© Formafatal / Photography: BoysPlayNice – The Art Villa

Isolation being a global hot topic these days, there’s a trend among those with deep pockets to make the very best of it by going in full retreat, and obviously, in the most pleasant possible way. A private island may be the ideal option for the very privileged few, but there are plenty of secluded, easy-on-the-eye places that offer an excellent alternative. In the latter category falls Art Villas, a newly opened modernist resort founded by Czech entrepreneur Filip Žák. As its name already hints, it comprises of three villas, each featuring a distinct look, and tucked away in the lush green hills on Costa Rica‘s rugged Pacific Coast. Here, we’ll focus on what we think is the most fabulous dwelling, the so-called Art Villa. The resort sits on two hectares of rainforest near the tiny village of Uvita, and aims to offer a soothing refuge where guests are effortlessly able to connect with Mother Nature without compromising comfort and luxury. The Art Villa was built by Prague-based architecture practice Refuel, but it’s design practice Formafatal, also from the Czech capital, which created the interior design for all three buildings. The latter has taken ample cues from the tropical landscape, but also the many concrete works of acclaimed Brazilian architect Paulo Mendez da Rocha.

Measuring 298 sqm. (3,208 sq.ft.), the Art Villa is an unapologetic ode to concrete, and as such, sees the material exposed all around, forming an ideal backdrop for the many contemporary settings. However, the five bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms feature colourful tile flooring and additional hand-painted tiling in the kitchen. Most furniture pieces have been designed and are either custom-made by local craftsmen or manufactured in the Czech Republic. The Art Villa‘s spacious outdoor terrace not only looks out onto the expanse of the Pacific Ocean, but guests are also able to enjoy the views from the infinity pool. An additional garden terrace allows to sit back and soak up nature, but if a little workout is required, an on-site fitness room replete with sauna, professional personal trainers and therapists is readily available. Bringing the kids? No worries, they’ll be kept totally engaged at the jungle play room. But that’s not all. Given Art Villas‘ exceptional location, there’s plenty to do and discover, from taking a yoga class at the resort’s jungle hall and cooking lessons by local top chefs, to excellent surfing and whale watching alongside nearby Playa Hermosa.

Art Villas
Punta Achiote Road (Playa Hermosa)
60504 Uvita
Telephone: +506 840 17042

© Formafatal / Photography: BoysPlayNice – The Art Villa