Sleeps 8, Brand New, private pool, steps from beach, dining and shopping
Up to 8 people can sleep in Villa Palm - our deluxe, brand-new, 3-bedroom 3.5 bath luxury villa. The fenced, gated, and 2WD-accessible villa has a private pool, parking, and is an easy 5-minute walk to Dominical Beach and an easy 8-minute walk to the shopping and dining area of Dominical. Dominical is host to many restaurants & bars, and a few local grocery stores, all within close walking distance from your villa. We are just 300 steps from one of the best surfing beaches in the country!
Two villas make up The Gardens of Dominical - this listing is for Villa Palm. Check out our listing for Villa Orchid here: VRBO 1754510. Alternatively, if you have a larger group, you can rent both villas together to sleep up to 16.
Inside you will find comfortable and stylishly appointed living and dining areas plus a fully equipped kitchen. Each of the 3 private bedrooms has its own en suite bathroom. Open the fully retractable wall of glass doors & windows along the living room & kitchen to immerse yourself in the beautifully landscaped, spacious outdoor living area and enjoy the private pool! Our villa can be a great home base for your family, two or three couples, or a small group – let us know if your group is larger than 8 & we will work to accommodate your needs.
You'll enter Villa Palm through the hand-made Costa Rican wood doors and instantly notice the 20-foot high custom cedar ceilings, the cool ceramic tiled floor, and the view out to the private pool through wall-to-wall accordion patio doors (which open fully to bring your tropical Costa Rican experience inside!).
Relax in the master bedroom on the handmade, king-size, Costa Rican cedar bed while gazing out at lush tropical gardens. You can step outside onto your private terrace to soak in the sounds of the toucans and macaws that visit the property! The en suite bath includes a huge walk-in shower, Bali sinks, granite vanity surface, and custom tile throughout. Custom night stands and bench at the foot of the bed – all handmade from Costa Rican wood – complete this serene retreat.
The two additional bedrooms include the same attention to detail and comfort as the master, both with cedar beds that were hand made locally. One bedroom has a queen bed, and one bedroom has 2 twin beds that can be converted to a single king bed on request. Each bedroom has its own private terrace and en suite bathroom with walk in shower and Bail-style sink. If needed, the sofa in the living room can be converted to a queen size bed upon request to accommodate additional guests.
In the living room, you will find gorgeous 20-foot cedar ceilings highlighting the space. Relax on the comfy sofa and arm chairs while you enjoy your downtime with TV (a 75” Smart TV with English and Spanish cable stations and Netflix included) or play some of the provided games around the custom coffee table made from a slice of Guanacaste tree trunk. You can open the accordion-style patio doors to fully experience the wonderful tropical weather and easy access to your private pool.
The dining room can seat up to 8 people to enjoy a family dinner or game night (or work, if you must). But make sure to appreciate the custom-designed table, masterfully handcrafted from a single piece of Guanacaste wood! Original art by Costa Rican artists adorns the walls in each room of the villa.
The kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and custom Costa Rican wood cabinets. There are utensils, cutting boards, knives, pans, etc. to allow you to cook meals while you call the villa home. There’s also an open-air bar overlooking the pool area, making passing drinks to those in the pool area – and watching the kids! – even easier.
Outside, lounge by your private aquamarine pool in your choice of sun or shade. There is plenty of seating under the covered overhang and lounge chairs poolside for the sun lovers. The outdoor shower is surrounded by greenery to use if you come in straight from the beach (or if you just like being surrounded by nature!).
We’ve provided beach towels, chairs, straw mats, and coolers for you to take to the beach (Playa Dominical is just less than 300 steps away), where you can watch some of the most amazing sunsets seen in the North American hemisphere every night of your stay. Early risers can take a yoga mat to the beach for sunrise yoga, or stay by the pool to greet the day and immerse yourself in the Pura Vida lifestyle that makes Costa Rica so wonderful.
What to Do Nearby: It is an easy 5-10 minute walk to the main downtown area of Dominical. There you’ll find numerous restaurants, shops, and local artists showcasing their work (some of which you can see on the walls of the villa you’re staying in!). You can enroll in surf lessons or Spanish immersion classes on the main street of Dominical, or take advantage of numerous types of tours. We can assist with your reservations and help you make your plans – just let us know what you’d like to do! Options for adventure lovers abound - you can go river tubing, zip-lining, horseback riding, ATV riding, whale watching, deep sea fishing, golfing, paragliding, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, white water rafting, etc. For those wanting a more relaxing activity, options like sunset cruises, nature, waterfall and bird-watching hikes, or trips to nearby national park Manuel Antonio are available.
Options to enhance your stay further: Schedule a Costa Rican dining experience in your villa on a night of your choosing; have us stock your refrigerator, pantry – and maybe your liquor cabinet! – in advance of your arrival to save you time and hassle; let us arrange your transportation to and from the airport in San Jose, or for your rental car if you choose to engage one for your stay at the villa. Just let us know how we can help make this trip one to remember!
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Incredible Views of the Pacific - Year round sunsets!
Dominical
Incredible Views of the Pacific - Year round sunsets!
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Bahía Ballena
Located in Bahía Ballena, this holiday home is near the beach. Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge and Marino Ballena National Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons and Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Travelling with kids? Consider Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and Parque Reptilandia. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking/biking trails.
Manuel Antonio Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge - 61 min drive - 56.7 km
Getting around
Quepos (XQP) - 30 min drive
Restaurants
Moromo - 10 min walk
Fuego Brew Company - 10 min walk
Restaurante La Parcela - 5 min drive
The Bakery - 9 min walk
Tortilla Flats - 8 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does Sleeps 8, Brand New, private pool, steps from beach, dining and shopping have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Sleeps 8, Brand New, private pool, steps from beach, dining and shopping?
As of 8 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sleeps 8, Brand New, private pool, steps from beach, dining and shopping on 20 Jul, 2026 start from S$472, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Sleeps 8, Brand New, private pool, steps from beach, dining and shopping pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Sleeps 8, Brand New, private pool, steps from beach, dining and shopping?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sleeps 8, Brand New, private pool, steps from beach, dining and shopping?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sleeps 8, Brand New, private pool, steps from beach, dining and shopping?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Sleeps 8, Brand New, private pool, steps from beach, dining and shopping located?
This family-friendly Bahía Ballena holiday home is located by the sea, within a 5-minute walk of Playa Dominical and Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons. Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Hacienda Baru are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
It's the perfect combination of privacy and safety while still being able to walk to a great beach and good amenities. The unit itself is spacious, the pool and outdoor shower are lovely, and the manager is very attentive.
KC P.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan, 2024
Thank you for staying at Gardens of Dominical! Pura Vida!
Our stay at Dominical Gardens was relaxing and convenient. We had a range of ages and interests in our family group so the location was key. Sit wis walkable to the beach , town and groceries so we didn't all have to do the same thing. If the car was out we could still go surfing at the beach two or three times a day.
Our only complaint is that the house is advertised as having 4 bedrooms. It is NOT a 4 bedroom house, it has 3 nice bedrooms an a hideabed sofa in the middle of the living room. It's a great house, secure and private, and close to the beach and the amazing little town of Dominical. Within walking distance of great shops and restaurants.
What a wonderful stay, this home was fantastic for a large group, we were able to book both sides of the property and have a fantastic experience. Excellent communication with hosts and amenities!
This really was a perfect house and location for staying near the beach in Dominical. We walked the dirt road to surf and eat every day. Cristina and Esteban couldn’t have been more helpful, responsive and friendly. Great experience all around and already planning our return trip to the area.
Corbin B.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul, 2022
Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again in the future! Pura vida!
House is 4 ish years old. In great shape. Property management team ver responsive to any issues or questions. They have really made house and furnishing comfortable. Providing laundry soap, kitchen cleaning supplies etc means no quick trip to store before you settle in. Beach chairs, mats and cooler makes very comfortable beach time minutes from the house. Thank you
Monica S.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Dec, 2024
Monica, thank you so much for choosing to stay with us at Dominical Gardens. We hope to see you again in the future. Pura vida!
We had a wonderful first experience in Dominical and really liked the house and what it has to offer. Less than 5 min walk to the beach, spacious enough for up to 8 people, wonderful backyard where we had dinner every night. And we really appreciated all the supplies that were included ( cleaning products, laundry detergent, and all kind of kitchen stuff ), we rent a lot of houses on VRBO it is rare to see that.The owners and their manager where wonderful to deal with and the villa is very well maintained. We really like the beach, the waves and the vibe in Dominical with nice restaurants and healthy grocery shopping options. Thank you for a wonderful stay. We hope to be back.
Anne-Marie R.
Stayed 19 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jun, 2024
Anne-Marie, we are so glad you had a wonderful time! Thank you again!
This is our third time to Costa Rica and this was place was definitely the best as it brought together everything you could want without giving anything up. It was very private with no late-night or early morning noises other than wildlife. Yet we could walk to the beach in minutes or go out for dinner at some of the great spots in town (a few more minutes walk). The unit itself is top notch and the pictures are at least as good as they appear! Jordan, who looked after us, is an all-star. Very attentive and capable and just generally super nice! We thoroughly enjoyed our two week stay in Costa Rica and loved having this as our home base. Highly recommended!
KC P.
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May, 2021
KC and his family were great! Super family and super guests. We hope they return again soon.
I have to say, the communication with the hosts was by far the best I’ve ever had! They are incredible and accommodating!
My 2 daughters, my husband and I and our close friends stayed with us. We loved having our individual spaces as well as our communal area. The individual ACs per room was luxurious. I do enjoy having the ability to combat control just one bedroom.
The walk to town was easy and relaxing, and the proximity to the grocery store was clutch. The plumbing is something to be aware of in almost any property in Costa Rica, so you have to abide by the toilet paper in the garbage rule. I think the listening says hot tub, but there’s not one. Not a deal breaker on how hair we were here!
Erin W.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Dec, 2024
Erin, thank you so much! We absolutely loved hosting you and your family. We hope to see you again in the future. - Cris
This is our third vacation in Playa Dominical. All of the houses that we stayed were quite lovely especially this one. What makes this house particularly special is its location. We were able to walk back-and-forth to the beach and the vendors many times a day. We didn’t need a car the entire week. The house is modern, clean, and simply perfect. I would highly recommend this home to everyone. We had one small concern the dryer wasn’t tumbling and we had a little rain so we wanted to dry our towels. I bring it up because it was the fastest repair I’ve ever witnessed. I called at 8 AM and it was fixed by noon. For the reason and how well equipped it was this house and property is five stars Pura Vida! Thank you Cris and Esteban.
Not only did the property exceed our expectations, but Jordan (the manager) was an outstanding host. Our group consisted of two families, including 3 kids-- two 10 year olds and an 8 year old, who all wanted to stay in the same room. The rooms are huge and the beds are comfy, but there wasn't a way to have three separate beds in one room. UNTIL Jordan went out and purchased an air mattress for us to use. This made for late/giggly nights and a lifetime of memories for our lucky kiddos. As for the adults, when we got home, my husband said, "I think the Domincal bed is more comfortable than our bed."
Jordan also helped us when our car battery died ON A SUNDAY!
The kitchen has everything you need, there are beach towels and mats, and the location is perfect. We had a short walk to "our" beach, where we surfed (took one lesson and then rented a board for the rest of the week) and enjoyed happy hour picnics (Jordan had provided the property with a cooler).
The property is about a 30 minute drive to Uvita, which has some really fun stuff to see and do, including a waterfall slide and a youth hostel restaurant, The Flutterby, that is like a hidden treasure! We were also a short drive to Nauyaca falls, which is another must-see/do. If you let Jordan know what you want to do, he can advise you and help with reservations.
Domincal is a funky little area with a fun vibe and great restaurants and souvenir stands within walking distance. The roads are a little rocky and dusty, definitely off the beaten path, which is perfect for our crew. We felt like we were getting an authentic experience while also staying at a high-end resort. We look forward to returning soon!
Check out Fuego for coffee and craft beer; Del Mar tacos is so yummy; Phat Noodle is WOW but definitely make reservations. They are popular and the wait for food can be kind of long. We splurged one night for the private chef dinner, which was magnificent. I recommend the beef in red sauce and the pantacones.
Probably the highlight for the kids and for all of us, really, was hanging out by our private pool at the end of the day for our own happy hour.
Erika W.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar, 2020
It was such a pleasure to have Erika and her group stay here. What a wonderful family! Everyone was super kind, respectful to the villa, and the communication was great. We hope to see them again every year. Pura Vida!
We spoiled ourselves rotten again, this Villa is wonderful. Walking distance to our favorite cafes/restaurants, and the big Domi beach. Quick 5 min drive to the Dominicalito surf spot (we’re not skilled/strong enough to surf Domi). Lovely walks along Dominical beach at sunset and low tide. The Villa itself is very modern, clean, safe, spacious, and had everything we needed for cooking, relaxing, having friends over, etc. Highly recommend, will stay again.
Jason W.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan, 2024
Thank you for staying at Gardens of Dominical! Pura Vida!
We stayed for a week in this beautiful house. My whole family enjoyed the stay. We find the location of the house very convenient, it is very close to everything, main road, shops, restaurants, a few steps from the beach, etc., but at the same time you enjoy a lot of privacy and contact with nature.
The amenities in the house are very nice, and when something was missing, the property manager attended to us promptly and efficiently.
We will definitely return to this property at some point.
Julio L.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan, 2024
Thank you for staying at Gardens of Dominical! Pura Vida!
Loved this home. The open living area, the 3 bedrooms with private bathrooms, the outside area with comfy furniture, shade, pool and shower was all great. Liked the keyless access. And host was very responsive to a few questions we had. Highly recommended!
Eric W.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan, 2024
Thank you for staying at Gardens of Dominical! Pura Vida!
I debated booking a house in Dominical or a house on the mountain. I am SO glad we booked this place. It was so great to be able to walk to dinner or to the beach or to go grab a coffee. The house was clean and spacious and had everything we could need. We loved the parrots that hung out in the tree off the patio, and loved watch macaws fly by as we drank our coffee poolside. We must have used the pool three or four times a day. Also the outdoor shower when we’d get home from the beach was a must have. Dominical is a great location… easy distance from all the activities and tours we did. Jordan was super responsive and helpful. Our flights got messed up and we arrived a day late and he accommodated us and helped us sort out logistics. Cannot highly recommend this house enough.
Anna H.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jul, 2021
Anna and her family were excellent guests. We are so glad they stayed at our villa and hope to see them again each year.
We loved this stay! Property was a perfect retreat for our family, with a nice pool for us and two young boys. The house is tucked away nicely despite being close to nearby hotels. I think very few people even know this house is hiding so close to Domi, but its an easy walk to the beach and main street, Cafe Mono Congo, Phat Noodle, Mama Toucans, etc. The house is an airy CR-modern with more amenities than we needed for a surf-trip. Our host Jordan was very responsive, super-helpful for every need, even helped us jump-start out rental car when we drained the battery overnight! The big tree by the gate was the home of a large iguana who would come visit us by the pool, and we had toucans chirring every morning in the guanacaste trees nearby. We surfed everyday and adventured to Nuayaca and Uvita waterfalls. Excellent house and wonderful visit!
Jason W.
Stayed 11 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May, 2021
Jason and his family are great guests! We really hope to see them again soon. Super clean and respectful to the villa, and great communication too!
Wonderful newly finished house with all the amenities, close to all the action but far enough away to be very tranquil.
Jordan is a joy to work with sorted out small issues and questions instantly!
Highly recommend this property if you are looking to stay in Dominical
Nicola B.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May, 2021
We were very pleased to have Nicola and her family as guests. Super quality people who took good care of the villa.
We had a fantastic vacation!
This home has it all, it also includes a beautiful pool, the pictures do not do it justice!
Beautiful property and only a few minutes to walk to the beach. The town also has incredible shopping and dining options, our favorite was Phat Noodle!
We also saw monkeys while eating at La Parcela!!!!
We booked a wonderful waterfall tour with Jordan, it was breathtaking! You also have several opportunities to see wildlife everywhere you go!
Having access to a personal property manager when needed definitely made the difference.
This home and location definitely surpassed our expectations, we will definitely plan to return!!!!!
Jennifer H.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar, 2020
Jennifer and her group were excellent guests!
Not only were they very nice people but they also took care of the place, left it clean, and respected the house rules. We look forward to having them stay again!
About the host
Hosted by Cris Valverde
Cris Valverde, Property Manager Cristina and her family are originally from US and Costa Rica. She has lived in CR for over 35 years. She speaks fluent Spanish. It is Cristina’s role to serve as the property manager for Gardens of Dominical. If you have a question, she has the answer. If you want help planning an excursion, finding a place to have dinner, or to shop . . . let her know and she will be glad to assist. Cristina is ready to help you and your family or group have the vacation of a lifetime while at the Gardens of Dominical. Pura vida!
Why they chose this property
Owners Tom and Linda Speed are from Kentucky, USA – and you might wonder why they chose to build a vacation rental in Costa Rica . . . so here's their story! Have you ever watched House Hunters International? Like many of you, they do – and in the winter of 2012 they watched a show featuring Dominical, Costa Rica. And they were hooked! They contacted the real estate firm featured in the show and connected with Jordan Loesser, an agent in the office. They made about six trips to Costa Rica over the next six years, looking at properties in different areas of the country, but particularly in the Dominical area. They finally decided, like Goldilocks, that Dominical was “just right” for them, found a lot near the beach in Dominical and made the commitment to build.
What makes this property unique
Linda and Tom feel like the Gardens of Dominical villas are a perfect retreat for themselves and for anyone else interested in being located near the heart of Dominical, the beach, and all that this part of Costa Rica has to offer. It’s their goal for you and your group or family to experience the magic that is Costa Rica while enjoying a luxury stay in our villas. Your home base is less than 300 steps (seriously, we clocked it on FitBit!) from Playa Dominical, one of the best surfing beaches in the country - and the greatest show around each night at sunset when the sky becomes magical. You are a short 5 to 10 minute easy walk into Dominical, a laid-back surfing town that has many fantastic bars and restaurants, shopping and other services to make your stay with us memorable. We've really worked to make sure that the villa has everything that you need and will provide maximum comfort for your stay.
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests