Dominical · ★★★
Villas Rio Mar
Secluded, but easy to reach by road
Villas Rio Mar, by the Barú River in Dominical
Villas Rio Mar sits on the banks of the Barú River, 900 m northeast of the sports field in Dominical, surrounded by tropical gardens and forest. Playa Dominical is about a 10-minute walk away, which makes it an easy base for the beach without being on the noisy main street.
It suits surfers, active families and anyone who likes a friendly, relaxed hotel with room to move.
Why we choose it
- Two big pools. There are two large swimming pools in the gardens, so there is always space to swim after a day in the waves.
- Quiet, but walkable. The hotel sits back by the river, yet the beach and the town's restaurants are a short walk away.
- Built for active days. Dominical is a surf town, and the hotel is close to Marino Ballena, Nauyaca waterfalls and Manuel Antonio.
Rooms and views
Every room has a private patio, air conditioning and a TV. Our notes describe Junior Suites with a terrace that sleep a family, Superior rooms with a queen and a single bed, and Standard Bungalows for two with a hammock on the terrace and a view over the landscape of the Pacific coast. All are non-smoking. Rooms also have a phone and a safe.
On the property
The Crocodile Grill and Bar serves meals in a rancho-style setting, with fresh fruit and fish on the menu. Beyond the pools and the gardens, there is a jacuzzi and a tennis court, and the grounds are good for a stroll in the cool of the evening.
Location and getting there
Dominical is well known among surfers, and the coast either side of it is full of nature. From Villas Rio Mar we can arrange whale watching at Marino Ballena National Park, the Nauyaca waterfalls, a day at Manuel Antonio National Park near Quepos, sport fishing, kayaking, snorkelling, mountain biking and zip lining. Read more about Dominical.
Rooms & suites
Our favourite rooms, and why
Superior Room
Kitchen Suite
How it compares
Hotels we book in Dominical
From our own hotel records: stars, themes and amenities. Nothing here is a price.
| Villas Rio Mar | Costa Paraiso | Hacienda Barú Lodge | La Cusinga Lodge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stars | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Spa | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Yes |
| Team favourite | Not listed | Not listed | Yes | Not listed |
| Check availability | See hotel | See hotel | See hotel |
On the property
What you will find there
Getting there
Where it is
Your Costa Rican driver waits at arrivals and stops whenever you like on the way: fruit stands, a sloth in a tree, a bathroom.
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