TOP HOTELS – UVITA, COSTA RICA
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This list of top hotels in Uvita, Costa Rica will help you narrow down your search for the best hotel for your group. I’ve listed everything from luxury hotels to budget hotels perfect for families. Accommodations in Uvita are almost all locally owned and operated and generally have a very traditional Costa Rican vibe.
If you aren’t familiar with Uvita, Costa Rica– well, prepare to fall head over heels in love. I think Uvita is the new Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica– the beaches are pristine, there are panoramic views of the ocean from many of these hotels, and the location is just a few minutes south of the popular Manuel Antonio National Park.
Just imagine waking up to the sound of toucans and howler monkeys, surrounded by verdant greenery and roaring waves of the Pacific Ocean. That’s what a vacation in Uvita, Costa Rica is like.
Wondering where to stay? I’ve lifted the lid on the best places to stay in Uvita Costa Rica to help you find the perfect spot to lay your head and take in the beauty of this little piece of heaven.
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Top Hotels- Uvita, Costa Rica
Whale Tail Hotel
The Whale Tail Hotel is nestled in downtown Uvita, and could not be more adorable. This is one of the best hotels for budget travelers as the average price of the private guest rooms is about $50. We stayed here and it was spartan but clean, and friendly. The pool was great- it even has a mini water slide.
You’ll find a communal kitchen if you want to cook meals, and there is free breakfast included with every room reservation. I had the gallo pinto every morning with fresh fruit and Costa Rican coffee– it was a great way to start the day! The free wifi was super fast, and a lot of people were remote working when I was here.
There’s free private parking in front of each room, and the property owners also have the Whale Tail Brewery nest door. It might be one of my favorite Costa Rican breweries and it’s just steps away. This is a great place for families who are looking for unfussy accommodations right in town. The tour desk offers lots of reasonably priced tours that can be booked from one day to the next.
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Vista Ballena
Nestled atop a hill immersed in the rich jungle and overlooking the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Vista Ballena Hotel is a fantastic hideaway for anyone looking for beauty, relaxation, and adventure. Soak up the sun in the outdoor pool, get bendy with yoga, and tickle your taste buds with delectable dishes at the onsite restaurant. I had a traditional Costa Rican casado here that was to die for.
But wait, there’s more. Get ready to have a whale of a time – you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, birding, mountain biking, and you guessed it, whale watching.
After a day of thrilling escapades, treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the spa before gliding off to dreamland in your air-conditioned abode.
This is a great place for families with children as the pool is wonderful for swimming, and reasonably priced Costa Rican cocktails are just steps away at the bar. The ocean view from the pool and every hotel room here is absolutely amazing. When visiting here I highly recommend visiting Playa Hermosa Beach before heading up to the hotel for an epic sunset.
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Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa
The adults-only accommodation Oxygen Jungles Villas is the perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway surrounded by the natural beauty of the pristine tropical forest and the comfort of charming amenities.
Luxury one-bedroom air-conditioned villas await with a tropical minimalist design. Other amenities in the private villas include a minibar, a rain shower, and a flat-screen TV where you can rest and recharge for the next day. The views of the sea here are absolutely epic.
Massages and other spa treatments are offered in the spa above the restaurant but you could order a session right on your room terrace. Moreover, there’s a delightful infinity pool outside where you can relax and sip on a refreshing cocktail after the rub.
But if you insist on adventures, there are private hiking trails through the lush tropical gardens and the jungle that lead to picturesque waterfalls. Keep an eye out for monkeys and sloths along the way.
This is a great place to stay if you want luxury suites that aren’t too far from Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s just an hour drive, and you feel like you are a whole world away.
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Hotel Cristal Ballena
Another hilltop escape that will offer you a charming place to kick back and easy access to heart-pumping adventures is the Cristal Ballena. After settling into one of their spacious and well-appointed suites and enjoying private, jaw-dropping views of the ocean from the patio, take an invigorating plunge in the giant outdoor pool that also overlooks the dazzling sea.
A tour of Marino Ballena National Park is an absolute must if you want a chance to see whales and dolphins. But don’t forget other activities you can enjoy at the beach too including swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. The al carte restaurant on site will serve you something to fuel you up before and after your adventures.
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El Tecal Camping & Hotel
Ahoy campers! This one is for you. At Tecal, you can actually bring your tent and pitch it under the trees at the designated camping site. But if you prefer to sleep in an actual room, the property has plenty of these too including suites for families and cabins right in front of the ocean. All have air conditioning and a private bathroom and some have a balcony.
Get ready to be wowed because no matter which accommodation you pick, you will be surrounded by spectacular scenery and attractions, all of which are easy to access from the property.
Other amenities available for you include an outdoor swimming pool, a wellness center, a shared lounge, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. This property is extremely close to the Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, the national park where you can see humpback whales at certain times of the year.
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Luz de Luna
If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation, Hotel Luz de Luna could be a fantastic choice. It places you 1.2 miles from Marino Ballena Park and 1.8 miles from Colonia Beach, giving you the best of both worlds and making it a great base for exploring popular tourist sites in the area. Both the beach and the park can be accessed by bike.
Standard rooms feature cable TV, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and balconies with gorgeous views of the outdoor pool. Family rooms have bunk beds and can host up to 4 guests. And you can bring your pet! When you’re feeling hungry, check out the gazebo-style restaurant on site. This is one of my favorite cheap hotels on this list.
Canto de Ballenas
Offering a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and family-friendly rooms with remarkable views of the garden and the majestic Cerro Chirripo mountain, Canto de Ballenas is one of the best places for family vacations in Uvita.
When your little ones are not chasing butterflies in the nice garden, they can splash around at the children’s pool or hang out with other kids at the playground. Later, you can all take the fun to the beach, the park, or the phenomenal Nauyaca Waterfalls. You can dine on-site or sample the many restaurants around.
Manoas
Manoas is for campers who desire a deluxe outdoor lodging experience. With spacious tents equipped with luxury king-size beds and private bathrooms, this place allows you to experience the beauty of the natural world up close and in style. From the large deck, you can enjoy striking views of the diverse wildlife around including howler monkeys, anteaters, and exotic birds. This is glamping at its finest, and would be so fun with kids!
For non-campers, Casa Heliconia, Villa Colibri, and the lavish Casa Rio have got something for everyone. Whether you are a huge family looking for a bit of space or a couple seeking some privacy, these villas offer comfort and full amenities to ensure a warm and homely stay, with a restaurant on-site to satisfy your craving. You’ll also be close to fun activities like hiking, surfing, whale watching, birding, horseback riding, ATV quad adventures, and more.
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Uvita Tropical Beach Hotel
With incredible garden views, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant, Uvita Tropical Beach Hotel is a cost-effective accommodation that will place you within walking distance of the beach and the national park. Staying here immerses you in a jungle of fascinating wildlife, giving you an intimate connection with nature.
Clean, unfussy cabins feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and cable flat-screen TVs. Some units offer terraces with hammocks and kitchenettes equipped with an oven, fridge, and microwave. Adventure lovers can go hiking in the surroundings or hit the beach for thrilling water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.
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La Cusinga Lodge
Sitting on a hill in a private reserve overlooking the gorgeous Pacific coast, guests at La Cusinga can enjoy sweeping views of the ocean, sandy beaches, and the amazing wildlife that dwell in the flourishing rainforests.
Here, you’ll find cozy rustic cabins uniquely designed with sustainable materials each equipped with a fan, a wardrobe, Wi-Fi, and a balcony/terrace. The property also boasts a restaurant, on-site yoga classes, and a spa. Adventures to enjoy include birdwatching, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and guided tours. Check with the hotels for available tours.
The restaurant here is one the most popular in the area, and if you don’t stay here, I highly recommend grabbing a sunset cocktail or meal here. It’s the perfect place to relax!
Is Uvita worth visiting?
Absolutely. Uvita is one of the best places in Costa Rica for families given all of the unique activities you can do and the great places to stay that aren’t as expensive as nearby Dominical and Manuel Antonio.
How long should I stay in Uvita?
I would say that a family would want to stay a minimum of three nights in Uvita in order to do all of the activities- see whales, and go to the national park and Nauyaca waterfalls. The ideal amount of time to stay in the area is one week.
What is Uvita, Costa Rica known for?
Uvita is on the Costa Ballena, which translates to “Whale Coast.” Here you’ll find the humpback whale migration twice a year in the Marino Ballena National Park.
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Christa Jimenez
Welcome! I’m Christa, a Spanish teacher married to a handsome Costa Rican and mother of two bilingual daughters. We’ve spent over 25 years living in and traveling to Costa Rica with our daughters, and this website is my love letter to all things Costa Rica- and to bilingual parenting too. You can read my full story here. Thanks for stopping by!
