Uvita is a small coastal village on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica. A lush green setting, golden sand beaches, and rainforest-covered mountains are some of its striking characteristics. Home to Marino Ballena National Park, the Whale’s Tail , and Playa Uvita, this beach town is growing as a sought after destination in Costa Rica. From luxury boutique hotels to mid-range villas to budget hostels to hostels, there is a multitude of options for hotels in Uvita. It can get confusing to pick just one! That is why we have prepared a neat list of 14 hotels with some of their best highlights, to help you decide where to stay in Uvita.
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For ideas on things to do in Uvita and the surrounding region, read this complete Costa Ballena travel guide.
Plan your Costa Rica trip:
- Things to do in Uvita
- Costa Rica Packing List
- Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Activities: Things to Do
- Costa Rica Itinerary (from San Jose airport)
Where to Stay: Factors for Choosing Hotels in Uvita
When it comes to choosing the best hotels in Uvita, you can choose from 3 different areas – near town center, near the coast of Marino Ballena National Park, and up in the hills. Each area has its own pros and cons. Below we have covered some of the major factors about each of these 3 areas, that can help you decide where to stay in Uvita.
Near Town Center
If you are planning to take a bus to Uvita, then staying near the town center is the best option. This is where the bus station is. There are a lot of lodging options to choose from, and this area is cheaper than the other two areas. You will be close to all amenities like supermarkets, gas stations, ATMs, pharmacies, and much more. The vibe here is good, and there are many restaurants and bars in the area.
The downside is that the town center is around the highway, so it can get loud. The Uvita sector of the national park, and thus Playa Uvita, are about 30 minutes walk away.
Related Reading: Best Restaurants in Uvita and Dominical.
Next to Marino Ballena National Park
Stay here if you are looking to visit the National Park, spend time on the beach, and indulge in water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and whale watching. There are a lot of beautiful accommodations to choose from. Some of the properties even offer views of the ocean and the Whale’s Tail.
Keep in mind that there are not many supermarkets, ATMs, or other amenities here.
Related Readings: Marino Ballena National Park, Whale Watching in Uvita.
Up on the Hills
If you prefer calm and tranquility, then you will love the Uvita hotels up in hills on the other side of the coastal highway. You will be amidst nature with an abundance of wildlife. And, you will be away from the crowds! There are some beautiful luxury and boutique hotels offering stunning ocean and jungle views.
The downside is that you will be far from the town center, the national park, and the beach. There aren’t many amenities and restaurants around. Also, the road to many of these luxury hotels require a 4X4 drive.
Check out this video of Whale’s Tail, Uvita’s best claim to fame.
Uvita Hotels Overview
Here is a snapshot of our pick of best hotels in Uvita for different categories.
- Best Luxury Boutique Hotel: Rancho Pacifico
- Best Romantic Hotel With A Private Outdoor Spa Tub: Oxygen Jungle Villas
- Best Hotel With Ocean Views: La Cusinga Lodge
- Best Family Friendly Hotel: Uvita Paradise Hotel
- Best Mid-range Hotel: Whale Tail Hotel
- Best Budget Hostel: Shipwrecked Hostel
For detailed breakdown of where to stay in Uvita, split by budget categories, continue reading. For each hotel, we have highlighted the key features, included the Google Maps location and a clickable button that makes your Uvita hotel booking easy!
Where to Stay in Uvita: Luxury Hotels
Oxygen Jungle Villas (Adults Only)
- Stay here: If you are looking for a luxury romantic stay amidst nature.
- Highlights: Glass cabins with jungle views or ocean views, Infinity pool, Private trails of rainforest and waterfalls.
- Google Maps Location
Offering private glass cabins with tropical jungle or ocean views, Oxygen Jungle Villas make the perfect choice for a romantic stay in Uvita. It is an adults only luxury boutique hotel with only 12 such cabins, some of which come with their own private spa tubs. The hotel also has an acclaimed restaurant tossing up fine dishes for the guests.
While staying at Oxygen Jungle Villas, you can go hiking on the private trails of the property. Along the dirt paths of the trail, you will come across waterfalls and rivers and natural pools, all set in the lush tropical jungle of Uvita. But if you do not wish to work a sweat and relax instead, chill in the infinity pool or sign up for a spa session next to a river in the jungle!
Staying at this hotel in Uvita, you can experience a combination of nature and luxury, all coming together to celebrate your romantic holiday. Read about our experience of staying at Oxygen Jungle Villas.
Click here to check prices and availability at Oxygen Jungle Villas.
Book Your Stay at Oxygen Jungle Villas
Oxygen Jungle Villas – From left: View from glass cabin, Breakfast by the pool, Infinity pool.
La Cusinga Lodge
- Stay here: If you want to soak in the views of the vast expanse of ocean and the surrounding mountains.
- Highlights: Ocean view from property/cabins, On-site hiking trails, On-site yoga classes.
- Google Maps Location
La Cusinga Lodge is located up in the tropical forest of Uvita de Osa and offers picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and the Whale’s Tail. The lodge spreads over 600 acres of private land and features many hiking trails including one private trail leading to Arco Beach.
The cabins are made of sustainably harvested wood and don a rustic look. Some of the cabins offer ocean views. There is an on-site restaurant with locally produced ingredients, a yoga deck, and a viewpoint for watching the sun go down.
Click here to check prices and availability at La Cusinga Lodge.
Book Your Stay at La Cusinga Lodge
Seren Glamping (Adults Only)
- Stay here: If you are looking for camping experience in nature but without foregoing the basic comforts of a hotel.
- Highlights: Proximity to beach/National Park, Outdoor pool, Private bath tub, Pet-friendly.
- Google Maps Location
Seren Glamping offers adults-only accommodation in large tents pitched on wooden decks. Each tent features a large king bed, air-conditioning, and a patio with seating. There is an outdoor private bathroom right behind the tent on the deck.
A garden with lovely mountain views and an outdoor plunge pool with sun beds make for great relaxing options. You can book tours with the property if you are in for some adventure!
Click here to check prices and availability at Seren Glamping.
Book Your Stay at Seren GlampingCristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
- Stay here: If you want to indulge in luxury and unwind in nature.
- Highlights: Ocean views from property/suites, Private hiking trail, Beach shuttle, Spa center, Birdwatching.
- Google Maps Location
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is perched on Costa Ballena and is surrounded by tropical gardens. The hotel features Mediterranean-style suites with four-poster beds and balcony with ocean views. There is an outdoor pool and a poolside restaurant serving international cuisine. You can go hiking on the private hiking trail, pamper yourself with a spa, and take the free shuttle to the beach.
This hotel in Uvita is also ideal for birdwatchers. More than 200 species of birds have been spotted within the premises of the hotel property!
Click here to check prices and availability at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa.
Book Your Stay at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & SpaKura Boutique Hotel (Adults Only)
- Stay here: If you are looking for luxury and world-class treatment.
- Highlights: Infinity pool, Private spa, Ocean & mountain view from property/rooms.
- Google Maps Location
Luxury meets natural beauty at this adults only boutique hotel in Uvita! With amazing views of the ocean and the mountains, Kura gives you the chance to slow down and appreciate nature. You may even get to spot a variety of birds at the property!
The 5-star boutique hotel has units with a private spa bath, balcony with ocean views, and air conditioning. Some units come with a private pool. The property also features a restaurant, a spa center, an outdoor pool, a bar and a pool table.
Click here to check prices and availability at Kura Boutique Hotel.
Book Your Stay at Kura Boutique HotelRancho Pacifico (Adults Only)
- Stay here: If you are looking for a quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the Uvita town.
- Highlights: On the hills, Ocean views from property/rooms, Hiking trails, Spa center.
- Google Maps Location
Sitting on a hilltop in the rainforests of Uvita, Rancho Pacifico is covered by lush greenery from all sides. The view of the Whale’s Tail, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains complements the scenery. Each suite at Rancho Pacifico features a balcony with a view, a minibar, and a refrigerator. Some suites even offer a private spa and a private pool.
The open-air restaurant, with amazing ocean views, serves international cuisine made with ingredients sourced from their own gardens. Treat yourself to a spa or enjoy a glass of wine by the outdoor pool. Go hiking on the private trails or work out in the on-site fitness center.
Click here to check prices and availability at Rancho Pacifico.
Book Your Stay at Rancho PacificoTiki Villas Rainforest Lodge (Adults Only)
- Stay here: If you want the best of both worlds, nature and comfort.
- Highlights: Ocean views from property/rooms, Proximity to beach/National park, Spa center, Rooms with a kitchenette, Outdoor shower with views.
- Google Maps Location
Nestled among lush green trees of a rainforest, Tiki Villas offers stunning views of the ocean. The villas are complete with air conditioning, kitchenette, outdoor shower with jungle views, and private balcony. The property also features an outdoor pool, a spa center, an on-site restaurant, and a bar. Playa Hermosa is the closest beach from the property.
Click here to check prices and availability at Tiki Villas.
Book Your Stay at Tiki VillasWhere to Stay in Uvita: Mid-Range Hotels
Whale Tail Hotel
- Stay here: If you want to experience the vibe of Uvita town but also go light on your pocket.
- Highlights: Proximity to town center/bus station, Budget-friendly, Secret waterfall nearby, Brewery, Co-working space, Shared lounge.
- Google Maps Location
If you are looking for a traveler vibe, then Whale Tail Hotel is one of the best hotels in Uvita. Offering both private rooms and shared dorms, the hotel features many shared spaces where guests can hang out and interact with other travelers. A shared lounge, a games area, and an outdoor pool are perfect options for wrapping up the day. If you do not wish to eat out, there is a shared kitchen for basic cooking or BBQ areas for grilling. The rooms are well-appointed with private bathroom, air conditioning, and patio.
This hotel comes on the way to the Uvita waterfall and also the other secret waterfall and swimming hole in Uvita. After the waterfall adventures, if you are looking for some select craft beer, their Whale Tail Brewery is right next door! That’s how we found them, in the initial days of the brewery.
Click here to check prices and availability at Whale Tail Hotel.
Book Your Stay at Whale Tail HotelUvita Paradise
- Stay here: If you are in a group, or want to stay in an apartment with a private kitchen.
- Highlights: Proximity to beach/National park, Private kitchen, Barbecue facilities, Family-friendly.
- Google Maps Location
Lying close to the beach and Marino Ballena National Park, Uvita Paradise features apartments with a private kitchen, a TV, a dining area, and air conditioning. Some apartments have a balcony. Outside, there is a shared space with a swimming pool, lounge chairs, and BBQ facilities.
With so many adults-only accommodation options around, this is a nice family-friendly option for choosing where to stay in Uvita.
Click here to check prices and availability at Uvita Paradise.
Book Your Stay at Uvita ParadiseIbiza Tropical Beach Villas
- Stay here: If you want to stay in a home away from home.
- Highlights: Proximity to beach/National park, 2-floor villa, Bicycle rental service, Terrace with views.
- Google Maps Location
Ibiza Tropical Beach Villas are double-storeyed villas featuring a living room, 2 bathrooms, an upstairs bedroom, a kitchen, a dining area, and air conditioning. There is a balcony with seating and a garden outside each villa. A bicycle rental service is available at the property.
You can reach the beach on foot in 3 minutes. What’s best is that you can come directly to the villa afterward. No need to change at the beach!
Click here to check prices and availability at Ibiza Tropical Beach Villas.
Book Your Stay at Ibiza Tropical Beach VillasHotel Marino Ballena
- Stay here: If you want to be close to the town center and have all amenities for a comfortable stay.
- Highlights: Proximity to town center/bus station, Sun terrace, Car rental service, Airport shuttle service, Shared kitchen.
- Google Maps Location
Hotel Marino Ballena is a budget-friendly option for staying close to the town center. The rooms are fitted with air-conditioning, private bathroom, TV, and patio with mountain views. Some rooms have balcony. You will be treated to a complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, after which you can go hiking in the area or visit the national park. Unwind in the outdoor pool after a long, adventurous day, and cook dinner in the shared kitchen if you do not wish to step out.
Click here to check prices and availability at Hotel Marino Ballena.
Book Your Stay at Hotel Marino BallenaWhere to Stay in Uvita: Budget Hostels
Uvita Pirates Hostel
- Stay here: If you want to be a short walk away from the beach, and prefer socializing opportunities.
- Highlights: Budget accommodation, Private rooms in a hostel environment,
- Google Maps Location
Only a couple of minutes walk from the Colonia beach of Marino Ballena National Park, Uvita Pirates Hostel is a great option to stay in Uvita on a budget. In a small two-storied building, it offers a hostel environment, but comes with private rooms only. Unlike other hostels, there is no dorm or shared accommodation here. Each private room is air-conditioned and has its own private bathroom with hot shower.
Keeping up with the pirates theme of the hostel, Uvita Pirates has a wooden upper deck, that can be accessed by guests of all rooms. On the ground floor, there is a fully stocked shared kitchen and reception desk in a large common area. We spent a lot of hours in this area, either eating meals, or working (ah, the digital nomad life!), or chilling with some beer or chiliguaro or socializing with other guests and hosts.
Over the course of our stay at Uvita Pirates, we had many fun and interesting conversations with Tom, the owner and Christine, his friend who was visiting Costa Rica long term and was one of the hosts at the hostel. We also enjoyed our interactions with the Tico staff there, from Uvita and Perez Zeledon.
Click here to check prices and availability at Uvita Pirates Hostel.
Book Your Stay at Uvita Pirates Hostel
Shipwrecked Hostel
- Stay here: If you are looking to stay close to town in a cool hostel where you can hang out with other travelers.
- Highlights: Ship themed hostel, Capsule bunk beds, Yoga deck, Community kitchen with beautiful views, Artwork.
- Google Maps Location
A hop across the highway from the BM supermarket, Shipwrecked Hostel offers a fun and vibrant space for travelers. This hostel is built on the theme of a ship, with an interesting backstory of shipwreck and recovery. Ask the owners, Sander and Cristina, about it when staying here. The young couple are anyway fun to chat with, and they mingle well with the guests, whether for game afternoons or movie nights or waterfall adventures!
Every nook and corner of the Shipwrecked Hostel seems to have been thoughtfully curated. Murals and paintings by artists from Costa Rica as well as from around the world adorn the walls, lending an aesthetic charm to the hostel.
The sleeping arrangement at the hostel stands out because instead of traditional bunk beds, the dorm has capsules style boxes, each with a comfy mattress, shelf, lights and blackout curtain. You also get the option of double bed bunks, which is great for couple backpackers.
The communal kitchen has dual counters and offers beautiful views of the town with mountains in the backdrop. The “on deck” part of the ship has different areas – yoga floor, games, bean bag chairs, digital nomad workspaces. The backside of the “on deck” opens to a jungle view. During our stay, we always had our morning coffee here, while watching birds!
Click here to check prices and availability at Shipwrecked Hostel.
Book Your Stay at Shipwrecked Hostel
Shipwrecked Hostel – Left: One part of the “On deck” space. Right: Capsule style beds arrangement in the dorm.
Cascada Verde Hostel
- Stay here for: If you want to be in surrounded by lush greenery with an abundance of wildlife.
- Highlights: On the hills, Proximity to Uvita waterfall, Jungle and Ocean views, Budget-friendly, Good for watching wildlife.
- Google Maps Location
Cascada Verde Hostel is one of the best hotels in Uvita for those looking for a completely immersive experience in nature. 20 minutes uphill from the town center, this hostel is tucked away in a jungle and gives you the feeling of a treehouse. Equipped with 2 large terraces, numerous hammocks, and plenty of furniture, you will be lured into slowing down, relaxing, and observing wildlife.
The hostel offers rustic-style private rooms and dormitories, and there are multiple options to choose from. Some units are fitted with a private kitchen or a balcony. Do not miss the Uvita waterfall, which is only a 5-minute walk from the hostel!
Click here to check prices and availability at Cascada Verde Hostel.
Book Your Stay at Cascada Verde HostelWhere to Stay in Uvita, Costa Rica: Map Search Box
Use this map search box below to explore more options for finding hotels in Uvita.
This article has been written by Astha Garg and edited by Paradise Catchers, based on their own experiences of traveling and staying in Uvita. Astha is a freelance writer who lives in Costa Rica and loves traveling.
Plan your Uvita trip:
- Uvita Waterfall
- Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Cascada El Pavon
- Pinuelas Beach
- Ventanas Beach
- Dominicalito Beach
- Whale watching in Uvita
- Marino Ballena National Park
- Best Restaurants in Uvita and Dominical
- Oxygen Jungle Villas
Travel Planning Logistics
- Accommodation: For several years now, Booking.com has been our platform of choice for booking accommodation while traveling. You can apply all the desired filters and shortlist the ones that meet your criteria. On continued use, you will keep unlocking their Genius benefits. For long term stays, we use Airbnb. Of late, we have also started browsing Hostelworld for finding hostels.
- Tours: When traveling to new destinations, you can plan ahead and book your activities. Check for highly rated tours on Viator and Get Your Guide.
- Packing: From swimwear to sunscreen, hiking pants to insect repellents, buy your vacation packing essentials on Amazon.
- Flights: We always start our flight searches with Skyscanner and Momondo. They are aggregators that display flight options, compiling information across airlines and combinations. What we like the best about these flight aggregators is that you can put “Anywhere” as your destination, so that you find the best flight deals from your city of departure.
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