My guidebook spoke of a "Colorado-style lodge with magnificent views" that would arrange horseback tours to Cascadas Nauyaca. These photos only hint at the magnificence.
Personable and detail-oriented owner/host Bert Woodson made the experience stress-free and fun. I stayed at the Lodge my first two nights in Costa Rica before traveling to Quepos, Jacó and Papagayo. I returned for another two, previously unplanned wonderful nights on my way to Osa Peninsula. Would return again tomorrow if I could!
- Christopher J, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
"My 3 nights at the Bella Vista Lodge was the highlight of my Costa Rica trip. I stayed in the Lodge (there are 2 cabins as well). The lodge is a social place with a pretty open design, so don't expect to lock yourself away in your private room. Expect to socialize and party and make yourself at home. Bert, the owner, will cook for you (family style) every night, and the food is awesome. There is a well stocked bar right there, and an extremely casual vibe with the best ocean view in Costa Rica. Bert is the coolest dude ever, and will totally take care of you. He lined me up with a local guy who took me surfing and spearfishing, and all in all, it was a pretty awesome time. I wish I could have stayed longer."
"The ride up the mountain to get here is crazy steep. You must have a 4 wheel drive,, like all of Costa Rica.The view is incredible. It is just so amazing and unique. You can see the waves breaking from this property.The owner, Bert, hooked me up with some of the best horseback riding of my life and just was so cool and informative about everything.... great guy and fabulous cook.. You are only like 9 minutes from the beach town of Domincal that has great little affordable restaurants. A wonderful location and an adventure. Pura Vida!!!"
"My experience at Bella Vista was awesome. The accomodations were top notch and the food, prepared by the owner - Bert Woodson - was five star. I love the area of Dominicalito and Dominial and find the local people very kind and refreshing. If you are looking for a beautiful get away with a laid back atmosphere, then Bella Vista Lodge should be your choice. I can't wait to go back, its a beautiful place."
"Bert was a great host with tons of local knowledge and a excellent chef. The food he prepared every night was fresh and awakened your taste buds every time! He gave us many ideas of things to do and places to see. Definite highling was the 6 hour horseback ride with breakfast and lunch included to the waterfalls he arranged. The howling monkeys and birds were quite active every morning and the natual beauty of this place showed each and every day. This is not a five star hotel but a place to relax, unwind, meet and interact with friendly people (guest) and locals as well. You need to rent a 4 wheel drive to get to this place about 10 minutes from the town of Dominical and their are 3 small streams to cross. What you get at this price is exceptional."
"If you're reading this review then there's really no reason to continue searching for other places to stay, just click reserve and be prepared for an amazing experience. Bella Vista is nestled a short drive up from the beach in the middle of a clearing in the rainforest. Usually things that sound to good to be true are just that, but Bella Vista breaks the rule. Aside from the scenery, Bert offers a full service experience. And by "full service" I mean he'll make sure you have amazing food morning, noon, and night; he'll hook you up with the people who run the best activities from surfing to horseback riding; and he'll make sure your cup is never empty while enjoying the beautiful environs of the lodge. Perhaps the best part about the lodge, however, is meeting the other people wise enough (and lucky enough) to book their stay with Bert. It is next to impossible not to make friends for life (or at least the duration of your trip) while staying there. One recommendation though, if you are looking for a bit of respite from late night music and conversation, book one of the cabins instead of the rooms."
"I just stayed a week at the bella vista lodge and had an fabulously relaxing time. It is a great location to get away and just chill out because there is no one to bother you on the top of a mountain. It also works as a great home base with tons to do within an hour drive. Great national parks, surfing, ecotourism, restaurants and bars. My week went by so fast because I was always off doing something different. Do yourself a favor and at least stop by and say hello to the owners Charlie and Bert and there main man Brian, great guys that pour a stiff drink. The view also doesn't suck and the food is creative and not the Costa Rica norm."
"Absolutely one of the best locations with the most accommodating staff a worldly traveler could wish for. Bert and his staff treated me and my son with the utmost in professionalism and courtesy. I can't say enough about how great the meals were or about the absolutely stunning picturesque views worthy of any magazine cover. I will actively seek to revisit Bella Vista in the near future and I strongly recommend this lodge to all friends and family that wish to visit the Domical Costa Rica area. Thanks guys I had a great time."
"We had a wonderful time at the Lodge. Unfortunately our stay was far too short but Bert went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and safe (emergency medical provisions for my daughter!). The food was excellent, the horseback ride was amazing, the place itself is immaculate and the view is straight from a postcard. Domenical is a fun little town and that section of the coast was our favorite. We will be back next year! Mark, Anna, Luke and Mason."
"Bella Vista Lodge WAY exceeded my expectation and Bert is the nicest person to meet. The personal service was great, the location was perfect and the view is FANTASTIC. 5 minutes from the beach, but still high enough to be comfortable day and night. I will defintely be going back!"
"The Bella Vista which overlooks Dominicalito is one of the best hidden secrets in Dominical. Not only do they offer gourmet brunches and dinners at an affordable price but also the suites and cabinas are great to. I just left the 2nd of Nov. and can't wait to go back. If you are interested in staying there the lower cabins are great they offer privacy and home kitchenettes. I wish I would have grabbed one when I stayed. Thanks to Bert, Charlie and Bryan for their great accommodating spirits."