Vacation Rentals by Owner

Beyond Amazing!!!

Guest: family of 4 (Steamboat Springs, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 02/19/12 Review Submitted: 03/04/12

Wow! Where do we begin?? The house was fantastic!! Beautiful pool, great rooms and stunning views. The pictures do NOT do it justice. Perfect location. We loved everything about it, especially the lovely Karen who made our stay extra special...cooking all our meals and taking such good care of us. We miss Karen already!! We truly had a wonderful time. Anything we needed or wanted to do was handled effortlessly by house managers Freddie and Alonso. We zip-lined, took a private boat to tour the mangroves and snorkel and surfed everyday. We ate fresh fish daily that was prepared beautifully by Karen. Go visit Norma and Henry at their Domincal Surf shop. They will hook you up. Also, we loved Chapys for fresh smoothies and wraps. delicious! We can't say enough about the area or the people. We can't wait to get back there!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Trip of a lifetime!

Guest: Suzanne (Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

If you can believe it, the house is even more beautiful than the photos. The outdoor living room was fantastic and where we hung out for the majority of our stay. We had two small children with us and the house was ideal. Karen is a tremendous cook and we applauded her creations every evening. The house is clean and well kept. We were spoiled. We travelled to other parts of Costa Rica after our stay at Casa Mar y Luna, and I must say that Dominical was my favourite place. Close to any type of adventure and awesome surfing. The town is really laid back and peaceful. I will definitely visit again with my family.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

green saison in dominical

Guest: eric (paris)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 09/11/10

We just spent a fantastic 4 weeks stay at casa mar y luna, thanks to Laura, Karen and Tita, the relaxing atmosphere of the house, its settings and incredible views. Our children are already thinking about next year. And this part of the pacific coast, still mostly unspoilt, relax, very nice people and good food, is one of the few paradises still left

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Vacation of a lifetime

Guest: Dana (California)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10 Review Submitted: 08/25/10

We searched for the PERFECT place to vacation for 18 months. This house was it. We spent 7 nights in complete relaxation. We had 4 adults in our party and the house was a perfect set up for us to enjoy quality time together and private time with our spouses. The scenery was unbelievable. In the mornings we awoke to fresh coffee and breakfast and enjoyed watching the tucans in the trees. You could hear the howler monkeys in the distance. From day 1 Manuel and Laura held our hands with every detail in order to make our vacation THE VACATION. Every detail was taken care of. From 1st class Costa Rican cusine to arranging our excursions to fetching me chocolate when I needed a fix and most importantly the amazing hospitality in which we received. Karen delivered the most amazing meals....I still dream about her. :) I wanted to bring her home with me to the states! We were very sad to leave her for sure. As a mother of 2 and full time employee, I don't get much time to focus on just being a wife, nor do I have much time for myself...this was amazing for my husband and I to be in an atmosphere where we could relax, worry about nada and just be together. We both read 3 books each just laying in the outdoor living room. This is where we spent ALL our time. The views were breathtaking. We had morning visits from the perrito....we miss her...CANDY! While we did venture out (zip lines, ATV rides and adventures through Manuel Antonio national park) most of our time was spent enjoying the house. I can't tell you how many species of butterflies there were. The views of the ocean were pictures of true beauty. We sat outside and marveled at the lightening / thunder display. This vacation for us, was THE vacation. Someday soon, I cannot wait to return with my kids so they can experience this place. We WILL be back and I highly recommend everyone to experience the REAL Costa Rica with Manuel and his team. Karen...thank you for everything...you truly made our trip! Manuel & Laura...thank you for all your patience and the abundance of information and recommondations!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

the real costa rica!!!

Guest: mike (san francisco, CA, united states)
Date of Stay: 06/05/10 Review Submitted: 08/30/10

i consider myself a well traveled person, i this is truly the best spot i have ever been. views are uncomparable, food is spectacular and the service was second to none. the truck rental is very helpful as it's truly a 4wd and not some cheap rental truck. Dominical is the Real Costa Rica. not overcrowded, but with enough around to get eveything one needs. although there is a lot to do, you really could get to the house and never leave. can't wait to go back Mike

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Two Weeks in Paradise

Guest: Sigurd (Southport, North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 08/22/10

In May/June, 2010, my wife and I and three friends spent two weeks in Dominical at Casa Mar y Luna. Not only is the house spectacular, but the views are truly not to be believed! While still close to the main road, you are up high enough to have a 180 degree view up and down the Pacific coast! With all the activities available in the area, it is tempting to just spend your days under the wonderful palapa or lounging in the pool. As much as we loved Dominical and Casa Mar y Luna, what made the trip special for us was the wonderful staff. Karen, Yendry and Laura really made our visit memorable! Karen, in particular, became like a part of our family. After long days of exploring, we would come home to find that Karen had prepared a wonderful Costa Rican dinner for us. Pancakes and bacon under the outdoor palapa became our morning ritual. We were truly spoiled! Manuel, the owner was extremely helpful and a real pleasure to deal with throughout the rental process. I can not say enough good things about our experience at Casa Mar y Luna. I would highly recommend this villa and it's wonderful staff to anyone interesting in exploring this amazing part of the world!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Casa Mar y Luna is paradise

Guest: Maureen and Tom plus 3 (Haddonfield, NJ, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 05/21/10

We came To Casa Mar Y Luna after a wonderful night in the central valley--Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee plantation, a recommendation from Manuel--to a wonderful barbeque dinner of grilled chicken, fish and Costa Rican favorites prepared perfectly by Karen and Company--a great welcome to a great week! Laura made arrangements for us and our week was full of adventurous days--horseback riding, ziplining, fishing, snorkeling, hiking and relaxing nights with Karen's cooking. My kids would have eaten Arroz con Pollo and Cannellones every night! We loved discussing the day while eating, drinking and occasionally dipping into that fabulous pool while the sky presented fabulous sunsets each evening. Karen and Yendry were warm, welcoming and made us feel truly pampered. They were terrific. Laura did a great job of helping us find our way around. We truly hope to stay at Casa Mar Y Luna again some day and maybe explore the Pacific coast a little more--more fishing and maybe more time at Corcavado. We hope it will be soon!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lush Green Paradise

Guest: Cheryl and Garry (Port Hope, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 03/30/10

I happened on Casa Mar y Luna when googling house rentals in Costa Rica. We have never been to Costa Rica before but the country and the house intrigued me. The home is absolutely lovely, a piece of art. The thought that was put into the building of the home is quite noticable and I have never been in anything like it.  Beautiful pool and outdoor living room. The different showers..amazing. Toucans outside our room in the mornings and early evenings. You could here the monkeys in the rainforest. The pictures are beautiful, but you have to be there to really experience it. It was overwhelming when we first stepped into the house.  The view is superb.  We had a wonderful time full of fun and memories.  Karen is a sweetheart and her cooking is superb. There was a language barrier but we certainly knew what each other was saying.  Karen, Jeffrey and Elonzo did alot of laughing with us. I would suggest that you get a four wheel drive to climb the hill to get to the house also to do some touring around the country. Plus take a drive up the hill further to see other beautiful properties and views. I want to return Costa Rica and definitely Casa Mar y Luna. Manuel is wonderful to deal with and very helpful with prompt returns to my emails. I have already recommended this property to friends.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Out of this World - Perfect Place!

Guest: Trey K. (Austin, TX )
Date of Stay: 12/17/09 Review Submitted: 02/02/10

My family (8 of us) rented the House for about 10 days over the Christmas Holidays - just got back - absolutely amazing place (and Staff!!!) - we've traveled all over Latin America and the South Pacific & this house was totally as advertised, which is very unique in Latin America. We live in the Austin, Texas area & will be going back to this house for sure. The view from the deck is the best I've ever seen, in a setting like this. The house is very well designed & is even more beautiful (in person) than the photos on the site. It's also a very secure area - nothing to worry about. Everything is there, from the Staff that take of everything you need (from fresh towels to breakfast, lunch and dinner) to arrangements to go to the Waterfalls or Zipline. This place is a 10+++ - great for families, or for 3 or 4 couples that want to try something different than a Hotel (works out tons better on many levels) - You'll never forget your stay at this house!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing Family Vacation

Guest: gcams (Haddonfield, NJ)
Date of Stay: 10/31/09 Review Submitted: 11/15/09

Now that we've returned home from our trip to Costa Rica I wanted write about how awesome it was!!!! We absolutely loved the villa, so much thought was put into every little corner making viewing and relaxing wonderful. I had to try out all the different spaces to find my favorite. The magical moment came for me between 4:30 and 5:00am when I was the only one up in the house drinking my coffee in the outdoor living room watching the sky turn from night to day. The best! My daughter loved the two hammocks. When ever I was looking for her that's where I ultimately found her every time. The four different showers were an experience in themselves. The waterfall shower and outdoor shower were family favorites! Even more special than the house was the treatment we received from Karen. She is so kind! It was fun communicating with her even though we didn't speak the same language. We had almost every meal outside on the floor in the living room watching the sky change colors and listening to the birds sing. Karen makes delicious meals... a breakfast favorite was homemade tortilla's filled with rice, beans and eggs. I don't know how I was fortunate enough to find Dominical when I didn't know anything about Costa Rica. We fell in love with the area and it's laid back attitude. There are no high rise hotels and barely any tourists, just beautiful rainforest rushing to meet the ocean. I was glad to have the opportunity to see much of Costa Rica on our drive to Arenal, it just showed me how special Dominical is. Manuel provides a great villa guide that is so helpful. It's filled with recommendations on what to do and where to go. We snorkeled at Cano Island, went horseback riding to Nauyaca waterfalls, zip lined at Hacienda Baru, and went white water rafting on the river. Our family is planning our next vacation and believe it or not Manuel is helping us even though we're not going to Costa Rica. He is so kind and generous with his time and travel knowledge, I'm just afraid that nothing will live up to our experience in Costa Rica! We feel as if we now have friends in Costa Rica. Thank you for an incredible vacation Manuel, Laura, Karen and Yendry!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing Family Vacation

Guest: gcams (Haddonfield, NJ)
Date of Stay: 10/31/09 Review Submitted: 11/15/09

Now that we've returned home from our trip to Costa Rica I wanted write about how awesome it was!!!! We absolutely loved the villa, so much thought was put into every little corner making viewing and relaxing wonderful. I had to try out all the different spaces to find my favorite. The magical moment came for me between 4:30 and 5:00am when I was the only one up in the house drinking my coffee in the outdoor living room watching the sky turn from night to day. The best! My daughter loved the two hammocks. When ever I was looking for her that's where I ultimately found her every time. The four different showers were an experience in themselves. The waterfall shower and outdoor shower were family favorites! Even more special than the house was the treatment we received from Karen. She is so kind! It was fun communicating with her even though we didn't speak the same language. We had almost every meal outside on the floor in the living room watching the sky change colors and listening to the birds sing. Karen makes delicious meals... a breakfast favorite was homemade tortilla's filled with rice, beans and eggs. I don't know how I was fortunate enough to find Dominical when I didn't know anything about Costa Rica. We fell in love with the area and it's laid back attitude. There are no high rise hotels and barely any tourists, just beautiful rainforest rushing to meet the ocean. I was glad to have the opportunity to see much of Costa Rica on our drive to Arenal, it just showed me how special Dominical is. Manuel provides a great villa guide that is so helpful. It's filled with recommendations on what to do and where to go. We snorkeled at Cano Island, went horseback riding to Nauyaca waterfalls, zip lined at Hacienda Baru, and went white water rafting on the river. Our family is planning our next vacation and believe it or not Manuel is helping us even though we're not going to Costa Rica. He is so kind and generous with his time and travel knowledge, I'm just afraid that nothing will live up to our experience in Costa Rica! We feel as if we now have friends in Costa Rica. Thank you for an incredible vacation Manuel, Laura, Karen and Yendry!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Must Return

Guest: Leon&Susan (Chesterfield, VA)
Date of Stay: 10/24/09 Review Submitted: 11/16/09

We vacationed at Casa Mar y Luna October 2009 and it was our most luxurious vacation ever. We have traveled to many beautiful places (Indonesia, South Africa, Caribbean and Europe), but the outstanding service we received and the beautiful accommodations at Casa Mar y Luna surpass them all. Everyone was very attentive to our needs, even before our arrival. It was very easy to communicate our needs and wishes as both Manuel and his assistant promptly responded to all email inquiries before our trip. While in Dominical, Manuel’s staff was always very pleasant. His staff speaks Spanish, but we do not. This was not an issue, it actually added flavor making our stay even more delightful. The few times we needed the help of a translator, immediately, help was just a telephone call away. The photo gallery pictures of Casa Mar y Luna are very accurate. The ocean views are incredible! The house is beautifully unique. It is also very clean. Manuel’s concern for his guests doesn’t come to an abrupt halt upon departure. Even after our return home, Manuel checked in on us to confirm that our stay exceeded expectations. And to go a step further, Manuel even provided us with suggestions and a contact person as we plan a totally unrelated vacation to Australia December 2009. Without any hesitation, we would recommend a visit to Casa Mar y Luna.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Dominical Vacation

Guest: Poopee (Jasper, Alabama, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/24/09 Review Submitted: 11/04/09

Just got back from a great vacation at Casa Mar Y Luna. In one word it was Magnificent! What you see on the Web Page is exactly what you get. The property was well-maintained and kept clean daily by the hard work of Karen and Yendry. The food they prepared was superb and if we requested a certain meal they always accommodated us. Some in our group were interested in pilates and massages. Laura arranged for a pilates instructor and a masseuses to come to the villa. It was fantastic! The Canopy tour, Kayaking and ATV excursions were fun and instructive. The owner provided excellent customer service. He was always available to answer any questions we had. We have already recommended the property to our friends and family.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Adventurous family fun!

Guest: coif (lincoln, RI)
Date of Stay: 08/08/09 Review Submitted: 08/30/09

We had a fabulous time visiting Cost Rica!! This was our first time visiting and also our first time renting a home for vacation. I must say that I was very impressed at how well everything went. Manuel, Laura, Karen and Yendry were accomodating, friendly and throrough. Karen's cooking was terrific especially the pico de gallo and the yucca. The pictures of the house are beautiful but being there is just amazing. The sunsets are breathtaking! We traveled with another family and we all found the house to be plenty big. The kids loved the infinity pool. We also did several excursions which Manuel suggested. Don Lulo's horseback riding and waterfall was my kids favorite and the zip line was a close second! We also had a great adveture to Canos island. We went through the mangroves and out to the ocean where we saw dolphins, humpback whale and a pod of false killer whales. It was so cool. Overall we wanted to show our children a vacation that had nothing electronically stimulating. We just wanted to show them how beautiful nature can be. Not only did we accomplish this but they got quite an education as well! We would recommend this to anyone!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lovely

Guest: bkphilly (philadelphia, pa)
Date of Stay: 07/04/09 Review Submitted: 08/18/09

Everything about our stay at Casa Mar Y Luna was wonderful. So great that I've delayed writing this review b/c it's been hard to find words that can describe it! I found the house through this website and it just seemed too good to be true. And so I contacted Manuel to get more details and each step of the way, he went up and beyond to make sure our plans and our stay were worry free. Upon arriving at the house, we were all tired from our travels, but the second we walked in, the beauty of the house infused us with newfound energy! Laura was wonderful in helping us plan our stay. She made herself accessible to us while still giving us privacy. And Karen was simply lovely with her smiles and yummy food! We spent every evening in the infinity pool and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Everyday was beautiful, even when it rained and thundered...actually, those evenings were probably the most memorable, as we felt like we were truly submerged in nature. I hope we are able to go back soon!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Superb vacation spot

Guest: Margaret C. (Boston Ma USA)
Date of Stay: 06/20/09 Review Submitted: 07/08/09

Our family of 4, including two children in thier 20's, recdently spent a week at this wonderful home. The description and pictures capture the beauty and style of the home. The views along the coast and straight out to sea have to be seen to be believed. We were enchanted each and every day. WHile it is elegant it is also very comfortable. THe home is spacious, bathrooms are wonderfully done (very spa-like) and there is plenty of nooks and crannies to get privacy if you need it. The house is immaculate, the daily housekeeping makes you feel like you are at a very well run resort. The cook was completely accomodating and we loved eating Costa RIcan food like that cooked at home. The area is very private and quiet--all that you hear are the monkeys and the birds! THe town of Dominical is an 8 minute drive and the selection of beaches within and hour of the house is almost endless. Of course with the lovely pool you may not need the Pacific Ocean. The owner has a full time manager in the area so any small issues were taken care of immediately and with great care and concern. Excellent hospitality. We would recommend the house for 6 people unless the additional two are small children given the bedroom layouts and locations. YOu really do need a car.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Our Honeymoon at Casa Mar y Luna....

Guest: Stephen and Juliette (US)
Date of Stay: 05/26/09 Review Submitted: 06/19/09

This was a once in a lifetime vacation, thanks to this incredible property and Karen (the house staff). The pictures do look hard to believe, but no have no fear, the property, the views, and the comforts inside are even better in person. If you are looking to get away, Dominical is the perfect spot. There is plenty of natural beauty and adventure to be had but the pace of life there, and the luxury of the house, ushers you into serenity. My husband and I spent hours on the outdoor deck. In fact, most days when we had excursions (i.e. ziplining, scuba, mangrove tour) we could not wait to get back the haven and take in the majestic creation all around us. The cooking was superb and Karen is so sweet. We were there May/June and the weather was warm (BEAUTIFUL), but the house is set in such a away that you are always perfectly comfortable. If you are interested in this property have no trepidations, it really will be better than you could imagine. It was for us.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Owner1 (Dominical Costa Rica)
Date of Stay: 05/12/09 Review Submitted: 05/12/09

Dear Guests: Our updated Guest comments are seen at the Homeaway dot com site. Please enter Property Number 221409 Please visit that site. Thanks.

Recommended for:

Amazing!

Guest: Trayanna (Charlotte, North Carolina, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/09/09 Review Submitted: 05/28/09

My fiance and I and another couple just returned from our trip to Costa Rica and our stay at Casa Mar y Luna. It was amazing! Where do I begin? Kristen set up all the details for the house and the whole process was painless and exciting. The owner Manuel and his associate Laura were accommodating and informative. We had a fun journey (with a few wrong turns) and made it safely to the beautiful house in Dominical. We fell in love with it immediately. It was breathtaking and looked like it was right out of a magazine. Karen had a delicious meal waiting for us and the house was immaculate and inviting. In the mornings, we had fresh Costa Rican breakfasts while practicing our spanish with Karen and Gentry. The town of Dominical was also amazing, but it was difficult to leave the house! Here are a few things we loved: Hacienda Baru, Corcavado National Park, Coconut Spice (restaurant), Playa Ventana, and Playa Dominicalito. Manuel, I cannot thank you enough for the trip of a lifetime. Everything was fantastic and I have already recommended Casa Mar y Luna to all my friends and family. Trayanna, Mack, Kristen and J.J.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Family trip to Dominical and Casa Mary y Luna

Guest: BamaRollTide (Pleasant Grove, Utah, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/12/09 Review Submitted: 05/19/09

Our trip to Costa Rica was a whole family trip because it included our 4 children and grandma and grandpa. It was the trip of a life time for all of us. We absolutely loved Casa Mar y Luna and were never disappointed with our choice of staying there. More than anything, we enjoyed the large open air living area because of the nice breeze it provided and the stunning views of the ocean and sunsets. The pool was enjoyed by all of us at all times of the day and night. We would have stayed there all day every day but we also needed to get out and see the beautiful area of Dominical. Beautiful it was. We loved Don Lulo's horseback ride to the waterfall and we did a couple of excursions through the company Southern Expeditions which were amazing because of the trips we took, but also because our guides were fantastic! My parents are in their sixties and they did the horseback ride, canoing in the mangroves, and snorkling at Cano Island and my youngest being 4 did all of it as well. We really enjoyed Dominical because it was less populated and did not have that over touristy feel. The beach was beautiful, the water great, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. We enjoyed our stay and the experiences we had. We really wanted this vacation to be one where we could truely experience the culture of Costa Rica. Casa Mar y Luna did all of that because we had a wonderful cook who made delicious, authentic Costa Rican dishes and had all the local fresh fruit we could eat. Also, the fact that she could only speak Spanish, and us not knowing much, even made it better because we could all laugh as we tried our best to understand each other and it made it all that more fun and exciting. The maid service was great as she kept our beds made, kept the place clean, and did our wash. Casa Mar y Luna will always have a special place in our lives because it provided us with a great experience and one we will never forget. My parents are still talking about how much fun they had and how they miss it. We would love to go back if ever the chance were to come again and we would definitely make it a longer stay!

Owner response:This review just touches my heart. It provides testament to why we like this little rental business in the first place. It truly gives us pleasure to help people weave together their own treasured experiences. We point you in the right direction, and then it's up to you to take it all in. Thanks so much for appreciating what we value about the house and the area!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

7 Stars vacation home in Costa Rica!!

Guest: Madam Sabrina (Santa Monica, CA, U.S.A)
Date of Stay: 03/27/09 Review Submitted: 03/30/09

I stayed at Casa Mar y Luna in the the Dominical area for 10 days in early July in 2006 in Costa Rica. It was so spacious enough for a big group (6-10 people) and designed perfectly with tropical and modern beauty. The panoramic ocean and forest view from its outdoor swmming pool was really breathtaking. You can enjoy your private time on the top of hill surrounded with beautiful nature, but it was so convenient to go to the beach and the shopping area in town. Mati,their housekeeper, was also a wonderful chef of local Costa Rican cuisines. Gallo Pinto(black bean rice) served with tanzy tomato salsa and Olla de carne(beef stew) were so delicious and everyone's favorites. You can enjoy bottles of chilled local beer or Margaritas on the poolside,looking up at sparkling stars in nice cool breeze after your daytime activities such as surfing and jungle zip-riding. I stayed at many 5 stars hotels in Asian resorts such as Bali (Indonesia) and Phuket (Thailand), but Casa Mar y Luna is definitely much more than five stars resorts in terms of quality accomodation and services. Book your flight to San Jose, Costa Rica first and then book Casa Mar y Luna at the same time if you really want to see your travel companions' smiles during your vacation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

A week in paradise

Guest: Carmen, Andrea and Virgil (Mclean,VA)
Date of Stay: 03/07/09 Review Submitted: 03/24/09

Casa Mar y Luna in Dominical was a true paradise ! The property was very well maintained, the house was cleaned every day and we felt pampered the whole week. Mati's cooking was excellent and Laura gave us all the necessary information for a wonderfully planned vacation. We enjoyed the great adventures in Corcovado and Hacienda Baru, the beaches nearby, the massage at the house and the great restaurants in the area. We were all sorry we had to leave and did not get enough of the most spectacular sunsets at this house.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Thank you for making such a fabulous house!

Guest: spenelope (newport, ri)
Date of Stay: 12/20/08 Review Submitted: 03/22/09

Casa Mar y Luna was a beautiful introduction to Costa Rica. The staff was sweet and helpful, and we felt so welcomed and cared for. The hosts were extremely helpful and went out of their way to make sure we had an enjoyable vacation, hooking us up with contacts and making great recommendations of places to go and things to do. There was much to do in the area, but we kept being drawn back to the house - a unique and beautiful sanctuary with its fabulous pool, and unforgettable views. Though the rooms were lovely and comfortable, I often slept out in the "living room" enjoying the slight camping out feeling, the soft breezes and nighttime sounds. I recommend this place without reservation and am so grateful for the opportunity to have stayed there.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Great experience

Guest: Mary Lou, Jim, Diego and Maximo (California)
Date of Stay: 11/14/08 Review Submitted: 02/19/09

What a week we’re had here in Costa Rica! Thank you so much for sharing your home and beautiful Dominical. We’ve experienced so much it’s still hard to believe. Our boys will have a tough time deciding what was their favorite. I’m pretty sure it will be the river picnic with rock sliding! Mine was our nightly happy hours and relaxing with you all. The daily adventures and various animals sightings were awesome as well. You have created such a gorgeous and comfortable home here. It is really hard to leave

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Amongst the 1000 places to see before you die

Guest: Erik_from_Germany (Germany)
Date of Stay: 07/22/08 Review Submitted: 04/28/09

... this place is definitely on the list! In the midst of a wonderful tropical flora and fauna lies this awe-inspiring HOME with a touch of perfection and individuality. The architectural style puts you in line with the spirit of the Costarecan Flair. Stunning views, gorgeous sunsets, purifying rains, and the vibrating sounds of the rain forest are part of the deal. Surfing, bush walks, and many more fun activities are available for the non-couch potato. A 4x4 is recommended. We are happy to have experienced all this before we die. Erik and Family from Germany

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Our vacation in Costa Rica at Casa Mar y Luna 7/08

Guest: Jill and Trey (San Francisco, California)
Date of Stay: 07/18/08 Review Submitted: 03/26/09

We visited Costa Rica for the first time this past July 2008, and we had the opportunity to stay at Casa Mar y Luna--what a beautiful destination! This house is beautiful! With sweeping, 180 degree views of the coastline and jungle--it is truly breathtaking. Even though we spent time traveling to see the beautiful national parks north and south of the pretty town of Dominical, we spent a lot of time simply relaxing at "home"--watching the sunset, playing in the pool, reading in the tranquil outdoor living area. The kitchen is newly remodeled and beautifully done with all the amenities top of the line. Casa Mar y Luna has a family room that is great for kids, as well as adults, to relax and play. The bedrooms each have their own full bathrooms--again, beautifully decorated and designed--providing yet another great place to hang out and relax with views of the ocean and jungle. There is also an outdoor shower! An unexpected pleasure for us was meeting Mati who is a native of Costa Rica and provided us with regional meals that were delicious. Mati is very friendly, and she enhanced our visit to Costa Rica by describing to us what life in Costa Rica is like. We look forward to our next visit to Costa Rica and Casa Mar y Luna.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Pura Vida

Guest: Carmen,Oscar, Marti and Max (Andorra (Europe))
Date of Stay: 07/17/08 Review Submitted: 03/28/09

We wanted to see and live the real Costa Rica and Dominical was the place. All this beautiful area offers so much to do: surfing, hiking, zip line, animal- watching...but all this great experience wouldn't had been the same without "Casa mar y luna" the hosts and the staff. The house is a unique and exquisite place to stay with breathtaking views and unforgettable sunsets. The hosts shared with us their favorite hidden restaurants and places to go we would otherwise probably have missed. We can't forget Mati's who made our stay easy and comfortable and cooked delicious meals with fresh local food. After staying in "Casa mar y luna" you'll understand the meaning of PURA VIDA!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Family getaway

Guest: Naomi in SF (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/15/08 Review Submitted: 03/27/09

Our family with young children (age 1 and 4) had a wonderful time. It was a stay in Paradise. We watched the sun set into the ocean every night, and splashed in the pool almost every day. The housekeeper and her daughter were wonderful with the children. We enjoyed yoga classes, surfing classes, fishing trip, eco-boat tour and romantic visits to the waterfall just minutes away. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants a comfortable, catered home base for day trips in a beautiful and exotic location. This was a vacation of a lifetime.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Loved the views!

Guest: Nico&Tomas (Escazu, CR)
Date of Stay: 01/04/08 Review Submitted: 04/14/09

We've stayed at the Casa Mar y Luna on 4 different occassions. The Casa itself is beautiful. On the drive up to the house we've had the luck of seeing toucans and sloths. Anyone that cooks can enjoy the fantastic views from the kitchen, and the bedrooms are all very comfortable. The views stretch for miles, up and down the coastline. I spent hours watching the surf break below, the tides come in and out, the changing water colors, the clouds rolling in, storms passing. The coastline itself is lush with foliage and zig zags in and out through countless coves. Our kids lived in the pool that wraps around the house while we sat in the outdoor living room catching up with friends (Two families of 4 fit comfortably). When we were not at the house, we enjoyed a superb yoga class in town. Ask Mati what day the Farmer’s Market comes to town and you will find good quality veggies and herbs. We also visited a nearby beach with a blowhole cave and watched surfers at Dominical's beach. At the end of each day the kids enjoyed a waterfall shower/bath and had fun sleepovers in the downstair's bedroom (which has trundle beds). In the mornings we were greeted by Mati and her delicious rice and bean breakfast (Gallo Pinto). Great vacation all around!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Paradise and then some

Guest: Charles T. (Jena, Germany)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/30/09

There is only one word I can use to describe this property: AWESOME. We travelled all the way from Germany to stay here and were absolutely amazed. The location, the architechture, the amenities were all absolutely 1st class. Nevertheless, we still felt as though we were at home--it is not hotel-like. I particularly like the kitchen area, the location of the pool and the bathroom facilities. As long as you have a car, the house is a short distance from incredible trecking, dining and sight-seeing opportunities. You can even go horseback riding close by. Since we visited this area, I have recommended the property to so many people. This place is crème de la crème. I would particularly recommend it if you are in desperate need of a R&R or a simple break for a few days.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Relaxed elegance. Access to a world apart.

Guest: David & Anna (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/29/09

Other than "perfect" there is no short way to sum up Casa Mar y Luna and our experiences while there. We went with high expectations to enjoy time among three families and the house provided a spacious, relaxed atmosphere, with exceptional taste, all livable and use-able by adults and children alike. Whether it's cocktails and sunsets, morning coffee, afternoon swims, lounging outdoors, or dining inside you cannot escape the magnificent ocean view and tropical setting. The town is close, it's friendly, and provides beach, internet, palapa bars with cold beer and fresh fish, and markets with fresh vegetables and catch of the day for your groceries. Nearby is hiking and outdoor activities, and fishing charters are easy to arrange. I can't find anything stated by the owners that is not delivered upon in full. The staff at the house is friendly and willing to help and if you want someone to cook then have Mati do it for you. You will have a hard time justifying going out to eat! What I liked best is the outdoor living room in the early evening, the beds (soft) and bedrooms (nice natural breezes for airflow, great views, and private), the feeling of the house being set apart from everything else, but town being only minutes away, and the infinity pool in the afternoon with a beer, a good friend, and a view that provokes reflection upon what really matters. I highly recommend this property!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Unforgettable and Amazing Experience

Guest: relaxednhappy (Columbus, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 11/24/07 Review Submitted: 12/13/09

We spent the week of Thanksgiving 2009 at Casa Mar y Luna. What a wonderful experience! Our group had six adults and one three year old boy. We were a bit hesitant about taking a young child to Costa Rica but it turned out to be a perfect trip for all ages. Manuel and his staff are extraordinary. The logistics were flawless including van transfers with Erick, meals, excursions, rental car, and more. Manuel and Laura made everything very easy for us which we all appreciated. The home, perched on a hillside overlooking the pacific, was tremendous in its beauty and serenity. Warm air, surrounded by spectacular wildlife, all of the comforts you would expect from a luxury villa and more. The pool was particularly well designed for small children with plenty of shallow areas for wading. The home cooked meals from Karen are healthy and filled with flavor. Eating local foods in the open air living area was a daily highlight. The house has so much to offer, it’s difficult to leave but we did manage to venture out and wow! This part of Costa Rica that is still relatively undiscovered. The area offers pristine wilderness, outstanding wildlife, wonderful local people, and unlimited new things to discover. Cano Island/Serpe River excursion was a great way to spend a day. Some of us also fished for a half day with Isidro just down the hill from the house. We caught a few Sierra Mackerel and Needle fish. The area has a tremendous amount of places and activities to explore. We just touched on the surface. True paradise and a perfect getaway!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.