About us

Villa Avellanas in Costa Rica and The Cardinal in Port Elgin have been woven into our story from the very beginning.

We’re a Canadian couple based in Ottawa, and Costa Rica first became part of our lives during our engagement in 2005. When we returned a year later to get married, forty of our closest friends and family joined us to celebrate. From that moment on, Costa Rica captured our hearts and became a permanent part of our dreams.

In 2023, we returned with our children and fell in love with the pura vida lifestyle all over again. Experiencing it through their eyes made it even more meaningful—soaking in not just the sunshine, but the nostalgia and joy of sharing something so special as a family. It also sparked a new dream: to spend more time in Avellanas as we move toward retirement.

That trip inspired us to purchase Villa Avellanas—a place where we can return often, and one we’re proud to share with our guests. Our hope is that everyone who stays there feels the same magic that drew us in all those years ago.

Closer to home, The Cardinal in Port Elgin, Ontario has been part of our story for decades. Set on 25 acres, it’s a truly one-of-a-kind property—offering plenty of space to gather, relax, and create lasting memories with the people who matter most.

It would be our absolute pleasure to host you.

"Before even booking, Mel and Rob were quick to respond with a friendly and warm vibe.  After booking they continued to be our support, travel agent, tour guide and friend.  Always sending helpful insights to adventures for the kids, delicious places to eat, family fun activities and most importantly listening to our questions and answering quickly and kindly.  This was our first time out of Country AirBnb and they both eased our minds, creating a safe and fun daily trip for our family of five.

Jessica - Airbnb Guest - Ontario 🇨🇦