FAQ
Review common questions about OUR private villa rentals
What is a Villa? Is it a private home or just a small hotel?
The word villa has been in use since pre-Roman days to describe an expansive estate home, typically secluded in the countryside. Although the root is rustic, Villas through the ages have become exclusive spaces of luxury and elegance. They are often distinguished from other private homes by sprawling grounds, generous gathering spaces and amenities, and above all, privacy.
Barefoot Vacation Villas offers 3 villa experiences that we consider to be above and beyond any hotel, resort, or private vacation home rental available. Our largest villa, Cascada, offers 16 rooms on par with a small boutique hotel. However, your stay with us is completely exclusive, so you control the guest list.
Every room has a private balcony and bathroom/shower. All beds have pillow-top mattresses with 350+ thread count linens. Guests can come and go to their private quarters without having to pass through a family room, living area, den, lobby, or kitchen area. When you stay at our villas, you can relax by the pool (which does not close at 10 p.m.) and swim and dance under the stars. You and your guests have the entire villa for your exclusive, private use and pleasure.
Overall, we offer our guests a tranquil and comfortable setting that generic hotels and pre-packaged resorts cannot match. To top it off, every stay comes with the full Barefoot Experience, our all-inclusive package that no hotel can top. All you have to do is book your flight, we’ll take it from there.
What are the all-inclusive benefits?
Our “all inclusive, per person, per night rate” offers the ultimate luxury getaway. The price of your stay includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for every day of your stay, prepared by our excellent chefs on-site. Enjoy afternoon appetizers, unlimited soft drinks, juices, bottled water, as well as unlimited alcoholic drinks if desired. Our fully-stocked bars offer various national liquors, wines, tropical frozen drinks and icy cold Costa Rican beers, all served up by professional bartenders. Every room has its own en suite bathroom for private showers and soaks at your leisure, and laundry service is included as well. The best benefit of all just might be your exclusive 5 Star Staff who will ensure your stay is exemplary in every way!
Is the Villa on the beach?
The nearest beach is Playa Ocotal, a beautiful stretch of volcanic black sands enshrined by tropical bluffs. Due to our coastline, none of the homes in the area are constructed directly on the beachfront; however, our villas are about as close as you can get, only a short 2 to 4 minute walk on a well-defined paved road. For ocean views, our villas are perfectly situated on a private hilltop offering panoramic views of land, sea, and sky. Explore our villa pages to see for yourself!
Can we have a wedding at the Villa?
Yes, we offer full wedding planning and coordination services for your ultimate destination wedding! We strive for a stress-free wedding planning experience while meeting your vision down to the last flower petal. That’s why we have assembled a short list of excellent florists, bakers, photographers, everyone you need to make your special day a total paradise.
Our beachfront ceremonies are particularly stunning. Ocotal beach provides ample space and privacy for your ceremony as you speak your vows just steps away from the Pacific ocean surf. Receptions are hosted back at the villas with sprawling views of the ocean and tropical coastline stretching to the horizon. We can accommodate up to 75 guests across all villas, so build your perfect guest list and welcome friends and family to keep the celebration going for the duration of your stay.
Best of all, hosting your wedding at our private villas means zero stress once your festivities have concluded. Retire to your luxurious honeymoon suite and awake to chef-prepared breakfasts, Costa Rican coffee and champagne on demand, private hot tub soaks on the deck, and endless opportunities for enjoying the first days of your life as newlyweds. We can’t wait to make all your wedding dreams come true! Contact us to discuss your dates and vision to get started.
Are there facilities for a corporate retreat?
Yes, Villa Cascada has hosted numerous successful corporate retreats. The large dining / gathering area creates the perfect setting for incentive rewards or initiating future business planning goals. Also, we offer a variety of group excursions that provide great team-building and entertainment. Explore our list of local activities, or reach out to our team for a tailored recommendation.
Can we entertain friends/family who are not a registered guest?
Only registered guests are admitted to the Villa premises for all-inclusive privileges. However, day passes may be issued with advance planning and proper identification. Please contact us to discuss your needs, and we will do our best to accommodate.
Do you have a baby bed and high chair?
Yes! With prior notification, a baby bed and high chair can be available for little ones. Please make arrangements with us when booking so we can meet your needs.
Will I need adaptors for the electrical outlets?
All electrical outlets in our Villas are the same as those in the United States (standard 120v). If you are traveling from the US, you should not require adapters. If you have questions about accommodating specialty appliances, contact us and we will be happy to clarify or assist as needed.
What is there to do in the area?
Guanacaste Costa Rica offers many opportunities you won’t want to miss. For those seeking adventure, consider ziplining, rafting, or off-roading on ATVs through beautiful tropical forests. For a more relaxing experience, embark on a sightseeing tour on land or sea, or visit the local towns for shopping and dining at your own pace. From fireworks shows to tropical fishing trips to in-room spa treatments, there is something for everyone.
Whatever you choose, we can help you coordinate your perfect excursions from booking to transportation. Explore our full list of recommended experiences on our Tours & Activities page, and talk to our reservation coordinators to start planning your stay.
Does the Villa provide transportation for golf outings, surfing trips or other activities?
We do not directly offer drivers or vehicles for guest transport. However, our house manager Guillermo will be happy to assist you in arranging a taxi, van or bus (depending on the size of your group) for your golf outings, surfing trips or other activities as needed. We can also arrange for transport to and from the airport with advance notice.
Is it appropriate to tip the staff?
Gratuities are not included, so the amount of tips left for the staff is entirely up to you. Tips are proportionately divided between all the staff – those you see daily and those behind the scenes assuring your stay is flawless. There is a lock box for your convenience at the Villa and generally guests place the tips in the box on the final evening of their stay or the morning of their departure. $15.00 per day per person is the average tip.
Still have questions?
For personalized service from one of our reservation specialists, please call our toll-free number or submit our online form below.