The Best of Both, Hotel Style Suites with the Comforts of Home
About this house rental
Located along one of the stunning ridgelines soaring over Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coastline, 180 del Mar delivers commanding 180° ocean views stretching thirty miles on a clear day. The ocean provides only one stunning feature of the property. The pristine jungle ridge of Escaleras offers our guests a unique backdrop of lush tropical vegetation and close encounters with the wildlife it supports. The sound of monkeys makes for an interesting wakeup call, and there is never a shortage of tropical birds brandishing dramatic colors. Guests can anticipate a distinctive and spectacular sunset every evening no matter what time of year they chose to visit, and when the sun dips down below the horizon a new stage of stars is set. Please keep in mind that a 4x4 vehicle is required within the gated community. Your stay at 180 del Mar will be one of the most memorable of a lifetime. The house was designed, built and finished all by the owner, whose unique vision resulted in three octagonal towers that provide the feeling of a never ending perspective. Two towers house the bedrooms, purposely detached from the main living space to instill a feeling of privacy even when travelling with close family. Each spacious suite offers a distinct and impressive view, with privet terrace, bathrooms feature hot water showers, double sink vanities, and ample closet space. Of the four rooms, three contain king sized mattresses, one with queen sized bed, but upon request can be outfitted with additional beds (full size futon and a trundle twin size) in two of the bedrooms. The main tower of the house will provide everything for your home away from home. The enormity of the living room is only amplified when the accordion doors open expanding the room to the outside veranda and the ever present jungle breezes. Comfortable furnishings and handcrafted wood work give a warm and relaxing feeling as you enjoy the scenery. In the kitchen you will find everything you need; large two door refrigerator, gas range, dishwasher, microwave, toaster oven, blender, coffee maker. Ample counter space, well stocked cookware and utensils make preparing meals easy. The dinning space features a beautiful handcrafted table that seats eight comfortably. There is a large picnic table that seats 10 on the veranda. Facing the ocean, read a book, take a nap, sip on a cocktail from the wraparound is porch, take a dip in the pool. A fully equipped laundry room and powder room round out the features of the home. Keywords: Vacation Rental House
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Wheelchair accessible
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Bahía Ballena
House in Bahía Ballena
Reasons to book
People love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Great for pets
££££
Reviews
4.9/5.0
Outstanding(78 Reviews)
5.0
We stayed a week at the house and could not have been happier. The main room is completely open and views are amazing. Kitchen is fully stocked with everything needed for our group of 7 (but it is stocked for 10). Each of the bedrooms is large and private, similar to a very nice (and expensive) room at any all-inclusive. Beds and patio/decks over look the jungle, pool and ocean. The pool was great also with Costa Rica temps being upper 80's low 90's. We started and ended every day in the pool. Pool maintainece person came mid week. Howler monkeys came to the trees next to use one morning, Tucans played in the front and back of the house several days and the other birds at the hose are beautiful as well. The drive to the house is fun, definitley need 4 wheel drive. Any issue we had was addressed immediately. It is obvious the owners care a great deal for their home. The location was also Great. A very short drive to waterfalls, you pass these falls each day going to and from the house. 10 minutes to Dominical, which is great town. 20 minutes to Uvita which is a spectacular beach (as amazing as any beach we have seen). Saw a sloth while walking to the beach and we did a whale watching excursion from Uvita. 25 minutes to Nauvaca Falls, a good 2 mile hike to it but so beautiful and worth it. We loved Costa Rica and the house was a big part of that.
We could not have loved the house any more than we did. Highly recommend!!!
5.0
We arrived just as the sun was setting, and entering the home during the golden hour and seeing the spectacular view - I might have cried a little. This home was just what we wanted for our family reunion, room for 10, a lot of privacy, surrounded by nature. We had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. We loved the patio and pool and abundance of space. The home is in the jungle - we heard howler monkeys every morning, and were visited by capuchin monkeys, toucans, a coati, lizards, frogs, every kind of bird and the owner’s dog. It was AMAZING. But living in the jungle with wide open back doors means you’re gonna get some wildlife in your house, which you just have to be okay with. If that’s your thing, and it was ours, this is the place for you.
Finding it was an adventure but get a 4x4 and follow the directions - just trust. If you see the toucan, you are going the right way.
Don’t miss the local Poza Azul waterfall. E and E, thank you for the trip of a lifetime.
5.0
Beautiful location! Really nice set up with privacy for all staying. Pool was lovely! Hosts were fantastic! Super quick to respond and help
A few too many bugs but all in all we would definitely return :)
5.0
Marina Vista was as stated!! You walk in the front door and even before you do there are stunning views. Communicated all along the way.
5.0
I'm still smiling about our stay at this beautiful home. You are right in the rainforest in a gorgeous open air home (bedrooms have A/C). Views for hours of the wildlife, plants, flowers and of course, the ocean. The owners live nearby and are so responsive. They even helped us set up a chef to prepare dinner for us our first night there.
This was such a great way to experience Costa Rica and I would recommend it to anyone!
5.0
The hosts were great and we loved the open air floor plan. Hearing the howler monkeys was a bonus. Visitors should know this is a jungle home so there will be ants and in the rainy season, some humidity in the rooms. Definitely recommend a 4x4 to access the home.
5.0
Beautiful view, rooms were very comfortable and accommodating for all eight of us. We loved watching the sunset from the back porch. I grilled fresh fish caught that day on the outdoor grill and served it up on that big beautiful, round table in the kitchen area. My husband said he could live in that everyday, happily. We would love to return.
5.0
The house is beautiful. We especially loved the the big open common area. Provided huge containers of drinking water to refill our water bottles. Pool area while a little smaller was more than enough for our group of 5. Great views overlooking the lush mountainside and ocean in the distance. We saw a beautiful sunset on the last night. It’s 10-15 minute drive from the main highway up a typical Costa Rica steep rugged mountain road. First time is rough but after that you get used to it. 15-20 minutes from Dominical and 35 minutes from Uvita. Just 25 minutes to our favorite beach, Playa Linda. We ate breakfast and lunch at the house and mostly ate dinners in Dominical. Elizabeth was very responsive to our emails before and while we were staying there. Wi-Fi is good in the main common area. Loved listening to all the animal and bug noises
5.0
The hosts were helpful friendly and informative, the home was fabulous with lots of wildlife, and breathtaking sunsets, great for families and friends with a communal room and very private sleeping quarters.
Close to towns and restaurants, nearby beaches, and grocery store. This place had all the toys and utensils you would need. Rent an SUV, its a must
5.0
We stayed here with two other couples for two weeks. Everything was as advertised and the hosts were extremely helpful in providing us information about the area and setting up some morning fishing trips! The layout of the place was perfect for couples. The drive up the mountain was a little steep but fine once you got used to it.
5.0
Our family spent a week here and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Elizabeth was very helpful and quick to respond when we had questions.
5.0
Definitely need 4 wheel drive vehicle on the road to the house, but worth the drive. Beautiful views. Nature sounds all around. Elizabeth and Eduardo have thought of all the things you need for your stay. Large open kitchen and main living area open to outside living. Appreciate environmentally friendly features, eg. recycling and composting. Pool is small but very nice, with ocean views.
5.0
We loved our stay! Very clean and inviting. The view and sounds were incredible! Plenty of room for everyone. The last day we had a couple of Howler monkeys hanging out with us by the pool - just amazing. Thank you so much for the memories, hope to be back!
5.0
My sister and I rented this and brought spouses and kids. They kids LOVED the property. Pool and porch were beautiful.
5.0
We stayed at this location for the last leg of our trip, and we sure did save the best for last. The house was very clean, open, and the host communicated promptly with any questions I had. While you do need 4WD to get up to this property, the roads were not as difficult as I had imagined from reading the comments.
We woke up every morning to howler and capuchin monkeys in the trees. We also saw toucans, vultures, and geckos! After a full day of adventure, the pool was serene and relaxing place to watch the sunset over the Pacific. We were also happy to see the outdoor shower that we could use to rinse off our hiking boots. The kitchen was fully stocked with every utensil and appliance that we needed to cook breakfast and dinner each day.
I'm still having daydreams of our time at this property, and I will most definitely stay here again on my next visit to Costa Rica!
5.0
We really enjoyed our stay. The views are perfect, especially watching the nightly sunsets. The house was very clean, it does need some attention to the roofs especially (greenery growing on them), but that didn’t take away from our stay. The house had everything we needed.
The owner was great at addressing any issue: ran out of propane in the grill, she had a new tank for us the next morning: the tv went out, she went to to store and got a new one immediately and set it up. It is a smart tv and she has ot set up with Netflix. Etc…. There are a few games, and a couple decks of cards.
The drive up the mountain can be intimidating, if you are not used to driving in Costa Rica, you will need a 4x4, but the drive wasn’t all too bad.
We had a visit from howler monkeys one morning, and white face capuchins on 3 other days. The monkeys visit on the right side of the home. (Facing home with back to the ocean)
We would definitely stay again!
There were 4 of us total (all adults). I’m sure that children would enjoy it too. We didn’t use the pool much due to the weather, but it was clean.
We loved the big open main area, with the privacy of having our bedrooms separated from the main home.
5.0
This place was an experience we will never forget!! Waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys, toucans, parrots 🦜 and much more. Spectacular views and host were great. You definitely need 4 wheel drive, but always take the road less traveled.
5.0
I have nothing but good things to say about this property! The location, the house , the view , the pool and the property manager are amazing. I definitely recommend this location if you want to completely disconnect and have your privacy. We will definitely comeback !
5.0
Amazing house!
This house is spectacular! The view of the ocean is stunning and the property is gorgeous. It is clean and well stocked with plenty of kitchen supplies for cooking. The towels and bedding are plentiful and everything was very comfortable. The drive up the mountain is no joke so be prepared for a bumpy ride but it’s totally worth it!
5.0
Fantastic View
We loved our stay. Very open and great views. Visits by many Toucans, Capuccian monkey and even howler monkey.
5.0
Everything was wonderful
Site management were great and went out of the way to help when needed! Would definitely recommend!
3.0
Large interesting gem tucked away waaay up the Mtn. thru the little village of Dominicalita. Must have 4x4! Saw gorgeous birds, sound of monkeys, and had an OWL perched right by the living room. He didn’t mind our gawking! So sad the pool was murky and couldn’t be fixed our whole five days. Never would’ve stayed if we had known. We appreciated the discount the owner offered. The main living room is stunning. Usually giant grasshoppers and the odd few “beetles” but surprisingly not bothersome. Fascinating little place extraordinarily perched above the jungle. What a view. Would’ve been exceptional if not for the lack of pool. Showers and toilets not too charming I admit … like little old closets. Beds very extremely comfortable with stunning views. Power went out as suggested but didn’t last bit a few hours.
3.0
Worn tucked away gem
Large interesting gem tucked away waaay up the Mtn. thru the little village of Dominicalita. Must have 4x4! Saw gorgeous birds, sound of monkeys, and had an OWL perched right by the living room. He didn’t mind our gawking! So sad the pool was murky and couldn’t be fixed our whole five days. Never would’ve stayed if we had known. We appreciated the discount the owner offered. The main living room is stunning. Usually giant grasshoppers and the odd few “beetles” but surprisingly not bothersome. Fascinating little place extraordinarily perched above the jungle. What a view. Would’ve been exceptional if not for the lack of pool. Showers and toilets not too charming I admit … like little old closets. Beds very extremely comfortable with stunning views. Power went out as suggested but didn’t last bit a few hours.
5.0
The view is stunning
Our group of 9 had an amazing time. Thank you Elizabeth for your great care!!
5.0
Amazing!
The house was perfect for our group of 9 with community space but private bedrooms and bathrooms. The view was amazing. The pool was a bonus. We saw plenty of capuchins, toucans and other birds. We heard howlers every day. The road to get to the house is no joke. You must have a 4x4 even in the dry season, I can’t imagine what it would be like in the rainy season. It’s worth it though. We all absolutely loved it.
5.0
Breathtaking Views
What a great adventure. Our stay at Elizabeth & Eduardo's home was phenomenal. The fully equipped house, nestled at the top of a mountain in the midst of the jungle had breathtaking views and insight into the creatures that inhabit the gorgeous surroundings. The open air concept of the main house is just insane with views you will never tire from. There are four identical rooms off the main house with king beds. We never had to turn on the air conditioning and enjoyed a breeze throughout the night. Our favorite activity was sitting on the open air porch watching the sun rise & set and watching the many birds, insects and animals that the jungle has to offer. One morning we witnessed 8 monkeys playing while make their way through the trees right next to the bedroom by the pool. There were frogs, walking sticks, toucans, humming birds, warthogs and iguanas daily. The sights and sounds alone sold this vacation. Communication with Elizabeth was immediate and responsive. They were such a lovely family with great advice and suggestions of things to do in Dominical. You definitely need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access the property and it's about a 15minute ride into Domicial but once you are there, the town is a relaxing hippie surfing town with a great group of friendly, inviting people. If you're looking for great restaurants we loved Mono Congo for breakfast, LaParcela was amazing food and monkeys visited right outside the open air restaurant. We also loved Scala and Sibu as well as Beehive. The food is Americanized, inexpensive and absolutely delicious. All our meals were exceptional. There is a specialty store, Mama Toucans in Dominical, but it's pricey. We found shopping at BM in Uvita was much more economical and had everything we needed. If you walk down the mountain into Dominical there is a beautiful waterfall where you can swim and explore about 10 minutes down. Dominical is home a great spa (next to Mama Toucan's) that has $30 massages and $45 facials. The best we've ever had. The beaches are all clean and inviting and each is better than the last. Our experience was a very pleasant one and we will certainly return. Thank you Elizabeth & Eduardo for an amazing vacation. We are so glad we decided to stay with you.
5.0
180 Del Mar
This is an amazing property! Away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, this property allowed us to get away and slow down.
The open air home, views of the ocean, sounds of the jungle made us not want to leave for our planned day excursions.
5.0
Our stay at this house was just what we needed - a getaway from the world - and an amazing variety of birds - and monkeys!
5.0
Incredible view
Our stay was amazing and Elizabeth was very helpful! The house layout is perfect, giving separate space for living and sleeping. The rooms are great, with private bathrooms in each. The kitchen was very well equipped for cooking with our large group. The view and sunsets were amazing! It is about 2km from the main road up the mountain so not on the beach but we were able to visit several in the area, enjoying Playa Linda the most. Highly recommended!
5.0
Peaceful getaway
Our stay at this house was just what we needed - a getaway from the world - and an amazing variety of birds - and monkeys!
5.0
Great place for diverse group
Our family has visited Dominical several times, but this was our first visit with an extended group. My wife and I brought our two daughters, a daughter's boyfriend, and a friend of the other daughter's - all in their early 20s.
Elizabeth and Eduardo’s house was exactly as they described, and it worked perfectly for us. We wanted a place with a large common area, but also plenty of privacy for each person. The central building was a great hub for socializing, and we enjoyed the novelty of an open-air living area with brilliant views from the veranda. The suites provided plenty of space (and air conditioning) for us to get away from each other when we felt like it.
A troupe of photogenic capuchin monkeys spent some time at the house on our first morning, and howler monkeys (heard but not seen) made their way through in the early hours of a couple of other mornings.
The well-stocked kitchen had everything we needed for making snacks and blended drinks. We didn’t cook any actual meals, but we easily could have. We did make use of the laundry facilities, which were very nice to have available.
Elizabeth’s communication leading up to and during our trip was thorough, helpful, and considerate. She was most patient with us when one of our party locked their key in their room on the first day – this was clearly not the first time this had happened, and she had a quick fix.
The house was easy to access with 4WD vehicles – no harder to get to than the other places we’ve rented on prior trips to Dominical. Elizabeth’s directions were clear and spot on.
We were all pleased with our stay, and I’ve recommended this house to a couple of our friends already. We would not hesitate to stay here again on a future trip.
5.0
Could not ask for anything better! A view that never ends . A manager attentive to our request arranged breakfast every morning and private chef dinners four the entire stay. The house is is Costa Rica Authentic. JUST PURE VIDA
5.0
Property was exactly as expected. Host was great at communicating and meeting our needs. Would definitely stay again! Paradise in the jungle!
5.0
Great Stay in Jungle!
Property was exactly as expected. Host was great at communicating and meeting our needs. Would definitely stay again! Paradise in the jungle!
5.0
Magnificent with a View
Could not ask for anything better! A view that never ends . A manager attentive to our request arranged breakfast every morning and private chef dinners four the entire stay. The house is is Costa Rica Authentic. JUST PURE VIDA
5.0
I must say that I was a little nervous about the review before my stay as they were quite negative so hopefully I can give a more updated review to help future renters. We had a little trouble finding the place and yes 4 wheel drive is best to get there although our friends who did not have 4 wheel drive got a little stuck but the hosts helped us out and gave us another option to get their car to the house. They also met us and made sure we got in ok. The views are spectacular. We loved hearing the jungle sounds at night and we loved having the 4 separate bedroom suites to each enjoy. There were a lot of bugs in the main building but it helped when we closed the sliding windows to keep them out and we had bug spray always on hand. There is not AC in the main kitchen area but ceiling fans. The bedrooms all had great AC. The Wifi connection was good but only in the main area next to the kitchen. We loved that there was cable and Netflix so the kids could watch some of their favorite shows at night. We also like the kitchen that was well stocked with things we could use to cook. We also liked the big new fridge that had an ice maker so we had nice cold drinks. There was an ample supply of beach towels and the pool was really nice and enjoyed by all. The microwave also worked fine just needed to be plugged in. We loved the short drive to the waterfall and other activities near by. We had an enjoyable trip and would return again just to see whose beautiful views and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle!
5.0
Great Views and lots of space!
I must say that I was a little nervous about the review before my stay as they were quite negative so hopefully I can give a more updated review to help future renters. We had a little trouble finding the place and yes 4 wheel drive is best to get there although our friends who did not have 4 wheel drive got a little stuck but the hosts helped us out and gave us another option to get their car to the house. They also met us and made sure we got in ok. The views are spectacular. We loved hearing the jungle sounds at night and we loved having the 4 separate bedroom suites to each enjoy. There were a lot of bugs in the main building but it helped when we closed the sliding windows to keep them out and we had bug spray always on hand. There is not AC in the main kitchen area but ceiling fans. The bedrooms all had great AC. The Wifi connection was good but only in the main area next to the kitchen. We loved that there was cable and Netflix so the kids could watch some of their favorite shows at night. We also like the kitchen that was well stocked with things we could use to cook. We also liked the big new fridge that had an ice maker so we had nice cold drinks. There was an ample supply of beach towels and the pool was really nice and enjoyed by all. The microwave also worked fine just needed to be plugged in. We loved the short drive to the waterfall and other activities near by. We had an enjoyable trip and would return again just to see whose beautiful views and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle!
5.0
First time to Costa Rica and we were not disappointed in Elizabeth's home. We had stayed 3 nights earlier in LaFortuna and made the trip down to Domincalito for the rest of our trip.
The house was just as described, beautiful, the kids could only walk around going Oh my god is is so beautiful. Communication with Elizabeth was great, she sent great directions and instructions prior to our arrival.
Do have a 4x4 vehicle, it is off the main road a ways and in the rain 4x4 is really handy. Once you get there you won't want to leave. We really wished we had just went there for our whole trip.
We fully intend to go back there again.
1.0
bugs everywhere because she leaves the doors WIDE open for guests & lights on. the microwave didn’t work, the wifi was off n on, the stove needed to be fixed, and the microwave had to be replaced along w the wifi router which all should’ve been did BEFORE me and my guests arrival. the kitchen faucet barely worked/released water & the drainage stunk!!! there was no warm water in the living room house AT ALL, it looked like the house had been empty and not taken care of for a long time. she was getting irritated w us calling the night of our arrival when we were struggling to find the property. it’s located in the freaking jungle and there’s no freaking street lights & to add to it WE AREN’T FROM HERE she needs to work on her patience. also i’m 250% the property manager is on some type of serious drug..probably meth. she’s very snappy and is always twitching and is always stuttering. this was not a pleasant stay at all, we literally should’ve just stayed at a resort. WASTE OF MONEY
5.0
Gorgeous View
First time to Costa Rica and we were not disappointed in Elizabeth's home. We had stayed 3 nights earlier in LaFortuna and made the trip down to Domincalito for the rest of our trip.
The house was just as described, beautiful, the kids could only walk around going Oh my god is is so beautiful. Communication with Elizabeth was great, she sent great directions and instructions prior to our arrival.
Do have a 4x4 vehicle, it is off the main road a ways and in the rain 4x4 is really handy. Once you get there you won't want to leave. We really wished we had just went there for our whole trip.
We fully intend to go back there again.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Bahía Ballena?
The average price for a rental in Bahía Ballena is £105 per night. This rental is £160 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at The Best of Both, Hotel Style Suites with the Comforts of Home. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at The Best of Both, Hotel Style Suites with the Comforts of Home. Enjoy the water!
Is The Best of Both, Hotel Style Suites with the Comforts of Home pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at The Best of Both, Hotel Style Suites with the Comforts of Home?
We found 13 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, and internet / wifi.
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