Shelter From the Storm Villas
San Martin Sur Rd, Dominical Costa Rica
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About
#1 of 6 villas in Dominical
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Sol-E-Mar is an individual guest house perched on a 5 acre mountainside point, 60 meters above the Pacific, high enough to give dramatic views of the coast to the Osa Pennisula, but low enough to hear the waves breaking on the rocks below.
Nestled among red palm trees, this typical Costa Rican bastide offers a unique and sublime view of Uvita Bay. Its rustic charm extends to the azure horizon, with its beautiful red wooden structure combining both rustic charm and modern comfort. The warm color palette of terracotta, orange, and beige offers intimacy, proximity, and energy. This lodge invites contemplation, with its rooms facing the ocean sure to delight you. The master suite combines charm, originality, and luxury, complete with a king-size bed and an outdoor "jungle" shower with a sea view.
The Double Deluxe room, with two queen-size beds, provides direct access to the terrace and private spa. This isolated 120m2 dwelling is a haven of peace and tranquility. Its living room is both unique and cozy, offering a green cocoon and a light breeze of sea air. The sofa bed accommodates two additional guests. Charm, authenticity, and escape are the hallmarks of this lodge.
All our lodges come equipped with a parking spot, a fully equipped kitchen, a 60-inch flat-screen TV, air conditioning, fans, hot water, a wardrobe, a well-equipped bathroom, towels, bed sheets, amenities, a safe, free access to local and international TV channels, and free Wi-Fi access throughout the property.
You will get an access to the shared pool and Rancho : open space where you can enjoy time.
The property is secured by a video surveillance system with access control and a guard.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Bar / lounge
Bicycles available
Boating
Books, DVDs, music for children
Children's playground
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Swimming pool toys
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Shallow end in pool
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Poolside bar
Golf course
Hiking
Horseback riding
Mini golf
Snorkeling
Water sport equipment rentals
Aerobics offsite
Canoeing offsite
Fishing
Patio
Board games / puzzles
Children's television networks
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Highchairs available
Strollers
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Spa
Foot massage
Full body massage
Massage
24-hour security
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Concierge
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
Private check-in / check-out
Clothes dryer
Self-serve laundry
Washing machine
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Soundproof rooms
Air conditioning
Dining area
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Sofa bed
Walk-in shower
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Seating area
Separate dining area
Separate living room
Sofa
Wardrobe / closet
Clothes rack
Iron
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Kitchenette
Dishwasher
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Ocean view
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish
Location
323Reviews4Q+A54Room tips
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As we are the last guests of Darryl and Donna at the incredibly unique Shelter From The Storm Villas, we are honored to provide their last review. The warmth and hospitality of Darryl and Donna who passed the ownership on today will be very hard to duplicate. From the warm and welcoming smiles including the doggie greetings as you pull up to the Shelter, the personally led trek to your special villa, to the stocked refrigerator with everything from bacon and eggs to amazing fruit juice and Costa Rican coffee …….splendid in every way. I had an idea when I read the home page prior to our arrival in Costa Rica of the personality of our hosts, I was not prepared for all of the home-like touches and the beauty of their spirits and souls. May you both be blessed in your next adventure and rest assured Denny and I fell deeper in love with your beautiful country and with the two of you. We can only hope to experience your special spirit again in the future. We wish the new owners good luck in the future as they have incredibly huge shoes to fill. We wish the two of you the best in you new adventures. Pura Vida with Much love to you both….Denny and Deb❤️…
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Daryl Wallace, Owner at Shelter From the Storm Villas
Responded Apr 22, 2022
Thank you so much for your kind words, Deb. Selling Shelter From the Storm is truly a bitter/sweet event in our lives. As wonderful as have been the past 16 years and getting to know thousands of people from all over the world and from all walks of life, the relief we feel at knowing that we no longer have to worry about the happiness of our guests over our own. I suppose that sounds selfish but if we can't be a little self-centered at 74 years old, when would that be okay. It's something that I've pondered for the past several years. That doesn't diminish that pleasure of helping people enjoy every minute of their well deserved recreation nor the satisfaction that we feel, knowing that their time at SFTS has changed the lives of many. This, as evidenced by the comments left in our guest books. It has ALWAYS been more about our guests over the money. Whenever we were feeling "poor" during the low seasons, we would gather the guest books and read the comments and the feeling of wealth came pouring in. In reading the comments for the books in the various villas (including yours) I have to admit that they brought tears to my eyes. I only hope that Pascal and Virginie can experience the same satisfaction from their experience as new innkeepers.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Well, the best way to sum up our stay at SFTS is to say we left all teary, after only 3 days at this magical spot. Daryl, Donna, and their adorable pups; Lucy, Hector and Ricky, made us feel so welcome and at home during our short stay. SFTS is perched up on the cliff with stunning views. We stayed in the Monkey House, which is just gorgeous, thoughtfully decorated, and equipped with literally everything you could possibly need. I just loved the cute little monkey decorations!
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Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Another great time with Daryl & Donna. We have been coming for 15 years and they never disappoint. Very relaxing and accommodating, and can help with any number activities you may want to experience. Pura Vida
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
It’s been a month since We’ve been home and cannot stop telling people how this may be the best place we have ever stayed at! So unique an not like any other place we have stayed. When we book a room we really just look for a clean place and a bed to sleep in, we travel for the location not the place we are staying. We were pleasantly surprised with what we found! The atmosphere that Donna and Daryl provide is like no other. The hospitality, local knowledge, friendliness, I could go on and on. Whenever we were asking about an activity and when to book Daryl would us usually respond “when do you want to go” then follow it up with a phone call to a company he recommended. We were never disappointed with any of our adventures on their recommendations. We really wish there were more places around the world run the same way. Thanks again for such a wonderful experience in Costa Rica! …
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
One of the highlights of this year’s annual trip to Costa Rica was staying at SFTS. My husband and I stayed in the cozy Villa Las Rocas Abajo, which was nicely decorated (a magnificent painting of a scarlet macaw in the bedroom), clean and comfortable. We relaxed in the afternoon on our covered patio and enjoyed the view of the Pacific Ocean. Daryl and Donna were wonderful hosts and helped us with restaurant and tour suggestions and reservations. We also enjoyed the happy hours we spent with them at the bar. We definitely plan to return next year.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We were most fortunate to spend six nights in a villa at Shelter from the Storm. The owners, Daryl and Donna, are absolute delights. Our villa was beautiful and beautifully decorated, spotless, and comfortable with wonderful views of the jungle and the sea. We relaxed on the large terrace, saw terrific birds, and listened to howler monkeys. Daryl made excellent suggestions for restaurants and sights. We were there with another couple and the four of us could not have been happier or more pleased. We are already planning to return next year and hopefully stay even longer.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: Our La Cuesta villa was fabulous- with great views and good WIFI.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
My husband and I recently traveled to Costa Rica for the first time. Shelter From the Storm was recommended by some friends and we booked two nights. Daryl and Donna have a lovely property with a magical view of the Pacific. The villa we stayed in was comfortable and unique. Cocktails in the pool bar area were fun and what a blast to meet others and share our stories! Thanks!
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We loved our stay at SFTS. We were warmly met by Donna and Daryl on arrival and they were perfect hosts through our visit. Great sources of information. The villas were beautiful with porches either perched in the rain forest or balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean. At 5:30, we were in the honor bar, listening to jazz and watching sunset. Only praise for this piece of paradise. Planning our next trip to SFTS
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
This was our first time to Costa Rica and we couldn't have asked for a better trip. We have Daryl and Donna to thank for making this trip all the more memorable. Although Shelter from the Storm was recommended to us, it surpassed our expectations in every possible way. We were kindly greeted upon arrival and immediately felt right at home. Our villa, The Monkey House, was exceptional; clean, cute and quiet. We were able to see monkeys almost every day, sometimes multiple times a day. We actually saw more wildlife at the villa than we did anywhere else on our trip. In addition to the amazing wildlife, every villa has breathtaking ocean views that cannot be beat! (It makes it hard to leave the property to explore the area) Daryl and Donna were incredible hosts, and are all-around great people. I cannot recommend SFTS highly enough! We had a wonderful time and are already planning our next visit! - Also, they have the sweetest pups that we immediately became best friends with!…
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
+1
This was the perfect place to stay in Costa Rica. Our villa was private, well-designed, and very comfortable. The living spaces were gorgeously decorated and offered the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living. The public areas, including the pool and bar area, were beautiful and relaxing. We had spectacular views of the ocean while being surrounded by jungle greenery and wildlife, including monkeys that passed by our balcony on their daily rounds. SFTS is located near wonderful beaches, restaurants, and all sorts of activities. Daryl and Donna were the most amazing, knowledgeable hosts, offering great advice about what to do and where to eat. They made advance reservations for us and did a lot of checking around to make sure the places we were interested in were open during low season. We couldn't have had a better experience!…
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Date of stay: October 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
shelter from the storm hotel dominical
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Sol-e-mar
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasDominical
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
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Claim Your ListingSHELTER FROM THE STORM VILLAS - Villa Reviews & Price Comparison (Dominical, Costa Rica) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Shelter From the Storm Villas
Which popular attractions are close to Shelter From the Storm Villas?
Nearby attractions include Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary (0.6 km), Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge (7.6 km), and Nauyaca Waterfalls (4.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Shelter From the Storm Villas?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Shelter From the Storm Villas?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Shelter From the Storm Villas?
Guests can enjoy a lounge, a poolside bar, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Shelter From the Storm Villas?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Shelter From the Storm Villas?
Conveniently located restaurants include La Junta Dominical, Scala, and El Pescado Loco.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Shelter From the Storm Villas?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Shelter From the Storm Villas?
Yes, self serve laundry and a clothes dryer are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Shelter From the Storm Villas?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Shelter From the Storm Villas?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
Does Shelter From the Storm Villas have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.