Takeovers for Tropical and Private Island Getaways
August 8, 2019 by Laura Fishman
There’s nothing more luxurious than taking over a property whether it be celebrating a special occasion, reuniting for a multi-generational family trip, or planning a unique off-site board meeting or buyout.
We’ve rounded up two incredibly unique properties from the extravagant private island resort Musha Cay in the Bahamas to the soulful Villa Manzu in Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo.
Having it All at Musha Cay:
Musha Cay is the escape you dream about when thinking about a Caribbean castaway vacation. The resort is owned by famed magician David Copperfield who spared little expense in order to create his ultimate dream magical retreat in the Bahamas. Set along the Exumas chain of 11 private islands boasting more than 40 pristine beaches-all are yours to explore. Over 700 acres of lush natural beauty belong exclusively to you and 24 of your guests. Previous celebrity guests include Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Sergey Brin plus Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz who have taken over Musha Cay for their weddings and special celebrations.
Staying Over:
Discreetly tucked away insuring ultimate privacy on the island are five luxurious colonial manors offering a total of 12-bedrooms and 13.5 bathrooms. Each comes with its own private beach, spacious living, and dining areas. Accommodations range from whimsical to romantic and exotic, all with unique colors in a tropical island style accented with treasures collected by David Copperfield during his worldwide adventures. All homes are fully air-conditioned and feature Wi-Fi, DVD and CD player, iPod docks, flat screen satellite television, international phone service, and butler service.
Memorable Meals:
As extravagant as taking over a private Caribbean island, the dining experience at Musha Cay is memorable. All food preparation is done according guests’ wishes and preferences. Prior to arrival, food preferences are requested and, if necessary, a special air charter is arranged to bring the necessary provisions.
A personal Chef customizes the menu daily and enhances it depending on the catch of the day of the freshest fish paired with fruit salsas from island-grown trees, and other gourmet dishes to satisfy even the most discerning palate. The local catch includes lobster, tuna, wahoo, grouper and mahi mahi. For oenophiles, there is a 500-bottle wine cellar, and a Sommelier available for wine tastings that can be arranged at an additional cost.
Depending on the mood, guests can enjoy an intimate candlelight dinner at The Landings or a the Balinese Beach Pavilion which is also an extraordinary spot for daytime, open-air lunch buffets, as it is adjacent to Musha’s swimming pool and one of our many perfect beaches. For adventurous guests, the team can arrange dining escapes around Musha Cay’s private sandbars or the surrounding 11 islands or one of the 40 private beaches or romantic hidden cove.
Living your Wildest Dreams:
At Musha Cay, any activity guests’ desire can become a reality. Enjoy goldfish or hermit crab races, shell hunts, daily arts and crafts, face painting, cave exploring, pirate party, tiki parties on the beach, football, whiffle ball, frisbee, croquet, kite flying, flashlight tag, table tennis, scavenger hunts, sandcastle competition, musical instruments, fortune telling and more. The resort’s nautical fleet feature the best in boats and equipment, and water toys include a water trampoline, banana boat, wakeboards, and tubes from 37 ft. Midnight Express 28 ft. Nautilus Rib Catamaran 23 ft. Jet Boat Two 22 ft. Boston Whalers Yamaha Jetskis Two Hobie Cat sailboats.
The days are spent living out your wildest dreams. Water sports include but not limited to snorkeling, windsurfing, paddle boarding, sailing, runabouts or wave runners, waterskiing, and fishing (from deep-sea, bone, and flats fishing) or touring the island to discover an untouched cay.
Guests enjoy a the three-mile sandbar that Copperfield calls Heaven on Earth. You can also explore by hiking, walking, or jogging on the tropical paths that surround the island. Or, enjoy a game of tennis on the championship lighted tennis court, volleyball or badminton court any time of day. For swimming and sunbathing, there is an oceanfront freeform pool and hot tub, plus a choice of seven sugar-sand beaches circling the island, collectively spanning three miles.
Although prices vary according to time of year, size of group and special requirements, the rate will be all-inclusive. For groups, be they family reunions, corporate retreats or even wedding celebrations, customized activities can be created for moments in paradise that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Treasure hunts seem to walk out of a Pirates of the Caribbean film; grand fireworks explode over the beach; an impromptu picnic is set on a deserted island; movies are projected onto a screen over the surf.
Copperfield, who walked through the Great Wall of China, erased the Statue of Liberty and levitated over the Grand Canyon, spares little wow when conjuring great scenes and effects around Musha Cay. The master of illusion has created his ways to wake up the imagination at every turn.
A staff accustomed to assisting the master magician in creating the next showstopper has a prodigious bag of tricks from which to draw for any request.
Contact:
Musha Cay
Exumas, Bahamas
Direct: +1 242.355.4040
Reservations: +1 954.955.8177
Finding Your Pura Vida at Villa Manzu:
Villa Manzu, is a soulful private 30,000 sq ft. villa estate perched on the cliffs of Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo in the northwest province of Guanacaste set along the country’s north Pacific Coast. As Manzu means friends in the native Chorotegan language, this luxurious 8-suite villa is a perfect option for a take-over celebrating a milestone birthday or another special occasion. It has been a favorite among celebrities like recent guests Beyoncé and the Kardashian family.
This property is tailored to the ultimate all-inclusive five-star experience with a personal chef, dedicated staff and panoramic direct sea views, a beach just steps away and the world’s best breaks for surfing.
Peninsula Papagayo is currently home to the most expensive real estate in the area of grand five-star resorts, such as the Four Seasons and Andaz. With its close proximity, guests at Villa Manzu can enjoy direct access to the Papagayo Marina for sailing or tee-off at the expansive 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed golf course with ocean views. It’s not uncommon to hear the soundtrack of howler monkeys and white-faced capuchins calling each other.
From November to April, Peninsula Papagayo experiences little rain and consistent heat and a wet season start late May until November. The hot, dry climate makes tropical dry forests the province’s natural vegetation type with monkeys cavorting in the canopy of the trees. The average temperature is over 85 degrees year-round, peaking in the spring. During the green season, rains usually pass over in the late afternoons, leaving the mornings full of sunshine, a fresh temperature and a green landscape. The aptly named green season hosts the best fishing, surfing, and water conditions.
Staying Over:
Designed by Costa Rican Architect, Abraham Valenzuel, Villa Manzu’s eight-suites are spaciously designed uniquely with special details of artisanal craftsmanship throughout. Each of the bedrooms is an oversized suite with mesmerizing direct ocean views.
Fifteen beds are allocated as five king bed suites, a double queen bed suite, a double king bed suite, and a custom finished bunk room with four twins and two king beds. All of the eight suites offer full bath, oversized televisions, a minibar with morning coffee service, walk-in closets with Costa Rican hardwood detailing, and aromatherapy diffusers. Antica Farmacista bath products are used in each of the villa’s bedrooms, as well as Italian linens and fine English towels.
Villa Manzu’s main wing is located in a private section of the villa, accessible by its own entrance, elevator and staircase. The first master suite, La Lora, and children’s suite, Los Monos, are up one flight of stairs, while the penthouse suite, Pacifico, is by itself on the third floor.
A Feast for the Senses:
Locally sourced with exceptional presentation, the culinary team at Villa Manzu can prepare anything that you wish. From creative dishes that incorporate a variety of organic, specialized, local seafood to an array of international dishes to gourmet cuisine tailored to each guest’s dietary restrictions, diets, or detox. For those looking to sharpen their skills, you can watch or jump in to cook with the chef in the open-air kitchen and prepare each meal.
Meals are served in the main dining room and there are two bars one situated on the outdoor terrace. Several offsite dining options are available at The Four Seasons and nearby towns for a traditional Costa Rican fare.
The Chef enjoys creating menus together with guests that are unique and distinctive each night of the stay. Oenophiles will be in heaven with its extensive collection and wine cellar.
Endless Activities:
With a long swath of sand and a shallow calm shore, Villa Manzu’s beach is a favorite for wading, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling and swimming. For off-site excursions, the sky’s the limit. Whatever guests want to see in Costa Rica, the Villa Manzu staff can arrange, all accompanied by a professional English- and Spanish-speaking guide. For surfing, there are great breaks at Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point just a 30-minute boat ride. The villa has its own 1,400 hp Nimbu private boat and pro-surfing guides can be arranged.
Amenities include two swimming pools (one an infinity salt pool), a spa, a movie theater, party rooms, a gym, dedicated executive and sous chefs, butlers, a full on-property staff. But guests looking beyond the manse will find a Range Rover, a Ford Explorer SUV, and a Jeep Wrangler in the garage, all available with private drivers to take guests wherever their curiosity leads.
Others features of this mansion on the Pacific: a yoga terrace (with yoga instructor available); children’s game room; movie library room; palatial en suite bathrooms of onyx and marble and a veritable museum of hand-picked art pieces and artifacts from all over the world.
Villa Manzu feels like your home away from home. The hardest thing here is leaving but the team .
Contact:
Villa Manzu
Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
VIP Contact: Jenifer Cowles
Email: jen@villamanzu.com | Reserve@VillaManzu.com
Website: www.villamanzu.com
