Ocio Villas Mal Pais
Eco-luxe jungle retreat with a surf-culture undercurrent. No lobby, no crowds. Each villa is its own quiet world with a private pool. The aesthetic leans into natural materials and open-air living rather than resort-style polish.
Villa Estrella is reportedly the best unit on the property despite (or because of) its 100+ stair climb — request it specifically
Why It Matters
Every single villa has a private plunge pool with Pacific Ocean views. The property sits in Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone — one of only seven regions in the world recognized for exceptional longevity and wellness. Adults-only. Part of an acclaimed boutique hotel group with a strong culinary and spa program delivered directly to your villa.
Ten private one-bedroom villas spread across a hillside above the surf hamlet of Mal País, each with its own plunge pool and real Pacific Ocean views. The design is open-air throughout — local teakwood, natural stone, patterned textiles — with the jungle pressing right up to every terrace. Adults-only. Also operates OCiO Estate separately (two larger group villas on the same grounds), but the ten individual units are what most guests book: quiet, private, and genuinely removed from the world.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Deluxe Villa
Designed specifically for privacy. The private pool and sun terrace feel like they grow out of the hillside landscape rather than sitting on top of it. Same footprint as Standard but elevated positioning and finishes.
King · 67 sqm
Standard Villa
Open layout that lets light and air move through freely. Leads out to a terrace and plunge pool surrounded by jungle with partial ocean views. Two of the standard villas include an extra twin bed, making them the rare option for a third guest.
King · 67 sqm
Villa Nimbu (OCiO Estate)
The flagship villa of the OCiO Estate — five oversized master suites each with king bed and a private open-air bathroom carved from natural stone with driftwood incorporated into the shower design. Ocean-view infinity pool on a wide terrace. Game room, lounger terrace, and a dining area that seats 20. Ideal for groups and family gatherings.
King (x5) · 1620 sqm
Villa Numu (OCiO Estate)
The more intimate of the two estate villas. A single master suite flows to an open-air terrace with private pool. Indoor and outdoor spaces merge easily. Right for couples or a family of four who want estate-level privacy without the scale of Nimbu.
King · 414 sqm
Villa Suite
The two largest individual units on the property. Teakwood and natural stone construction throughout. The open bathrooms dissolve the line between inside and outside — you're essentially bathing with the jungle as a backdrop. More room to spread out than the standard or deluxe villas.
King · 120 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Rent ATVs directly through the property and explore the backroads, hidden beaches, and hilltop viewpoints of the Nicoya Peninsula. The local way to get around.
Guided rides with local operators along forest trails and wide beaches. Slow, quiet, and one of the best ways to experience the peninsula's raw terrain.
Guided zip-line tour through a private farm with over 200 native tree species, bordering the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. A few minutes from the property.
Guided hikes through nearby jungle trails and national parks. Howler monkeys are frequently spotted from villa terraces and on trail — no guide required for that part.
Drift along the coast or explore the shoreline at your own pace. Available through local operators coordinated by the concierge.
Guided excursions to coral gardens and rocky reefs off the Santa Teresa coast. Equipment and local guides arranged through the concierge.
Day trips with local guides departing from the nearby fishing port. The Pacific here runs tuna, dorado, sailfish, and mahi-mahi. Early morning departures.
Santa Teresa has some of Costa Rica's most consistent breaks. The property arranges lessons with experienced local instructors for all levels, or can point you to board rental shops.
Day trip to the Montezuma waterfalls, sometimes led personally by concierge staff. A standout excursion consistently mentioned in guest reviews.
In-villa photo sessions with a private photographer. Natural light, candid approach.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Each villa has a kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and kitchenware for easy self-catering.
Every individual villa comes with its own private plunge pool — not shared.
The estate features multiple infinity pools including a swim-up bar option, in addition to individual villa plunge pools.
OCiO Villas Mal Pais is adults-only.
Dedicated concierge team handles excursion bookings, dining reservations, transportation, and in-villa service coordination.
Available from Tambor airport at $90 one-way for up to 4 passengers.
Lit heliport available at OCiO Estate for private arrivals. Not part of individual OCiO Villas standard booking.
Private, gated on-site parking. Reservation not required.
BUILD YOUR OCIO VILLAS MAL PAIS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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