"Beautiful boutique hotel, service was great. We enjoyed the pool, drinks and breakfast. Room very comfortable, outside shower, coffee machine, with a porch. Everything was outstanding!"
"Beautiful boutique hotel, service was great. We enjoyed the pool, drinks and breakfast. Room very comfortable, outside shower, coffee machine, with a porch. Everything was outstanding!"
"We visited in the off-season and found the hotel to be beautiful. The staff to be friendly, kind and knowledgeable. The restaurant to have great meals for when we didn't want to travel. Overall restful"
"We visited in the off-season and found the hotel to be beautiful. The staff to be friendly, kind and knowledgeable. The restaurant to have great meals for when we didn't want to travel. Overall restful"
"The location is perfect. We were a block from our whale watching tour, two blocks from the beach (parque nacional marina ballena), and there were some smaller but very good restaurants nearby. It was easy access to the highway as well. We enjoyed the pool and the shower and A/C worked well. It was very convenient for everything we came to do. Also recomment the restaurant La Boba La Ballena nearby."
"The location is perfect. We were a block from our whale watching tour, two blocks from the beach (parque nacional marina ballena), and there were some smaller but very good restaurants nearby. It was easy access to the highway as well. We enjoyed the pool and the shower and A/C worked well. It was very convenient for everything we came to do. Also recomment the restaurant La Boba La Ballena nearby."
"We had the 2 bedroom apartment that stepped right out to the pool. It accommodated our two couples very well. It was a very clean place with,helpful cheerful staff. Breakfast was a good bonus."
"We had the 2 bedroom apartment that stepped right out to the pool. It accommodated our two couples very well. It was a very clean place with,helpful cheerful staff. Breakfast was a good bonus."
"Beautiful and safe property. We loved our overnight stay on our way from Monteverde to Osa and Drake Bay.
Nice trails for an early morning hike, coupled with a great breakfast made a perfect start to our morning.
Toucans, howler monkeys and a gorgeous sunset made this stay one of our favorites. Clean room and wonderful staff were appreciated. We stayed in the Manu room."
"Beautiful and safe property. We loved our overnight stay on our way from Monteverde to Osa and Drake Bay.
Nice trails for an early morning hike, coupled with a great breakfast made a perfect start to our morning.
Toucans, howler monkeys and a gorgeous sunset made this stay one of our favorites. Clean room and wonderful staff were appreciated. We stayed in the Manu room."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
"What an amazing piece of paradise! The property is stunning and the staff is very friendly and informative.
I would say a 4x4 vehicle is required, especially in the rainy season.
We saw tons of birds and enjoyed listening to the howler monkeys in the morning from the porch.
I would definitely stay again and refer my friends!"
"What a great stay we had at this beautiful, relaxing place! The owners had clearly put a lot of care into providing for guests needs. Well equipped kitchen. Range of seating on the balcony overlooking the fantastic pool and garden."
"The location and amenities were excellent. We loved the pool, the grounds were gorgeous and staff were there to welcome us and explain everything upon our arrival. It was truly a magical and memorable experience staying here"
This serene golden-sand beach offers a peaceful retreat with panoramic Pacific Ocean views. Visit during turtle nesting season (July-October) to witness conservation efforts at the adjacent biological reserve.
Slide down a natural rock waterway at Catarata Uvita, surrounded by Costa Rica's vibrant jungle. Visit the adjacent butterfly garden to witness colourful species in their tropical habitat.
This former cattle ranch transformed into a thriving wildlife refuge spanning 815 acres of diverse ecosystems. Explore well-maintained trails where sloths, monkeys, and over 365 bird species await your discovery.
This secluded natural swimming hole offers crystal-clear waters surrounded by Costa Rica's lush jungle. Arrive in the morning hours for maximum tranquility and bring water, as there are no facilities nearby.
Humpback whales visit the protected waters of Marino Ballena National Park from July to October, making boat tours unforgettable. Explore the famous 'Whale's Tail' sandbar formation at low tide or snorkel among colourful reef fish in the warm Pacific waters.
It was lovely to have 5 steps to the sunbed and 5 to the pool. A very relaxing place. We loved Melissa and that fact it was a family run place. Rooms were bright and airy with hand painted designs, which was a nice touch. The floral swing is a nice touch that mum thought of and the pool area is all very lovely.
Melissa was incredibly helpful with suggestions on where to go and what to do. And she was always interested to hear what we had done and where we had been (for future reference).
We...
It was lovely to have 5 steps to the sunbed and 5 to the pool. A very relaxing place. We loved Melissa and that fact it was a family run place. Rooms were bright and airy with hand painted designs, which was a nice touch. The floral swing is a nice touch that mum thought of and the pool area is all very lovely.
Melissa was incredibly helpful with suggestions on where to go and what to do. And she was always interested to hear what we had done and where we had been (for future reference).
We...
An ideal place to come and relax - far enough off the beaten track to be calm and secluded, but with great access to rainforest and beaches, and also a good base for exploring Corcovado.
The hotel is recently built, and very modern, in an understated/classy way. Villas have a whole wall of windows and an enormous balcony, so made it easy to watch the morning routine of the toucans.
Service was discrete, but attentive - Rebecca, Christina, William & Jerson all took great care of us - as well...
An ideal place to come and relax - far enough off the beaten track to be calm and secluded, but with great access to rainforest and beaches, and also a good base for exploring Corcovado.
The hotel is recently built, and very modern, in an understated/classy way. Villas have a whole wall of windows and an enormous balcony, so made it easy to watch the morning routine of the toucans.
Service was discrete, but attentive - Rebecca, Christina, William & Jerson all took great care of us - as well...
Anonymous traveller
Reviewed December 16, 2018Reviewed December 16, 2018
Canavida has got to be the best place to stay in Uvita. Staying here included an exceptional view from the condos, a very clean room and the most accommodating and kind owners. It is clear that the owners love taking care of their customers and accommodation. We asked for a second mattress as we found the sofa bed uncomfortable and they personally delivered a second mattress to our room. In addition the communication from the staff at Canavida was exceptional. My favourite part of our stay was...
Canavida has got to be the best place to stay in Uvita. Staying here included an exceptional view from the condos, a very clean room and the most accommodating and kind owners. It is clear that the owners love taking care of their customers and accommodation. We asked for a second mattress as we found the sofa bed uncomfortable and they personally delivered a second mattress to our room. In addition the communication from the staff at Canavida was exceptional. My favourite part of our stay was...
Outstanding, and the perfect end to a travel and tour-filled vacation. Vayu is an idyllic retreat, nestled in the jungle, surrounded by trees and the sounds of nature. We were even visited by a pair of inquisitive toucans. The rooms are huge - clean and a bed with bedding more comfortable than home. Everything has been perfectly considered - design and integration of technology (most notably the lighting and sound systems). The pool is lovely for a dip to cool off, but beaches are close if you...
Outstanding, and the perfect end to a travel and tour-filled vacation. Vayu is an idyllic retreat, nestled in the jungle, surrounded by trees and the sounds of nature. We were even visited by a pair of inquisitive toucans. The rooms are huge - clean and a bed with bedding more comfortable than home. Everything has been perfectly considered - design and integration of technology (most notably the lighting and sound systems). The pool is lovely for a dip to cool off, but beaches are close if you...
Michael
Reviewed January 23, 2026Reviewed January 23, 2026
This stay was absolutely out of this world. Robert, the owner and designer of the place, is an excellent host, he left us a hand-written welcome note and some goodies. Sleeping next to the river and waking up to nature sounds feels like a movie. The house is well equipped with anything you might need. The design and coziness of the place is undeniable.
A place as dreamy as it gets ✨️
This stay was absolutely out of this world. Robert, the owner and designer of the place, is an excellent host, he left us a hand-written welcome note and some goodies. Sleeping next to the river and waking up to nature sounds feels like a movie. The house is well equipped with anything you might need. The design and coziness of the place is undeniable.
A place as dreamy as it gets ✨️
The rooms and property are spotless. Nice bungalows set in lovely grounds with abundant wildlife all around. Great breakfast and easy drive to Dominican for fun beach bars etc.
great local beach 10 mins stroll.
The rooms and property are spotless. Nice bungalows set in lovely grounds with abundant wildlife all around. Great breakfast and easy drive to Dominican for fun beach bars etc.
great local beach 10 mins stroll.
Great apartment. Looked very new, in secure compound. Nice looking pool , though we didn't get use it. We got there too early and the room wasn't ready, but they let us leave the car in their secure car park while we went to the beach waiting for the official check in.
Great apartment. Looked very new, in secure compound. Nice looking pool , though we didn't get use it. We got there too early and the room wasn't ready, but they let us leave the car in their secure car park while we went to the beach waiting for the official check in.
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!
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!
Where to start
Treated by Juan with a cold sparking pineapple drink
Walking through main bar , pool ( shared area) was breathe taking -
We staying in villa 4 - first class property with comfortable bed / pillows and an unbeatable view over the whale tail
Wild life a plenty flying across vista
The food was incredible and staff , particular Marlon’s constant smile and chuckle made us feel at home - Jessie and Oval - you have a gem of a property. We were sad to leave Bryn / Georgina
Where to start
Treated by Juan with a cold sparking pineapple drink
Walking through main bar , pool ( shared area) was breathe taking -
We staying in villa 4 - first class property with comfortable bed / pillows and an unbeatable view over the whale tail
Wild life a plenty flying across vista
The food was incredible and staff , particular Marlon’s constant smile and chuckle made us feel at home - Jessie and Oval - you have a gem of a property. We were sad to leave Bryn / Georgina
Wow what a place! It was marvellous from start to finish! The views spectacular! The staff are wonderful, we were served by Jose, Francisco and Roxy, they couldn’t have done anymore to make us feel special. The food was amazing each night, the attention to details from the chef is second to none.
The rooms were cleaned meticulously too.
I can’t recommend El Castillo enough. A truly magical slice of heaven!
Wow what a place! It was marvellous from start to finish! The views spectacular! The staff are wonderful, we were served by Jose, Francisco and Roxy, they couldn’t have done anymore to make us feel special. The food was amazing each night, the attention to details from the chef is second to none.
The rooms were cleaned meticulously too.
I can’t recommend El Castillo enough. A truly magical slice of heaven!
Lisa
Reviewed January 31, 2026Reviewed January 31, 2026
The 4.5-star Rancho Pacifico, with an excellent 9.6 rating, offers luxurious suites, many with private plunge pools and deep soaking bathtubs. Guests can enjoy wonderful mountain views, poolside dining, and attentive champagne service. The staff frequently receive praise for their excellent service.
Another outstanding option is the 4.5-star Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa, also rated 9.6. This resort features rooms with sea views, private outdoor hot tubs, and premium bedding. Its location is convenient, with Catarata Uvita just 1.4 km away. Guests consistently praise the amazing food, delicious breakfast, and beautiful rooms.
The 4-star Golden Pineapple Villas, boasting an impressive 9.8 rating, provides private pools, room service, and bathrobes for a comfortable stay. Guests frequently highlight the absolutely wonderful and extremely helpful staff, the delicious food, and the beautiful rooms. It is also well-located, with Catarata Uvita just 1.3 km away.
The 3-star Hotel Ballena REY, with an excellent rating of 9.4, offers spacious and clean rooms, a refreshing swimming pool, and helpful staff. It provides complimentary cribs and rollaway extra beds, along with sofa beds and connecting rooms, making it ideal for families. The hotel also includes free buffet breakfast. Nearby attractions include Catarata uvita, just 1.8 km away, and Marino Ballena National Park, 3.2 km distant.
Another great option is the 3-star Villas Rio Mar, rated 8.8. This hotel is praised for its fantastic restaurant, great staff, and nice pool. It offers child-friendly window design, kids' meals, and complimentary cribs, as well as free breakfast. It's conveniently located near Playa Barú, 2.3 km away, and Playa Dominical, 1.4 km distant.
The 3-star Tropical Beach, with a rating of 8.6, is another good choice for families. It features an outdoor pool, including a dedicated children's pool, and provides sun loungers for relaxation. The hotel also offers a 24-hour airport shuttle, sofa beds, and a nice restaurant. It is very close to Playa Colonia and Uvita Beach, both just 1.0 km away, and Marino Ballena National Park, 2.6 km distant.
The 4.5-star Rancho Pacifico, with a superb 9.6 rating, offers an extensive spa experience with a variety of treatments including deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, body wraps, and aromatherapy treatments, all available in dedicated treatment rooms, including options for couples.
Another outstanding option is the 4.5-star Vista Celestial, which boasts a superb 10.0 rating. Its full-service spa operates daily and provides an extensive menu of services such as detoxification wraps, manicures, pedicures, and a range of massages including Swedish and sports massage.
The 3.5-star Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa, rated 9.0, also provides a full-service spa. Guests can enjoy body treatments, aromatherapy, facials, and various massages, with options for couples' treatment rooms and hot stone or deep tissue massages.
Which beach resorts in Ballena do travellers love?
The 3-star Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa, with an impressive 9.6 rating, is a popular choice. Guests frequently comment on its amazing pool, spotlessly clean rooms, and friendly staff. It offers an ocean view and is conveniently located near Playa Ballena, just 1.6 km away, and Arco Beach, 2.3 km away. Complimentary amenities include free breakfast, a free beach shuttle, a 24-hour airport shuttle, free WiFi, and free self-parking.
Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa, a 4.5-star retreat rated 9.6, is another highly recommended option. It boasts stunning ocean and sea views, as well as mountain views from its unique location. Guests often highlight the great and amazing food, delicious and amazing breakfast, amazing staff, and beautiful rooms. The service also receives high praise.
Finally, Villas Alturas is a 3.5-star resort with a 9.4 rating that travellers love. It is situated near the ocean and beach, offering wonderful ocean views. Guests consistently mention the excellent and fantastic service, excellent and good food, and clean and super comfortable rooms. The friendly and absolutely wonderful staff also contributes to its high ratings. Free breakfast, including cooked breakfast, free self-parking, and free WiFi are provided.
The 4-star Kura Boutique Hotel Member of the Cayuga Collection, with a superb 10.0 rating, provides free cooked breakfast and a complimentary area shuttle. Guests frequently praise the amazing rooms.
Another great option is the 3-star Mavi Surf Hotel, rated 9.8, which offers free continental breakfast. It is conveniently located just 2.6 km from Playa Barú, and guests consistently praise its superb breakfast and great location.
For those seeking a luxurious experience, the 4.5-star Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa, with a 9.6 rating, offers a complimentary continental breakfast. This hotel is set in a beautiful mountain location with stunning ocean views, and guests frequently highlight the delicious food, amazing staff, and beautiful rooms.
The 4-star Golden Pineapple Villas, rated 9.8, provides free cooked breakfast. This hotel is particularly noted for its private plunge pools and poolside bar, and guests frequently mention the absolutely wonderful staff and delicious food.
Finally, the 3-star Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa, with a 9.6 rating, offers a free buffet breakfast. This hotel also provides a complimentary beach shuttle and is located 1.6 km from Playa Ballena and 2.3 km from Arco Beach, making it convenient for beach access. Guests often comment on the amazing pool and friendly staff.
The 3.5-star Ballena Paradise Aparta Hotel, with a great 10.0 rating, warmly welcomes both dogs and cats. Guests frequently praise the great food, lovely pool, and super friendly staff. It is conveniently located near Playa Hermosa, Punta Uvita, and Marino Ballena National Park.
Dolce Uvita, with a 9.8 rating, is another excellent pet-friendly option, providing food and water bowls for your companions. It offers a 24-hour airport shuttle, free WiFi, and complimentary toiletries. The hotel is close to Punta Uvita, Marino Ballena National Park, and Playa Colonia.
The 3-star Hotel Bahia Azul, rated 7.8, permits dogs and offers activities such as mountain biking and mountain climbing nearby. It is situated a short distance from Punta Uvita, Marino Ballena National Park, and Uvita Beach.
Tropical Beach, a 3-star hotel with an 8.6 rating, also welcomes pets and features an outdoor pool with sun loungers. There is a 24-hour airport shuttle available, and guests have complimented the nice restaurant and staff. It is located close to Playa Colonia and Uvita Beach.
Finally, the 3-star Villas Rio Mar, with an 8.8 rating, allows pets and provides complimentary breakfast, including a full breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking. Guests consistently mention the fantastic restaurant, friendly staff, great pool, and clean rooms. It is conveniently located near Playa Barú and Playa Dominical.
What are the top boutique hotels in Ballena?
For a top boutique hotel in Ballena, Hotel Cuna Del Angel is an excellent choice.
This 3.5-star hotel, with a 9.0 rating, offers complimentary breakfast and free WiFi, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests frequently mention the clean pool and friendly staff in their reviews. The hotel also provides free toiletries and free self-parking for added convenience.
The 3-star Mavi Surf Hotel, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, offers free wired internet in public areas, complimentary breakfast, and a 24-hour airport shuttle. Guests particularly appreciate the great breakfast and great location, being just 2.6 km from Playa Barú.
Another great option is the 3-star Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa, rated 9.6. This hotel provides a free beach shuttle, a 24-hour airport shuttle, and a complimentary buffet breakfast. Guests frequently praise the amazing pool, spotlessly clean rooms, and friendly staff. It is conveniently located 1.6 km from Playa Ballena and 7.2 km from Marino Ballena National Park.
The 3-star Villas Rio Mar, with an 8.8 rating, offers free WiFi, complimentary self-parking, and a full breakfast. Travellers often highlight the fantastic restaurant, friendly staff, nice pool, and great location, being 2.3 km from Playa Barú.
Hotel El Tecal, rated 8.6, provides free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, and free self-parking. Guests consistently mention the wonderful breakfast. It is well-situated, just 0.7 km from both Playa Colonia and Uvita Beach, and 3.1 km from Marino Ballena National Park.
Finally, the 3-star Hotel Ballena REY, with a 9.4 rating, offers a complimentary buffet breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking. Guests often praise the spacious and clean rooms, nice pool, and helpful staff. It is located 3.2 km from Marino Ballena National Park and 2.1 km from both Playa Colonia and Uvita Beach.
What are the most romantic hotels in Ballena for couples?
The 4-star Kura Boutique Hotel Member of the Cayuga Collection, with a great 10.0 rating, offers an exceptional experience with its luxurious rooms, many featuring a balcony and ocean views. Guests frequently praise the great rooms. The hotel also provides a free airport shuttle and free beach shuttle, making travel convenient.
Another excellent option is the 4.5-star Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa, rated 9.6. This hotel is located amongst the mountains and offers stunning mountain and ocean views. Guests frequently highlight the delicious breakfast and the amazing staff. Many villas include a private outdoor hot tub and a balcony, great for romantic evenings. It is also conveniently located 1.8 km from Secret Lau Pool.
The 4-star Golden Pineapple Villas, boasting a 9.8 rating, is another highly recommended choice for couples. It offers private pools and plunge pools, along with poolside bar service. Guests consistently praise the beautiful rooms, the delicious food, and the top customer service. The hotel also offers dedicated couples dining experiences and is located 1.5 km from Secret Lau Pool.
When is the best time to go to Ballena?
The best time to go to Ballena is generally during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
This period typically offers consistently sunny days and lower humidity, making it ideal for exploring the region's natural beauty and enjoying outdoor activities. You'll find the weather great for relaxing on the beaches, hiking in the national parks, and taking boat tours.
For travellers planning a relaxing beach holiday or outdoor adventures, these months provide the most reliable weather conditions. The calm seas are excellent for snorkelling and diving around Marino Ballena National Park, and spotting wildlife is often easier with less dense foliage.
While the dry season is popular, the shoulder months of May, June, and November can also be a good option. You might experience occasional rain showers, but these are often short and refreshing, and the landscape is lusher.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Bahía Ballena.
How much is the nightly rate at a Bahía Ballena hotel?
Prices for hotels in Bahía Ballena often vary, but you can find a great deal from £19 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for the cheapest rate.