Lying peacefully along the southwestern coast of Costa Rica, in one of the most biologically diverse areas of the world, is the village of Uvita. Far from your average resort, Uvita has remained staunchly underdeveloped, largely due to it nestling in the Marino Ballena National Park, a marine park famous for the migration of Humpback whales, who migrate and mate between December and April. There are a number of great places to stay here, both in and around the village and in the surrounding forest, from the laid back to the luxurious. The selection of hotels we have picked out below are all in the forest just to the north of the village, with easy access to the sea.

In the village itself there are a number of fun bars and restaurants for visitors. There's a two mile stretch of white sand beach offering a range of watersports, fringed by coconut and palm trees, and mangrove swamps inhabited by crocodiles. Mountain jungle rises steeply behind, swarming with ocelots and monkeys, and s short boat ride away is Cano Island - a protected wildlife reserve - teeming with boa constrictors and mysterious stone spheres dating back to the pre-Colombian era. Whether you're here for a beach holiday, a backpacking trip or a chance to unwind in the bountiful arms of nature, Uvita is a fantastic place to spend a few days. See below for our selection of the best places to stay in Uvita - from Balinese-style jungle villas to luxurious adults-only escapes.

The best places to stay in Uvita

Romantic

• Oxygen Jungle Villas is a boutique collection of Balinese-style villas in the Costa Rican jungle overlooking the Pacific. Smart villas feature mosquito framed four-poster beds, plenty of glass and luxury bathrooms. An infinity pool boasts epic views, and the spa is utterly spoiling. Adult-only and undeniably romantic.
• Rancho Pacifico is an adult-only haven overlooking the famous Whale’s Tail Beach. Spacious suites, treehouses and villas connect seamlessly with the abundance of nature all around. Beyond the hotel’s alluring tranquility, find an endless array of activities on land or by sea. The perfect romantic getaway.

Pure luxury

• Kura is a sublime hilltop paradise with private villas and bedrooms offering gorgeous views of the ocean. A tropical hideaway with a sparkling infinity pool and small spa, its six guestrooms all have private balconies and an excellent restaurant offers Costa Rican fusion cuisine. Romantic, remote and relaxing.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• There is never a bad time to go - the temperature remains the same throughout the year - at around 26 degrees. If you want to see the Humpback whales, be sure to visit between December and April.
• Fly to San Jose International Airport, and take the EasyRide shuttle to Uvita - the journey takes 3-4 hours.
• If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Puntarenas
• or Costa Rica
• or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Uvita