After navigating through the meandering mountain side hills, and curves, full of tree top canopies, plants and beautiful flowers the anticipation was building as we arrived at the gate entrance of Marina Vista #3. A steady push of the throttle got our under powered 4x4 SUV up the inclined driveway to the parking area of our destination, Casa de Cinema. We had only enough time to get out and stretch our legs and I could tell by the smile on everyone's face that they were simply satisfied, and we hadn't even been inside yet. A few minutes after our arrival we were greeted by the homeowner Toby. Up to the point of our meeting, Toby and I had kept close touch via email. He was very informative on essentials, local information, and any questions that we had to help prepare us for our trip. He started by handing us the house keys, a wireless remote for the gate, and then gave a walk through and explained switches to lights, fans and the pool. Toby has a very chill, laid back attitude that would make most any guest feel at home. He informed us that he was located on a paved trail above us should we need anything, then he was gone. The casa, is more than suitable for a group of 4, be it individuals, or couples, it's simply beautiful, seemingly located in the middle of a botanical garden. Due to the location near the equator, the sun typically rises and sets between 5:45-6:00 am and pm everyday all year. You will quickly learn that is when the howler monkeys make their territorial howls to alert the other monkey tribes know their location. Throughout the day you are frequented in the surrounding trees by parrots, toucans, parakeet, and other native birds. Then just a short walk behind the casa to some steps you will find another elevated villa, which was formerly the cinema. This provides an amazing vantage point of the grounds, coast, and more importantly the western sunset over the pacific ocean. Also on the grounds are a series of paved pathways that are laid as if it was cursive writing paved through a jungle, with ups and downs in and outs revealing all kinds of flora and plant life. A special pathway trip to the top puts you about 150+ft in elevation higher than the casa, and you are able to see an incredible view spanning for miles. After the sun goes down on our coastal town in Texas, the mosquitoes come out. I didn't see the first mosquito, or many other bugs for that matter, rest assured bugs will not be a big issue on your trip. In the evenings the sun beams in through the porch windows warming the interior quite a bit. The casa is only equipped with an AC unit only in the bedroom with (2) beds which is probably the only negative thing that was discussed between the guys. The casa is equipped with remote fans, which move the air pretty good, but until the sun goes down, it can get kinda stuffy. The beds and linens are nice, it was said that the king could be softer, but after all, we weren't there to sleep. The pool was perfect!!! After a day of hiking to waterfalls, or surfing, or snuba, or just because, it was nice to have that option to dive into or lounge in throughout the day. The house is located about 6-10 minutes from the "Dominicalito" bus stop sign and about 7 minutes from the mountain sports bar venue "Bar Jolly Roger". Located 15 minutes from the surf town Dominical also has an ATM, 25 minutes from Uvita for snorkling and 30 minutes from Quepos for zip lining and airport. I've been fortunate enough to say that I've been quite a few amazing places on this earth, but the Casa de Cinema is hard to leave. Toby, I cant thank you enough for you incite. I look forward to seeing you again, and you can bet that someone I know will be headed your way. PURA VIDA!!!

This is s beautiful property with loads of paved paths through the jungle. We saw as much wildlife from the porch or paths as we have in any national park in Costa Rica. The ocean view from the cinema (which is at your disposal) is to die for. Owners Toby and Kim were incredibly helpful, and charmingly hospitable. One of the best rental experiences we've had to date.

My wife and I recently stayed at Casa de Cinema for 10 nights. It was awesome!! We chose the rainy season to avoid the tourists and were not disappointed. If you're looking for the nightlife and normal touristy locations that you can walk to, then this is not the place for you. However, if it's secluded nature with modern convenience you're after, then this is exactly what you're looking for! About the house: It's a great space with a nice open living/dining area that opens on to a huge porch overlooking the pool. We spent most of our time on the porch enjoying the cool nights and listening to nature. Two separate bedrooms each with their own bath was nice. With just the two of us, we used one as a dressing room and we each had our own bathroom. The power drops out for a second or two maybe twice a day, but that's the nature of Costa Rican living. It really didn't get in the way of anything. The pool has plants surrounding it for privacy and blocks the view of the ocean, but you can just walk up the stairs to the cinema (huge covered patio) and have your morning coffee with a view. About the area: The house is a few (6) kilometers from Dominical up a mountain road. The road is not paved, but gets graded twice a year so it's easy to drive. We drove it in both dry conditions and heavy rain and had no problems. There are lots of howler monkeys in the area that move around daily. They hung out in the trees about 150ft from the house on several mornings! Awesome!! Also, there's a great waterfall and swimming hole only 30 feet from the road up. Great hidden spot! About the hosts: Toby and his wife Kim were great! They live in a house up the hill and were extremely nice and accommodating to anything we needed. The microwave went out and 3 hours after we notified them, it was replaced. Toby's a musician and has a little recording studio at the cinema. Kim is an artist and has her studio up the hill from their house. Summary: This is a fantastic place to stay!!

Travel companion called it paradise, beautiful setting a thousand feet above the Pacific. Tremendous hospitality while completely respectful of privacy. Two bedroom, two baths. wrap around veranda/casita with well placed hammock. private adult pool, perfect for frequent refreshers. Beautiful beaches nearby. Great food @ local restaurants. All services and shopping within 15-30 minutes. Parks, with hiking, light climbing, swimming (ocean & fresh water waterfall) and zip-lining nearby. History, wildlife, flora & fauna, geography information in fun environments. activities at all levels. Very media rich environment with full cinema at top professional standards, as well as dvds systems in guest house. Exceptional media/film library with great sound systems. Diverse library. Relaxing, refreshing, informal, accessible. You do want a 4x4 for the final ascent,especially in the rainy season when we visited. Thanks Toby & Kim,.

My girlfriend and I stayed at this property for two weeks in March 2013. The house itself was wonderful; lots of space, well-furnished, and even better looking than in the photos. There is an expansive view of the ocean and the countryside from the deck and the sunsets are breathtaking. Toby and Kim were always present when we needed advice or information and were a pleasure to deal with. The location of the house is very close to Dominical and a short drive to Uvita. We found numerous amazing restaurants in the area and were spoiled for choice. To get to the property you will have to drive about 10 minutes up a steep dirt road, but the view and seclusion are well worth it. We would definitely stay here again.

My husband & I spent 3 weeks in January at Casa de Cinema and it was the best vacation we ever had. Everything we could possibly need was supplied with the house, which was decorated in warm colors and had the feeling of being in your own home. The pool was wonderful. One of the best parts was the privacy, making our stay feel like a 3 week honeymoon. I rose every morning to watch the sky lighten and the birds and monkeys of the jungle awaken and start their day. The gardens and jungle abound in beauty. The road up to the Casa was in good shape for our visit although a 4-wheel drive is needed for the steep inclines. But it's less than a 10 minute drive down to the highway. The pool, altho wonderful for us is an adult pool, over 4' deep through out so it may not be appropriate for small kids. This was our 4th trip to Costa Rica and the first time we rented a house for our stay. We enjoyed this casita so much, that we had days when we never left. We will definitely plan our next visit with the availability of this rental.

Casa De Cinema was absolutely wonderful and inexpensive. This was the first time we had rented a house so I was a little unsure, it turned out to be much more than we expected. It was very private, yet close to Dominical, beaches and many activities. The owners were very nice, and were closely available if needed. Watching the sunsets from the Cinema was breathtaking. This was our third trip to Costa Rica and Casa De Cinema was by far the best lodging we have had. I have told many of our friends that this is the place to stay!

I've stayed in Casa de Cinema on all five of my trips to Costa Rica. I would never look any further than this for the best travel experience in my life. As a writer and film maker, I've actually done some of my best work here, writing scripts, blogs, and even songs! The views are outstanding, the pool totally relaxing, and our hosts the most generous and congenial people I've ever known. If you like movies, the cinema just up the hill (39 steps...just like Hitchcock!) is a true blessing. When I die, I hope to have some of my ashes scattered on Escaleras Mountain. Then I can be there...forever!