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Exclusive Private Castle in Costa Rica, Full Staff & Ocean View

Family-friendly holiday home with fitness centre and outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Exclusive Private Castle in Costa Rica, Full Staff & Ocean View

Aerial photo of the property El Castillo De Esparza - 33,000 sq ft
Two level Main Living room Salon from Entrance. Pool table & bar on second level
Pool and Hot tub
Spa and Fitness Tower pacific ocean views
Large Pool with a swim up bar and Jacuzzi Hot Tub, Water volleyball net

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
11 bedrooms13 bathroomsSleeps 303065.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View map
Esparza, Puntarenas
  • Place, Puntarenas Beach
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Playa Boca de Barranca
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Playa Doña Ana
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tambor (TMU)

Rooms & beds

11 bedrooms (sleeps 30)

Bedroom 2 -Grand Vip Suite - Main House, Ocean and Mnt views

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3 - Main House Deluxe Suite, garden view

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4 - Main House Deluxe Suite, Tropical views

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5 - Pool Guest house 1, Tropical views

1 King Bed and 1 Double Futon

Bedroom 6 - Pool Guest House 1, Tropical views

1 Double Futon and 1 King Bed

Bedroom 7 - Pool Guest House 1, Tropical views

1 Double Futon and 1 King Bed

Bedroom 8 - Spa Guest House 2, Tropical view

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 9 - Spa Guest house 2, Tropical views

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 10 - Spa Guest House 2, Tropical view

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 11- Main House

2 Single Beds

Bedroom Grand Master Suite - Main house, ocean and mnt views

1 King Bed

Convertible areas

+2
3 Double Futons, 2 Cribs and 1 Child Bed

13 bathrooms

Bathroom 1- Master Grand Suite, Main House , great lighting

+1
Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2 - Vip Grand Suite, Main House, Marble Bathroom,

Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet

Bathroom 3 - Main House Deluxe Suite, Marble, Large

Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet

Bathroom 5 - Pool Guest House 1, Marble, Large

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 6 - Pool Guest House 1, Marble ,Large, Linens

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 7 - Pool Guest House 1, Marble, Large

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 8 - Spa Guest house 2, Marble tile

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 9 - Spa Guest House 2, Marble, Spacious

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 10 - Spa Guest House 2, Marble, Spacious

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 11 - Main House , Beautiful Tile, Large

Toilet

Bathroom 12 - Pool House Shower, Dressing room, Large

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 13 - Spa Tower

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4 - Main House Deluxe Suite, Marble, Large

Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Exclusive Private Castle in Costa Rica, Full Staff & Ocean View

El Castillo de Esparza is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic private estates, long celebrated among distinguished travelers and now available for exclusive rental. Set high above the Gulf of Nicoya with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, this extraordinary private castle offers privacy, scale, and service rarely found anywhere in Central America.

Spanning over 45,000 square feet, the estate is fully gated and ideal for romantic escapes, family reunions, milestone celebrations, corporate retreats, incentive travel, weddings, and private events. Guests enjoy complete use of the property with total privacy and uninterrupted ocean views.

The estate features 10 spacious bedrooms and 10+ bathrooms, including two expansive multi-room suites, comfortably accommodating groups from 2 up to 30 guests. The Main House alone spans approximately 25,000 sq ft, complemented by two guest houses, all fully air-conditioned and thoughtfully designed for comfort and elegance.

Originally owned by a Belgian Countess, the castle was designed by a renowned German architect and crafted using Costa Rican hardwoods and local artisanship. Every space reflects timeless architecture blended with tropical luxury.

Amenities & Experiences

Resort-style pool with swim-up bar

Large jacuzzi and 175-foot private waterslide

Spa Tower within the estate walls

Tennis and basketball court

Golf chipping and putting greens

Fitness equipment

Life-size chessboard

Cinema room

Two oceanview verandas with unforgettable sunsets

Lush tropical gardens with fountains, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife

Full Private Staff Included

Your stay is fully supported by a dedicated on-site team of 10 professionals, many of whom have been with the estate for over a decade:

Award-winning private executive chef preparing three custom meals daily

Concierge services

Bartender

Daily housekeeping with evening turndown service

Grounds and maintenance staff

Fresh local seafood, premium meats, seasonal produce, and personalized menus are prepared daily, allowing guests to dine privately without leaving the estate. Laundry service is available, with garments washed and pressed as needed.

Pricing & Booking Notes

Because this is a large, fully staffed private estate, VRBO’s automated pricing does not always reflect the most accurate or favorable rates.
Pricing varies based on group size and season, typically averaging USD $220–$240 per person per night.

Smaller groups enjoy significantly lower per-person rates than larger groups, and all pricing includes exclusive use of the entire estate and full staff services.

Please contact us directly with your group size so we can provide an exact quote and ensure the best possible rate.

For a full virtual walkthrough, scroll above the photo gallery and access our virtual tour.

General Manager: Henry Denzler
Phone: 1-903-497-7677
Email: ElCastilloDeEsparza@gmail.com

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Espíritu Santo

Located in Espíritu Santo, this holiday home is in the city centre and near the beach. Caldera Port and Puntarenas Pier are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Puntarenas Beach and Playa Boca de Barranca. Travelling with kids? Consider NATUWA, Macaw Conservation Sanctuary and Balneario Las Musas. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Holiday homes in Espíritu SantoOpens in a new window
Map
Esparza, Puntarenas

What's nearby

  • Playa San Isidro - 14 min drive - 12.0 km
  • Puntarenas Beach - 15 min drive - 12.7 km
  • Playa Boca de Barranca - 15 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Playa Doña Ana - 17 min drive - 13.7 km
  • Caldera Port - 23 min drive - 20.6 km

Getting around

  • Tambor (TMU) - 152 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bar Y Rest. Oasis - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Tábaris - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Soda Panchito - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Soda Tota - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Hong Kong - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does NEW YEARS WEEK NOW AVAILABLE! BEST VALUE IN A FAMILY VACATION IN COSTA RICA. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is NEW YEARS WEEK NOW AVAILABLE! BEST VALUE IN A FAMILY VACATION IN COSTA RICA. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at NEW YEARS WEEK NOW AVAILABLE! BEST VALUE IN A FAMILY VACATION IN COSTA RICA.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at NEW YEARS WEEK NOW AVAILABLE! BEST VALUE IN A FAMILY VACATION IN COSTA RICA.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at NEW YEARS WEEK NOW AVAILABLE! BEST VALUE IN A FAMILY VACATION IN COSTA RICA.?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is NEW YEARS WEEK NOW AVAILABLE! BEST VALUE IN A FAMILY VACATION IN COSTA RICA. located?

Located by the sea, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Puntarenas Beach, Playa Boca de Barranca and Playa Doña Ana. Playa Chacarita and Mata de Limón are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 27 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Donald M.

Spectacular Venue

A Private Villa with spectacular amenities to accommodate up to 20 or more guests; excellent cuisine; amazing adventures; wonderful staff; Great place for special occasions with family and/or friends.

10/10 Excellent

Karen F., Baton Rouge, LA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Family Vacation

This place is spacious and gorgeous and takes the Pura Vida motto to heart. It easily accommodated our large group of 16 adults. The staff were helpful, happy and part of our family by the time we left. Our dirty laundry magically disappeared and returned clean and folded or hung. We made use of all the outdoor amenities like the water slide, pool, hot tub, putting green, and tennis court. Our mornings started with coffee on the veranda and then a full breakfast was served buffet style. We had lunch on the veranda or by the pool. We had drinks on the upper terrace at sunset every night. Then we went to the dining room for some of the best meals we have ever had. Live entertainment and a day trip were arranged for us. We simply could not have asked for more. This was a visit to remember for the rest of our lives.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vicky M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything we could hope for

Our stay was awesome! We had 15 people and there was more than enough room for everyone. There were even empty bedrooms. I can't say enough good things about the staff. They were there to take care of everything for us. Transportation was arranged even with our last minute plans. The food was the best. The chef even made a HUGE birthday cake for our birthday celebration. Ana made sure we had everything we needed and even had a local children's dancing group come in and perform for us. Josue went with us when we left the property as the perfect tour guide. He even took us to a local spot to swim under a huge waterfall. Everyone had a great time and we all want to go back. We go on trips with our family each year. This was one of the best. And the service cannot be topped!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie K.

Stephanie K.

El Castillo de Esparza was a dream come true vacation!!! It was a once in a lifetime vacation where we didn’t have to worry about one thing for the entire week! Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner were prepared and served to us everyday for the entire week. We had a Full-time Bartender throughout the day that would prepare whatever type of drink we asked for and would make any type of kids drinks when asked :)! The staff cleaned all bedrooms and bathrooms daily and had same day laundry service when needed! It was super easy to set up tours throughout Costa Rica! Transportation was arranged for us, a staff member came with to help when needing anytime of translating through Costa Rica. A few tours we did were Zip Lining in the Rainforest, Monkey Beach, and Crocodile Tours. All we would recommend and do again! This is the perfect spot for any type of family vacation where you can truly enjoy and relax without having to worry about anything. Our kids had so much fun and were always entertained :)! The staff was amazing, very attentive and super nice! You could tell they truly wanted you to have an amazing vacation. The food was incredible, the Chef was amazing and was able to prepare meals for both kids and adults. Made the kids special desserts every night! We also brought extended family and the castle was so big that each person had there own space and could easily mingle or relax. I give this place 5 stars and hope to come back every year!

10/10 Excellent

Donald M.

Amazing Hideaway Property

I have visited this amazing property several times over the years with good friends for a long weekend of kicking back in a warm climate during the miserable tail end of a New England winter. This is a great place to do exactly that. Our group of friends have visited for purely fun times with our wives and also been down for an annual economic summit with business colleagues. Either way, it is pretty near impossible not to relax and de-stress here whether here for personal time or to solve the worlds economic challenges. The property has something for everyone; tennis, a beautiful pool with swim up bar, a crazy water slide (yes, a bunch of 50-60 year old guys flying down the water slide did happen), a lovely poolside building for lunch (seats 20 or more) and a multi-level chip and putt with 6 hole locations. Inside the main house there is a media room, poker room, library, billiards table and a dining room on the outdoor portico looking over the distant bay. The staff will arrange day trips to rain forests, deep sea fishing out of several local ports, boat trips up the many rivers full of crocks and tropical birds, zip lining, historic properties and shopping. That said, while we have gone out and done many of these fun things; there are years when we just hang out and enjoy the property playing mini golf, putting contests, poker games, tennis and floating in the pool with a Dark n’ Stormy and a fine Cuban cigar. Leaving the best for last, the staff at this property are AMAZING and very attentive to all the guests. The swim up bar is always manned and dinning can be coordinated with the head of household. The cuisine is world class and most everything we enjoyed were locally sourced and thus very fresh. I cannot begin to say enough about the chef at this property. He and his team are prepared to provide you with everything from a pig roast to fresh fruits used in concert with local seafood/lobster/; wonderful soups both hot and cold; homemade breads and desserts; breakfast lunch and dinner are always a treat. If you have something special you would like the kitchen to prepare; you can count on a wonderful dining experience. If you are interested in getting away from the madness of the tourist crowds and looking to spend some quality time with friends and family or if you are looking to combine business and relaxation in a beautiful place; this is just that place.

10/10 Excellent

Robert K.

Wonderful holiday

Uniquely beautiful tropical hillside location. Amazing pacific views, spectacular sunsets, attentive friendly staff and great food. Thanks so much!

10/10 Excellent

Virginia M.

A real vacation! Would highly recommend!

A very relaxing vacation. From the moment you arrive and are greeted by the amazing staff handing out cold drinks you know you’re in a special place. There’s no stress and everything is right there...dining, tennis, pool, games of all kinds, great movies, a wonderful masseuse and lovely areas to read and unwind. Went with friends and we all loved it and look forward to returning sometime soon.

10/10 Excellent

Regina M.

My daughter and I had an amazing stay at Esparza

I travelled to Castillo de Esparza with my 12 year old daughter and promised her a fairy tale vacation in a Castle. The staff and experience at the Castle was five star and made us both feel like Princesses! All of our meals were made to order and the staff helped my daughter collect mangos from the beautifully landscaped property. On the last night of our stay, the chef made a custom cake with a horse design for my daughters upcoming birthday. The cake rivaled anything I could have bought for her in Manhattan. We spend gorgeous sunny days swimming in the pool and she spend hours on the massive waterslide. We took trips to go ziplining and to see the crocodiles. One day we went horseback riding on a nearby black sand beach; the ride included a path through a mangrove jungle. It was amazing! All of the tours were recommended by the staff; who had personally experienced each of the adventures. I felt completely safe entrusting myself and my daughter to these adventures knowing the Castle staff had vetted their quality. One of our favorite activities was visiting a nearby jungle area where you could feed monkeys, with fruit prepared by the Castle staff, and walk along the awesome beach. At night we watched movies from the extensive in-house selection and played pool and billboards in the beuatiful living room. We’ve been to many Caribbean destinations and Costa Rica and Castillo de Esparza rivaled them all. It’s Paradise.

10/10 Excellent

Susan & Bill H.

Exceptional in Every Detail- Truely an Escape

We were completely impressed by El Castillo and its staff. Well worth the trip to CR and to Esparza (easy drive or they can provide pick up/return service). It was indeed a luxurious Castel in the hills. The food was varied and prepared perfectly by the chef, served with style by the friendly staff. All amenities were as advertised and made our stay an escape from the day to day. One night we arranged a fireworks display (staff coordinated), several nights we had local musicians play during cocktails. The putting greens and elevations was so unique. Tennis and/or pickle ball was a blast on the tennis court. We can't say enough other than we will be back next year- we deserve it!

10/10 Excellent

Edward H.

Great Family Vacation

The house was great we had 16 family members and had room to spare. Ana was excellent, she made sure we got everything we wanted and had the bus ready for everywhere we wanted to travel and see. Josue went with us on all of our site seeing and was a great tour guide and translator. I would definitely visit again.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne M.

The Hidden Gem of Central America

I have spent several months traveling in Costa Rica and the neighboring Countries of Central America. To say that 'El Castillo De Esparza' is THE most grandest place that I have had the privilege to experience would be an understatement. Surrounded by such all-around beauty, inside and out, to dine on fresh local fare prepared deliciously by the Chef was just another treat. The massage overlooking The Gulf of Nicoya was extremely relaxing and I am a Pickleball addict and they even had a court and paddles! The Staff was very personable and professional and no doubt could provide anything needed to make your stay something special. Having spent so much time in Costa Rica, I have visited most of the tourist destinations such as: Tabacon Hots Springs, Extreme Zip-line, volcanoes, Butterfly farms, Jungle tours and every Beach from Panama to El Salvador so I was happy to just spend time right there at El Castille. For me, there was plenty to keep me occupied and I had no desire to leave the property! It really was an easy destination to get to and I think it will be a great place for me to enjoy a girls getaway next time. All in all it was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it. Suzy
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ted M.

Magical place - best place to entertain large groups of adults and children

Just wanted to drop you a quick note as to the wonderful time my guests and I had at El Castillo. The place is truly amazing—much larger and more spectacular than the pictures. But it is the staff that made the trip truly magical. Annabelle, Joswey, Colon and the entire team could not have been more professional and accommodating. We had a total of 30 guest, 14 of whom were children. The house provided so much space and activities to keep the kids busy and happy. Same for the adults (my guests especially enjoyed the masseuse). The food was 1st rate and it was wonderful that the specious dining room allowed us to eat together at dinner. Colon's Thanksgiving feast was as good as grandma used to make! Also, Henry's recommendations re special activities were spot on. He arranged not only fireworks right outside our balcony, but also for a fantastic band to play in the home. Outside activities were as you would expect in Costa Rica--fishing, zip-lining, ATV driving and golfing. All transportation was arranged by the staff (including airport pickup and drop off). Every detail was flawlessly executed by Annabelle and her staff. On a scale of 1-10, several of the children rated El Castillo as a "100", a "200" and even as a "1200". I would agree that it will be extremely hard to find a better place in the world to enjoy the company of a large group I will sing the praises of El Castillo and your team to my friends and definitely want to visit again in the near future.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

William J H., Delray Beach, Florida/ USA

Outstanding personal experience-Worth every penny

Third time returning and it just keeps getting better- you get a lot for the cost. Professional yet very personable staff are the best we find in our global travels (spoke Spanish & English expertly). Annabelle & the staff helped arrange a deep sea fishing adventure with HUGE results! Chef Minor & protégé Diego prepared a traditional pig roast which was a unique experience and wonderful in taste. The sushi was expert. All the meals and drinks were excellent. Lots of time to hang by the pool, read, walk, relax in the evening to decompress and escape. But we also enjoyed fireworks overlooking the distant Pacific, played golf, pool, tennis & pickleball. Some days we did nothing at all. Easy to get to from San Jose and everyone in Costa Rica is friendly
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marty W.

Want to live and be treated like royalty?....stay here!

This was our 12th family vacation. We've vacationed in Mexico, Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S. All of these were 1st class properties BUT nothing was as grand as El Castillo! The property is magnificent and the 3 specially prepared meals/day were outstanding! EVERYTHING exceeded our expectations! Although the day trips were a bit long the refuge of El Castillo more than compensated. Hats off for assembling the most gracious and accommodating staff we have ever encountered. Ana, Josue and Chef Minor as well as the 7 others couldn't have treated us better if we were royalty. Don't let this team get away, they are an absolute 10+! It was truly a FIVE STAR experience! Thanks to Hank as well for being on the money with his recommendations and being spot on with his answers to our questions....not one hiccup!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Royal treatment ... even if you're not so royal!

Fantastic getaway. The food was top shelf - staff attentive as needed. Evening entertainment ranged from local musicians to fantastic fireworks. Pitch and putt golf on the property tests your pitching from high. Loved it. Would return in a heartbeat.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A Great Escape & Luxury Environment

Took a large group of business associates and El Castillo met every need for logistics from San Jose, business meetings and personal fun, all in an extremely relaxing and safe environment. WIFI kept us connected as needed and plenty of areas for gathering. Lots to do on the compound- golf (chipping), tennis, huge pool & hot tub, water volleyball, water slide- great games/team building. The mountain/valley views were peaceful and the fireworks they arranged were fantastic. Close to the beach and other adventures but once there, it was hard to leave. The staff were excellent, attentive and communicated very well, they made us feel at home. The chef prepared wonderful meals in several locations on the compound. This was a fantastic venue for pleasure or business- plenty of space for privacy. I have already booked later this year with the family. Highly recommended and actually a great value for all you get.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A week at the Castle...Castillo de Esparza

The Castle was a magnificent get away with great company. Chef Minor prepared wonderful meals exquisitely presented. Our personal fireworks show was absolutely the best ever, and the nightly entertainment at the cocktail hour was unique and very enjoyable....very Costa Rica! The Castle was filled with history, and the accommodations were superb. The staff was professional and always very attentive. The activities were many, chipping greens, tennis, huge swimming pool with volleyball, and my favorite...lounging. The Castle-again next year!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A five star experience in every way!

I traveled to the Castillo with friends this fall and we all had a marvelous time. From the moment we arrived until the moment we departed we were so impressed with the staff and with the property. There is so much to do at the Castillo that we didn't even have time to visit the beautiful beach which we understand was nearby. We spent our days lounging in the pool on comfy floating beds, playing water volleyball, zipping down the water slide, on the tennis/basketball courts, doing yoga on the putting green-like grass, getting massages (so awesome!!), eating 3 delicious meals and enjoying cocktails poolside. This was a truly magical vacation for all of us and we'll never forget it. Can't wait to go back and would highly recommend!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Amazing!

I went to stay at the castle with a group of 10 people. We had such an amazing stay. We stayed for over a week. From the moment we landed at the airport we felt very accommodated by the castle and staff. There were so many activities at the castle. We would wake up and play tennis then use the pool to swim or start up a game of water volleyball with friends. There was also a separate pool near by which had a really fun water slide for any age. The castle also had a chipping green, giant chess game, and a hot tub. It was beautiful to sit and relax as well as swim up to the bar to be waited on by such wonderful, respectful, and helpful staff. They are there to ensure you have a great stay! The food was superb. Presentation and taste was impeccable. Every meal was fresh and enjoyable. The staff was very flexible with time and place with meals inside the castle. The staff recommended taking a trip the beach, zip line in the forest, and a crocodile tour. All were excellent recommendations and would recommend anyone else to do the same things. However, there are more activities outside the castle in which you can do! Overall, I am definitely coming back to the castle. Not only is there so many activities and the staff was wonderful, our stay had great value for our money spent. Well worth every cent!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

No Better Place to Relax - Great Staff - Beautiful Historic Property - Plenty of Fun Things to Do

First let me share with you that the best way to book this wonderful property is directly with the owners as we did. This privately owned estate is managed flawlessly by Mr. Henry "Hank" Denzler; who made sure from our first inquiry that each of our visits would be exceptional. We arrived at San Jose Int'l a little after noontime and emerged from customs to be greeted by Hank who had us loaded into the Castillo vans and on our way. It should be noted that Hank will arrange the commute by helicopter to the estate's helipad if you prefer. We drove up the winding road to the front gate which opened to reveal El Castillo de Esparza which as you can see from the photographs is magnificent and really more impressive in person. Anna, the head of staff, opened the front door leading into the grand foyer where the entire staff of 10 were assembled to greet and welcome us with tall glasses of rum punch. Not a bad start to what was going to be a great 5 day retreat for 7 guys looking to escape and recharge. Our group hails from across the USA and Europe. We are blessed with wives who encourage what we like to refer to as "The Global Economic Conference". The El Castillo de Esparza is easy for all of to reach with direct connections into San Jose from many hubs in the states. After settling into our rooms - with 10 bedroom/suites spread through the main house and guest cottages, there is plenty of choice; we convened cocktail hour at the swim-up bar. The bartender and head waiter, Joshua, is quick to learn your preferences and invisibly attendant to your needs. Relaxing at the pool we began solving the global economic conundrum in earnest - the conference had begun! At around 5PM we showered up and headed to the game room located on the open mezzanine in the main house to shoot a game of pool and enjoy Chef Minor's hors d'oeuvre offering. Dinner is served on the main outdoor portico deck looking out across the bay toward the bright orange setting sun. The food served at El Castillo de Esparza is all delicious owing to both Chef Minor's knowledge of local sources of fresh everything! In the course of our visit we enjoyed numerous seafood dinners, local beef, incredible salads, grilled veggies, chilled soups and amazing desserts. Breakfast menu starts with fresh local fruit, fresh juice followed by your request to the chef for anything! During our stay Hank arranged many excursions but we were always happy to return to our luxurious home base.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tasha B.

Amazing vacation with friends

El Castillo is amazing. From the minute we arrived, we were greeted with champagne and fabulous hors d'eouvres. The staff was attentive and helped us plan an amazing week. We went zip lining, croc tours and beach and saw crazy wildlife - the monkeys were the highlight. The resort has a private pool and hot tub which is great if you just want to spend the day relaxing. We were even presented with lunch in the pool side patio. After lunch, we needed some exercise so we would venture to the waterslide. There was never a lack of activities. One of our favorite parts of the day was having cocktails on the veranda as the sunset overlooking the ocean. Can't wait to come back!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Extravagant Relaxation

I've visited the Castillo numerous times and upon every visit I wonder why i don't return more often. The staff and service is terrific and they are available for your convenience all the time. Food is upscale with the new kitchen, and amenities are top notch. The room villas are beautiful, and equal to if not better than the nicest hotels. You can design your own vacation with luxurious downtime on the Castillo grounds with poolside cabana/bar, or tour the countryside and enjoy the wildlife and many activities. It is literally a paradise for a large group of close family/friends to get away in total luxury and privacy.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

William J H., Delray Beach, Florida/ USA

Great Escape

Wow what a wonderful escape and exotic property to spend 2 weeks in! We all had once in a lifetime (well, we will be back again) experience and spoiled ourselves rotten. But the staff, amenities and local area was mainly responsible for the spoiling, Polite, professional staff that were as attentive as we needed, facilities that truly made us not want to leave and accommodations that met every expectation. We canopy zip lined at a nearby outfit and had a blast, explored local villages and towns, shopped local markets, toured coffee plantation. Spending time at the pool and lounging around decompressing were our favorite activities and the environment encourages that feeling. I personally have traveled to over 75 countries and this Castle and Costa Rica were superb experiences. Owners take great care in offering a stunning property, meeting all needs. Do it.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

El Castillo de Esparza

Our visit to El Castillo was an unforgettable experience from the moment we stepped foot off the plane. What makes El Castillo special is not only the ornate and meticulously decorated spaces, but the staff who works there. During our entire trip of seven days, the staff would drop everything and make accommodations to take us on our choice of excursions, even at the last minute. Everyone truly goes the extra mile to make your stay unforgettable. The drinks, the incredible food, the music, the company…they truly exceeded any expectations we had prior to our trip. The key is that the staff is detail-oriented. From the moment you awake, your curtains are drawn and fresh sheets are on the bed. Every morning a gorgeous breakfast would be waiting for us on the beautiful terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Throughout the day, they oblige at any moment to make you a snack (we highly recommend the guacamole) or an alcoholic beverage. The dinners prepared by Chef Minor were absolutely phenomenal, consisting of three courses. We highly recommend Minor’s famous Azteca Soup, as it was unforgettable. As night falls, the bed is subsequently turned down and the curtains drawn. Day after day, no detail was looked over. Not only are there several activities to keep you busy outside the castle (eg. Crocodile River Tours, exploring the Monkey Beach, Volcano view, etc.), but there are so many activities to do at the property. We could have spent all day playing volleyball in the pool, challenging each other to tennis tournaments, playing cards on the veranda, learning to play pool with a gorgeous view of the terrace framing the experience, or selecting a movie from hundreds of choices available in the home theater room. El Castillo de Esparza is a true gem in the heart of Costa Rican activity. We will never forget the experience or the friends that we made on our celebratory adventure.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A fabulous vacation

We stayed at the Castillo Esparza with a group of friends and can't say enough about the quality of the service, food and accomodations. Coming from the bleak Northeast in March we were greeted at the airport with smiles and cold drinks. From that moment we were in excellent hands with Hank and the Castillo staff. I would absolutely recommend it especially for families and groups of friends. It's a very special and beautiful property and offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

About the host

Hosted by Henry Denzler

Host profile image
I grew up in the Midwest and spent many years in the corporate world, followed by an entrepreneurial journey. Today, I’m focused on enjoying a more balanced pace of life while sharing this extraordinary property with guests from around the world.

For accurate pricing, please contact me directly with the size of your group. Due to the limitations of this platform’s pricing matrix, we are not always able to display our lowest available rates. For example, the rate for two guests is significantly different from the rate for a group of thirty.

Why they chose this property

Costa Rica—often called the Switzerland of Latin America—is truly a land of Pura Vida. With extraordinary biodiversity and more than 30 microclimates, the country offers an incredible variety of landscapes and experiences. Our villa is perched on a mountainside near the Pacific coast, where warm days are balanced by refreshing ocean breezes, creating a comfortable climate without the intense heat found in parts of northern Guanacaste. Despite the peaceful, elevated setting, we are just five minutes from the nearest beach, offering the perfect blend of privacy, nature, and easy coastal access.

What makes this property unique

What truly sets El Castillo de Esparza apart is that it is not just a luxury villa—it is a fully staffed private castle offering experiences rarely found anywhere in the world. Within the gates of the estate, we can arrange bespoke celebrations such as private carnivals, custom-designed fireworks displays, live bands, and curated local entertainment, including some of Costa Rica’s top performers.

The property itself is a landmark, featuring expansive grounds, ocean views, multiple pools, a private spa tower, waterslide, tennis and golf practice areas, cinema, and countless spaces designed for both grand gatherings and quiet moments. A dedicated full-time team—including a private chef, concierge, bartender, housekeeping, and grounds staff—ensures every detail is taken care of, allowing guests to fully relax and enjoy exclusive use of the entire estate.

Simply put, El Castillo de Esparza offers a level of privacy, service, and customization that transforms any stay into an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Languages:

English, Spanish
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