Reviews of Property: Monkeys, Toucans, Crashing Waves, Fiery Sunsets into the Ocean - Oh My!

Description Villa, 1200 sq. ft.,
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4, 2 Bathrooms
Amenities mountain, near the ocean, pool, terrace, balcony, pets considered
Rates per property (USD)
$175 - $200/night 
$1,000 - $1,500/week 
Jim Tucker
417-527-3166
941-408-3576
Speaks: English

6 Reviews of Property 155016 in Dominical, Costa Rica

Rating
5 out of 5

Best Vacation Ever!

Jemmasmom Osprey, FL
Review Submitted: August 22, 2009 Date of Stay: August 2009
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.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 5/5
Rating
5 out of 5

Outstanding

Tim and Melanie Charlotte, NC USA
Review Submitted: June 16, 2009 Date of Stay: June 2009
We have just returned from our trip to Costa Rica and our 1 week stay at the Parrot Villa. Words just really cannot express the beauty and serenity that we experienced. The description of the villa is really just a foregleam of what was to come. Every day was an adventure and revealed something new. We were impressed with the lush tropical landscaping which literally surounds the villa.
It was a veritable private resort!
Toucans visited the tree beside the house the first day as did a coati mundi. Howler monkeys were heard everyday and of course we would be remiss if we did not mention the gracious hospitality of our hosts, Gary and Donna. We hope to return soon and we tell everyone about our wonderful experience!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 1/1
Rating
5 out of 5

Fabulous Views, Privacy, Tropical Ambiance!

Bud'nLaurie Florida
Review Submitted: March 1, 2009 Date of Stay: April 2008
My husband and I stayed at Casa del Sonador shortly after its completion and we absolutely loved it. The views from the rancho were spectacular and we spent every day there enjoying the views, the birds and the monkeys in the hills above! We also spent a lot of time lounging in the beautiful infinity pool. We never wanted to leave. But when we did, we found so much to do in and around Dominical....the owners shared with us their favorite restaurants, shopping areas and excursions so we were never at a loss for what to do. The villa (we stayed in Parrot Villa) was spotless and beautifully appointed and I can recommend Casa del Sonador -- and Dominical -- wholeheartedly! I am ready to go back!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 4/4
Rating
5 out of 5

Perfect Tropical Getaway

Butterfly Lady Bay Area, CA, USA
Review Submitted: January 26, 2009 Date of Stay: January 2008
This is the perfect place to stay on your tropical getaway. The cost is low for such clean, quiet, luxurious quality, with all the amenities you could ask for. You're right in the middle of thick natural rain forest with beautiful views of the ocean, and only minutes away from the beach, Tico shops, restaurants, grocery markets, and local activities. I highly recommend the horseback riding to Nauyaca Falls and the zip-lining through the trees, if you're up for adventure and sightseeing. I also love relaxing and had some of the best times of my vacation just hanging out at Casa del Sonador; wading in the oh-so-awesome infinity pool overlooking the ocean or snuggling up on the comfy balcony couch. The large balcony and pool are covered so, come (warm) rain or shine, you can spend the entire time outside enjoying the weather, the scenery, and all the Costa Rican critters. Right from the villa we saw the most beautiful butterflies, birds, and even monkeys!
The owners are very friendly - living on a separate part of the property, they're close enough to help with any requests, and far enough away to give you the privacy you want. The kitchen has everything, so we were able to have coffee every morning and stay in and cook breakfasts and dinners for ourselves anytime. It was also great to be able to do laundry while we were there. It felt so safe and serene that we could even leave our bedroom sliding glass door open at night, so we could hear the rain forest sounds and feel the warm breezy air while we slept.
I love this place, and can't wait to go back soon!
As the Costa Rican Ticos say - Pura Vida (pure life)!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 6/6
Rating
5 out of 5

Great place to relax!

Computer Kid California
Review Submitted: December 25, 2008 Date of Stay: April 2008
Casa del Soñador near the little village of Dominical, Costa Rica was a beautiful place to spend a week where we had the time for total relaxation and comfort. The villas (there are two located on either side of the infinity pool and covered patio area – they called it the Rancho) appear to be identical except a mirror image of each other. The name Parrot and Monkey villas appear to come from the beautifully carved doors off the kitchen area. That was the only thing I could see that was different in each one. We happened to stay in the Monkey villa when we were there.

There were four of us to share one villa and we had ample room. We each had our own bedroom and bathroom. The only thing we shared was the kitchen and dining area upstairs and the large balcony where we had views of the ocean and some great sunsets.
I could see where a group of 4 couples would have a great time if they occupied both villas. Oh yes, there were 4 barstools that were around a little round bar table in the middle of the pool. It was comfortable to sit in the water and enjoy our afternoon drinks while watching the sunsets.

There were lots of birds flying from tree to tree as well as some beautiful little green parrots and colorful toucans. In the morning we could hear a group of howler monkeys as they made their way through the jungle area nearby.

The constant temperature (around 80º F) made it ideal to sit out and do nothing!

I would definitely go back to these very well kept and maintained rentals. I thought the weekly rate was quite reasonable based on the high quality of the property.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 7/7
Rating
5 out of 5

Best Vacation Getaway

Ellie, NY New York
Review Submitted: December 21, 2008 Date of Stay: May 2008
We stayed for a week at Casa Del Sonador in May and it was outstanding. We were a little nervous, not having been before, but this was the best vacation and I am glad someone suggested this place to us! The view from the villa balcony is amazing, so relaxing to watch the unforgettable sunsets. The villa was very clean and everything was well maintained. The pool was clean and fun with the infinity edge and bar. There were rafts for us to use and outdoor furniture (lounge chairs, etc). We actually saw monkeys up in the trees one day while we were in the pool. The owners were friendly and made some great dinner and beach suggestions (we went to a beach nearby with lots of caves) and they were very helpful when we had questions. This was our first trip to Costa Rica and we will definitely be back to the villas. We highly recommend Casa Del Sonador.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 5/5