We spent a wonderful month at Villa Mountain Serenity and really could have spent an additional month if time had permitted.
The property is very comfortable, in a great location, and was really perfect for us. Mornings always started early with coffee at poolside, binoculars in hand for bird watching, and listening to the lovely toucans who were ever-present in the mornings and early evenings. After many hot and humid day trips, we returned to the house to enjoy the mountain breezes, swim, prepare dinner on the grill, and pore over the home's numerous Costa Rican natural history books in search of something we'd seen that day. It really was the perfect retreat.
Do not miss the Uvita Farmer's Market on Saturday. Although quite small, they offer wonderful tamales, breads, fruits and veggies either not available or far fresher than those found in the supermarkets, eggs, homemade plantain chips, spices, artisan cheeses, and hand crafts. Be sure to go early as they run out of the popular items. The only disappointing purchase was a bag of shrimp that turned out to be bland and mushy.
The grocery stores in the area (Dominical and Uvita) are fine for meat, dairy, rustic baguettes, and most other items, albeit expensive, but the fresh produce is really lacking. San Isidro is a larger town and offers a better selection. They also have a farmer's market on Thursday(?) but we couldn't find it. The best fruit stands are found along the road from Dominical to San Isidro. Be warned, this road is quite dangerous with trucks drifting into the oncoming lane on turns. We saw several really horrible accidents and always proceeded very slowly around blind corners.
Other food finds, Cafe Delicias (sp?) in Dominical sells croissants that are quite good, but cannot comment on the restaurant food as we didn't try it.
Although we mainly cooked at home, our favorite restaurants were Villa Leonor in Ojochal (hearty food, beautiful beach and setting), Porque No?, Roadshack Deli, and Sabor Espanol. We found La Fogata Pizzeria disappointing when we ordered dishes other than pizza.
I'd like to spend my last allowed characters in this review to thank Massi, Vilma, and all of the wonderful staff from Costa Ballena Management who made our stay at VMS so comfortable. Massi responded very quickly and professionally to all issues that arose and we only regret not getting the chance to meet him.
We would return to VMS in a heartbeat, and hopefully will!