Mavi Surf Hotel
Location: 275 m SW & 90 m SE of BCR, Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas, Ballena, CR
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Property Type: Bed and breakfasts
About this Property
Outdoor Pool and Terrace View - Enjoy the refreshing outdoor pool or relax while taking in the stunning view from the terrace and garden.
Dining and Services - Indulge in delicious meals at the on-site restaurant with a bar/lounge, and treat yourself to complimentary continental breakfast daily. Benefit from amenities such as concierge services, free Wi-Fi, and an area shuttle for easy exploration.
Comfortable Rooms and Nearby Attractions - Unwind in one of the 8 guestrooms with premium bedding, private balconies, and complimentary internet access. Explore nearby attractions like Playa Dominical and Hacienda Baru, making your stay at Mavi Surf Hotel unforgettable. Book now for a memorable seaside retreat!
Important Information
- This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
- Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
- No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Instructions: This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply). Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 8:00 PM. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.
Amenities & Facilities
- Free breakfast
- Boat tours nearby
- Parasailing nearby
- Area shuttle (surcharge)
- Free WiFi
- Terrace
- Garden
- Luggage storage
- Continental breakfast
- Concierge service
- Snorkeling nearby
- Kayaking nearby
- Scuba diving nearby
- Television in common areas
- Library
- Rafting nearby
- Free breakfast
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Multilingual staff
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Parasailing nearby
- Smoke-free property
- Ecotours nearby
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free wired internet
- Area shuttle (surcharge)
- Snack bar/deli
- Parking (limited spaces)
- Surfing/bodyboarding on site
- Free self parking
- Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
- Boat tours nearby
- Free continental breakfast
- Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
- Visual alarms in hallways
- Handrails in stairways
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Stair-free path to entrance
Rooms Available
-
Premium Studio, Pool View
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
376-sq-foot individually decorated room, balcony/patio with pool views
Internet - Free WiFi and wired internet access
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Premium bedding and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Safe, twin sofa bed, and local maps
Comfort - Climate-controlled air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Accessibility - Low-height electrical outlets in bathroom
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Refrigerator
- Private bathroom
- Sofa bed
- Wheelchair accessible
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Premium bedding
- Free WiFi
- Balcony or patio
- Bedsheets provided
- Local maps
- Lowered electrical outlets in bathroom
- Low-height counters/sink
- Wheelchair-width doorways
Guest Reviews
- johnmS3417AT (10/5): Understated elegance - Beautifully clean and quiet and near the beach
- 237axellej (10/5): Perfect place to be! - This place is amazing!! The owner is just one of the nicest host I meet!! Rooms are big and very confortable with everything in and clean! The breakfast is crazy!! 2 minute walking to the beach!!! Thank you so much!! PURA VIDA
- rbcmac (10/5): every detail is accounted for - Max was a great manger/owner. Every detail was taken care without having to ask.
the grounds and hotel were spotless everyday, and breakfast was a delight every morning. All amenities were provided and explained at check in. Highly recommend!
- davidewood57 (10/5): Good value at a reasonable price - I spent a week at Mavi, surfing area breaks. It was exactly what I was a looking for: A quiet location, a large room with a kitchenette and reliable wifi, an excellent breakfast, and easy access to Dominical restaurants and food stores. Max, the owner, could not have been more welcoming and helpful. Costa Rica has long outgrown its reputation as an inexpensive destination, but Mavi bucks the price inflation trend by delivering good value at a reasonable price. I would stay here a again in a heartbeat.
- anned634 (10/5): Home away from home in Dominical - Mavi Surf Hotel was our home away from home—a beautiful, well-appointed yet simple, boutique hotel within walking distance to town and the beach. Max was a gracious host and the staff took excellent care of us. And Penny the cat es mi muy amiga por siempre. 💙 #puravida
- Wegisweg (10/5): Geweldig - A lovely hotel, with a great home made breakfast and only 3 minutes walk from the beach. With very nice owners who gave us fantastic advice about things w could do in the neigborhood. Like visiting a beautiful waterfall, Whale and dolphins spotting and great restaurants.
Ton & Joanna
- michelejJ8042YV (10/5): Wonderful Experience - I would give MAVI 10 stars. This family owned and operated hotel is lovely. Not huge - so people aren't in your business. Breakfast was perfect ever morning - i suggest the pancakes and fruit bowl. Barbara is so sweet and gave us the best advise on local things to do and places to go. Can't wait to return to MAVI.
- Kavi (10/5): - Really enjoyed our stay – it was very comfortable and felt almost like home. The owners were welcoming, helpful, and thoughtful, even preparing a breakfast for our early departure. The location was great, just a short walk to the town, beach, and supermarket. Bonus: Penelope the cat added some feisty character!
- X9168OHsarahb (10/5): A Perfect Vacation Spot - Staying at The Mavi Surf hotel was like staying with your favorite aunt and uncle. My sister and I felt spoiled by Max and Barbara. A delicious fresh breakfast started our day off and after reviewing plans with our hosts we felt ready to explore and enjoy. Feeling safe in a new country was important to us and we were not disappointed. Max outlined the restaurant scene, giving us tips and suggesting favorites. My sister fell ill at one point and Barbara took time to make a special tea tray to help her recover quickly. Due to her illness we needed to adjust scheduled excursions and our gracious hosts were there to help with our language barriers and telephone challenges. Returning to the hotel at the end of the day, taking a dip in the pool, and relaxing on our balcony and in our comfortable room were additional benefits to our stay. We felt so comfortable with our surroundings it was hard to leave!
- rosesforever (10/5): Amazing Place - what a positive surprise! our expectations were not particularly high, especially after we had read that children under 12 were not allowed and our tour operator had booked us there with our 9-year-old son anyway. it was our 9th accommodation on the trip and we were never given such a warm welcome as at Mavi Surf. The owners are incredibly friendly, informative and helpful. we felt very welcome and at home. we were in the luxurious position of being the only guests. the room was large, very well equipped and very clean. the pool is lovely, there were even extra towels for the pool. various restaurants are within easy walking distance and Barbara is happy to give recommendations on what is worth it and what is not. one day we had to leave very early and had expected not to get breakfast. instead there was a really rich, super tasty breakfast to take away for us, lovingly prepared and brought the evening before. the breakfast on site was also great, very rich and tasty. nothing was left to be desired. you can tell that everything is done with passion. If you are looking for a small, individual accommodation with great hosts and a fantastic breakfast, this is the place for you! For us, another highlight at the end of our trip
- SiriusSkier23 (10/5): Best place to stay in Dominical! - Had two stays here last month and I love the place. Max and Barbara are lovely people and run a clean and friendly hotel. Great breakfast in the morning and nice pool. Close to the surf and several restaurants. Have stayed here in the past and will again.
- bradley (10/5): - The owners might be the nicest people I’ve ver met. And the breakfast every morning was perfect fuel for the morning surf sessions! Highly recommend this place.
- Q120FSalexas (10/5): Impeccable experience- will be returning! - I have never written a review before but I knew after staying with MAVI I had to let the public know how wonderful of place this is. I can easily say this is the greatest hotel I've had the pleasure of staying with- from the cleanest rooms, the freshest food, the best travel/health advice and all with the nicest family/owners. They really made us feel safe and at home. We will be returning to MAVI when time permits! Huge thank you to Max, Barbra, and their daughter!
- Ami (10/5): - Max and his wife are fantastic, caring amd interesting people who treat you like family. Max is supremely knowledge of the area, the dinning options and activities available. He is responsive and helps you book and facilitate everything. The place is clean centeral and has the great vibe of staying with family. The breakfast is fresh and delicious. The coffee is divine. This is one of the best places i have stayed at in a long time. I highly recommend Mavi.
- Peter (10/5): - Epic property…..If in Dominical it’s the place to stay
- Christopheswinnen (10/5): Great hotel! - Very friendly people that do a very good job. Breakfast is great. The pool and garden are well maintained. The rooms have everything you need and are very clean and beautiful . Hard not to feel home immediately .I would recommend this hotel to everybody .
- john (10/5): - I felt like I was a guest in the proprietors home. They were so warm, friendly, and interested in our experience. They take so much pride in their hotel and it shows.
- J9845CRjeanp (10/5): Get up and enjoy the sunrise steps away on the beach. - Impeccably clean. Very quiet and relaxing place with a classy clientele. Family run with great attention to detail, the place is maintained in a pristine state and feels new.
The owners are gracious and generous with their time and always ready to answer any questions or chat which contributes to a friendly vibe. Very attractive for early to bed early to rise active people who love to play in the surf.
- Roxana Del Barco (10/5): - The owners Barbara and Max are fabulous, very helpful and they run an extraordinary resort.
- Maps558218 (10/5): The best hotel in Dominical!! - This is the second time we have stayed at the Mavi. It is a boutique family run hotel that is quiet and so very comfortable! This little gem is situated within walking distance to the ocean and all that Dominical has to offer. Barbara and Max are the perfect hosts! Breakfasts are scrumptious!
We will be back! Thank you Barbara and Max!!
- casho98 (10/5): Best hotel in Dominical - Hands down the best hotel in Dominical! Barbara and Max are the kindest and most accommodating hosts. The premises were kept immaculately clean with a nicely stocked kitchen and good AC! The breakfasts were also the best part of our day! Great location with views of the mountains and pastures and only a 5min walk to beach/town.
Highly recommend!!
- sabrinaa392 (10/5): Once you stay here you will keep coming back to The Mavi - We have stayed at the Mavi at least 10 times. It feels like coming home to stay at the Mavi and see Barb and Max. The hotel is family run with the owners living on site and therefore very clean and well maintained. The hotel is 8 rooms so you feel like you are in your own place and every room has their own entrance so if you are on the second floor no one will ever walk past your room. They are always available for whatever you need with a smile, along with the amazing women that help cook breakfast (so delicious) or clean your room. The same ladies have been working there for the past 7 years I have been visiting. The hotel is a quick walk to the beach, restaurants and stores in town but without feeling like you are in the middle of town when it gets busy. (Bring a small flashlight for nighttime walks to dinner in town) If you look out your room door you see the pool and if you look out your bedroom window you see the neighbors which are only cows and horses. This is truly an oasis of peace and relaxation. If you need any restaurant suggestions or reservations they can help make them and get you a taxi if needed. If you surf you will most likely be in the water with Max during your trip at some point. I love taking my daily nap outside my room in the hammock after surfing or exploring Dominical and the surrounding areas. This is best place to stay in Dominical 🫶🏼🏄🏻♂️🌊🏄🏻♀️🌊
- Ryoichi (10/5): - The owners are very friendly and kind with a full hospitality. The hotel is clean and located in a quiet area of the town. I felt so relaxed staying at Mavi Surf Hotel. For me, everything was perfect.
- marykm2016 (10/5): Beautiful Hotel/Wonderful Stay - If you are vacationing in the Dominical area be sure and stay at the MAVI Surf Hotel de Dominical. You will be glad you did! My wife and I have stayed here twice and will come back again. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the Hotel is charming and immaculate. Breakfast is included, and you have your choice of several delicious entries. A beautiful pool also waits just outside the front door of your room. The gracious owners, Max and Barbara, will make sure you have everything you need to make your stay comfortable! The beach is just a short walk down the road, and shops and excellent restaurants are only a several minute stroll from the Hotel as well. MAVI Surf has everything you need for a fun and delightful stay. We highly recommend this Hotel for your visit to Dominical!
- Angela (10/5): - Lovely hotel - a short walk to the beach & town/restaurants. Property is immaculately kept by the owner who looks after guests like they are family & the staff is friendly ~ Highly recommend this hotel!
- Varina (10/5): Wonderful Mavi - Wonderful proprietor, comfy rooms, close to town but not too close, and delicious breakfast. Loved it.
- Varina27 (10/5): Don’t miss MAVI - the hotel, the people, or the breakfast. - Everything every other review mentions is true: the Italian couple that runs is this is just as kind, helpful, friendly, and welcoming as others have stated. The rooms are large, clean, air conditioned, and come with their own balcony and kitchenette. The hotel itself is only a few minutes from the beach, and about ten minutes walking into the main town - in other words, far enough away from the main drag to only hear birds at night. Breakfast is included and absolutely delicious. The pool is a calm and inviting place to wind down at the end of the day. It’s a lovely, special place.
Since others have written all of this - my main addition will be: get the yogurt at breakfast. It is made by a local farmer and it is ridiculously, absurdly tasty.
Thank you Max and Barbara 💗
- Heather (10/5): Great place to stay - Stayed 2 nights with my husband. The property is small and a block from the beach. It’s nothing fancy but you’re not going to find fancy accommodations in Dominical, which is a small surf town. The room was clean and comfortable. We had air conditioning, a little kitchen and nice bathroom. The couple who own the property are absolutely delightful and very accommodating. They gave us suggestions for dinner and talked about the area. When we had an early snorkel tour, Barbara the owner made us a take away breakfast so we didn’t leave hungry.
- alessandrasL2699IB (10/5): Highly recommend!! - This past week was the second time staying at Mavi, and I loved it just as much as the first stay. Barbara is super sweet and helpful, gave us lots of food and outing recommendations. The rooms are very nice and very clean, the bathrooms are also very nice and clean. Breakfast is AMAZING, and exactly what you need before a day of surfing. I highly recommend Mavi and it is definitely one of my favorite places I’ve ever stayed.
- darlene (10/5): - Immaculate small hotel. Everything very new looking and beautifully designed. Nice size room, kitchenette and lively bathroom. Very nice and helpful owners. Breakfast was big and delicious! We tried all 3 options! Small but clean pool. Between pool loungers and chairs and hammock outside room, there was no problem to find shade or sun sitting areas. Beach and restaurants a short walk. We didn’t have a car and it was no problem to get around. We really enjoyed the small town.
- Jeremy (10/5): - Mavi is a great place. It is small (just 8 total units), so it is quiet and peaceful. The owners are absolutely wonderful, so helpful and friendly for any concern or question we had. The location is perfect, just a 2-minute walk to the beautiful beach, and 5 more minutes to everything else in The Dominical main drag. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the pool is lovely. We looked forward to the fantastic breakfast every morning, just great.
The only things we missed a bit were paper towels and facial tissues (not provided), but not. Big deal at all. The road next to the hotel is quite rugged, so be prepared to drive slowly and carefully on the way jn and out.
But overall, just a magical place, and we will return as soon as our travel stars align. Love the Mavi, and you will too!
- 57stanleys (10/5): A Wonderful Experience - This place is an absolute delight. I picked it based on the previous reviews, and we were not disappointed. While it is technically a hotel/motel, I guess, you really feel like you're staying with family.
The rooms and grounds are impeccably maintained, and the rooms are very comfortable. There's a setup for coffee making plus a fridge and dishes--we ended up making one cold meal a day from the local markets, where we also purchased the coffee. But a delicious breakfast is available at 7 AM. For those who wish to partake, beer and soda are available on the premises during the day.
The pool area is very pretty and incredibly relaxing, and everyone has their own lanai or balcony if they prefer. I did not expect to like Dominical as much as I did, but it is a wonderful surfer's/new ager's paradise. There is nothing wrong with zip lining, adventure tours, etc., and we've done all that on other trips, but you won't be seeing all the signs for that in this small town.
Kudos to our fabulous hosts, Max and Barbara, who make sure everyone is well taken care of. We're in CR to explore a move, and they cheerfully put up with our incessant questioning regarding just about everything. They couldn't have been better.
This is an outstanding value for those who want to experience the laid-back side of Costa Rica!
- Jennifer (10/5): - The owners went out of their way to make me comfortable and be a resource for me to have an easy and pleasant stay. Rooms were comfortable and clean, and had a porch space with a hammock and seating area. I’d definitely stay here again!
- 623SharonC (10/5): At least a 10+. - This hotel is one of the coolest places I have ever stayed in my world travels, and I would rate it higher than 5 if I could. The rooms and grounds are stupendous. The informal breakfast each morning was cooked by Barbara and one older grandma like employee in a family style kitchen with outdoor tables where all of us from different parts of the world easily visited. It was a bit of a walk to the beach and town, but it was on a semi private road along a cow pasture where one doesn't have to dodge cars. The owners, Barbara and Max, are from Italy and incredibly friendly and interactive with those of us staying there. One couple needed transportation to Manual Antonio, and Barbara did everything to arrange it. There is also a cool tri-color kitty named Penny with great attitude if you are missing your own pets. The pool is beautiful. There is a little patio outside each 1st floor room where I sat each evening to unwind. I just cannot say enough about how cool this place is.
- David (10/5): - From the moment I arrived and checked in, the owners Barbara and Max made me feel welcome and at home. It was about an hour before posted check in time but they said, “no problem come on in.” Walking through the front gate is like being transported to a parallel universe where the form, function, aesthetic, and vibe of the environment and staff all work together in harmony to provide a stellar experience for the guest. The grounds are immaculate and the walk to my room was accompanied by a pleasant delivery of useful information by one of the hosts, Max. The room was exceptionally clean and well designed for space and function within that space. There seemed to be a place for everything so it was easy to settle in and easily find a place to put everything for access during my stay. Each room has its own little patio area out front with a small table/chairs for dining, two large relaxing chairs with cup holders, and a hammock for ultra relaxing. The landscaping provides a sense of privacy within an open shared pool area, which really adds to the comfort factor. House rules posted are to ensure a pleasant, relaxing, and safe stay for all guests. And for a property that is a ~mere 5 minute walk from the beach and main drag of a little beach/surf town, it’s nice to have this little microcosm of peace and quite so accessible to the “action” if and when one chooses to engage what’s available outside the serene space of Mavi Surf Hotel. Well done!
- Lauralye04 (10/5): Home away from home - We have never felt so welcomed as we did at Mavi. The owners are so nice that you feel like you've known them forever and you are honored guests at their home. It attracts the nicest people and morning breakfasts were alive with chatter between tables as travelers shared stories and pleasantries. Clean, bright, quiet, cool, spacious, groomed, and comfortable. Just a quick walk to the beach and access to all the amenities of the little town, the owners provide you with a map and mark it with spots to visit based on your preferences. The staff is attentive and kind and you will not have a need that goes unmet. The service was above and beyond expectations and we feel grateful to have been guests.
- Jessica (10/5): - We absolutely loved our stay at Mavi Surf Hotel! Max and Barbara are incredibly kind, caring, and accommodating! They made us feel welcomed in their space and we enjoyed all our interactions with them. The breakfast is delicious, the pool is perfect, and the gardens afford lots of incredible opportunities to view birds and pollinators. We forgot our binoculars and Max lent us his to use during our stay! On my birthday, we saw a flock of fiery-billed aracari in a nearby tree and were able to watch them while enjoying our breakfast. Mavi is also conveniently located near the beach and surf break! Overall, it was all good vibes at Mavi and we cannot wait to visit again in the future! We cannot recommend this place enough! Thank you so much Max & Barbara for all you did to make our stay so wonderful :-)
- Elizabeth (10/5): - We thoroughly enjoyed staying at Mavi. Barbara and Max were very nice, helpful, and attentive as needed. The place is comfortable, clean, and relaxing. The free breakfast was delicious and full of options (especially enjoyed the homemade granola and fresh fruits) I loved having our own little patio, table and chairs and hammock. It was a two minute walk to the beach and town, just down a quiet dirt road. Street Parking, just outside of the secure hotel area, was easy. I would most definitely stay here again. Pura Vida! Beth and Louis
- Hillpudlian (10/5): Fantastic family run hotel. Perfect! - We spent three nights at this lovely little hotel and cannot praise it enough. Family run and I mean family run. They check you in, they help you with your bags if needed, they give you advice on where to go / eat, they serve breakfast etc etc. They could not do enough for you. The rooms are a really good size and centred around a lovely pool which was perfect after sweaty sight-seeing and wildlife watching. I cannot recommend this place highly enough and if I go back to Dominical I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.
- Brian (10/5): - Massimiliano and Barbara are simply the best! So, very grateful for our new friendship.
- James (10/5): - The hotel was very clean and everyone was helpful, cheerful, and hospitable. Everything we needed was right at hand, and the overall environment at the hotel was inviting, relaxing, and peaceful. Our stay at Mavi Hotel was very enjoyable!
- Jesse (10/5): - I truly loved my time at this hotel, The owners live onsite and are some of the nicest people I have ever met in my life. The hotel grounds are incredibly kept and everything is just beautiful. The room has a big and really comfortable king size bed with actual comfortable pillows which is a huge bonus. Even the towels at this hotel are soft and comfortable much much better then the average hotel. Loved that there is also a private patio with a hammock outside each room, this was by far the best hotel I have stayed at in a very long time. Very peaceful and quiet hotel but also very convenient as it is only 5 min walk to all the shops near by and to my favorite Gelato/Frozen yogurt store. Only few minutes walk to the Ocean which was just amazing way to start each morning with a nice long walk on the beach. The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast each morning, which was great to return from a relaxing long walk to have some fresh breakfast. Overall the family and staff that run this hotel are just incredible and honestly some of the nicest people I have ever met. This small boutique hotel delivers better service than most of the million dollar hotel chains deliver. I will always stay here when I come to dominical and I highly recommend and have been recommending to many people already that they stay here so they can truly enjoy paradise in the most peaceful and relaxing environment. One last big thank you to the owners :) Look forward to seeing you guys again!!
- Patrick (10/5): Love this place - The Italian family who runs and own Mavi are super friendly and you can feel they like what they do. Anyone traveling to this area I can recommend staying here.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Best accommodation in Dominical probably
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Love this family.. they truly know what is needed to make you and your family comfy.. breakfast is FANTASTIC and I couldn't say ANYTHING negative about these guys.. PURA VIDA!
- JamesandTrish (10/5): - Nothing to dislike. Wonderful hotel. Could not have been better
- Karin (10/5): Christmas in Dominical - Best place to stay in Dominical. Sparkling clean, lots of amenities and extremely friendly owners and staff. The pool is a hidden gem and the location is perfect...no bugs, short walk to the beach and very secure.
- Amir (10/5): Amazing Hotel! - Friendly owner and great rooms!
- Craig (10/5): - Wonderful place. Awesome service. Delicious breakfast. Close walk to beach and restaurants.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Cant say enough great things about this place. Hospitality was amazing, rooms were perfect, included breakfast was delicious, and youre about 100 yds from the beach. Dominical was an amazing town and definitely worth visiting. If we come back here we will definetly be staying here, no question about it.
- Betsy (10/5): Perfection - Absolutely wonderful family hotel just a block from the beach. Perfection!
- James (10/5): - Good hotel in a good location with very good and helpful staff
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Mavi Surf Hotel has rave reviews for a good reason! We loved this place. Proprietors Barbara and Max couldn't be more lovely and helpful people. They gave us advice on everything from where to eat to which places were best to visit and at what times. The hotel has an unmatched charm, painted in an array of beautiful colours and with beautiful little ornamental touches. Everything is so pretty and tidy. And even though it's a quick walk to the beach, it's a big plus to have the gorgeous swimming pool right outside your door for quick or long dips. The rooms are spacious and the king size bed is huge! We were two friends traveling together so we opted to also use the pull out sofa, which is basically like a futon. I found it perfectly comfortable but my friend found it a bit firm so you might want to keep this in mind if you are also traveling with a friend and using separate beds. Last but not least, the breakfast just may be one of the best breakfasts I've had anywhere - a delicious big bowl of fresh tropical fruit, scrambled eggs, homemade panckakes, yogurt and an assortment of small cakes. Truly satisfying and a great way to start the day. I'm hoping to return with my family someday. There is so much to do in the Dominical area and we didn't get to all of it this time. Overall, my friend and I couldn't have asked for better in staying at Mavi. We consider ourselves very lucky to have found this wonderful hotel.
- Brian (10/5): - Fabulous! Best place to stay in Dominical by far. The couple that owns Mavi takes amazing care of the place and their guests. The room was spotless and spacious, the breakfast was very generous and they went out of their way to help each guest with information and arranging tours and transportation. It was a rare gem, highly recommend.
- James (10/5): A gem in Dominical! - The MAVI Surf Hotel was a lovely find, and its hosts are the most enjoyable people you are most likely to run into during your travels! We loved our room, the breakfasts, and being able to walk to dinner and to-from the beach so easily. We were paragliding and could land at the beach and carry our gear right back to the hotel - fantastic. There is much to see in Costa Rica, but if you're in the Dominical area this is a wonderful stop!
- Christine (10/5): - What we liked was the property was very secure and safe. We loved the homemade breakfast and the personal service from the owners. We spent half the day in the pool talking to other guests. We had a great time here
- john (10/5): Wow - Barb and Max were the most helpful owners of a hotel I have ever had. They served the best continental breakfast (try the unique pancakes, never had any as good). They called taxis and set up tours for us. They keep the entire place spotless, watered each plant, swept the area several times day. Barb had guests kids following her to "HELP" and she took everything thrown at her with a smile. Obviously a couple who love each other and love to make others happy too ! The place to stay for fun, laughter and become a member of their family in a short time they will have returns so much they will be booked solid always. Thank You for the wonderful 9 days in Dominical, we will be back.
John and Annette
- sun (10/5): Awesome stay at Mavi - Place is designed beautifully and tastefully, love the bathroom, wish I had one like it. Breakfast was sooo good and great coffee! Love the owners and very helpful with places to eat in the area. Sur Rasa is a local restaurant that served such great food with cheap prices that we ended up going 2 nights in a row. This hotel was one of the best!!! One thing I wish could have been better was to get a more in-depth information about the nearby trip to the famous water falls Nayuyaka which was beautiful and worth visiting. After a bus ride there’s about 4 miles walk going up and down in terrible heat, need to bring lots of water to hydrate.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Really good service, breakfast was included and delicious.
The owners are awesome people, great location to move around. Total recommended
- Sarah (10/5): - My family and I had a wonderful stay at Mavi.
I was sick when we arrived and Barbara took such good care of me. She felt like my own mother and I am very appreciative of her attentive care.
The hotel is VERY clean, excellent location, enjoyable pool and Max and Barbara were always available to answer any questions and make recommendations. The complimentary breakfast is filling, fresh and delicious! I HIGHLY recommend this hotel.
- Tod (10/5): Exceeded our Expectations! - Exceeded our expectations. Max, Barbara and the staff at Mavi Hotel were friendly and wonderful. Nicer than the pictures. Would definitely reccomend this hotel.
- CRsurf (10/5): - Friendly staff and nice rooms with a delicious breakfast included.
- Lisa (10/5): Mavi Surf Haven - Our hosts made us feel completely at home and relaxed . They have created a beautiful haven with meticulous care and attention to detail . Perfectly clean , perfectly beautiful and perfectly comfortable . We loved our breakfasts of fresh fruit salad , scrambled eggs , pancakes , cheese, ham , yoghurt , jams and coffee . And we enjoyed our little terrace with its hammock , relaxing , reading and playing cards there . Great to cool down in the pool . Air conditioning and a comfy bed , fridge, good shower ... everything we needed .
- Andre (10/5): Must stay if in Dominical, Costa Rica - Excellent 8 room hotel. Owners are at the desk and are awesome. Hotel is four years old, very well done. Pool. Walk to beach. A/C. Breakfast is incredible and included. Clean large rooms with kitchenettes (no stoves), large bathrooms, pullout third sleeping space, water supplied everyday, hammocks, tables on deck. Super clean, great vibe.
- Wanda (10/5): A Most Enjoyable Stay! - The hotel was absolutely charming. Excellent breakfasts. Very warm and attentive hosts who made us feel at home. Location was perfect since we were traveling without a car. We were able to leisurely walk to all the of the main points of interest in Dominical. The beach and the town are literally steps away. Would definitely stay there again.
- Katherine (10/5): Peaceful Hotel With A Fantastic Location - Mavi Surf Hotel, run by an uber-friendly and knowledgeable Italian couple, is everything I want in a hotel: clean, comfortable, quiet, and centrally located. Just a two minute stroll from Dominical's amazing beach, the hotel is still far enough away from the town's main stretch to give it a secluded, tranquil feel even though all restaurants are still within walking distance. The included breakfast is also fantastic! We had no issues with parking at the hotel, and were able to store our luggage with the owners on the day we checked out so we could explore the area without worrying about someone breaking into our vehicle. As a bonus, our room came with a private balcony and hammock!
- jcfiv (10/5): Amazing hotel close to the beach! - This hotel was amazing. You can tell that a lot of love and professional interior design went into the Mavi Surf Hotel. Every decoration, article of furniture, and architectural design fits perfectly. The owners are so friendly. I can't wait to come back and stay longer.
- Valerie (10/5): Lovely quality boutique hotel. - Mavi surf is a really good quality hotel. Everything from the towels to the toilet paper was top notch. It was by far the best shower we had in the 6 places we stayed in on our trip to Costa Rica and the aircon was the quietest I've ever experienced. Barabara and Max are really friendly. Overall a lovely stay. Walking distance to everything in domenical. I highly recommend for your stay in domenical.
- Pauline (10/5): Excellent place to stay. Value for money. - This is an amazing hotel only 300 metres from the beach. It has only 8 rooms but they are a great size, including good size bathroom and small kitchen. A/c and fan. Bed comfortable. Linen changed regularly as were the towels, including the pool and beach towels. Good sized balcony with comfortable chairs and very private. Small pool and pool loungers. Buffet style breakfast. The owners Barbara and Max were the best, so helpful and nothing was too much trouble. Helped us with restaurants in the area as well as informing us of the best places to visit. Had to leave early for the airport and a breakfast was provided in our room. Supermarket and restaurant within walking distance. The main town further away. A 4x4 needed for the minor roads as not tarmac. Will stay again if we return to Dominical.
- Erin (10/5): Amazing stay!! Want to return immediately! - We loved our stay at Mavi! Great location, just a few minute walk to the gorgeous beach and fun restaurants and bars. The breakfasts were awesome (don't miss the pancakes, they are delicious!!!). The Italian couple who owns the hotel are so sweet and welcoming. They have great suggestions for tours and places nearby as well. The pool area is great, the hammocks are lovely for a morning read, and the AC is perfect (it gets really humid in Dominical so this is really nice option). The rooms are clean and even have a little kitchenette. The beds are a little hard, but otherwise great. I cannot recommend this place enough!
- Francine (10/5): - The owners Barb and Max are wonderful and always going out of their way to help. The breakfast that is included was amazing and home cooked. It included fresh fruit and yogurt, pancakes, eggs, homemade bread and jams, cheese and ham plate etc. Great accommodations. Close to the beach and heart of Dominical. I highly recommend this place to stay.
- Sally (10/5): European charm in Dominical - The Italian owners live on site and lovingly care for their modern hotel, make you an amazing breakfast and ensure very high standards of quality and cleanliness. It is quiet as it’s located away from the busy end of Dominical yet a short walk down to the beach.
It’s a little hard to find so don’t give up!!
- Verified traveler (10/5): Loved it! - We loved our stay at Mavi - the owners are super hospitable, the rooms are lovely , breakfasts are delicious & the pool is perfect! Literally nothing bad to say - a nice short walk from the beach too!
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