For more than thirty years, Silvia Laferrière has embodied one of the warmest and most inspiring figures of Guanacaste’s culinary scene. As the executive chef of the restaurant at Hotel Villa del Sueño, just steps from Playa Hermosa beach, she has become much more than a talented cook: she is the living memory of the establishment, the soul of a dedicated team, and living proof that falling in love with a country can lead to one’s true destiny.
A trip that became a way of life
Nothing predestined Silvia to settle in Costa Rica. She originally came “for a vacation with her partner, Claude Laferrière, to discover a new country,” with no specific expectations. Yet from the very first days, something magical happened: the raw beauty of the landscapes, the abundance of nature, and the gentle tropical climate captivated her instantly.
But in the end, it wasn’t only the beauty of the environment that held her here. As she explains: “Like everyone else, I fell in love with the wild beauty of the landscapes, but the real seduction — and the reason I’m still here — is the warmth, pride, and generosity of Costa Ricans. We’re very much alike. They have wonderful values.”
This sincere connection with the people naturally created a sense of belonging. What was supposed to be just a temporary stay slowly transformed into a new life, a new rhythm, an unexpected human and professional adventure.
When the Villa del Sueño project began to take shape, it was nothing like a traditional business venture. The name, meaning “the villa of dreams,” perfectly reflected Silvia and Claude’s spirit at the time—a couple ready to turn a page, reinvent their lives, and breathe new air into their future.
A place of gathering and community
For Silvia and Claude, the hotel was never just another business idea; it was a shared dream becoming reality. Silvia recalls:
“It wasn’t just a project, it was a change of life, a change of rhythm. In the beginning, when it was just the two of us, we handled all the tasks ourselves. When friends joined in, I was finally able to dedicate myself fully to my passion, which has always been cooking.”
This transition—from doing everything to focusing on her calling—marked a decisive turning point. This is where the chef she would become began to take shape: a woman capable of infusing her cuisine with authenticity, simplicity, and excellence. Over the years, this has come to define the culinary identity of Villa del Sueño.
A lifetime of heritage in every dish
Silvia’s cooking is shaped by a dual heritage that has become her signature over the years. On one side are her Québec roots, marked by generosity, simple flavors, a sense of sharing, and deep respect for ingredients. On the other are the Italian influences from her father—passion, abundance, fresh ingredients, and love for tradition.
She sums up this fusion in her typically straightforward way: “It’s no secret—I love good food. An Italian father and a mother from the Gaspé… that’s inspiring! I grew up with homemade dishes. That’s what I bring to our menu: an abundance of fresh products, curiosity, and a pinch of love.”
A passion rooted in childhood
For Silvia, cooking has never been just a profession—it is part of her cultural heritage. Her inspiration today comes from many small sparks: a dish discovered while traveling, an idea seen online, a fresh ingredient from the market, or even a leftover in the refrigerator that triggers an unexpected creation.
She loves to “play with food” and embraces joyful improvisations that often lead to true culinary discoveries. This freedom, combined with her creative spontaneity, gives her menu a vibrant and authentic signature. Among the dishes that built Villa del Sueño’s reputation, the filet mignon with three-pepper sauce is iconic—but Silvia admits her heart belongs to the sea, which she considers her favorite “canvas,” whether cooked or raw.
The strength of the restaurant: a united and inspired team
Silvia never speaks about her work without mentioning her team. For her, a kitchen is not a place of rigid hierarchy, but a space of sharing and transmission. “Create an atmosphere of sharing. Inspire my people. I teach by example. I have a fantastic team—responsible, dedicated, and with great vision.”
Every dish, every smile, and every shared moment is born from their shared passion.
The success of Villa del Sueño is therefore not the work of one person, but the result of a family of passionate individuals guided by a deeply human chef.
A sincere commitment to protecting nature
Silvia’s contribution goes far beyond feeding those who come to Guanacaste. After three decades in Costa Rica, she has fully embraced the spirit of the country: respect, simplicity, harmony with nature. She sums up her love for Costa Rica in three simple words: “Let it live.”
Located just meters from a beautiful beach,Villa del Sueño has been involved from the beginning in environmental protection.
“We helped establish a waste collection system, a recycling program, and we are founding members of the Blue Flag program, which protects the ocean and marine wildlife.” The hotel also supports Salve Monos, dedicated to preserving the natural corridors used by howler monkeys.
This environmental commitment aligns perfectly with Silvia’s philosophy: responsible cuisine, respectful business practices, and a positive presence in the community.
A lifetime of inspiration — and a message for those who dream of Costa Rica
Over the years, Silvia’s inspirations have shaped a deeply human approach to cuisine and hospitality—an approach where every gesture is guided by both heart and skill.
When asked what she hopes to offer her guests above all, her answer beautifully captures her essence: “I want our guests to feel the softness of home, to feel welcomed like friends we’re excited to receive, surrounded by little touches that make them feel pampered, appreciated, and truly welcome.”
Many visitors have felt this warmth, including Jacinthe Guidon of Ottawa, who recalls: “Silvia is an accomplished chef who always seduced us with delicious dishes and welcomed us warmly to her gourmet table under the stars and palm trees at the Sueño. I dream of going back.”
The hotel and restaurant quickly became more than a tourist destination: they became a place of connection, sharing, and human warmth, where visitors build relationships naturally, inspired by Silvia’s cuisine, Claude’s music, and the benevolent energy that surrounds the property.
This magic is felt deeply by anyone who stays there. As Francine Dupont from Saint-Sauveur, Laurentians, shares:
“I celebrated my 60th birthday with Silvia’s wonderful cuisine! Extraordinary hosts… Thank you to Silvia and Claude for their kindness and warm welcome! I named this place ‘Hotel del Sueño’ — the ‘International Crossroads of Happiness’! No matter where you come from, a bond forms between visitors, the love of nature, Silvia’s cooking, and Claude’s music!”
A dream worth living — and sharing
At Villa del Sueño, you don’t come only to eat well or to sleep comfortably — you come to experience a moment of pure happiness, flowing at the rhythm of Costa Rica and the generous hearts of those who welcome you. Thanks to Silvia’s culinary passion, Claude’s presence and music, and the luminous soul of the place, every visit becomes an experience that touches both the palate and the heart.
Whether you are a curious foodie, a traveler seeking genuine moments, or simply someone in search of a little paradise, Playa Hermosa awaits you — and Silvia’s table too. After all, some dreams are meant to be lived… and shared.
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