The Palms Private Residence Club

The Palms Private Residence Club at Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica 

Tucked into a remote nook of Costa Rica’s Gold Coast is one of the island’s best beaches, boasting white sand, clear blue water, and lush vegetation. This pristine site is home to The Palms Private Residence Club, an elite property comprised of 34 villas designed for ultimate relaxation. The Palms is a “private, member-owned residence club” owned by Spence Enterprises LLC. The company owns five properties in Costa Rica, but describes The Palms as its “crown jewel”. The membership option has long been the draw to the property, but recently The Palms has begun promoting another option: rentals. While rentals have always been available, they have not been previously advertised. And with the peak season upon the resort, the exquisitely designed villas are sure to book quickly.

“When we went down there, we didn’t go down there to just say, ‘Let’s just build something real quick and sell it.’ We built something that has really nice amenities,” said Bob Spence, owner and CEO of Spence Enterprises, citing the high quality materials and appliances in each villa. Granite countertops, Sub-Zero and Viking appliances, and marble and hardwood flooring make each villa a luxury retreat. Spence said that when he builds a property, he designs if it were his own home. “That’s why it’s set apart from the other facilities that are around Costa Rica,” he said.

Vista Balcony

Beyond a dedication to quality, the site of the resort is one of the ultimate draws. Bob Reddy, CFO of The Palms, emphasizes that the highlight feature of any property is its location, and The Palms is a prime example. This Playa Flamingo property’s location is so ideal that often visitors don’t feel the need to venture out and explore surrounding areas. It would be possible to spend your entire vacation relaxing by the outdoor infinity-edge pool and tropical spa pool while enjoying cocktails made with premium liquors and fresh ingredients from the poolside bar. Of course, if you choose to explore –as many do– the resort can help arrange almost any excursion imaginable. Local activities include scuba diving and snorkeling at Playa del Coco, golf at three local courses, surfing in ideal conditions year-round, hiking miles of terrain, sportfishing for sailfish, tuna, dorado, swordfish, and marlin, horseback riding at ranches or on the beach, and canopy tours between treetops and gorges.

Enticed to book a stay yet? Rentals begin at $650 per night in the off season (May to Oct.), $850 during the peak season (Nov. to April), and $1,050 during the holidays (Christmas, New Years and Easter). Once you test the waters with a rental and fall in love with this gem on the Gold Coast, consider the sought-after membership options, while they are still available. Villas are available for whole ownership starting at $1.2 million, and private residence club membership for 1/8 shares at $149,000 or 1/10 shares at $129,000. Beyond all of the exceptional services and amenities at the Guanacaste resort is how frequently owners can visit; The Palms does not work as a traditional timeshare, but rather as a “prestigious equity golf country club” without limit on use. To start your membership, head to palmscostarica.com.