Dominical holiday villa

After a 4 hour ride through the mountains (not too difficult & beautiful views) we arrived in Dominical to find Gary and Donna waiting for us at the San Clemente to escort us up to the villa. Even the blinding rainstorm couldn't diminish the beauty of Casa Del Sonador. The pictures don't do it justice. We rented both villas for the week and I've never stayed at rental properties that were so well equipped. They've thought of everything. All those things you buy when at a rental and then throw away at the end were there: laundry and dish soap, coffe & tea, seasonings, zip lock bags, etc. Gary and Donna even had had fresh baked banana bread and chocolate chip cookies waiting when we arrived. The villas were spotless and really comfortable and the landscaping is gorgeous. It definately takes a 4X4 if you are staying here, but if you're in this part of Costa Rica you need one everywhere.
We didn't spend much time at the villas though. So much to do in the area: zip lining, horseback riding, whale watching. We found our favorite beach, Playa Ventanas (just past Marina Belleno), and tried to get there for low tide to explore the amazing caves. We couldn't end our day without jumping in the "blue pond", a swimming hole at the bottom of a waterfall just down the road from the villa. Try the rope swing, it's a blast! We also spent a day at Manuel Antonio. Despite what all the guide books say, it is almost completely paved now and didn't take any more than 45 minutes to get there. We loved the wildlife in the park but were more than happy to leave this overbuilt, overtouristed area and head back to our bit of paradise. If you want to feel as if you're in an American resort area go to Manuel Antonio or Jaco. If you want deserted beaches and pristine rainforest, come to Dominical. That's not to say that you are isolated here. We found that Dominical and Uvita have just the right amount and type of restaurants to satisfy anybody: Thai, Italian, Mexican, Sushi, Burgers and Wings and of course lots of local favorites. We especially loved La Fogata in Uvita for the roasted chicken.
I have to mention the wildlife. We woke up every morning to Toucans circling the villas and resting in the trees. In the hills all around the villas we found troupes of howler monkeys, a sloth and pizotes. Butterflies, iguanas and all types of birds are everywhere. It's definately a jungle out there!
This trip is perfect for adults and kids.