Utopia is an ultra-luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand creating a global ecosystem of properties and experiences.
We develop private villa retreats in beautiful locations around the world, each with high-end service. Utopia also offers a wider ecosystem of leisure experiences and services available both to those staying on property and to external visitors.
Utopia designs and builds its properties in-house. Our team works across the full journey: from concept and architecture to construction, interiors, landscape, guest experience, and long-term operation. For architects and designers, this means working on properties from the ground up, with the ability to influence how each place is planned, built, and experienced. For hospitality professionals, it means joining a brand where service is personal, attentive, and built around each guest's stay.
We're a young, ambitious team with high standards and a hands-on approach. We value strong ideas, practical thinking, attention to detail, and people who are ready to take responsibility for their part of the work. If you're interested in architecture, design, hospitality, or guest experience, we invite you to grow with Utopia.
About the role
We are looking for a highly organized and service-minded Property Villa Manager to oversee the operation of a luxury private villa in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the villa is maintained to impeccable standards year-round, coordinating all vendors and staff, and delivering a seamless guest experience.
You will collaborate closely with the property owners, the family office, and trusted service providers to manage budgets, oversee maintenance schedules, and guarantee that every detail — from security and compliance to hospitality and presentation — reflects the highest level of quality.
Location & Collaboration Format
- This is an on-site opportunity; you should be based in Santa Teresa or the surrounding area (Malpaís, Cóbano, Montezuma or nearby).
- Utopia does not provide visa sponsorship and/or relocation package for this position.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and coordinate all maintenance and service activities to ensure the property remains in pristine condition year-round, taking into account the demands of a tropical coastal environment (humidity, salt air, rainy season).
- Build and manage operational plans for high season (guest stays) and low season (property care and preventive maintenance).
- Develop and control the annual budget, ensuring accurate tracking of expenses, vendor contracts, and service quality.
- Lead and supervise vendors and staff (housekeeping, gardening, pool, private chef, security) to guarantee consistent high standards.
- Support guest stays by preparing the villa before arrival, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, and responding to any urgent needs.
- Coordinate local logistics and experiences for guests, such as transportation, excursions, and activities in the area.
- Ensure compliance with all local regulations, permits, and safety requirements.
- Provide regular reporting to ownership and proactively suggest improvements to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and guest experience.
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Villa Manager, Estate Manager, General Manager, or in senior operations roles within luxury hospitality, property, or private residences (3+ years).
- Strong technical understanding of property maintenance, vendor management, and facility operations.
- Excellent organizational and budgeting skills, with the ability to manage multi-vendor contracts and seasonal workflows.
- High service orientation with a discreet, professional, and guest-focused mindset.
- Fluent English and Spanish.
- Ability to work independently, solve problems under pressure, and anticipate owner and guest needs.
- Familiarity with local compliance requirements, safety regulations, and contractor oversight in Costa Rica.
- Strong network of local suppliers and service providers in the Santa Teresa / Nicoya Peninsula area is a plus.
Benefits
- Guest experience at the center: join a company where hospitality is deeply integrated into every aspect of the property and service journey.
- A truly international team: collaborate across cultures, disciplines, and time zones with people bringing diverse perspectives and expertise.
- High ownership environment: we value initiative, independent thinking, and people who are ready to take responsibility for meaningful work.
- Growth opportunities: as we scale rapidly, we create new opportunities internally and support team members in expanding their scope and responsibilities.