Is Villa Temenos - A Sanctuary, Renewal, A Return To One's Self... pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Villa Temenos - A Sanctuary, Renewal, A Return To One's Self... Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

Q: Does Villa Temenos - A Sanctuary, Renewal, A Return To One's Self... have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include infinity pools.

Q: Where is Villa Temenos - A Sanctuary, Renewal, A Return To One's Self... located?

Located in Marina Vista, this vacation home is within a 15-minute walk of Hacienda Baru and Playa Dominical. Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons and Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding are also within 2 mi (3 km).

10/10 Excellent

Matthew C., Cayman Islands

15 November 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Matt

Absolutely amazing property. Loved it and the entire area.

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christian T., Mandeville, Louisiana

9 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Miriam G.

25 March 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

11 March 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

J G.

12 December 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

8/10 Good

Angie B.

7 February 2024

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Ben C.

21 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Amy S., Jsckdonville

24 July 2013

An Oasis in Paradise

My husband and I along with two of our friends spent an incredible week at Villa Temenos in Dominical, Costa Rica. The oasis that Dean and Paul have created on this gorgeous hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean is simply beyond words. The grounds are lush and tropical, the home is so unique and designed to take full advantage of the amazing scenery. With our own private palapas, we were able to enjoy the company of our friends, but we still had all the privacy we desired. Each morning we woke to symphony of birds and enjoyed our Costa Rican coffee from the top deck off of our bedroom, watching the toucans, tanagers and butterflies flutter past. We spent our days exploring the beautiful, uncrowded beaches, watching the surfers and wandering through the little village at Playa Dominical. After a lunch at an open-air cafe, we came home to refresh ourselves in the pool before taking a siesta on the sofas in the bale. In the evenings we took a bottle of wine down to the beach to watch the sunset, then off to dinner at one of the local restaurants. It was the definition of relaxation. We had a few adventures, including an ATV trip with Carl's up a mountainside to see the tallest waterfall in Central America. Carl was a wonderful tour guide and we spent six hours on the ATV's exploring the area, including a gorgeous view of the whale's tale. A hike through the park at Manuel Antonia was breathtaking, with monkeys, sloths and macaw sightings. Don't miss the sea windows at tthe beach just south of Domincal!! Dinner at the Jolly Roger was a treat, with a marvelous view and yummy chicken wings. But, our favorite food was the local fare, including breakfast at Tortilla Flats with huevos rancheros with beans and rice, or the delicious banana bread and fruit salad. Henry, the groundskeeper, was so helpful (once we installed the Spanish translator app onto our phones!), kept the pool and grounds immaculate and even spotted a family of monkeys that he pointed out to us in the trees above the house. The people of Costa Rica are friendly and helpful. We knew very little Spanish, but had no trouble communicating. Shopping at the local markets and bakeries was also an adventure. However, the best part of the trip was returning to our little piece of heaven at night, litstening to the waves and the waterfall off the pool. It was our best vacation ever and we can't wait to go back. Our only complaint is that one week wasn't nearly long enough!!! Thanks guys!

10/10 Excellent

David V.

11 August 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Jody B., Dallas, TX

2 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.

2 May 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.

21 February 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.

8 October 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just Perfect!

Location, view, atmosphere, experience.

Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

11 June 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.

13 November 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.

22 April 2019

Excellent

Peaceful. Magnificent views and sounds of the Pacific.

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gary P.

15 March 2019

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

29 December 2018

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

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sherry M.

10 May 2017

Paradise found!

If you are looking for beautiful lush gardens filled with sweet fragrances, delicate flowers, colorful plants along with the jungle sounds of tropical birds, insects, and reptiles, then this is the place for you! In the middle of it all is the most amazing pristine pool with various levels of depth and lounge areas to while away your days in relaxation, privacy, and comfort. We used the blender to make fruit juices from locally sourced fruit and there is fine cutlery, dishes, and a wine opener for your dining pleasure because you may choose to never leave this sanctuary! The bed is luxurious and comfortable and the bathroom is beautiful and well stocked. The walk in closet has a humidifier that is quite handy in the humidity of the tropics here. Henry quietly goes about his work early every morning to keep everything perfect for you. If you are a nature lover, like us, but enjoy luxury and exceptional comfort too, like us, then you won't be torn with the choice of one or the other when you choose Villa Temenos. When you traverse the stairs into this garden of Eden you may be transformed! We were!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marnita S., Minneapolis, Minnesota

24 January 2017

A Return to Our Happy Place

This was our second trip to Villa Temenos and we didn't make the mistake of staying anywhere else this time spending two weeks in this singularly spectacular sanctuary. I believe I was the very first person to review the property. Dean is a dream to work with. I love waking each morning to Henry keeping the grounds perfectly groomed. He is full of great information about the flora and fauna. I love that there is great wifi and tons of places to charge your electronics. Temenos is a magical place. It was designed with the utmost care and consideration. It's not trying to be in the South of France or Italy. It was designed to be right where it is at the very tip of the South Pacific 300 feet above the beach. You need to understand that you are in the jungle in a developing nation. This isn't a five star hotel. It's a five star home. There is a difference. Things happen in a jungle. It's constantly trying to take back the perfect grooming to the wild, but that's what makes Temenos so spectacular. I recommend this property to anyone who wants to experience complete beauty and serenity in nature. You absolutely need a four-wheel drive to get up the hill and the driveway. It's close to the cool little town of Domincal, but after dark we rarely left the property because the Bale was the place to be. This is my dream home. I recommend this property to everyone I can. It was great for the four of us. The lower palapa has its own fridge and coffee maker if your guests don't want to come up to the living room in the morning to make coffee. There's a new micro-brewery in town. Phat Noodle, the sushi bar and the fish and chips place were all new since when we were at Temenos in 2013. I've also determined that the best fried chicken in the world is in Costa Rica. I'm not sure why it's better than all other fried chicken, but if you see a fried pollo shop, get a piece. Yum! One cautionary note that doesn't deter us from returning. Shake out your clothes/shoes before packing them or putting them on wherever you stay in Costa Rica. We brought home a scorpion in our suitcase. But we had them in every home we stayed at in Costa Rica in the past four years. They aren't interested in harming you. Just don't shove your foot in a shoe they are sleeping in. I'll be back soon dear Villa Temenos. I can't live long without returning to my favorite place on earth.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

duane f., Spotsylvania

1 December 2016

Beautiful grounds and pool

Our overall rating of Villa Temenos is very good. The views from the upper BR and balcony were amazing. We also saw Toucans, white faced monkeys and several different types of lizards and iguanas around the property. The location was excellent and close to restaurants,grocery stores,beaches and the small town of Dominical. There are also a few things I wish we would have known before our visit. 1. The proximity to the main roadway...unfortunately there is traffic noise during most of the daylight hours and is very noticeable and bothersome as trucks use their exhaust brakes while descending down hill below the Villa. 2. This is a property that is almost entirely outdoor living, the kitchen and lounging areas are on the same level as the pool with a curtain that can be pulled around the kitchen area during nighttime hours. Besides this the property is very beautiful and lush with a view of the beach and ocean below that is second to none. The pool area is gorgeous and we spent many a day just lounging around the property and listening to the waves crashing on the beach. The property is also very well maintained and they have a full time care taker that cleans the pool and grounds daily... Pura Vida!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

26 August 2016

Wish I were still there!

My husband and I just returned from an absolutely wonderful week spent at Villa Temenos. The property is so well thought out and the attention to detail is evident everywhere you look. It is located in a magical jungle setting with beautiful landscaping and the pool is right out of my dreams! The view and sounds of the ocean are amazing. We were visited by a toucan and were fortunate enough to see the blow of a whale right from the balcony. Oh to drink my coffee from there every morning! The owners could not have picked a better location. You have complete privacy and yet are only minutes away from the great little town of Dominical, which has really good restaurants (and a fabulous massage parlor!). We would definitely love to visit again!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Jason B., Carmel, IN

16 August 2016

Incredible place, but some maintenance issues

This is a 5-star villa, but I feel compelled to leave a 3-star review due to the following: 1) The infinity pool is not current "infinity", due to a leak in the upper portion of the pool. The pool is ~2 feet lower than it should be, which means it is below the filter system. Also, no 8' waterfall due to this issue. This was not disclosed to us prior to our arrival. We were offered an apology, but not a reduction in rental rate. 2) 3 of the 4 pool lounging chairs had large holes in them making them unusable. The owner was able to have them replaced within a day or two of our arrival, which we appreciated. 3) The driveway security gate is no longer electronically (with key fob) functional, and must be opened and closed manually. Also, a few wood slats on the gate have been ripped off and discarded nearby. Not sure what happened, but it should be repaired. 4) Overall maintenance issues that for the price we paid should be repaired ASAP. Bed in the upper palapa is being propped up by a cinder block, mold near the drain in the shower, multiple light bulbs out, debris and garbage through out the property, uncared for potted plants, ladders and cleaning supplies stored just out of sight but not really, and a cracked stair that is a falling/tripping hazard (it pops up when you step on it). Ok, so that those are the issues with Villa Temenos. We absolutely enjoyed our stay here and would rent again if the owner was able to address the issues. My sense is there may be a management company issue, which we heard through a local realtor who was familiar with this property. Hearing the waves crashing 24/7 and being so close to Dominical and the main highway, are what sets VT apart. It is only a short (yet steep...you NEED a 4x4) drive up from the highway to VT. Be careful going up the driveway during rain. If the ground was wet, we found it easier to go past VT and turn around in the next drive, then get a bit of a running start up the driveway. VT is also unique in that most of the living space is outdoors. We spent most of our time relaxing either in the kitchen area, bale or in the pool. Chef Romulo cooked dinner for us two nights, which I highly recommend. His cooking was incredible and we enjoyed talking with him as well. Overall we loved Villa Temenos and have confidence that the owner will address the above issues.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Katherine K.

14 April 2016

Outdoor living in Paradise

We have rented a good number of homes in the tropics but have never experienced as spectacular a place as Villa Temenos. Perfectly appointed with every possible comfort, we kept having to pinch ourselves at how closely we were with the nature all around. We loved hearing the waves breaking, birds all around and a soft constant breeze flowing. Never saw a single mosquito but plenty of tiny lizards and an occasional grasshopper. The pool is the perfect respite to the heat and the bedroom and bath were elegant. The Wifi signal was strong too. You definitely need to make sure you have 4-wheel drive to get up the steep road/driveway. There are exactly 48 steps from the driveway to the main floor of the house, so make sure you are ok with taking stairs. My husband and I took daily walks down to the beach and enjoyed the challenging workout of walking back up the road. We enjoyed the 1-mile beach walk along the surf to the small village of Dominical. We loved the zip-lining excursion set up by the owner's agent, but would not recommend the 1/2 day whale/dolphin watching with snorkeling. Lovely local restaurants nearby and some of the nicest local people you will ever meet. This house is an outstanding find -- elegant, unique, comfortable, and unforgettable. We would definitely rent it again.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andrea R.

9 April 2016

Beautiful Amaxing Perfect

Fell in love with this place! Planning to make it an annual destination, Perfect location, house has everything for the perfect vacation. Close to BM grocery, beaches, and restaurants.

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