"We haven't found a better view, sitting and enjoying a beer or coffee looking at the whale's tail is fantastic."
Jose_S_Caja from United States
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"Every evening when we returned our room had been cleaned and tidied."
Hannah B from United States
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"The hotel was a wonderful stop along the way from San Jose to Drake Bay."
Dennis from United States
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4-star hillside hotel with panoramic ocean views
Amenities
Vista Ballena Hotel includes an infinity pool with waterfall flow, a children's pool, and access to a separate pool area for adults. Guests can enjoy local beers and cocktails, along with a curated wine selection. The hotel also offers guided excursions to nearby Marino Ballena National Park and Corcovado National Park.
Rooms
The hotel features 20 spacious rooms, each with an ocean-facing private balcony that offers views of the Whale Tail coastline. Rooms come equipped with a king bed and a single bed, accommodating up to three guests. The design prioritizes comfort and serene surroundings.
Location
Situated on a hillside in Uvita, the hotel is a 10-minute drive from sun-drenched beaches. The closest international airport, Juan Santamaría (San José, SJO), is about 3 to 4 hours away. This location allows guests to experience both rainforest and ocean in a single visit.
Wellness
The Hart Healing Center serves as a dedicated space for wellness activities, offering yoga sessions and healing practices with an ocean view. Spa services include various treatments based on local botanicals and traditional techniques. Guests can participate in mindfulness practices, enhancing their relaxation experience.
Dining
Mi Amore Ristorante provides a gourmet dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The outdoor restaurant allows guests to enjoy their meals while taking in sunset views over the Pacific Ocean. Daily meals served include breakfast, lunch, and dinner at specified hours, enhancing the dining pleasure.
Highlights
Location: 10-minute drive from sun-drenched beaches
Rooms: Ocean-facing private balcony with Whale Tail views
Welfare: Hart Healing Center offering yoga and healing practices
Dining: Mi Amore Ristorante with locally sourced cuisine
Activities: Guided excursions to Marino Ballena National Park
Swimming: Infinity pool with waterfall flow
“In Uvita, this hotel emphasizes wellness and immersion in nature. From its vantage point, the ocean views, particularly of the Whale Tail formation, are exceptional. I think that the gourmet dining and the specialized healing center add to its appeal.”
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
Select your room type
Vista Ballena offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Room
2 persons
18 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Superior Double Room
2 persons
18 sq. feet
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Vista Ballena offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review score
General
Non-smoking rooms
Free parking
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Snorkelling
Hiking
Yoga class
Fishing
Services
Paid shuttle service
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Grocery shopping service
Welcome drink
Happy hour
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Children
Cots
Board games
Children's menu
Children's pool
Spa & Leisure
Infinity pool
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Massage
Open-air bath
Public Bath
Pool with view
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
Flat-screen TV
Show more
Dining Onsite
Dining at Vista Ballena showcases a delightful blend of local and international flavors, all enjoyed against stunning coastal views. Guests can savor diverse culinary offerings, from traditional Argentinian dishes to fresh Latin American grilled specialties, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this picturesque location.
Mi Amore Restaurant
Argentinian and Italian with a touch of international flair
Ambiance
Family-friendly and romantic, with scenic views and a comfortable setting perfect for any dining occasion
Key Offerings
A bountiful menu including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options, featuring locally sourced ingredients and inspired dishes. Diners can enjoy the picturesque sunsets while indulging in handmade pasta or grilled meats.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner
Open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Vista Ballena Location
Uvita, Osa, Costa Rica, Uvita,
Explore Uvita
Uvita Experience
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge
5 minutes' walk
Wildlife refuge showcasing diverse ecosystems. Great for bird watching and eco tours.
Uvita Waterfall
35 minutes walking
Beautiful waterfall with swimming spots. A perfect backdrop for nature photography and relaxation.
Marino Ballena National Park
10 minutes' drive
Iconic beach and marine park, famous for whale watching and pristine beaches. Free admission on certain days.
Surfing Lessons at Playa Hermosa
10 minutes' drive
Thrilling surfing lessons for all skill levels. Rentals available and lessons can be booked in advance.
Yoga Classes at Pura Vida Gym
25 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions aimed at all skill levels. Perfect for unwinding amidst stunning views.
Farmers Market
20 minutes' walk
Local farmers market offering fresh produce and handmade goods. Open on weekends for a lively community vibe.
Beehive Mediterranean Restaurant
10 minutes' walk
Charming Mediterranean eatery with delicious mezze and fresh seafood. Vegetarian options available.
Café delicias
15 minutes' drive
Casual café serving Costa Rican coffee and baked goods. Ideal for breakfast or a light lunch.
Local Jazz Bar
15 minutes' drive
Cozy jazz bar with weekly live music. Perfect for relaxing evenings with a drink in hand.
Family Game Night at the Community Center
10 minutes' drive
Family-friendly game nights with board games and trivia. A great way to connect with locals and other travelers.
Getting around
City Centre
Uvita 5 min · 1.9 mi
Airports
Aeropuerto de Palmar Sur (PMZ) 72 min · 29.6 mi
Aeropuerto La Managua (XQP) 84 min · 34.6 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-22:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of USD 1.14 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2007
Number of rooms:
15
Former name
Whales and Dolphins
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Vista Ballena from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 361 verified reviews
8.5 /10
Great
90 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Comfort
8.7/10
Facilities
8.3/10
Free WiFi
7.7/10
Location
8.7/10
Staff
9.3/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Amazing view
Friendly staff
Good service
Daily special
Sunset cocktails
Cons
Steep road
Construction noise
Black mold
Guest reviews
based on 235 reviews
4/5
based on 550 reviews
8.5/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About Vista Ballena
What is the travel distance to the nearest beach from the hotel?
10 November 2024
The nearest beach can be reached in about 10 minutes by car.
Can a facial treatment be arranged for a special occasion like a birthday?
5 February 2025
Yes, arrangements can be made for a facial or massage to be provided in the guest's room.
Is it easy to catch a taxi for transportation between the hotel and the nearby town?
17 January 2025
Taxis are readily available during the day for trips to and from town.
Are there any fragrance-free laundry products used in the guest rooms?
22 March 2025
Chemical products including fabric softeners are used, but a mild scent is applied that is not overpowering.
Will a standard 4x2 vehicle be able to access the hotel?
30 April 2024
Yes, a 4x2 vehicle can reach the hotel without any issues.
What parking options are available for guests traveling by car?
12 June 2024
There are two parking areas: one near the hotel lobby and another closer to the guest rooms, subject to availability.
Is a shuttle service provided for guests without their own transportation?
28 July 2024
Taxi services are available for guests needing transportation to the beach and other destinations.
What is the approximate duration to travel from San José Airport to the hotel?
11 August 2024
The journey takes approximately 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Are small pets permitted at the hotel, and if so, what is the fee?
21 September 2024
Only small pet breeds are accepted, with a fee of $20.00.
How far is the hotel from the main highway, and is late check-in an option?
15 October 2025
The hotel is located 1.5 kilometers from the highway, and late check-in is possible until 9:45 PM.
What unique activities can guests enjoy during their stay?
28 November 2024
Guests can embark on adventures such as whale watching, hiking in the rainforest, and exploring local waterfalls.