Within the lush grounds of the Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica, Villa Manzu is a completely private sanctuary of its own. This eight-suite estate – at just over 30,000 square feet – sits on five acres in an isolated peninsula and offers plenty of room to spread out, from the two swimming pools and spa to the theater room and expansive bar/party room. The grounds are dotted with hammocks, chairs and restful areas, perfect for quiet moments taking in 180-degree sea views and watching monkeys cavort in the trees.

This is definitely not your typical private villa experience. The staff is highly trained as well as educated in the Costa Rica history and surroundings; who also serve as guides and entertainment for the guests, greatly enriching the experience. Included with the Villa is breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by amazing chefs; a wine room stocked with hand-picked wines and award winning cigars; a butler and maid services; and a concierge to help enrich your stay. The Villa drivers will wisk you around Costa Rica in a Range Rover, Ford Explorer SUV, or Jeep Wrangler.

Your adventure starts in the Villa Manzu garage; stocked with two golf carts, a dozen surf boards and stand up paddle boards, two kayaks and three mountain bikes. The Arnold Palmer golf course, tennis courts and marina are minutes away. Many hiking paths lead from the Villa to the several nearby beaches with the closest only being 100 yards away. Nestled along the palm-fringed sands of the Peninsula’s most coveted cove is Playa Prieta and the 38,000 sqft Beach Club where you can drift away the afternoon under the Pochote trees and the sounds of the ocean.

The Villa Suites – Each of Villa Manzu’s eight suites is a full suite.   The eight suites encompass 15 beds allocated as five king bed suites, a double queen suite, a double king suite, and a custom finished bunk room with 4 twins and 2 king beds.   All of the eight suites offer oversized televisions, a minibar with morning coffee service, walk-in closets with Costa Rican hardwood detailing,and full bathroom suites with tubs and showers finished in onyx, marble and custom tiling. All eight suites are equally generous in their spacious layout.  More info below on each suites unique setup.

Gathering Places – word Manzu comes from the Chorotegan language of the indigenous people of the Costa Rica area. Manzu translate as “friends” and it is the staff’s hope that Villa Manzu becomes a place where great friendships continue to grow and new ones are made.   Abraham Valenzuela was the visionary architect behind the creation of Villa Manzu.  Positive and life-affirming symbols, fresh, open spaces, inspiring natural views and an original design make Villa Manzu a welcoming and uniquely memorable place, where guests reconnect with family and friends and feel as if the staff has been friends for many years. It is just that easy, that relaxed and that inspiring.

Villa Manzu’s signature is its all-inclusive experience. The villa is designed to provide guests with everything they want, as well as everything they didn’t know they wanted! The owners and staff are the experts and local residents. They know the area best and want to share their life and traditions with guests.  Any size group will feel comfortable at Villa Manzu, watching food prepared in the open kitchen, enjoying a cocktail at one of the several open-air bars or meandering between terraces and strolling across the lawn.  The property features a spa, yoga platform, two bars, entertainment room with pool table, indoor and outdoor games, infinity-edge heated swimming pool, heated splash pool, Jacuzzi, home theater with a movie library, and gym.

Villa Manzu Dining – Villa Manzu’s executive chef will hand craft every exceptional meal during your stay. His masterful expertise is combined with a culinary creativity that results in varietal, organic, specialized and local gourmet cuisine. Special diets and detox plans are happily honored. He is happy to create menus that will be unique and distinctive each night of the stay, and he is equally enthusiastic about working with the guests to cater to their individual tastes.

• Included with the Villa –  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; a wine room with hand-picked wines; award winning cigars; and a fully stocked bar.
• Fully Staffed –  A team of Bartenders and Waiters will insure you are well hydrated and attended to during your stay.
• Off Site Dining – Alternative dining options; including fine Italian at DiMare, local seafood at Marea, and the Caracol steakhouse, amongst others.

Amenities & Adventures – property features a s spa, yoga platform, infinity-edge heated swimming pool, heated splash pool, Jacuzzi, gym, walking trails, bikes, gold carts, and a myriad of water sports equipment; including stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and surfboards. Guests are urged to relax at the villa in serene peace and quiet or to take off on an adventure in one of the property’s three vehicles. The villa’s naturalist guide is available to lead myriad adventures to experience the culture and fun that defines Costa Rica. With eight master suites all with ocean views and a full staff of chefs, butlers, waiters, drivers and adventure specialists, Villa Manzu has every detail covered.

Below is a list of some of the other amenities offered at the Villa and surroundings.

ATV Tours • Artistan Markets • Beach Club • Chocolate Discovery • Coffee Tour • Cooking Classes • Dance Lessons • Day Hikes • Diving • Farmers Market • Golfing • Helicopter Charter • Horseback Riding • Kayaking • Kids Club • Mountain Biking • Personal Training • Pottery Tour • River Rafting • Rock Climing • Sailing • Secret Beaches • Snorkel • Spa • Spanish Tutoring • Sports Fishing • Stand Up Paddle Boarding • Sunset Cocktails • Surfing • Swimming • Water Fall Exploration • Wine Tasting • Yoga • 4×4 Driving

The Finer Details – Peninsula Papagayo experiences little rain and consistent heat from November to April, and a wet season from late May to November. The average temperature is over 85 degrees year-round, peaking in the spring. During the green season which runs from May to October, rains usually pass over in the late afternoons, leaving the mornings full of sunshine, a fresh temperature and a green landscape. The aptly named green season hosts the best fishing, surfing, and water conditions.

Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo is in the northwest province of Guanacaste along the country’s north Pacific Coast. The peninsula is currently home to the Four Seasons Resort.  Villa Manzu is located on its own private peninsula and is only a short golf cart ride to the Golf & Tennis Clubhouse, residents’ Prieta Beach Club, and Marina.   Peninsula Papagayo is 40 minutes from the Liberia, Costa RicaInternational Airport (LIR), making arrival into Costa Rica quick and easy.  The Villa Manzu staff will await your arrival at the airport and make your journey to the villa effortless.

Jenifer Cowles, the villa manager, along with her husband, Chris, oversee the Villa Manzu team.  Jenifer and Chris have 20 years of experience living in Costa Rica and will contribute a wealth of knowledge to your experience. Jenifer’s background is as a certified natural healing therapist, yoga and meditation instructor and trainer. Chris’ passion is on the water, leading paddle-board tours, fishing and surfing excursions, and snorkeling adventures. The Villa Manzu staff is dedicated to creating custom fun- and adventure-filled itineraries for each guest, from individually designed menus to explorations of the jungle and sea to language and cultural immersion.

Located on the cliffs of Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo, Villa Manzu is a Private Villa tailored to the ultimate Five Star experience. Eight unique suites, complete security, endless memories, and access to once in a lifetime adventures. With a full staff, including chefs, waiters, butler, concierge, driver, and outdoor guide; Villa Manzu stands as the ultimate definition of luxury and relaxation.