[See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # PRIVATE BEACHFRONT VILLA - Fully Loaded! - Mara Serena Beachside villa with outdoor pool ![Outdoor pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/67000000/66580000/66572000/66571908/bdfe952f.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/67000000/66580000/66572000/66571908/a4a535f3.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![6 bedrooms, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/67000000/66580000/66572000/66571908/169d2e3e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/67000000/66580000/66572000/66571908/d83919f3.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Outdoor pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/67000000/66580000/66572000/66571908/5675ed1f.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location Escape to Villa Mara Serena, a Caribbean luxury rental villa nestled on the beach in the Dominican Republic. This serene retreat offers optional private chef services, gourmet cuisine tailored to your taste, and an immersive island experience with numerous excursion options. 10 Exceptional ### Entire home 6 bedrooms7 bathroomsSleeps 135000 sq ft ## Popular amenities - - - Beach view - Parking available - Dryer - Hot tub ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### PRIVATE BEACHFRONT VILLA - Fully Loaded! - Mara Serena Caribbean Luxury Rental Villa | Beachfront Luxury Beach Villa Rental Villa Mara Serena in the Dominican Republic is sublime. Right on the BEACH. Great for Family Vacations and more! \*Upon reserving please inquire about our Gourment Chef services. Mara Serena: $850 - $995 US/night + tax (6 bedrooms) 10% OFF/week $5837 + tax: Direct ... Mon/Tues/Wed: 850/night | Thurs. $950/night | Fri/Sat/Sun $995/night Optional Private Chef & Staff | Gourmet Cuisine This Luxury Oceanfront Vacation Resort has a full-time staff with a private chef and gourmet cuisine designed to your taste with either ala'carte or all-inclusive options. Two (2) Meals Options: Ala'Carte: Our Chef(s) Services | We charge for labor ONLY for your whole group (Great Value!) We go shopping for what you want to eat and drink & pay for the food & beverage via receipts. \-$200.00 per day: 2 meals per DAY entire group (breakfast & dinner | staff of 3) \-$250.00 per day: 3 meals per DAY entire group (breakfast, lunch & dinner | staff of 4) All-inclusive: 3 Gourmet Meals/Day & Unlimited Libations (bar brand) $250/PERSON/day + lodging costs. Luxury & Privacy | Perfect & Cozy Mara Serena is a cozy yet, luxurious Dominican Republic Vacation Villa Rental occasions of all kinds: Family & Friends Vacations, Bachelor Parties, Weddings & Anniversaries, Private Parties/LifeStyle Holidays or Executive Retreats. We have a simple, yet extraordinary vision. Luxurious beachfront accommodations combined with a gracious staff, superior service, and gourmet food in an incredible locale. Guest friendly. Mara Serena | Reset Your Life Caribbean Beach Villa Rentals are meant to be felt. And, the Dominican Republic has the best opportunity to meet and mingle with many different cultures. Mara Serena has the power to evoke emotion, spark thought, offer perspective, and inspire conversation. This Luxury Beach Villa Rental proves there’s a place beyond the norm. Where you can enjoy yourself in an entirely new, immersive, and engaging way. Beautiful North Coast of DR | Fun Excursions We can arrange a wide array of Great Excursions. Enjoy Golf or the Monkey Jungle Reserve. Try an ATV through the jungle or a River Trip ending at a Beachside Restaurant with exquisite food at beach shack prices. Experience the island as it was when Christopher Columbus landed here in Hispaniola in 1492. Developed by Mooncottages St. John Rental Villas Mooncottages Luxury St. John Rental Villas is behind the creation of Mara Serena & ResortsDR. For 20+ years we have been offering villa vacation customers like you with nothing but hundreds of five-star reviews. Our new Oceanfront Villas in the Dominican Republic are no exception. As well as our commitment to excellence with so many fun things to do. You will love it here in the Dominican Republic. Everywhere ... always a smile. \*Private gate. Optional and Affordable meal options with Private Chef. An 800-dollar cash security deposit is due upon arrival. It will be returned upon departure less 16 pesos per kilowatt for electricity usage. Loud music outside after 10 PM is not allowed. Enjoy your stay! ## Property amenities ### Beach - On the beach - Beach loungers - Beach towels ### Pool/Spa - Hot tub - Massage - Outdoor pool - Private pool ### Internet - Available in the villa: Free WiFi ### Parking and transportation - Limo/town car service - Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available ### Kitchen - Blender - Coffee grinder - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Dishwasher - Ice maker - Lobster/crab pot - Microwave - Oven - Paper towels - Refrigerator - Spices - Stovetop - Toaster ### Dining - Breakfast available for a fee - Chef service - Dining table ### Bedrooms - 6 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 7 bathrooms - Hair dryer - Shampoo - Soap - Toilet paper - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Dining table - Living room - Separate dining area ### Entertainment - Smart TV with cable/satellite channels - Stereo ### Outdoor areas - Balcony - Barbecue grill - Garden - Outdoor furniture ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Comfort - Air conditioning ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking. - 1 accessible parking space - No elevator - Stair-free path to entrance - Tile flooring in public areas - Well-lit path to entrance - Wheelchair accessibility - Wheelchair-accessible parking - Wheelchair-accessible pool - Wheelchair-accessible van parking - Smoking not allowed ### Services and conveniences - Concierge services - Housekeeping (limited availability) - Iron/ironing board - Safe ### Location highlights - Near the ocean - On the waterfront ### Things to do - Billiards/pool table ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector) - Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property) ### General - Garden - Unit size: 5,000 square feet ## Similar properties ![Outdoor pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/51000000/50890000/50883300/50883215/6bcbcc34.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Beautiful Private 10 Bedroom Beachfront Villa with hotel amenities Cabarete - Pool - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer 10 Exceptional 61 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=50883215&PinnedHotelID=50883215&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/100000000/99320000/99316200/99316173/76c9fedc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### PRIVATE OCEANFRONT VILLA - Fully Loaded! - Mara Fiesta - NEW Listing Sosúa - Ocean view - Pool - Hot tub - Kitchen [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=99316173&PinnedHotelID=99316173&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19100000/19091400/19091343/b128ca5e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### On The Beach Luxury Mediterranean Villa . Gated Community Partial or full staff Cabarete - Ocean view - Pool - Hot tub - Kitchen 10 Exceptional 87 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=19091343&PinnedHotelID=19091343&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/111000000/110930000/110923900/110923877/0905318b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Luxurious 6-bedroom Villa with AC, WiFi in Serene Cabarete Cabarete - Pool - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=110923877&PinnedHotelID=110923877&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Terrace/patio](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76300000/76294300/76294212/f082d615.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Private & beautiful 22 BR Oasis, steps from the beach Sosúa - Pool - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 9.6 Exceptional 16 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=76294212&PinnedHotelID=76294212&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/79000000/78600000/78590400/78590392/802db9b1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Casa Estefania | Luxury 10BR Oceanfront Villa Cabarete, ocean point - Ocean view - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 10 Exceptional 1 review [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=78590392&PinnedHotelID=78590392&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Smart TV](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/74000000/73100000/73097700/73097612/w1614h1080x153y0-bec10206.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Sosua villa 12Br available for bachelor party, Luxury VIP transportation Sosúa - Pool - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer 10 Exceptional 5 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=73097612&PinnedHotelID=73097612&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Beach nearby, sun loungers](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/72000000/71520000/71510400/71510301/4682c0a1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### A Stunning Private 11 bedrooms Super Villa Cabarete - Pool - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 9.8 Exceptional 10 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=71510301&PinnedHotelID=71510301&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120140000/120139700/120139695/33c22639.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Welcome to Ocean Manor: A private slice of Heaven in Sosua Ocean Village Sosua - Pool - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=120139695&PinnedHotelID=120139695&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/91000000/90310000/90308300/90308264/e344cefe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Hispaniola Beach Condo 9A2/Oceanview/Beach/Pool Sosua - Pool - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=90308264&PinnedHotelID=90308264&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM Minimum check-in age: 25 ### Check-out Check-out before 11:00 AM ### Special check-in instructions You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions ### Pets Pets not allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Events Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## Important information ### You need to know Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 30 Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation ### We should mention This property does not have elevators ### Property is also known as 614477 Vrbo Property ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C19.78149%2C-70.49806&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=JZZSKC7uEU7DDZaLl0BTSu4F9_U=) Sosúa, Puerto Plata #### What's nearby - Laguna Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km - Laguna SOV - 9 min walk - 0.8 km - Coral Reef Casino - 5 min drive - 4.4 km - Sosúa Beach - 5 min drive - 4.7 km - Sosúa Jewish Museum - 6 min drive - 4.5 km #### Getting around - Gregorio Luperon Intl. Airport (POP) - 22 min drive #### Restaurants - ‪Rumba - ‬5 min drive - ‪Margot Restaurante - ‬5 min drive - ‪Fresh Fresh Cafe - ‬3 min drive - ‪Caffé Bologna - ‬5 min drive - ‪Bar Central - ‬5 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Does PRIVATE BEACHFRONT VILLA - Fully Loaded! - Mara Serena have a pool? > Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. ### Is PRIVATE BEACHFRONT VILLA - Fully Loaded! - Mara Serena pet-friendly? > No, pets are not allowed at this property. ### What time is check-in at PRIVATE BEACHFRONT VILLA - Fully Loaded! - Mara Serena? > Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at PRIVATE BEACHFRONT VILLA - Fully Loaded! - Mara Serena? > Check-out is at 11:00 AM. ### Where is PRIVATE BEACHFRONT VILLA - Fully Loaded! - Mara Serena located? > Nestled on the beach, this Sosúa villa is within a 10-minute walk of Laguna Beach and Laguna SOV. Playa Chiquita and La Playita are also within 2 mi (3 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## PRIVATE BEACHFRONT VILLA - Fully Loaded! - Mara Serena Reviews 10 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 22 8 - Good 2 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 9.6/10 Cleanliness ### 10/10 Excellent #### april t. Apr 30, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Amazing Vacation We loved every minute of our stay! Jason was a fantastic and responsive host. The staff kept us comfortable and well-fed. We loved everything about it. ##### april t. Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Martin H. Oct 16, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Beautiful home in a perfect location Gorgeous home right on beach with huge private pool and plenty of space. Perfect for a family vacation. ##### Martin H. Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Scott Y. Feb 6, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Personal resort in the DR! This was a fantastic place for our group of 12 adults. Clean grounds, comfy beds, and the chef's food was amazing. Ask and you shall receive (en Espanol)!The owner really catered to our needs and requests, and made a great suggestion for a mid-week getaway for a small river boat ride and lunch at a very-local casual eatery on the water.For those booking, bring a portable speaker or two (that will pass through customs) for outdoor music. Also bring 1-1.5k in USD per couple to cover the deposit for power use, chefs, incidentals, grocery shopping, etc.Overall a wonderful stay! ##### Scott Y. Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Fabian P. May 14, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Exceptional Relaxing and great service ##### Fabian P. Stayed 2 nights in May 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ryan T. Mar 10, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Amazing The house is exactly as advertised, paradise! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a piece of paradise. Chef Ariel and his wife are an absolute must, the food is beyond amazing and their attention to detail is unparalleled. ##### Ryan T. Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Brookman A. Apr 16, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### awesome experience Jason the host was awesome 👌 ##### Brookman A. Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ali R. Jan 18, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Amazing location, fantastic staff We stayed here for 5 days. The owner was extremely helpful. From giving us a comprehensive tour of the property, to helping with shopping and making arrangements for a birthday party, musicians, etc. If you stay here, definitely opt in for the additional food and drinks staff. Chef Ariel is amazing and makes high quality food to your liking. ##### Ali R. Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ken S. Oct 25, 2021 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great property and property owner. The Villa is everything as advertised, beautiful place and location. What separates this VRBO location from others is the owner. He basically became our guide to the island and even spent several hours with us on a wonderful lunch excursion AND he even picked up pizza and delivered to us! Great home, great home owner!! ##### Ken S. Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021 ### 8/10 Good #### Anne D. Feb 28, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great week! We had a wonderful week with extended family. This house is laid out well and we basically lived in the backyard for the week. What makes this house into a great vacation experience is Chef Ariel, his gracious wife and the rest of the staff. They were so kind and accommodating. Every meal was a tasty work of art. I’m giving 4 stars because the house is showing a little wear and tear. Was disappointed the lounge cushions were being reupholstered but we found a work around. There are no patio umbrellas but the pool was clean and refreshing. You will enjoy this house but be sure to book Chef Ariel to make it a grand vacation. Thank you Jason for a great week and helping us build lasting memories ##### Anne D. Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Robert S. Apr 7, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Incredible time Luis was on point about what to expect. He let us know what to do about utility usage. Luis answered and responded to whenever we had a question ##### Robert S. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Sheri B. Jan 9, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Family Vacation was everything we wanted and more! Jason the host cares about his guests and it shows from the moment we arrived. He greeted us and gave us a tour, and introduced us to his amazing staff. Ariel the chef prepared the best food I have ever had. I cannot say enough great things about Ariel, not only amazing food but so friendly and a great human being. The entire staff made the entire stay pleasurable. I highly recommend adding meals to your stay. We also went to Wilsons which was also an experience worth checking out. We would love to go back. Thank you Jason and staff for making our family vacation a wonderful trip of a lifetime! ##### Sheri B. Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### brenda s. Jul 10, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Family vacation We had a great time - the house is as described and everyone (ages 13-75) loved the vacation. As all other reviews state, the staff is incredible and will do anything to accommodate all requests. Ariel and his wife are the sweetest- they went out of their way to celebrate my moms birthday while we were there. She felt very special!! The beach right outside the gate was enjoyed by all- I do wish there were some beach chairs we could have taken out there but it was still enjoyable! Would definitely stay here again!! ##### brenda s. Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Patrick B. Dec 31, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Dominican relaxation Had a wonderful week with our family of 10. The property was perfect for all of us and although the local restaurants were great, having Ariel and his cooking staff was the highlight of the visit. The food was superb, Jason was a very responsive host no matter how often we contacted him with questions and the taxi service was very welcome- don't try to drive- they are crazy! They even have Pickleball courts at the tennis center around the corner. Cannot really think of a downside except that time passed too quickly!! Would recommend without reservation! ##### Patrick B. Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Stephen O. Jan 7, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great Stay! Pictures don't do the Villa justice. Location on the water is amazing as well as the rooms, very well appointed, again with amazing views. THE BEST FEATURE? Chef Ariel and his team! Each meal was extraordinary. He is a master of any cuisine you can imagine. Owner/manager was most accommodating and attentive to all our needs and requests. The area has a great variety of sights and activities. You don't really need a vehicle as they have their own taxi service which is most helpful. Local restaurants? Good but nowhere close to Chef Ariel. ##### Stephen O. Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Nicky Z. Apr 2, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Amazing stay at Mara Serena - highly recommend If you're considering booking Mara Serena, highly recommend! We had 9 people - 5 adults and 4 children (ages 2-9). This was our first time renting a house in the Caribbean, so this was out of our comfort zone, especially with the littles.First, the communication with Jason and his team was top notch. They answered every question we had rapidly and Jason checked in before we arrived to make sure we had everything we needed (including a pack n play and air mattress so the kids could all stay in one room together). He arranged our transport and a driver was waiting for us when we arrived.The house is in a very nice gated community and has its own gate. We felt very safe. The house/covered patio/pool were great! The waves at the beach were choppy, but we still spent a ton of time out there. We rarely saw more than a couple of people on the beach.The real treat was having Chef Ariel and Eleda! We opted to have them w/ us for 3 meals per day and it was the best decision we could have made. They are truly the most wonderful people, and the meals they prepared were delicious. Our kiddos loved spending time with them, and by the time we left they felt more like friends!Other notes: -We only used AC at night and we got most of our deposit back-Bring a decent bit of cash to pay for daily groceries, etc.-Cabarete beach is nearby and was super fun! -We had two minor issues pop up and Jason/his team fixed immediately.-Hire Chef Ariel and Eleda!!!!! ##### Nicky Z. Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Shannon D. Jan 17, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Amazing Staff & Location Our overall stay at Villa Mara Serena was incredible! We stayed over the New Years Holiday with family and truly enjoyed our vacation. The host is easy to communicate with, friendly, punctual, and helpful. The staff - Chef Ariel, sous chef, security, driver (Rafael), and cleaning staff really made our stay so amazing. They were helpful, kind, fun, and great at their jobs! Ariel made us fresh and delicious food every day and really bonded with the family. Our driver Rafael took us to local places, and watched out for us as Americans who only speak a little bit of Spanish. The property is beautiful with the beach right there and very few people on it. The neighborhood and house is gated, and security is provided so we always felt safe. The house was clean, but could use a bit of a deep clean - the real stone walls probably makes it a bit hard sometimes lol. The cushions for the lounge chairs weren’t out for us, not sure if that was because of it being “winter” or not, I’d imagine if we’d asked for them the host would have brought them out as he was helpful with everything we asked of him. There were some fees/costs that weren’t hidden per se but they were in the fine print - electricity, chef salary AND actual groceries, drivers, refundable deposit. Cash is the only option for most of these costs so make sure to take out cash before you get there. The host communicated all of these costs after booking but with plenty of time to get the . Overall we recommend staying! ##### Shannon D. Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Mike B. Mar 21, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Your Own Private Resort We had a fantastic vacation at this property. You may think you are just renting a house, but you are actually renting your own private resort. We opted to hire Ariel, the private chef, and we are so glad we did. Ariel prepared breakfast and dinner for us each day and the meals were unbelievable. We chose the theme, like Italian or Seafood, and he did the rest. It is very clear that Jason, the owner, has a background in hospitality, because he took care of every detail, including transportation to and from the airport, transportation to town, and he had the house stocked with the food and drinks we requested when we arrived. The check-in process was simple and very professional. The view from this property is amazing. Sitting by the pool you have the perfect vantage point to watch the waves and cruise ships pass by. Most of the bedrooms have incredible views of the ocean as well. The pool was perfectly clear, and just the right temperature. The beds were comfortable, as was all the furniture around the pool and on the patio. We were very pleasantly surprised to have daily housekeeping. They made the beds, kept the rooms clean, and made sure that we had fresh linens, including the towels by the pool. The staff was very friendly, but we never felt that the intruded on our vacation. This is a great place for a vacation and we are anxious to return. ##### Mike B. Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Carly H. Feb 3, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Mara Serena Surpassed Our Expectations After staying at several all-inclusive resorts prior to visiting Mara Serena in the Dominican Republic, I have to admit I was a little reluctant to go the VRBO route. Well, I am thrilled to say that our group was not disappointed in the least with our choice to stay at Mara Serena. The view, location, pool and beach went beyond our expectations. We had a wonderful time and I would be happy to visit the villa again. The staff at Mara Serena was absolutely amazing, from the maid service to the private chef to the drivers. They were all top notch. The food that Chef Ariel and his beautiful family prepared for us was just plain delicious and just as good, if not better than anything we had eaten at any all-inclusive resort we have stayed at. It was so convenient having them prepare our meals for us right at the villa. Ariel and his family were so kind and good to us, we totally adored them. Jason, our host, was extremely accommodating and made sure we had everything we needed to make our vacation perfect. We had such a great time and we are just so very appreciative of everyone who made our time at Mara Serena so special. Thank you so much to the whole Mara Serena Team. We had an awesome vacation and we would highly recommend this villa to others. ##### Carly H. Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025 ### 8/10 Good #### Katherine R. Jul 29, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy #### Multi-generational Vacation at Mara Serena for a week! The pool and ocean and right out your door a few steps away! We utilized the pool everyday and enjoyed the beautiful sunsets in the evenings. The food Chef Ariel and his wife Elida created was amazing, they made us feel like family. In addition to breakfast, we had Ribs, Italian, and Seafood they are the highlight of the house. Daily housekeeping is a nice amenity. They made the beds, kept the rooms clean, and provided fresh towels by the pool daily. The Wi-Fi was solid. Communication with Jason was excellent. We booked a fishing excursion and Airport transfers and would certainly utilize those services again! Jason walked us throughout the house and explained the electricity fees. We were given examples AC continuously ($110/day) vice judiciously ($25), we only ran them at night and the cost seemed to fall above the range given at $70/day. We did have an AC that was broken, Jason’s team fixed it in one day! The car service is expensive ~$50 to the store/shops that are less than 5 miles away. We ended up utilizing Uber/Taxi’s and that cost ~$5 USD each way. The location is not suited for walking to attractions. We walked to Sosua Ocean Village ~20 minutes, and we took a taxi back. We booked the fishing trip with Jason, and excursions directly with tour providers. They picked us up and we were happy with both our arrangements. We do wish there were beach chairs. Overall, Mara Serena was a nice family vacation and one we won’t soon forget. ##### Katherine R. Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### ANTHONY & KIRSTEN C. Apr 3, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Your own little paradise!! We had a fantastic time at the villa! Everything was wonderful, the staff feel like family and the food Chef Ariel made was INCREDIBLE! I wish we hired him for all the meals with maybe one outing, he was that good. Jason was so hospitable and readily available for all my questions. He also took time to set up reservations for us to keep things easy. We would absolutely do this trip again!!! ##### ANTHONY & KIRSTEN C. Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Milja B. May 1, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### A Real Life Fantasy Vacation We thought this place would be too good to be true. When in fact it met and exceeded our expectations! We had 11 adults in our group and each of us had a fantastic room with an en suite. Most rooms have a view of the ocean. The beds were super comfortable. The property cannot be beat. Steps away from the beach with the most incredible surf - The pool was sublime and maintained daily by staff. We enjoyed sitting in all the various lounge areas - and there was always a comfortable place to find shade. The property was so lovely we really never left it! Truly. We had everything we could need and want right there. And as the other reviews have stated, what stood out was the staff and the food! Definitely worth the investment for chef services. The food was sublime. We had breakfast and dinner service and it was perfect! Always enough left overs for lunch the next day. The staff were so loving and kind, we were all hugging by the end of our stay! Our driver Rafael was the kindest and most helpful man and always prompt. You may find it less expensive to hire out your own cab, but the service, ease, response and safety of Rafael and his team is well worth the fee! Driving around in the DR is not for the faint of heart, so have someone that knows what they are doing. We wish we could have stayed another week. If I could give this experience 10,000 stars I would! Thank you Jason and your amazing staff. We are so grateful!! ##### Milja B. Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Heather H. May 5, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### DR Squad Trip We had a wonderful stay at this property! The location was beautiful, scenic, and very secure. The house is beautiful and the staff was very attentive. The chef was AMAZING!! Some of the best food on the island… I wish I could bring him back to the states! The property owner was great, very accommodating and helpful with last minute restaurant suggestions, directions etc. He definitely knows his way around and has connections with everyone. ##### Heather H. Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Janis H. Feb 15, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Good for group vacations Good space for groups with onsuite bathrooms, large comfortable beds and awesome onsite staff. Cleaned thoroughly every day. Some wear and tear but nothing that hindered our ability to use the space. ##### Janis H. Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Lainie K. Jan 12, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great family vacation We loved the house, but the staff is what really made our trip extra special! They went above and beyond to make our family of 13 feel safe, comfortable and well fed! They were friendly, helpful and thoughtful. The chef prepared the meals we requested with fresh foods every day. ##### Lainie K. 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