lizzy911

I am considering a week in Costa Rica in early May. The group will be my husband and I (mid-20s), and my parents (late 50s, great health). Even in a group of four, we have some competing objectives. My dad likes nature and animals, but also needs a tv and is very thrifty. My mom likes to be on the go and swimming. My husband likes relaxing. I am a combination of all of these.

Due to these preferences I think it would be best to have a home base and rent a car. We have looked at some places in Dominical and they seem to match what we need. One we are considering is Casa del Sonador (www.casadelsonador.com). It looks like from there we could have some day excursions to national parks, beaches, and rainforest, and those who want to could chill or swim at the pool.

Any opinions of this area? We don't want to be overly isolated -- some nights we will want to eat out for dinner.

Thanks!

hsmithcr

I think you are smart to stay in one place and do day trips rather than try to drive all over the place. Many people try to do this and end up traveling a lot of the time.

Yes, you can do day trips to various places and that is a good plan. There are lots of restaurants in Dominical.

I am not familiar with the Casa del Sondador - does their website have a map to their location? This might help you decide how remote it is.

Please remember that there are dangerous riptides in Dominical and if you want to do some beach swimming, better to do it at Dominicalita Beach, about 1 km south.

AustinTraveler

I looked up the website for the villas and it looks like they are high up in the hills above Dominical, which is why you'll have a fabulous view and no doubt, loads of wildlife. You will need to have a four-wheel drive vehicle though cause I'm sure the drive up to the villas will be very steep.

Dominical is a great place to use as a base. It's not overly touristy but still has plenty of good food options, grocery stores, activities, etc. I'm sure you'll all love it.

I also checked to see if the villas have a pool and they do, so that's good. Gotta have a pool...trust me.

volcanogirl

You might also check out Tulemar Bungalows or Buena Vista Villas in Manuel Antonio; they're right on the beach, have a lot of wildlife, and offer a lot of restaurant choices in the area.

lizzy911

as always, thanks for the responses. I am getting excited... this cold weather makes me yearn for vacation so much more.

sylvia3

Tulemar Bungalows has the added attraction of a virtually private little protected beach with beautiful views and free snorkel, kayaks, etc. for guests.

sylvia3

p.s. I prefer Dominical, though; check out Shelter From the Storm on tripadvisor; might be perfect for your group.
http://www.shelter-from-the-storm.net/

hipvirgochick

I think it's a great area for a base. You can do a lot from there North or South and there are some great choices for dining out. Shelter from the Storm is a great place, great location, wonderful owners. I don't know anything about the other Villa you're looking at.

Trippie

Hi Lizzy,

We are staying near Dominical in May as well. We stayed there last year and had a blast. Our place is actually in the hills above Dominical but still close enough to explore the area. I prefer Dominical because its not nearly as crowded as MA. (We did that for a couple of years) There are some great restaurants in the area as well as some night life. But last year (July) some of the bars were closed during the week because it was the rainy season.

We rent a house for the week. It comes complete with pool, waterfalls on the property, maid service, cooks, etc. If you can find a place like that sometimes its less expensive than a nice hotel.

We are going May 1st - 8th.

costaricalover

<hi there, we just left dominical,uvita, and ojochol area. <<<<<i have travelled to cr extensively over the last 15 years and this is now our new favourite area. climate is wonderful, not too hot like further north, people incredibly laid back, stunning beaches and great restaurants. villas de las aves is my new favourite place in costa rica. But more on that later when i post my trip report. am in malpais now at moana lodge and am leaving today for 5 nights at ylang ylang. you will not go wrong in the dominical area....