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Entire home

2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 4111 sq m

Room options

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Villa Temenos - A Sanctuary, Renewal, A Return To One's Self...

Perched in a hillside jungle, 300 feet above the gleaming Pacific Ocean is Villa Temenos. A private retreat designed to accommodate up to 4 guests total, 2 guests each in their own private “Palapa”. Surround yourselves in modern tropical luxury while experiencing the beauty and adventure of Costa Rica.

The compound consists of 2 tropical modern style thatched roof Palapas with Balinese flare. Each Thatched roof palapa is designed to accommodate 2 in a luxurious bedroom, with a king bed, and bath opening to ocean views and nature on all sides. The woods have been hand selected down to picking the trees to bring in rich native woods while keeping clean, contemporary lines. Cool Columbian limestone floor tiles and Sandstone carvings brought in from Bali add elegant but tropical accents to each palapa.

Since the villa has 2 identical bedrooms and bathrooms each in separate palapas (buildings) and the property is often rented by a couple, the base rate is for only the upper palapa. There is a small fee of $25 per night/ per guest added for the second palapa. This is indicated on Vrbo when you add the number of guests. The villa is perfect for 2 couples offering a similar experience with privacy. Regardless of the number of guests renting, you are the only guests at the villa.

The upper palapa is two stories with an open living room on the first floor and a bedroom on the second. Also here are is a powder room and full-size laundry. A wall of rich wood louvers doors slide away to provide you with a small kitchen comprised of a refrigerator, two-burner stove microwave and sink. It's a casual setting to prepare breakfast and lunch or evening cocktails before heading out to one of our local eateries for dinner.

Leading out from the outdoor living area is a spectacular 40’ infinity swimming pool with an 8’ waterfall. The pool provides several different areas with-in it to swim or relax on one of the benches or shallow lounge areas. Multiple terraces provide different areas to sun and dine all while overlooking the beautiful ocean below and jungle above. Step through the pool across a sandstone walkway to the Indonesian Pavilion or 'Bale'. A perfect place to read, relax or meditate...and that’s just what we want you to do!

As the house is perched on a hill, there is a series of stairs and bridges to lead you up to the main living and pool area, 50 steps in all. Along the way, you get views of the magnificent gardens, full of tropical plants, as well as the great ocean views. One of the first focal points you see is the base of the bale adorned in river rock with a beautiful sandstone carving of Heliconias and Plumerias brought from Bali. Then, placed in the middle of the
garden, you enter through a set of antique Indonesian doors which gives you the first real views of the palapas.

Once up at the house, you can enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. It's not unheard of to see migrating whales, dolphins, and the birds and butterflies are amazing! Toucans pass through routinely. If it’s not the birds chattering you hear, it's the ocean waves providing a constant concert of sounds.
During your stay at this holiday home, you'll be within walking distance of Hacienda Baru. The holiday home offers free WiFi and a private pool.
  • Air-conditioned home with private pool, kitchen and washing machine
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include a terrace
  • Within a 15-minute walk of Hacienda Baru and Playa Dominical
Villa Temenos - A Sanctuary, Renewal, A Return To One's Self... offers its guests a terrace, barbecue grills, and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property manager

Dean Carlson

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Infinity pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Yes, we allow children but want to make sure you a

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

Villa Temenos A Sanctuary Renewal a Return to One's Self..
Villa Temenos A Sanctuary renewal a return to one's self...

Villa Temenos - A Sanctuary, Renewal, A Return To One's Self... Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning View
Six days lounging around the pool and walking on the beautiful beach below. Lots of Toucans in the trees. Walked up from the beach ONCE, then drove all other times, to nearby Dominical for lunches etc. Highly recommended.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Angie B.

Breathtaking beach view!
Amazing location just up from Playa Dominical. The waterfall pool was refreshing and a must to keep cool in the heat. Walking to the beach is a hike and good for some exercise. I didn’t realize the house kitchen was outside. Pictures online were a little deceiving. The bugs were annoying especially in the lower bungalow. Not sure how they were getting in but they were everywhere. Top bungalow was free from any bugs. Henry the caretaker was awesome at helping us get our bags up and down. He kept the grounds clean too. It was a delightful stay and we were so sad to say goodbye. We wish we would have booked a whole week here. Thanks for a great stay in Costa Rica.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

J G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful stay in paradise
Our stay at Villa Temenos was wonderful. The location near Dominical was just close enough to the basic services we needed but far enough away for us to feel we had escaped to paradise. I was a little nervous about the weather in late November but it was very nice. There were a few short rain showers on just a few days. The private airport transfer from SJO was easy and relaxing. Amanda J. arranged to have a rental car delivered to the villa and that handoff was easy. The Villa is very well cared for and Henry very welcoming. Amanda continued to help us schedule some activities throughout the trip and her recommendations were great.
Stayed 11 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew C., Cayman Islands

Liked: Cleanliness
Matt
Absolutely amazing property. Loved it and the entire area.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ben C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Incredible!
My family just returned from a wonderful stay in Dominical, Costa Rica for a family vacation and surf trip! Villa Temenos is a property that will not disappoint. Dean (owner) was easy to reach and quick to respond to questions. He provides a phenomenal guidebook for guests. Definitely read it, as it provides everything you need to know for a well-planned, memorable trip. (Fuego, a restaurant recommendation in Dominical, turned out to be a favorite - the staff were super friendly, the food was amazing, and the fresh-brewed beer was a hit!) Henry (the care-taker at the villa) is an absolute gem! He was so friendly (as are all the people we met in Costa Rica) and helpful. He went above and beyond during our stay! The property is amazing and gorgeous - way to go, Henry! We tend to have very high expectations and have often been disappointed in other VRBO properties we have rented. BUT, Villa Temenos exceeded our expectations - from the high-end wood work and architecture, the location and view, the beautifully appointed spaces, the pristine pool, and the impeccably maintained grounds! If you want to enjoy the truly beautiful nature that Costa Rica has to offer, we recommend a stay at Villa Temenos in Dominical!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Miriam G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
Villa Temenos is a spectacular property, just as advertised. It was perfect for our family of four. Dean is an excellent host and Henry, the property manager, is kind, reliable, and responsive. We would definitely return!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lee N., Leavenworth

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning design and view!
We really enjoyed the whole experience of staying at Villa Temenos! We loved the architectural design of the houses, the pool and thatched bale. The view down to the beach and the clean waves Is stunning. The small tourist town of Dominical is a minute away with its shops and restaurants but you you wont see it or hear it from the property, just the sounds of the birds and the sea.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

David V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Costa Rican paradise
Villa Temenos is, in a word, amazing. Perched on the hills overlooking the beaches of Dominical, you will feel like you're living in a dream. Spectacular views. Incredible outdoor pool area. You can make meals while you listen to the ocean waves far below. Sit on a balcony listening to birds calling in the trees around you. Seriously, I felt like I was living in a scene from Succession or something. The owner is extremely communicative. The road to the property is steep but paved. The nearby town of Dominical is small but has a lot to offer. The nicest home rental we've ever used, bar none. I am already anticipating our next visit to Villa Temenos.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christian T., Mandeville, Louisiana

Liked: Cleanliness
Slice of Heaven...
A beautiful place in a magical location. Everything was top notch. Communicate with owner and property manager is a breeze. We will stay there again ❤️
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jody B., Dallas, TX

Liked: Cleanliness
Pics do not do justice!!
This villa was absolutely what we had hoped and more!! Loved the location, close to town, close to waterfalls etc. The house was in a very private gated subdivision. I’d highly recommend. Keep in mind rental price is just for main bedroom, kitchen and all lower living, including pool. The second bedroom/villa is an additional cost, but they do not rent second villa separate, meaning if you rent the villa you will be the only ones there even if you don’t rent the second villa. Also keep in mind, there are a lot of steps to the villa from drive, it’s part of what makes it so private. It’s beautiful!! If you want a beautiful view, in the jungle with ocean view and close to town, this is your place!!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Warren N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Honeymoon
Dean has created a wonderful experience at Villa Temenos. It was a perfect honeymoon base camp or for those wanting a place to park themselves for a week, you’d be very happy. No TV which for us was perfect and a ton of great outdoor living spots. The on-demand water heaters combined with outdoor showers (one is an ensuite you can close the doors to…though the jungle provides all the privacy and zero neighbors so no need) were an extraordinarily relaxing way to wash the salt water off after enjoying any of the amazing beaches in the area though my wife and I were particularly fond of the Whale’s Tail area. The infinity pool was everything we were looking for and had the most amazing beach / jungle views. Despite two different nature tours, we nearly saw as much wildlife from the canopy of trees that the mountainside Villa hosts. This included Chestnut billed Toucans that we called in using the great outdoor speaker system that made lounging at night that much more comfortable. The small community felt extra safe with its pin accessed gates and was all a short 2 minute drive to Dominical where we enjoyed great fish tacos and had access to plenty of great grocers including Mama Toucan’s am organic, natural grocer that had it all including the best vegan ice cream (and we’ve tried them all in the States and few compare…truly!). Check out Fuego’s Brewery for the most established restaurant and Pescado Loco, the little taco stand for great fish tacos, but be wary of the limited hours. Know that you’re in the jungle and there will be geckos and lizards and bugs but keep the doors closed the bedrooms and you’ll mostly be fine. To top it all off, the housekeeper, Henry was fantastic. He was very accommodating of our very delayed arrival and had the house extra clean. Having stayed for over a week and seeing how quickly the amazing landscaping, fauna and flora can make a mess of the property, it’s clear Henry’s work is the reason why this place is so spectacular. We highly recommend and hope to bring our friends and family here in the future!
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic Villa
I whole-heartedly agree with all the positive reviews here. The place is even better than the pictures. Nice and secluded. AMAZING views. Wildlife all around. Henry was very helpful and quick to get back to us if we had any questions. we were there for 6 days and it was difficult to leave.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brandy F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just Perfect!
Location, view, atmosphere, experience.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Exquisite
Wonderful views from a beautifully designed property. Every detail and finish is thought out exquisitely from lush plantings to beautiful stone finishes to high quality bedding. Henri the caretaker was delightful and the owner’s communications were always quick and helpful. We’ll be back. Already have friends booking.

10/10 Excellent

Duane S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Slice of heaven
This was our first time in Costa Rica and we loved every bit. The house is incredible, and the town of Dominical is an excellent location with all the amenities you need for a relaxing vacation. The outdoor living areas of the house are really special. Being that connected to the jungle and having spectacular views of the ocean were the highlight. Even when it rained it was relaxing to just sit and watch the storms come in off the ocean and hear the rain falling in the forest. The kitchen is minimal but had most things we needed to cook full meals at home. Be aware that there are no staples provided, so we had to bring everything in, including olive oil, spices, etc. We explored the nearby waterfalls, we took surf lessons from an excellent instructor at Costa Rica Dive and Surf (bob, a retired California pro surfer) had great food at cafe mono Congo and phat noodle. Most dominical restaurants have great vegan options. And there’s a small market with tons of organic and vegan selections. The only disappointment was that a construction site directly across the street was active from 6am to 5pm daily, and while it provided entertainment when we tried of watching the surf, it was hard to escape the grinding and hammering during the day (the house being mostly outdoor living). I imagine the heavy construction will be finished within a couple of months and this won’t be an issue for future visitors. Overall an amazing home in a beautiful place with great hosts.

10/10 Excellent

Demian B.

Excellent
Peaceful. Magnificent views and sounds of the Pacific.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gary P.

We love everything about this place
We have been here 3 times. There are so many beautiful places in the world, we don’t often visit the same place twice. A great blend of beauty, activities, tranquility, authenticity and privacy.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

David S., Demarest, New Jersey

Absolute paradise
Villa Temenos ranks as one of the nicest places we have ever stayed. The sunsets are out of this world. The pool is crisp, clean and refreshing. Henry is a delight. Sylvia could not have been more helpful. If you are reading this review, stop and book this place. Thank you Dean for everything. David, Laurin, Riley and Teo
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2018