Architectural Balinese Masterpiece!
There are moments in life to work hard… and there are moments to indulge.
For those discerning folk who like to treat themselves well when they are on vacation—quality is not optional. Where you stay is as important as where you go. Costa Rica sets the bar high for beauty and quality.
The Villa de Agua, at Los Elementos, sets a new standard for quality and beauty on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. Moreover—it is a work of art, set in a living rainforest.
The home stands by itself, both literally and figuratively. It is away from the hubbub of the tourist areas, and yet easily accessible to pristine beaches, restaurants and shopping. There are no visible neighbors, yet the Quepos domestic airport is just 20 minutes away. With over 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space, and four master bedrooms—it is fit for Kings. Without doubt, it is the most exquisite home on the coast.
A two-minute drive from the coastal highway takes you to the gates of the villa. Upon arriving, it is readily apparent that the home was built for an exclusive ilk of people. The villa is hidden tantalizingly behind a stone wall, though revealing enough detail to impress: the Asian portico, huge terracotta urns, tile roofs cornered with finials, and flowering orchids. The Balinese believe that water keeps evil away from homes, and passing through the portico you cross a stone bridge over pool covered with lilies. Ganesha, bedizened with flowers, is there to greet you. The entry is a set of wooden Indian doors, framed by iron lanterns. It has an old world feel—like entering an ancient Hindu temple.
Once across the portal, you feel as if you’ve walked into heaven itself. Your smiling Costa Rican concierge is there to greet you with a smile, a welcome drink of cold coconut water, and cool towels for your hands and face. “Bienvenidos,” he says—the Spanish word for ‘Welcome…’
Leave your shoes at the door. You will not need them. The Peruvian travertine is cool on your feet. A tropical breeze, with a slight scent of the ocean, wafts through the open home. The exquisite architecture frames an exotic view: the multi-tiered green canopy of the rainforest, and infinitely deep blue of the Pacific Ocean.
It is called Villa de Agua for a reason. Everywhere there are water features, lily pools, koi ponds and waterfalls. The sound of it is omnipresent. A huge, infinity pool reflects the expansive ocean, enticing you.
Peeling your eyes away from the view, it takes a moment to absorb everything around you. The villa’s many open-air levels brings together an oriental floor plan, coupled with organic luxury—veritably living at one with the elements, while comfortably nested in barefoot elegance. To the right is a raised, open living area, strewn with comfortable chairs and sofas. Ahead is the pavilion with a row of reclining sun loungers—the perfect place to relax and read a book. Down a set of stone steps is the ancestor shrine—and the perfect place to do your yoga in the morning.
It will take you the entire trip to absorb the details of the exquisite architecture: Back-lit Balinese carvings, rattan ceilings, marble pediments on the columns, detailed wooden paneling on the walls, and even details in the floors using the pebbles found upon nearby Guapil beach. The artistic thought in every detail of the villa is humbling and inspirational at the same time.
Your concierge leads you through the living area to the upper master bedroom, to complete the tour. The vaulted ceilings provide soft lighting. The floors are made of Colombian slate, and the ceilings from Bornean rattan. Behind the decorated king-sized bed is a wall and bas-relief carving. On the other side is a vanity and dressing room, leading into a full-sized bath. The upper master bedroom also has a walled garden and stone bath.
While the chef prepares a savory dinner, it is time to retreat to the pavilion to lay back, watch the sunset, and sip on a cool passion fruit smoothie. The smell of fresh-caught seafood awakens your appetite. The sounds of singing toucans and other tropical birds in the surrounding rainforest is suddenly the most sublime music you’ve ever heard.
Villa de Agua, at Los Elementos, isn’t for everyone. But they wish it would be.
