakfast.
So how can you tell the difference between marketing and mastery?
Start by visiting the property’s website.
If the service description feels vague, for example, if it mentions “assistance” or “attendants” without naming roles like concierge, chef, or butler, that’s often your first clue.
Genuine service is never generic; it’s detailed, confident, and transparent.
Then, read between the lines of guest reviews.
When a villa delivers true hospitality, guests remember people, not just views.
You’ll see names like the butler who learned their favorite drink, the concierge who made the impossible reservation, the chef who remembered their allergies, and at minimum, a mention of the staff in general.
If you don’t see those human touches reflected in guest reviews on TripAdvisor or Google, like you can see in Dave’s review here, the experience likely didn’t reach five-star standards:
“The accommodations were pristine, luxurious, and beautifully maintained. Each room and common area felt like its own private paradise. Erick and Jackson were absolutely phenomenal: professional, warm, and incredibly attentive to our group’s every need. They, along with the entire staff, created an atmosphere of comfort and care that made us feel completely at home.”
-Dave R., August 2025
When in doubt, ask!
A private villa stay is an investment in time, comfort, and connection, and you deserve to receive what you pay for. You deserve clarity, not guesswork.
At Villa Punto de Vista, we believe exceptional hospitality is never an afterthought. It’s the foundation of everything we do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fully Staffed Villas in Costa Rica
Even the most seasoned travelers have questions about the world of fully staffed villas. It’s an experience unlike any other, blending the privacy of a private residence with the polish of a five-star resort.
To help you plan with confidence, we’ve gathered some of the questions we hear most often from guests considering Villa Punto de Vista.
What does a fully staffed villa include?
A fully staffed villa includes a complete hospitality team dedicated to your stay, typically a private chef, butler, housekeeping staff, concierge, maintenance crew, and 24/7 security.
The best staffed villas, like Villa Punto de Vista in Costa Rica, also offer bartenders, drivers, and pre-arrival concierge services that rival five-star hotels.
Do all Costa Rica villas include a chef?
Not all. At Villa Punto de Vista, breakfast prepared by an in-house chef is always included, and private chefs for lunch, dinner, or events can be arranged to cultivate an all-inclusive style experience.
Is a fully staffed villa better than a hotel for group travel?
For groups, absolutely.
A fully staffed villa offers complete privacy, personalized service, and shared spaces that keep everyone connected. Instead of multiple hotel rooms, guests enjoy large communal living areas and event spaces, private suites, and exclusive amenities all cared for by a dedicated staff.
How much does a fully staffed villa in Costa Rica cost?
Rates vary depending on the property, staffing levels, and time of year. A true luxury villa with staff like Villa Punto de Vista typically starts around the mid–five figures per week for full estate access and can go up to the high six-figures depending on inclusions.
Our fully staffed villa rates are offered for 4-, 5-, and 7-night stays at both villas or the entire estate. They start at $19,513 USD for a 4-night stay at our 9-bedroom villa, only $570 per room, per night.
Many believe that a fully staffed villa is cost-prohibitive, when in reality, it offers an incredible value for the level of service you receive!
Do all Costa Rica villas on the beach come with staff?
Many Costa Rica villas on the beach advertise staff, but the level of service can differ widely. Always confirm what’s included.
At Villa Punto de Vista, our ocean-view estate features full-time staff on property, offering both beach proximity and elevated five-star hospitality 24/7.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
If you’re searching for a fully staffed villa in Costa Rica with the service of a boutique resort and the privacy of a home, you’ll find it here at Villa Punto de Vista Estate.
To explore available dates or ask questions about what may be included in your stay at a fully staffed villa in Costa Rica, simply submit our inquiry form to be connected with David, Sabrina, or one of our incredible sales team members, who will listen to what you’re looking for and get you a custom proposal for your stay.
We can’t wait to welcome you home to Villa Punto de Vista.
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.
