Staying at the Bella Vista Lodge is a unique experience. It's probably a love it or hate it kinda place. We loved it. It's very rustic and very informal. For instance, if you're still hungry after breakfast or dinner and there's food left, Bert, the owner, will tell you to go ahead into the kitchen and help yourself. We spent our mornings and evenings sitting on the porch of the lodge enjoying the company of other guests while waiting for Bert and Max to bring the food out. Don't expect a rigid timetable here. Everything is very mellow. If you're in a hurry, they will gladly speed things up to get you your meal in time, just let Bert know ahead of time. Otherwise, enjoy the incredible view, the breeze, the fireflys and conversation with interesting people from all over the world. We really lucked out. One of the guests played beautiful Spanish guitar that sometimes was the focal point and sometimes background music, but alway a treat.
I recommend having breakfast and dinner at the lodge. You get great food at a great price. Though, to be honest, I'm not sure how much each meal cost. I do know that for four nights stay, plus breakfasts for two each morning and dinner for two each night plus a few beers, the total cost was more than reasonable, a great value.
Just a side note on getting there. Bert's direction take you through a wide stream. I mean through, not over. If you want to avoid that you can go down the main road a bit further, over the bridge and turn left (I'm assuming here that you are driving south) at the little bus stop shelter just before the road with the Pacific Edge sign. It's a hairpin left that will take you down a street with some houses and other buildings. Then you go left over a small bridge and turn right a few meters later. If you look left there, you'll see the spot where you would ford the river. You'll still have two other streams to go through further up the mountain near the lodge. But those are just little things.

We stayed here last weekend and didn't want to leave! The place is a rustic lodge with huge wrap around porches and a million dollar view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Bert the owner is a wonderful host. He was hospitable, kind and very accommodating. We wanted to swim in a waterfall. He gave us instructions for one nearby his place and it was amazing! You will need 4X4 to get to his lodge and it is a true fun jungle trek! It Just adds fun to the adventure of being in Costa Rica. We can't wait to return Bert!

I was lucky to spend two of my best nights in Costa Rica at Bella Vista! The place has a breathtaking view of Dominical, surrounded by beautiful nature, animals, and of course the beach. Very welcoming lodges, cozy, and the owner Bert gives it the perfect final touch! He is very friendly, attencious, and the food he cooks at night is DELICIOUS. Can't wait to go back!

Spent 4 nights at the Belle Vista. Bert the owner was very accommodating. He knows how to treat his guests. Bert is very familiar with the lay of the land and all it has to offer(and that is a lot). the lodge is rustic, well equipped, and Bert cooks dinner for you every night if you want. Each morning we woke up to the sounds of wild birds and howler monkeys the kids loved it! I strongly recommend The Belle Vista if you are planning a trip to dominical. P.S. Bert knows everyone in town and will help you to find your way around.