Whale's Tail View Estate in Dominical | 6 Bed / 5 Bath

Casa Ladera sits 800 feet up in the Escaleras hills above Dominical, high enough to catch cool ocean breezes and take in a 180-degree view of roughly 70 miles of Southern Pacific coastline. From the house you can see the Osa Peninsula, Caño Island and the famous Whale's Tail. Every room has an ocean view, and in season you can watch humpback whales passing offshore without leaving the house.

The main residence has more than 6,760 sq ft of living space finished in exotic hardwoods, natural stone and detailed tile work. On the main level, a large open living and dining area sits under soaring beamed ceilings. The newly renovated chef's kitchen has a wraparound breakfast bar, top-tier appliances and a spacious pantry, and it opens onto a long balcony through disappearing sliding doors. Two matching master suites have hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, private balconies and spa-style baths with deep soaking tubs that look out over the rainforest and the Pacific.

The lower level is more relaxed. It has a second living area with its own kitchen that opens onto the infinity pool and a large jacuzzi. Three guest bedrooms on this level open directly onto the pool deck and have outdoor showers, which works well for visiting family, friends or a multigenerational household.

The grounds are just as impressive. There are walking trails, a seasonal creek and a thatched-roof gazebo for birdwatching, and 115 bird species have been recorded on the property. Monkeys, toucans and scarlet macaws visit every day. Mature fruit trees produce mangoes, avocados, lychee, bananas, lemons and pineapples. A concrete-floored barn with a bathroom and shower provides workshop space and extra parking. A guardhouse and staff quarters at the electric gate, plus 11 monitored security cameras, keep things private.

The property also includes three additional building sites for future villas or guest lodges. That makes it one of the few listings in Costa Rica real estate that can grow into a private family compound.

The Escaleras ridge is only minutes from Dominical and Uvita. You'll find world-class surf breaks, waterfalls and a friendly expat community there, along with an authentic Costa Rican pace of life. For buyers planning a relocation, this is one of the most rewarding stretches of the Southern Pacific coast to call home.