The Vista Ballena Hotel

The Vista Ballena Hotel is south of Domincal, in the southern Pacific town of Uvita. This part of Costa Rica is most famous for its whale watching tours, but as you’ll see there is an incredible variety of wildlife on land as well.

During your stay here you can pack your itinerary with adventurous tours. Humpback whales visit this area almost year round (the off season is from May until June). Throughout the year you can also see dolphins gamboling near the shore. From the hotel, you can see the famous “Whale’s Tail” sand bar. Take a boat ride to Caño Island for snorkeling, and go kayaking tours of the mangroves along the coast. Voyage into the jungle for bird watching and fascinating hikes.

Vista Ballena Hotel is perched atop a hill overlooking the coast. Jungle covers the land surrounding the hotel. It has 20 rooms and offers a boutique experience. Guests can also book events at the 1,700-square foot (158-sq m) hall. There are smaller spaces for intimate gatherings or smaller meetings.

Rooms come with mini-refrigerators and fully stocked mini-bars. Explore the channels on your cable TV, or just enjoy the view. You can also connect to the Wi-Fi. Air conditioning and daily maid service keep the rooms cool and comfortable. Each room has a fully stocked bathroom with a hairdryer.

There is a space for sunrise meditation and yoga. You can also sign up for a professional massage. Take a dip in the pool, which overlooks the jungle and has three small fountains.

Listen to live music while you dine at the hotel restaurant. Guests can also hear the band play from the poolside bar. This is an open-air restaurant has an incredible view of the landscape, and there’s a free breakfast included in your stay.