Thank you to The Point Luxury Villa for hosting my stay so I could write this detailed review of my experience.
While I didn’t land on the villa’s private helipad, the butler and chef did greet me upon arrival, offering up a hefty platter of sushi made from fresh fish and local ingredients, that I ordered ahead from the menu. I was ready to begin my ultimate over-the-top getaway.
Situated on a point atop two beaches, overlooking the Pacific coast near the Costa Rican surfer town of Tamarindo, The Point Luxury Villa is a beautifully redesigned seaside estate, where I was invited as a travel writer to meet the exclusive property’s architect, designer and creators.
Since the rest of my group didn’t arrive until the next day, I had the first night to myself in this exquisite oceanfront 7-suite retreat. When I arrived, as the warm winds embraced, I marveled at the open-air hallway, adorned with water gardens and cascading monstera palms, with the sweeping ocean vistas leading me through the main foyer and dining room. After indulging in a satisfying sushi dinner for one, paired with a glass of French rose, I was ushered to my second-floor suite, detached from the main villa. From my terrace, the crashing waves provided a melodic rhythm and I wondered if the monkeys could see me under the brilliant stars. I settled in with a Costa Rican Imperial beer from the suite’s kitchenette, while soaking in the soothing warm air from the glass terrace. I felt happy to be in a place where my lungs could breathe freely and my soul was at peace.
With easy access to both beaches, the first thing I did when I awoke was hop down to the sand through a private gate, to stretch my legs for a long walk, admiring surfers taking lessons and young kids laughing in the waves. At the end of the beach, I crossed through the bustling heart of town, meandering the many cafes and shops selling the Pura Vida dream.
The Point’s butler, Angel, had already messaged me on WhatsApp, letting me know the complementary electric open-air vehicle was ready for my use at any time. But once back on the compound, I had no intention of leaving this Shangri-La, boasting an expansive infinity pool with sweeping vistas of Langosta Beach and Tamarindo Bay. Designed by renowned architect Richard Muller, The Point preserves the natural beauty as a secluded and sheltered hideaway, with glimpses of ocean from anywhere on the property. His philosophy and approach balance natural ambiance with minimalistic principles of contemporary design, ensuring the least amount of impact to the natural environment.
The interior design was created to reflect an informal feel, an invitation to walk around the house barefoot. Local materials like Guanacaste stone and wood elements are employed throughout. A recent million-dollar renovation, spearheaded by French designer Patrick Rey, who is a long time Costa Rican resident, elevated the interior and brought in natural elements.
The light, airy simplicity of each suite fits the vibe, as no distractions are needed on this magical piece of land. Although each suite varies in size, with different stunning ocean views, the design choices reflect a soothing color palette – with pops of color in handwoven tapestries, art, and chairs. A floor-to-ceiling “living” art piece, created by Peruvian artist Alexandra Grau, hangs over 15-feet-long in the hallway, reflecting the owner’s life story – using organic materials, driftwoods, feathers, fishing nets, and gargantuan knots, all concocted with soothing shades to harmonize with the home.
The second-floor primary suite is a showstopper, with ocean views hugging the room on all sides and an eye-candy indoor/outdoor bathroom, centered with a 5-meter-long mango tree trunk as a bathroom base. While this opulent palatial room would wow any discerning guest, one of my favorite suites was the more intimate Beach Room villa, with its sparkling seaside views that make for a cheery, cozy spot close to the beach, and tucked under the property’s new gazebo. Most suites have indoor/outdoor showers and patios; some even offer bunk beds to accommodate multigenerational families.
The Point’s fully-equipped professional-grade kitchen – with granite countertops, top-end appliances, and every culinary convenience imaginable – is a chef’s dream. But most guests seek to be pampered on vacation, so a skilled private chef can be requested at any time. A large outdoor kitchen, with barbecue and commercial-grade smoker, offers an easy way to have group dining celebrations anywhere on the property, to fit the mood and occasion. We kicked off numerous communal meals at the long wooden dining table – sharing plates of grilled lobster, fish, chicken, beef, and vegetables. Freshly prepared breakfasts were reason enough to get out of bed, with the chef preparing a slew of options – from yogurt and local fruit, to eggs with plantain, avocado, and gallo pinto, the country’s national rice and bean dish.
Most days, our group soaked up the setting by alternating between dipping in the ocean, mere steps away, and cooling off in the pool’s refreshing clear waters. Angel, the Butler, elevated the experience by advising the best time to sit in the tide pools for a refreshing soak and encouraging the practice of mindful breathing with the ocean waves. While Angel not only provided expert tips and service, his professional mixology skills were on full display as he introduced us to the best Costa Rican drinks – Coco Loco, served in a baby coconut; and Chiliguaro, a spicy shot using Guaro, the popular Costa Rican liquor distilled from sugar cane, often described as being similar to vodka but with a sweeter taste.
Alongside the villa, a mini-golf course with ocean views provides more fun for everyone, while those who want to get their work-out on indoors can head to The Point’s air-conditioned gym, featuring state-of-the-art equipment. For those looking to enhance their wellbeing, expert massage therapists can be arranged for in-room treatments (even on your private terrace), and other custom wellness opportunities abound.
Our group transformed the villa’s spacious living room – with custom made leather sofas and giant TV – into a mesmerizing space for a cacao ceremony with sound bath, thanks to local company Pura Vida Vibrations. The room’s floor-to-ceiling doors parted to unveil the dreamy ocean sunset glow outside, a fire pit with sunken seating just nearby. We laid down in this indoor-outdoor space to let the symphony of healing frequencies ease our minds and transform our entire beings with vibrational crystal bowls and gongs next to the gentle ocean surf. Ceremonial cacao was offered to drink to promote healing and connection.
Also, a private herbalist session with Dr. Marcia’s Apothecary is available, to discover health benefits of natural Costa Rican remedies. Learn about tinctures, extracts, mushrooms, and herbal teas. Nearby, visit La Senda, a world-renowned wellness center surrounded by 74 acres of farmland. Let the noise of the world fade away in La Senda’s spiritual vortex sanctuary with a meditative cacti labyrinth. In the heart of the 5000 cacti, with two centers and three pathways, the sacred geometry guides a journey of self-reflection and reconnection. Stay for a communal farm-to-table dinner sourced from La Senda’s organic gardens. Although, a truly unique highlight may be watching a dozen or so monkeys frolic in the trees at dusk, eating the abundant flowers.
Due to the location, the options for adventure are endless. Sign up for surf lessons with Iguana Surf, fish from a kayak, or head into town and stroll the Night Market for souvenirs. A plethora of dining choices exist in the bustling tourist mecca of Tamarindo. Beachside Pico Bistro crafts healthy bowls with fresh fish, and Cha Café in town tantalizes with breakfast options like toffee banana bread and smoothies. For a romantic dinner, Dragonfly offers a seasonal menu with fresh local ingredients and creatively prepared dishes.
It might be hard to leave The Point’s panoramic ocean bliss, but a half day on a 51-foot private yacht off the Gold Coast is another alluring amenity the villa offers (at a cost, of course), with Royal Charters, where fresh lunch is made and the drinks flow all day. Along the top of the Nicoya Peninsula, swim off the boat, float on one of their toys, or paddle board to the shoreline. You’ll be sure to exclaim Pura Vida one too many times.
It’s easy to find adventure or serenity at The Point, a retreat that celebrates nature at its best. Here, together with friends and family, make memories that will last a lifetime.
Paradise really does exist. Pura Vida indeed!
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