Pre-Launch Now Live: Limited Lot Inventory Available in the Nicoya Blue Zone

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Thoughtfully building homes by Matt, Todd, and Tero. By combining Canadian building standards with deep respect for the local environment and community, we ensure your sanctuary is built with integrity — by people who care deeply about this place.

The Visionaries Behind El Nido Villas

Matthew Wanless | Founder and COO

Matthew is a builder defined by his ability to execute where logistics are most difficult. With over two decades in the construction industry, he has managed large-scale developments in some of the most isolated regions of North America—from fly-in First Nations communities in the Arctic to the West Texas desert. This background in remote operations provided the foundation for building in Costa Rica, where success depends on a deep understanding of complex logistics, local culture, and rigorous site management. Having successfully coordinated projects where all materials had to arrive on a single barge months in advance, Matthew brings an unparalleled level of foresight to the construction of El Nido Villas.

Beyond the technical build, Matthew specializes in risk mitigation and project recovery. He has a track record of stepping into high-stakes developments to identify systemic issues, provide accountability, and protect the interests of his clients. His commitment to integrity was recently recognized with the 'Pay it Forward' award from the Barrie Chamber of Commerce—an honour received for his work building a new house for a local non-profit. This dedication to service continues today, as he currently serves on a special emergency committee appointed by the Mayor's Office of the City of Barrie to address regional housing challenges under the Emergency Act.

Matthew chose to build El Nido Villas because his family fell in love with the paradise of the Nicoya Peninsula. Partnering with a fellow Canadian developer who has already shaped the landscape of this Blue Zone peninsula, Matthew brings his 'stickler for precision' philosophy to ensure that every home at El Nido Villas is built with the same accountability and care he would provide his own family.

Todd Aitken, MBA | CEO

With over 15 years of leadership in emergency services, including roles as Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief, Todd has built a career grounded in public safety, organizational leadership, and professional development. He later served as a director overseeing a LEED‑certified private career college and training academy, supporting the education of future emergency leaders. Drawing on a broad business and leadership background, Todd has conducted audits and peer reviews across North and Central America. He is now applying this experience to a development venture in Costa Rica, combining strategic insight with a commitment to thoughtful, sustainable community growth.

At Hoja Grande Developments, Todd focuses on the strategic and financial foundations of the project. He helps shape the business structure, safeguards financial integrity, and guides long‑term decision‑making — from market analysis to cost control. His experience managing complex organizations brings clarity and discipline to the work, supporting steady, sustainable growth as the project evolves.

Todd ensures the business foundations of El Nido Villas are sound — making certain the numbers work today so the community we are building remains healthy, secure, and resilient.



Tero Malcolm, OAA, RAIC | Lead Design Consultant

Tero is a second-generation, award-winning architect who brings a global perspective and deep local insight to El Nido Villas. A member of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), Tero’s career spans continents, with successful projects across Canada, Morocco, and Finland. His architectural foundation was built at the Technical University of Helsinki and refined through a Master of Architecture at Dalhousie University, along with degrees in Environmental Design and Architectural Science.

What sets Tero apart for this project is his twenty-year history with Costa Rica. Having traveled the country annually for over two decades, he understands the Nicoya Peninsula’s climate, topography, and soul better than any traditional consultant. Tero translates this 'real-world' experience into designs that prioritize airflow, natural cooling, and a seamless connection between indoor luxury and the wild canopy. His involvement ensures that every villa is not just an architectural statement, but a structure designed to thrive in its specific environment.

Tero’s vision bridges the gap between Scandinavian design principles and tropical living—creating a modern aesthetic that respects the land while providing the highest standard of international residential comfort.

Matt's Journey

Designing a Life in Costa Rica

With extensive experience building homes across North America, Matt first arrived in Costa Rica with his wife for an anniversary getaway, seeking a simple escape. What they found instead was a soul-stirring connection to the earth—the rhythmic pulse of the Pacific, the vibrant canopy of the jungle, and a profound sense of Pura Vida that stayed with them long after they left.

Drawn back by the magic of the Nicoya Peninsula, Matt returned with his children, watching them trade the digital world for the raw beauty of the coast and the environmental consciousness of the local community. For Matt, this is no longer just a destination; it is a calling. His dream is to transition his life to Costa Rica full-time, trading the frantic pace of the north for a life immersed in the sunrise, the sea, and the incredible community he is now helping to build.

Todd's Story

Designing a Life in Costa Rica

Todd spent time working in Costa Rica in 2022 and felt an immediate bond with the country. He returned with his family, and together they discovered the magic of Costa Rica. While pursuing an MBA, Todd took a course called “Design Your Life,” which opened his mind to new possibilities, combining work with travel and exploration. Although Todd is passionate about his career in the fire service, he began exploring how to blend his love for business, travel, and adventure. With guidance from his professor, Todd started envisioning a future where he could balance his passions and eventually  retire in Costa Rica.

Tero's Connection

Designing a Life in Costa Rica

With over 20 years of history on the Nicoya Peninsula, Tero’s connection to the land is rooted in two decades of family tradition. What began as an annual pilgrimage to chase the world-class surf of the Pacific coast evolved into a deep-seated respect for the local culture and the unique rhythm of the Blue Zone. Having watched the landscape change over twenty years, Tero brings a long-term perspective to Hoja Grande—ensuring that our growth honours the same natural beauty and spirit that first captured his family’s heart two decades ago.

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Our Partners

ISM Architects

Bulldog Construction Services

Bulldog Construction Services

An award-winning firm based in Barrie, Ontario, ISM Architects has been a cornerstone of the regional landscape since 1979, specializing in innovative residential, multi-residential, and commercial design. Led by Ian Malcolm, their team balances high-level creativity with technical expertise in 3D modeling and building code review to maximize efficiency and project success.

Bulldog Construction Services

Bulldog Construction Services

Bulldog Construction Services

Bulldog Construction Services provides expert construction management and project recovery with a "dog-with-a-bone" dedication to detail and efficiency. The firm specializes in navigating complex builds—from innovative modular projects to large-scale residential developments—ensuring every project is delivered with precision, on time, and on budget.

Ticking Stripe Design

Bulldog Construction Services

Ticking Stripe Design

Based in downtown Orillia, Ticking Stripe Design is a full-service interior design firm known for creating elevated, comfortable interiors for both luxury private residences and high-profile commercial developers. Their experienced team manages the entire design journey, from initial drafting and finish selection to providing custom-built furniture for high-end cottage and resort properties.

Neovita Homes

Bulldog Construction Services

Ticking Stripe Design

Neovita is pioneering a new era of "Optimized Living" through sustainable, concrete-free building technology that can transform a living experience in as little as 15 days. By merging recycled materials—including tequila and coffee production byproducts—with circular economy principles, they deliver high-performance, resilient homes designed for a zero-carbon future.

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Hoja Grande Developments

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Copyright © 2026 Hoja Grande Developments - All Rights Reserved.

Hoja Grande Developments is a project management and development firm. All lot sizes and square meterages, as well as architectural dimensions and site layouts, are based on current conceptual master plans and are subject to final survey and municipal approval. Renderings and floorplans provided by ISM Architects and Neovita Homes are artist’s conceptions intended for illustrative purposes only; final finishes, materials, and structural configurations may vary based on site-specific engineering and local building code requirements. Pricing for the Neovita and Heritage series represents base-model estimates and is subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in global material costs and shipping logistics. This information does not constitute a formal offer of sale. A binding agreement is only established upon the execution of a definitive Purchase and Sale Agreement by all parties.

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