Coldwell Banker Around the World: January 2022

Grab your board, sunscreen, beach towel and a floppy hat! Surf is up in this coastal paradise called Dominical, Costa Rica. Dominical has a refreshingly relaxed vibe with incredible surf, local craft breweries, and some of the most amazing local artisanal coffee products. The sleepy but vibrant coastal town of Dominical is the beach-lover’s hidden gem in Costa Rica. Situated in the South Pacific region on the lush Costa Ballena, Dominical can be described as the perfect balance between wild nature and modern comfort.

Due to the peaceful nature of this town, you are sure to encounter on wildlife, such as iguanas and maybe even a sloth hanging above. If you spot a monkey, hold your belongings tightly … they are the adorable bandits of Dominical! Although the most popular activity in Dominical is surfing and relaxing at the beach as you watch the ocean’s waves crash onto the rocky shore, there are also plenty of other activities to entertain as well. Spend your day zip-lining through Manuel Antonio National Park, or head for a relaxing view and a dip in the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Whether you end the day winding down at the world-class yoga studio in town or with a cocktail back on the beach, you are doing it right! Read more about the uniqueness of this blissful beach town, straight from our Costa Rica expert Daveed Hollander!

Where do you live: Where the mountains meet the deep blue Pacific Ocean along one of the most majestic coasts lines of Costa Rica, the Ballena Coast

What is the perfect weekend day like: We start by walking up to some of our local coffee shops. Dominical is home to some of the most amazing local artisanal coffee. From there, we normally head out for a morning walk along the sandy beaches of Playa Dominical or Playa Chaman, known to be the annual breeding grounds for many varieties of whales. After a short hike, we paddle board or surf depending on ocean swells in the small cove of Playa Dominicalito. After the morning surf, we usually head to the mountains, about 20 minutes away, to eat at one of the many local spots that are along the rivers and offer swimming holes and waterfalls to cool off in. From there, we head back to the house and spend an afternoon with family— enjoying the cool breezes of the Pacifica and listening to the abundance of wildlife from the mountainside. When night falls, we head downtown for drinks at the local brewery or one of our favorite local spots on the beach. Depending on whether you have kids or not, you may continue to have a few drinks at the local bars but with kids you may head to the beaches to enjoy the sunset and a summertime bonfire on the sand.

What are the common modes of transportation there: There are numerous means of transportation but the most common for locals and tourists alike are the amazing and easy to use bus systems. Though cars and off-road vehicles are a huge part of the culture and during the summer months is it very common to see tourists and locals riding 4 wheelers and scooters from beach to beach.

Tell us about the foods your area is known for: Costa Rica is filled with amazing food, but the Ballena Coastline has a rich food culture with so many different international flavors.

What is your favorite meal? At home or at a restaurant: One of my favorite meals is the fresh curry veggie bowl with Seared Ahi tuna at Scala. For a great Pad Thai and glass of wine, check out Citrus on the weekends.

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region, why: There are so many amazing areas to choose from. The hills sides are scattered with amazing rental homes and boutique hotels. The beaches of Uvita are amazing and will never disappoint. While the white sand of Manuel Antonio is great for families. There are several marinas and waterfalls to frequent.

What is your favorite recreational or leisure time activity: Costa Rica is known for the waves and surf, deep-sea fishing, and hiking. I frequently surf with my son and daughter. There is so much to do in a small radius.

Is there a specialty your area is known for: Costa Rica and especially the southern zone of Costa Rica is known for having some of the best coffee and chocolate coming out of the valleys of San Isidro. You have to find small chocolate makers and boutique coffee farms scattered along the hillsides.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: In 2018, Costa Rica will mark its 70th anniversary since it abolished its military, and that seems to suit the population. It ranked first in Latin America and 12th in world in happiness, according to the 2017 World Happiness Index. The Happy Planet Index ranked it No. 1 in the world.

If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why: If I was not here along the amazing coast of Ballena, I would live in the snowy hills of Chile’s Patagonia, with roots in California and Costa Rica always.

Territory Summary:

“The pleasant town of Dominical is relatively small but offers the beach-lover a wide variety of nearby beaches to choose from. Playa Dominicalito is just south of Dominical and is a great spot for beginner surfers and swimmers. At Punta Dominical, on the southern end of Playa Dominicalito, you’ll see the lush green land merge with the rich blue Ocean. It is a great spot to watch the ocean’s waves crash onto the rocky shore below and see a near perfect sunset almost year-round. Other activities include treks to nearby waterfalls including the Nauyaca Waterfalls (7.5 mi from Dominical on Hwy 243), canopy tours, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, sea kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling. For attractions in the surrounding areas you can access Chirripó National Park by traveling along Hwy 243 towards San Isidro about 31 miles (50 km). Access to Manuel Antonio is possible by traveling 23 miles (37 km) north along Hwy 34. To the south 95 miles (152 km) lies Golfito and access to Corcovado National Park.”

Key Facts:

Population: Puntarenas Province: 410.929
Language(s) Spoken: Spanish
Climate: In Puntarenas, the wet season is oppressive and overcast, the dry season is muggy and partly cloudy, and it is hot year-round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 77°F to 97°F and is rarely below 74°F or above 99°F.
Currency: Colones

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