Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Steele.
Hi Casey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been someone who’s willing to take risks and build things from the ground up. I spent much of my career in the tech startup world, working in sales and leadership roles with companies in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Being part of several successful startups taught me how to grow businesses, solve problems, and adapt quickly in fast-changing environments.
In 2019, recently divorced after just my second trip to Costa Rica, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. I moved there. During the pandemic, I took another leap of faith and purchased a rundown hotel sight unseen. Over the next three years, I completely renovated it into what is now Scarlet Villas, a boutique hotel and retreat center nestled in the Costa Rican jungle. I am a yoga instructor so I wanted a place I could host retreats, a place others can relax and reset and a place to bring community together.
Running Scarlet Villas has stretched me in every possible way. I’ve worn every hat imaginable from construction manager and marketer to operations director, guest experience manager, and business owner. Along the way, I also became a certified yoga instructor and Reiki practitioner, combining my love for hospitality, wellness, and creating meaningful experiences for others.
My journey has been anything but conventional, but that’s exactly what has shaped me. Whether I’m launching a business, building a team, or solving unexpected challenges, I love creating something that didn’t exist before. Today, I’m continuing to grow as an entrepreneur while exploring new opportunities in content creation, hospitality, travel, and wellness, always looking for ways to inspire others to take bold steps toward the life they want.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Looking back, I sometimes joke that I took the hardest possible path—but it’s also been the most rewarding.
Buying a hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic, without seeing it in person first, came with more challenges than I ever imagined. What I thought would be a relatively straightforward renovation turned into a three-year project filled with construction delays, supply shortages, staffing challenges, unexpected expenses, and the constant need to adapt. On top of that, I was learning an entirely new industry while navigating a different country, culture, and language.
Like many entrepreneurs, there were moments of uncertainty. There were times when I questioned whether I had made the right decision, especially when unexpected problems seemed to come one after another. Owning a hospitality business also means you’re never really “off” you’re responsible for guests, employees, maintenance, marketing, finances, and everything in between.
But every challenge taught me something valuable. I became more resilient, resourceful, and confident in my ability to solve problems. The experience has shown me that success isn’t about avoiding obstacles, it’s about learning how to navigate them with persistence, creativity, and a willingness to keep moving forward.
Today, I’m incredibly proud of what Scarlet Villas has become. The journey wasn’t easy, but I wouldn’t trade the lessons or the growth that came from building something meaningful from the ground up.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Scarlet Villas. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I built Scarlet Villas to be more than a boutique hotel, it’s a place intentionally designed for people to slow down, reconnect, and experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Nestled in the jungle of Ojochal, our property offers private villas, wellness retreats, exclusive group buyouts, and immersive experiences that blend comfort, nature, and community.
What sets Scarlet Villas apart is that it was built with intention rather than simply as a place to stay. Every detail, from our yoga shala overlooking the jungle to our saltwater pool, river access, gardens, and thoughtfully designed villas, was created to help guests feel like they’ve discovered a hidden sanctuary. We welcome everyone from adventurous travelers and families to wellness retreat groups and digital nomads looking for a peaceful escape.
We also specialize in hosting retreats and private events. Our property is designed so groups can have an intimate, exclusive experience while still enjoying the amenities of a boutique hotel. Whether it’s a yoga retreat, wellness workshop, family reunion, wedding, or corporate offsite, we aim to create an environment where people can truly connect with nature, with each other, and with themselves.
What I’m most proud of is that Scarlet Villas reflects my own journey. It began as an ambitious vision during one of the most uncertain times in recent history and has grown into a business that has welcomed guests from around the world. Many of our guests tell us they came for a vacation but left feeling refreshed, inspired, and like they had found a second home. Costa Rica helped me come out of a dark spot having been recently divorced, moved out of the city and trying to re-build my life and myself. I wanted others to have that opportunity and I believe Costa Rica is the perfect place to find yourself again.
At its heart, Scarlet Villas is about creating meaningful experiences and to also connect with the culture of country. That commitment to authentic hospitality, personal connection, and thoughtful design is what defines our brand and continues to inspire everything we do.
Any big plans?
I’m excited to expand beyond hospitality. My background in technology, entrepreneurship, wellness, and travel has given me a unique perspective, and I’m looking forward to sharing more of that through content creation, speaking, collaborations, and helping inspire others who are considering taking a leap into entrepreneurship or designing a life that’s a little less conventional.
Ultimately, my goal is to keep building a life centered around freedom, purpose, and meaningful experiences and connections. I’m most excited about sharing my journey with others through content creation, speaking opportunities, podcasts, publications and others. I’m grateful for this opportunity to share my story with you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scarletvillas.com
- Instagram: @thescarletvillas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thescarletvillas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheScarletVillas
- Other: https://bit.ly/TSVBookNow
