MaGil Boutique Hotel: A Human-Centered Escape in Costa Rica

In the heart of Guanacaste, MaGil Boutique Hotel is the result of two life paths and a shared vision. Created by Manon Charron and Gilles Laroque, this entrepreneurial couple transformed a life dream into a place of accommodation that is deeply human, warm, and inspired by the spirit of Pura Vida.

A true oasis of serenity, MaGil Boutique Hotel officially opened its doors in October 2025, offering a unique setting where Balinese elegance blends harmoniously with a bohemian atmosphere, just ten minutes from the vibrant town of Tamarindo.

A complementary duo shaped by entrepreneurship

Manon and Gilles have formed a strong partnership for over fifteen years. Before settling in Costa Rica, their professional backgrounds were built around entrepreneurship, business management, and development. Manon worked in human resources, accounting, and business development, while Gilles was already well established as a general contractor in renovation and construction, mainly in the Outaouais region.

This natural complementarity is now at the heart of their ambitious project. “MaGil is first and foremost us,” they explain. “A couple working together, with trust and complicity, day after day.”

Leaving Canada to slow down and live differently

Initially, their project did not necessarily involve moving abroad. They dreamed instead of acquiring a lodge in Canada, close to water and surrounded by nature, where they could live outdoors, host guests, and share moments. Passionate about cooking, Manon already envisioned preparing B&B-style breakfasts, while for Gilles, this change represented an opportunity to learn how to work less after years of constant activity.

Beyond the project itself, a deeper need emerged: to slow down. “We aspired to a gentler, more balanced, healthier, and more peaceful life,” they explain. Avid travelers and lovers of different cultures, leaving Canada first became a lifestyle choice—choosing to live differently, in a simpler and more human environment.

When Costa Rica becomes an obvious choice

The turning point came during a first one-week trip to Costa Rica. Very quickly, a feeling set in: being in the right place. One evening, facing a spectacular sunset in Potrero, glass in hand, everything became clear. “Costa Rica was calling us, and we were ready to listen,” they recall.

Six months later, the dream took shape. They sold everything and, on June 30, 2024, arrived in Costa Rica with five suitcases, two cats, and a mix of emotions—leaving behind children, a grandson, family, and friends—to embark on an ambitious project: building their own boutique hotel.

Guanacaste and Tamarindo: the perfect balance

Choosing Guanacaste came naturally. The region offers a daily life closely connected to nature, away from traffic, marked by wildlife, open landscapes, and an authentic sense of tranquility. The Tamarindo area, meanwhile, provides a rare balance between energy, nature, and accessibility.

Beaches, volcanoes, national parks, hot springs, and a wide range of activities coexist in a warm climate shaped by two distinct seasons. “Costa Rica truly taught us what slowing down means,” Manon notes, admitting she even enjoys the rainy season.

A deeply human mission

Athttps://www.lemagil.com/en-GB MaGil Boutique Hotel, the mission goes far beyond accommodation. “Our mission is above all human,” explain Manon and Gilles. Their goal is to create a warm place where every guest feels genuinely welcomed, surrounded by thoughtful details, in a calm and soothing atmosphere.

They often speak of thoughtful hospitality, a vision born from their own travel experiences—anticipating needs without excess and offering what is fair, useful, and of quality. “Creating a home away from home, whether you travel alone, as a couple, or as a family, is essential for us.”

A distinctive approach to hospitality

MaGil Boutique Hotel stands out for its different approach to lodging. From the outset, the project was designed as a place where every detail has meaning, both in its architecture and in the guest experience. Construction quality is central, along with choices focused on well-being and sustainability: water filtration systems, a saltwater pool, durable materials, and high-quality products. Everything was designed to provide a healthy, comfortable, and coherent environment.

MaGil also distinguishes itself by simplifying travelers’ lives. Scooters and motorcycles, coolers, beach chairs, lunch boxes, sunscreen, and weekend breakfast boxes are available—small attentions that allow guests to travel light and fully enjoy their stay.

Two complementary worlds

From the project’s inception, Manon and Gilles held a clear vision: creating two complementary worlds. On one side, adults-only cabinas, designed for calm, relaxation, and renewal. On the other, family villas, ideal for couples, families, solo travelers (one-bedroom villas), or friends wishing to share the experience in an intimate and comfortable setting. This duality allows each guest to experience MaGil at their own pace.

Adults-only cabinas

Manon presents the adults-only cabinas as spaces she imagined with great care and sensitivity, designed as true havens of tranquility. She wanted guests to feel immediately wrapped in a soft, intimate atmosphere conducive to slowing down and letting go.

Comfort is essential to her: a carefully selected queen-size bed, air conditioning, a smart TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and high-end toiletries—details thoughtfully chosen so guests feel at ease from the very first moments. Outside, time seems to stand still around the pool, while hammocks, gently swayed by the breeze and the sounds of nature, invite guests to simply enjoy the present moment.

The natural surroundings enhance the experience: lush gardens, butterflies, hummingbirds, and birdsong create a peaceful, restorative ambiance. A yoga platform reserved exclusively for adults completes this wellness-focused offering. For stays of three nights or more, a Honda scooter or Navi motorcycle is provided free of charge, including helmet and insurance.

And of course, family villas

Gilles is proud to invite guests into one of the family villas at MaGil Boutique Hotel—spaces he envisioned to offer comfort, autonomy, and freedom, whether traveling as a family, couple, or solo. Spacious and carefully designed, the villas feature air-conditioned bedrooms, a functional kitchenette, and a private pool with a waterfall, all surrounded by colorful gardens.

For Gilles, it was essential to create a place where everyone feels at home while enjoying the tropical setting. Nature is ever-present: howler monkeys are often seen or heard nearby, adding an authentic and almost magical touch to the experience, perfectly in harmony with the Guanacaste environment.

A place guests fall in love with

Guests often say they are delighted by the unique soul of MaGil, far beyond the quality of its facilities. The Wish Board, farm-to-table garden projects, and the promotion of local products and artisans are integral to the experience and the vision carried by Manon and Gilles. Many highlight that MaGil is not just a place to stay, but a place where one truly feels welcomed, surrounded by thoughtful gestures, and free to experience Costa Rica at their own rhythm.

A dream made possible through determination

Achieving a dream in Costa Rica is absolutely possible, but it requires strength—both financial and personal. The country does not function like Canada; reference points change, ways of doing things are different, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone is essential. This journey demands patience, resilience, and adaptability, but for those who fully commit, it can be deeply enriching and transformative.

Among the main challenges since launching the project were adapting to the language, culture, and daily habits, sometimes in the simplest tasks. Construction proved especially demanding, with very different working methods and difficult situations experienced as foreigners.

Despite these obstacles, Manon and Gilles made a point of overseeing the development of every stage of the project’s physical construction, ensuring quality, consistency, and respect for their vision. This constant involvement, sometimes exhausting, is now one of their greatest sources of pride and gives even more meaning to MaGil Boutique Hotel.

Manon and Gilles are waiting for you

At MaGil Boutique Hotel, every stay tells a story—one imagined with heart, shaped by passion, courage, and a sincere desire to welcome differently. Guests do not come only to sleep; they come to feel the warmth of an authentic welcome, the beauty of small details, and the joy of time slowing down.

Whether arriving as a couple, family, or solo traveler, Manon and Gilles offer a personalized, intimate, and inspiring experience—one where guests feel expected, heard, and free to live Costa Rica at their own pace. A rare place, where people leave with a light heart… and a strong desire to return.

How to reach MaGil Boutique Hotel

Travelers can book directly through www.lemagil.com, or contact Manon and Gilles for a more personalized approach. The life of the project and daily moments at MaGil Boutique Hotel can also be followed on social media: Facebook – Le MaGil Boutique Hotel and Instagram – @lemagilhotel, a wonderful way to stay connected… until arrival day.