Amazing Bella Vista A Private Resort Estate Above Lake Arenal Guanacaste

Set across 3.7 acres of mature tropical gardens, with commanding views across Lake Arenal and the surrounding mountains, this extraordinary estate has the presence and privacy of an intimate boutique resort. Recently renovated and offered fully furnished, it lies within an expansive gated community only minutes from the authentic Costa Rican town of Nuevo Arenal, yet occupies a remarkably private position of its own.

A custom electric entrance introduces the property, where established tropical gardens, flowering plants and fruit trees surround a collection of architecturally distinctive residences. Coffee, cacao and pineapple are actively cultivated on the property, alongside an impressive variety of established fruit trees, including mandarin orange, lime, sweet lemon, papaya, avocado, several varieties of banana, plantain, guava and water apple. The buildings occupy their own positions within the grounds, thoughtfully arranged around the pool and outdoor living areas that form the natural heart of the estate.

The four-bedroom main residence is bold yet warm, with dramatic rooflines, soaring timber ceilings, exposed structural beams, rich hardwoods and natural stone creating a strong architectural identity throughout. Extensive glazing brings light into the interiors and frames the lake and tropical landscape beyond.

At its centre is a magnificent open-concept living, dining and kitchen area beneath an expansive vaulted timber ceiling. Generous proportions allow each space to feel distinct while remaining beautifully connected, with large sliding glass doors opening the living areas directly onto the broad covered terrace, gardens and pool.

The kitchen is substantial and beautifully crafted, with extensive custom hardwood cabinetry, stone countertops and a natural stone backsplash. A generous central island provides additional preparation and gathering space, complemented by stainless-steel appliances and the warmth of the timber ceiling above. Large windows and surrounding glass keep the kitchen visually connected to the landscape, making it as much a part of the entertaining space as the adjoining dining and living areas. Beyond the glass, the covered terrace extends the main living space outdoors. Its timber ceiling shelters generous areas for dining and seating, overlooking the pool, mature gardens and Lake Arenal. The pool itself is framed by established tropical planting, creating a natural gathering place at the centre of the property without compromising the privacy of the individual residences.

Two additional rooms on the main level bring considerable flexibility to the floor plan. One, currently arranged as an office equipped with air-conditioning, opens directly onto the front terrace and pool area and could readily serve as a guest bedroom. A second, more intimate room lends itself equally well to use as a bedroom, library or quiet reading room. A full bathroom on this level introduces a more artistic element, with textured stonework, sculptural forms, a stone vessel basin, an organic hardwood mirror and large windows bringing the tropical setting inside.

From the main living area, a striking multi-level stair hall becomes an architectural feature in its own right. A vertical garden of tropical foliage rises through the space alongside contemporary metalwork, warm hardwood rails and expansive glazing, connecting two principal bedroom suites positioned on separate levels. Both principal suites are air-conditioned, with en-suite bathrooms and their own covered balconies. The separation between them creates an unusual degree of privacy within the main residence.

The main principal suite is particularly impressive. A vaulted timber ceiling and exposed beams rise above a beautifully crafted hardwood four-poster bed, while a private seating area and extensive glazing give the room an exceptional sense of space. Sliding doors open onto its covered balcony, with Lake Arenal forming the backdrop. Its generous en-suite bathroom continues the material palette of the house in natural stone and hardwood, with dual vessel basins and an oversized glass-enclosed rain shower with built-in seating and volcano views. The second principal suite has a quieter character, with its own covered terrace and a richly finished en-suite featuring natural stone, a large built-in soaking tub and shower, hardwood vanity and vessel basin.

Beyond the main residence, the estate begins to reveal its resort character. Set well apart from the house, an elevated guest building has a strong architectural presence of its own. Dramatic rooflines, extensive glazing and broad covered balconies take advantage of its position above the gardens, with beautiful views across the property to Lake Arenal. Within are two adjoining, fully self-contained guest residences. A connecting utility and laundry area allows them to function independently or together, an unusually versatile arrangement for extended family, visiting friends or vacation rental use.

The first is a substantial two-bedroom residence with soaring timber ceilings and a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. Its full kitchen is finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, granite countertops, natural stone and stainless-steel appliances, while broad expanses of glass frame the lake and open onto a covered balcony. Both bedrooms are generously proportioned, including a distinctive second bedroom with beautifully crafted hardwood bunk accommodation, and the residence has its own full bathroom.

The adjoining guest residence has a more intimate character while remaining entirely self-contained. It has its own full kitchen with hardwood cabinetry, granite and natural stone, an open living and dining area beneath a vaulted timber ceiling, and sliding glass doors opening onto a private covered balcony surrounded by tropical foliage. This residence also provides two bedrooms. The principal bedroom offer comfortable private accommodation, while the second features another impressive custom hardwood sleeping arrangement, with a lower double bed and elevated sleeping platform providing additional accommodation. The bathroom is extensively finished in green-toned natural stone, with a walk-in shower, stone vessel basin and organic hardwood detailing.

The ability to secure the two residences independently, or open them to one another through the connecting utility area, gives the guest building considerable versatility. Equally important is its physical separation from the main house: guests have their own kitchens, living spaces, balconies and privacy, creating the experience of individual villas within the estate.

Elsewhere on the grounds, a detached two-level villa occupies its own secluded position against the tropical rainforest. Architecturally distinctive and completely separate from both the main residence and guest accommodations, its outlook is directed into the rainforest canopy rather than toward the other buildings. The upper level is currently arranged as a gym and opens onto its own terrace overlooking the forest. Its proportions and independence allow it to be repurposed as an additional guest villa, studio, property manager’s residence or private wellness space. Below, an open-air covered deck provides a natural setting for yoga, meditation or exercise within the rainforest.

Practical infrastructure has been incorporated without intruding upon the beauty of the setting. A large garage and workshop, carport and additional covered parking provide ample space for owners and guests across the different residences.

The estate is currently operating as an exceptionally well-received vacation property, but its configuration and amenities create the framework for something more ambitious. Multiple independent accommodations, the pool, extensive covered terraces, outdoor dining and entertaining areas, mature gardens and dedicated wellness spaces give the property many of the attributes of an intimate boutique resort. Private areas within the grounds could also be adapted for massage or spa treatments.

There is enough here for a stay to revolve entirely around the estate. Mornings begin above Lake Arenal; days can unfold beside the pool, within the gardens or beneath the rainforest canopy; meals can be enjoyed outdoors; and each residence provides somewhere private to retreat at the end of the day.

Yet beyond the gates, the location places guests within easy reach of some of Costa Rica’s most celebrated experiences. La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano region are approximately an hour away, with thermal hot springs, Arenal Volcano National Park and an extraordinary range of adventure and outdoor activities. In the opposite direction, the beaches of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast are approximately two hours away, while Nuevo Arenal is only minutes from the property.

This is an estate of unusual scale and versatility: a substantial private residence, independent guest accommodations and dedicated spaces for recreation and wellness, all set within 3.7 acres of established tropical gardens overlooking Lake Arenal. It is already an accomplished vacation property, yet has the privacy, architecture and infrastructure to evolve naturally into an exceptional boutique resort.

Above the gardens, beyond the terraces and through the rainforest, Lake Arenal remains the constant backdrop. Private, expansive and unmistakably Costa Rican, this is a place designed not simply to visit, but to arrive and stay.