Listing ID: 400193913077

Welcome to Villa Decary, an exceptional Spanish Colonial country inn set on seven acres of enchanting rainforest and botanical gardens on the shores of the scenic and beautiful Lake Arenal. From its elevated position, the estate, comprised of a main hotel and four private villas, enjoys sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the tranquil landscapes that define this remarkable region of Costa Rica.

Located in the northern highlands of Costa Rica in the Lake Arenal region, Villa Decary sits at approximately 1,800 feet above sea level, where a uniquely temperate climate offers warm days and refreshingly cool evenings year-round. This middle-elevation rainforest setting provides an ideal balance of tropical lushness and comfortable living. The property is conveniently situated approximately one and a half hours from Liberia International Airport and within 45 minutes of La Fortuna, one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after destinations and renowned for Arenal Volcano National Park, waterfalls, thermal hot springs, zip-lining, ATV tours, horseback riding, hiking, and a wide range of lake and outdoor activities, along with an excellent selection of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.

Set back from the road and accessed through a private entrance, a sizeable driveway winds through the grounds to the main hotel and villas, offering ample parking for guests and visitors.

Named in honor of the renowned French botanist Raymond Decary, the estate celebrates a remarkable botanical legacy. The grounds feature an extraordinary collection of tropical plants and rare species of palms gathered from around the world, forming a living botanical garden of exceptional diversity and beauty. The thriving ecosystem supports more than 250 species of birds, contributing to the extraordinary natural richness that has made Villa Decary a destination of interest for visiting botanists, naturalists, and entomologists from around the world.

Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the property feels like a private natural reserve where nature and hospitality exist in perfect harmony. Mature rainforest surrounds the estate, with approximately three acres of preserved forest featuring tranquil nature trails that invite guests to explore the landscape at their own pace. Winding pathways lead through beautifully maintained gardens and dedicated bird-feeding areas, offering quiet moments to observe the remarkable biodiversity that thrives throughout the property. Nearly half of the estate is devoted to these peaceful rainforest trails and natural spaces, creating an immersive environment where guests can connect with the beauty and serenity of the surrounding landscape.

Since the construction of the main hotel in 1994, the property has evolved into a beautifully established hospitality estate, now featuring four private villas thoughtfully integrated throughout the grounds. Over the years, the residences have been carefully refined, resulting in an exceptional estate finished to an impeccably high standard throughout.

The current owners have curated an authentic Costa Rican hospitality experience across the entire estate. Each villa and hotel suite has been individually styled, blending traditional charm with comfort and character to create inviting spaces that reflect the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.

At the heart of the estate is the main hotel, an exceptional and distinctive space comprising five beautifully appointed guest suites arranged across two levels. Four suites are located on the upper level, while an additional guest suite is situated on the ground floor, conveniently positioned near the reception, dining, and guest kitchen areas.

Each suite features a spacious ensuite bathroom, traditional tiled floors, and expansive windows and glass doors that open onto covered private balconies and terraces overlooking the gardens and surrounding landscape. Thoughtfully designed with bespoke accents and custom-crafted wood furnishings, each suite is complemented by tapestries and original local artwork, creating spaces that reflect the rich culture and natural beauty of Costa Rica.

The ground floor serves as the welcoming social hub of the estate, featuring a spacious reception area, dining room, and guest kitchen where visitors gather to enjoy breakfasts, relaxed evening suppers, and shared moments overlooking the peaceful beauty of Lake Arenal and the surrounding gardens. This level also includes practical hospitality spaces such as guest bathrooms, a linen room, laundry facilities, equipment areas, and additional storage, ensuring the property functions seamlessly as a refined hospitality estate.

Opening through traditional wood-framed French doors from the dining area, an expansive wraparound deck provides additional space for guests to relax, dine outdoors, and take in tranquil views of Lake Arenal and the surrounding landscape. A striking terracotta spiral staircase rises from this level to the guest suites above, adding a distinctive architectural feature that reflects the property’s Spanish Colonial character.

In addition to the main hotel, the estate features four private villas designed with comfort, functionality, and retreat-style living in mind, each reflecting its own distinct Costa Rican character. Varying slightly in size and layout, each villa comfortably accommodates between two and five guests, providing flexible options for couples, families, or small groups.

Each villa includes a well-appointed kitchen and dining area, a spacious bathroom, and generous closet and storage space, along with a beautiful partially covered wooden deck overlooking the gardens. The villas are strategically positioned throughout the grounds, offering privacy while allowing guests to enjoy a peaceful and secluded retreat immersed in the natural beauty of the estate.

The largest of the villas is positioned at the highest point of the estate, enjoying an elevated setting with sweeping views across the gardens, surrounding countryside, and the tranquil waters of Lake Arenal. The villa features a generous living area and a spacious master suite with ensuite bathroom, complemented by an oversized covered deck that greatly expands the outdoor living space.

This expansive area offers exceptional versatility for outdoor dining, an outdoor kitchen, yoga and wellness sessions, workshops, or private gatherings. It also presents an opportunity to host classes, workshops, and wellness-focused activities for both guests and the wider community, further enhancing the property’s versatility and income potential.

Villa Decary currently accommodates up to twenty-two guests across eighteen beds, with the flexibility to host up to thirty-two guests depending on room configuration. The estate also offers further development opportunities, including the addition of further villas to expand overall guest capacity.

There is also an opportunity to acquire a contiguous parcel of approximately 29,560 square meters, available through separate negotiation. This adjoining land presents substantial development potential, offering the ability to expand the existing estate with additional villas, amenities, or an enhanced hospitality offering.

This iconic offering presents unmatched visibility and an undeniable sense of place. It offers an exceptional opportunity to step into an established business while embracing the relaxed and inspiring lakeside lifestyle that makes Lake Arenal one of Costa Rica’s most desirable destinations.

While Villa Decary has traditionally hosted families and small group bookings, its scale and versatility naturally lend themselves to larger gatherings, including private functions such as weddings, residential conferences, and retreats; opening the door to an additional and highly sought-after market segment.

Together, the distinctive architecture, mature botanical grounds, and thoughtfully designed hospitality spaces create a rare opportunity to own one of the most recognized and cherished landmark properties in Nuevo Arenal, an exceptional estate where refined country living meets the extraordinary natural beauty of Lake Arenal.

Villa Decary is a proven income-producing property, thoughtfully laid out to maximize space, functionality, and guest experience. As a hospitality estate, it is well positioned to generate income from day one, offering flexibility to suit a variety of operating models, including nightly rentals, retreats, or a hybrid of personal use and income generation. With its established infrastructure and seamless layout, the estate is fully prepared for a smooth transition to new ownership.