Renovated in 2014, three-and-a-half pearl Villas Alturas is where nature and style come together on a hilltop overlooking Uvita and its famous Whale's Tale. It's a bit of an adventure to get to the entrance via a winding, rocky road that's steep enough to require four-wheel drive. When we pulled into the parking lot, we spotted a brown snake, unsurprising when you consider that the nearest neighbor is the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. There are just seven Villas on-site, with either one or two bedrooms and full kitchens. An organic and vegetarian-friendly restaurant and bar is adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool; made-to-order breakfast is free. Views of the Pacific Ocean, Whale's Tail, and Uvita are some of the best in Dominical. For faster beach access and kitchenettes (without the uphill drive) check rates at nearby Costa Paraiso.
Renovated in 2014, three-and-a-half pearl Villas Alturas is where nature and style come together on a hilltop overlooking Uvita and its famous Whale's Tale. It's a bit of an adventure to get to the entrance via a winding, rocky road that's steep enough to require four-wheel drive. When we pulled into the parking lot, we spotted a brown snake, unsurprising when you consider that the nearest neighbor is the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. There are just seven Villas on-site, with either one or two bedrooms and full kitchens. An organic and vegetarian-friendly restaurant and bar is adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool; made-to-order breakfast is free. Views of the Pacific Ocean, Whale's Tail, and Uvita are some of the best in Dominical. For faster beach access and kitchenettes (without the uphill drive) check rates at nearby Costa Paraiso.
Villas Rio Mar is a mid-range family-style resort with low rates, located across the street from the Baru River and a 15-minute walk to the main drag of Dominical. The 52 rooms each have a private, furnished terrace equipped with a sink and mini-fridge and are housed in 13 bungalows across the property. Some of the units have maintenance issues and could use a style update. El Rancho restaurant serves a quality, free breakfast buffet and a variety of options for lunch and dinner, including a kids' menu. Outdoor fun can be had in the large outdoor swimming pool, kids' playground, tennis courts, or mini-golf course. A small spa provides a spot for parents to relax. It's a bit of a trek to Dominical Beach with little ones, so a car is recommended. This is a solid pick for families and groups; couples would probably be happier at Cuna del Angel or Villas Rio Mar -- though they're farther from the beach.
Villas Rio Mar is a mid-range family-style resort with low rates, located across the street from the Baru River and a 15-minute walk to the main drag of Dominical. The 52 rooms each have a private, furnished terrace equipped with a sink and mini-fridge and are housed in 13 bungalows across the property. Some of the units have maintenance issues and could use a style update. El Rancho restaurant serves a quality, free breakfast buffet and a variety of options for lunch and dinner, including a kids' menu. Outdoor fun can be had in the large outdoor swimming pool, kids' playground, tennis courts, or mini-golf course. A small spa provides a spot for parents to relax. It's a bit of a trek to Dominical Beach with little ones, so a car is recommended. This is a solid pick for families and groups; couples would probably be happier at Cuna del Angel or Villas Rio Mar -- though they're farther from the beach.
Costa Paraiso (which translates to paradise coast in English) may be just that for surfers and nature lovers. This mid-range property is built on the crashing coastline of Playa Dominicalito, a rarity in Dominical. It has just four bungalow-style rooms with kitchenettes (but no TVs) and a suite with ocean views. ¿Por Que No? is one of the most popular restaurants in the area; it serves prettily presented smoothies, fresh salads, fish tacos, and more on a comfortable covered deck overlooking the beach. Expect to pay extra for breakfast. Overall, the vibe and decor are much like the area itself: laid-back and friendly, with an emphasis on the jungle, beach, and animals of Costa Rica.
Costa Paraiso (which translates to paradise coast in English) may be just that for surfers and nature lovers. This mid-range property is built on the crashing coastline of Playa Dominicalito, a rarity in Dominical. It has just four bungalow-style rooms with kitchenettes (but no TVs) and a suite with ocean views. ¿Por Que No? is one of the most popular restaurants in the area; it serves prettily presented smoothies, fresh salads, fish tacos, and more on a comfortable covered deck overlooking the beach. Expect to pay extra for breakfast. Overall, the vibe and decor are much like the area itself: laid-back and friendly, with an emphasis on the jungle, beach, and animals of Costa Rica.
Hotel Cuna del Angel is a three-and-a-half pearl boutique hotel that wouldn't look out of place in the Mediterranean. Each of the 22 rooms is stocked with minibars and named after an angel. Deluxe Rooms overlook the outdoor swimming pool and Standard Rooms are set in the rain forest. A free and tasty breakfast buffet is served along with distant views of the Pacific Ocean in the semi-outdoor and stylish Palapa Restaurant, which does gourmet lunches and dinners a la carte. There's a romantic partially hidden outdoor whirlpool that's open 24 hours, plus a cute spa. The hotel is easy to access off of Route 34, but not within walking distance of the beach. For better ocean views and villas with kitchens, check rates at Villas Alturas -- but expect a steep uphill drive.
Hotel Cuna del Angel is a three-and-a-half pearl boutique hotel that wouldn't look out of place in the Mediterranean. Each of the 22 rooms is stocked with minibars and named after an angel. Deluxe Rooms overlook the outdoor swimming pool and Standard Rooms are set in the rain forest. A free and tasty breakfast buffet is served along with distant views of the Pacific Ocean in the semi-outdoor and stylish Palapa Restaurant, which does gourmet lunches and dinners a la carte. There's a romantic partially hidden outdoor whirlpool that's open 24 hours, plus a cute spa. The hotel is easy to access off of Route 34, but not within walking distance of the beach. For better ocean views and villas with kitchens, check rates at Villas Alturas -- but expect a steep uphill drive.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Studio Hotel is a boutique property set in a quiet and convenient pocket of Santa Ana -- a province and commercial satellite of San Jose. The hotel is decorated throughout with boldly colored artworks and sculptures -- many from iconic Costa Rican artists, and the atmosphere is almost upscale. Amenities include a gorgeous rooftop pool and lounge area, a stylish restaurant and bar, a more casual eatery, plus a standard fitness center. The 82 rooms and suites are contemporary and spacious, though maintenance issues aren’t uncommon. Artist Rooms have been individually curated by celebrated artists. Travelers seeking lower rates in the area should try Hotel Luisiana -- which also has an outdoor pool.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Studio Hotel is a boutique property set in a quiet and convenient pocket of Santa Ana -- a province and commercial satellite of San Jose. The hotel is decorated throughout with boldly colored artworks and sculptures -- many from iconic Costa Rican artists, and the atmosphere is almost upscale. Amenities include a gorgeous rooftop pool and lounge area, a stylish restaurant and bar, a more casual eatery, plus a standard fitness center. The 82 rooms and suites are contemporary and spacious, though maintenance issues aren’t uncommon. Artist Rooms have been individually curated by celebrated artists. Travelers seeking lower rates in the area should try Hotel Luisiana -- which also has an outdoor pool.
