About Nakama.
Behind the vision.
A sanctuary for stillness, soul, and self-expression.
Nakama was never meant to be just another villa. It was envisioned as a living, breathing space—one that holds people gently, inspires their creativity, and reminds them of what really matters.
The word Nakama comes from Japanese and means “friends who become family.” That spirit runs through everything here. From the flow of the architecture to the energy of each room, Nakama is designed to help you slow down, soften, and reconnect with yourself, with others, and with the pulse of life.
It’s a place where the lines between retreat and residence blur. Where you can rest deeply, create freely, and feel completely at home.
Meet your hosts.
Meet Ariane, artist, hostess, and soul behind Nakama (alongside Paulo and Elvis).
Ariane is a Swiss painter, creative, and intuitive space-maker. After years in the art world and traveling in search of meaning and connection, she landed in Nosara, and something clicked. The jungle, the ocean, the light, they all spoke the same language as her heart.
Together with her partner Paulo, an architect, and their pup Elvis, she began to dream up a space where people could come to rest, to create, and to feel truly held. A space that wasn’t just beautiful, but soulful. That dream became Nakama.
With her artist’s eye, Paulo’s thoughtful design sensibility, and a shared love for intentional living, they built Nakama from the ground up, infusing every corner with care, creativity, and warmth. As your host, Ariane is there not only to welcome you but to ensure you feel seen, supported, and inspired throughout your stay.
