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The Great Escape: Villa Manzu Is The Ultimate Luxury Getaway In Costa Rica And Comes With A Team Of Private Chefs

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There are several luxury properties on Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica, but one in particular is a cut above the rest and comes with its own cadre of private chefs. Villa Manzu is secluded on its own peninsula within Papagayo and free from paparazzi, if that’s a concern. You might be able to spot Villa Manzu’s unique design features in the Instagram feeds of celebrities such as Beyoncé who stayed there for Kelly Rowland’s wedding, Katy Perry, Zac Efron, and the Kardashians, though not all at the same time. 

Villa Manzu was originally designed to be a private residence with ample options for entertaining. The word “manzu” translates as “friends” in Chorotegan, the language of the indigenous people who inhabited the area. Soon after it was completed the owner figured that this property, which sits on five acres of land and has eight oversized bedrooms, was better suited to be a boutique hotel—one where you can only rent out the estate in its entirety.

Villa Manzu is unique in that nearby luxury hotels can maybe provide private residence style offerings with up to four bedrooms. Villa Manzu’s eight bedrooms are actually large suites, each with its own exclusive design scheme. The staff has worked at some of the top hotels. The mix of privacy, luxurious accommodations, excellent service, and a culinary crew dedicated to the tastebuds of your group is something that is truly exclusive to Villa Manzu. If you’re going to splurge, this should be at the top of your list. 

While some of the staff you might never see, the food and beverage team are the most visible. Not only are they top notch, but they can accommodate any dietary need. The morning team will greet you with delights such as freshly made baked goods, smoothies, made-to-order eggs, yogurt, homemade granola, pancakes, breakfast burritos, and specials of the day that can range from Chilaquiles to Eggs Benedict. It’s all the same whether you’re an early riser or you prefer to sleep in a bit.

The next culinary crew covers everything from lunch to dinner, and even overnight snacks. If that surf session has got you feeling a little peckish, heavy hors d’oeuvres can be prepared to hold you over until the next meal. The butlers also serve as your resident bartenders, making sure you always have a drink in hand whether it’s a freshly cracked coconut for hydration and refreshment or a spirit-forward cocktail. The culinary team specializes in highlighting seasonal ingredients that are local and organic. They are prepared to satisfy any sophisticated palate from around the globe. The team will work with you in advance to customize menus for your stay and can accommodate special dietary restrictions and preferences. If you’re on a specific detox plan, they can even help develop menus tailor-made for your visit. You can expect to have gourmet meals that ensure variety and creativity each day. Meals can range from family style cookouts overlooking the water to five-course seated dinners with wine pairings. 

You can work off all of the calories you’ve consumed in the gym or at either of the two pools on property. Or you could just relax in the infinity pool with a cold beverage in hand while you watch the local howler monkeys jump from tree to tree as the sun sets. 

While the rates are certainly on the higher end, Villa Manzu is not about nickel-and-diming their guests. It’s all included. Yes, all of the standard amenities such as food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and drinks (wine, beer, cocktails), but also luxuries such as an excursion on Manzu’s own Nimbus speed boat, laundry, surfing lessons with a staff member, lunch on a secluded beach, and more are all included. Need a cigar to go with that Scotch? Or a special wine from the cellar to pair with dinner? Villa Manzu has got you covered. If you fancy a bit of pampering, there is also a spa on-property where you can receive a massage under the infinity pool with the sound of the waterfalls cascading down. Villa Manzu is a dream you don’t want to wake up from.

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