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Jungle Luxury! Stunning Whale's Tail View! Pool, Outdoor Shower, Etc.! 5-STAR!!

Waterfront holiday home with outdoor pool and Hot tub

Photo gallery for Jungle Luxury! Stunning Whale's Tail View! Pool, Outdoor Shower, Etc.! 5-STAR!!

Sunset at Casa Cola Ballena
Newly remodeled pool with whale tail fountain!
More about the pool!
Pool and lounge area.
Pool looking towards the master suite.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 7278.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Catarata uvita
  • Place, Uvita Beach
  • Place, Marino Ballena National Park

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Guest Suite

1 Queen Bed

Master Suite

1 Queen Bed

Southern Suite

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

TV Room

1 Double Futon

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Guest Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Master Bath

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Outdoor Shower

Outdoor shower

Powder Room

Toilet

Southern Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Jungle Luxury! Stunning Whale's Tail View! Pool, Outdoor Shower, Etc.! 5-STAR!!

WELCOME TO CASA COLA BALLENA!

The Costa Ballena, or Whale's Coast, is one of the coolest spots in Costa Rica. This beautiful home features the best view of the Whale's Tail in the Southern Zone and enjoys continuous fresh breezes. In addition to the awe-inspiring view, the benefits of being up in the mountains include a microclimate that is about 10 degrees cooler than in town and on the beach, and few biting insects, as we are above the "bugline". You will be serenaded daily by a wide variety of birds, monkeys and rainforest critters. Open the doors wide and enjoy indoor/outdoor living with the best view of the Whale's Tail!

As if the home, the views and the nature around you aren't enough, our guests rave about the personalized guest service that we can provide! We can work with you ahead of time to get your car rental arranged (our agency provides our guests with preferential pricing, and a 4WD is required), your tours selected and booked, home massages scheduled, even bring in wonderful chefs to cook and serve you, if you desire! We want to make sure that your stay in Costa Rica is the absolute best!

Situated 10 minutes above Uvita, this 3,000 sf home has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a pool, large deck and a luxurious outdoor shower. Enjoy the best view in the world while taking an outdoor shower by the pool!

The home is beautifully furnished and appointed, with custom cabinetry and granite throughtout. You'll find a well-equipped kitchen with lots of appliances and gadgets that makes cooking fun! Our water is spring-fed, passes through a multi-point filtration system, and is wonderful!

The outdoor areas feature several dining and lounging areas around the lighted pool and gardens. Enjoy your evenings relaxing and gazing out over the jungle and the Whale Tail below while you are treated to another awesome Costa Rican sunset or, if weather provides, an incredible lightning display over the ocean and Cańo Island. You won't want to leave...

Amenities include:
* Strong fiber internet
* 40" Samsung TV
* Amazing range of TV and movie offerings
* Huge DVD collection
* Lots of games, puzzles and books
* Bluetooth music system to play your favorite music both downstairs and around the pool area
* VOIP phone with unlimited FREE calls to the USA and Canada (forward your phones * to this line!)

The Master Suite has a new queen bed made from indigenous woods (with a new mattress too!), large closet area with a built-in safe, and a handy desk area. And the master bath features granite counters, dual sinks, toilet, a rain shower and spa tub.

The Guest Suite has a queen bed, with a built-in armoire and desk made from indigenous woods. The en suite bath has granite countertops, dual sinks, toilet and shower.

The Southern Bedroom has a bunk bed with a queen on thee bottom and a twin on top. The room also has a custom- made armoire to store your possessions. The en suite bath features granite countertops, dual sinks, toilet and shower.

The half bath (downstairs) has a sink and toilet.

The home has a security gate with motion sensor lighting.

When you first arrive into Uvita, we will meet you in town and guide you to the home for your welcome tour. From there, we'll leave you alone in your paradise, but be readily accessible to help with any questions, provide recommendations, whatever you may need!

The home will be beautifully cleaned and appointed immediately prior to your stay. If you would like additional housekeeping services during your stay, it can be arranged for an additional charge.

There are a wide array of fun tour activities and beaches all within a 20-minute drive. There is an amazing waterfall with a bar and restaurant just 5 minutes down the road. We have all kinds of beaches, from beginner to expert surf beaches, cave beaches, and kid-friendly beaches all within a short drive.

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Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 35
Check out before 9:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Pool not fenced. Balcony drop down. No stair rail.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Please inquire...
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Please be advised that the laws in Costa Rica are

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bahía Ballena

Located in Bahía Ballena, this holiday home is in the mountains and on the waterfront. Marino Ballena National Park and Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons. Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Parque Reptilandia are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Holiday homes in Bahía BallenaOpens in a new window
Map
Uvita, Puntarenas

What's nearby

  • Catarata uvita - 6 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Secret Lau Pool - 7 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Uvita Beach - 11 min drive - 6.6 km
  • Marino Ballena National Park - 15 min drive - 7.7 km
  • Punta Uvita - 20 min drive - 7.4 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Bakery - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Los Barriles - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Kinsu - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Jungle Luxury! Stunning Whale's Tail View! Pool, Outdoor Shower, Etc.! 5-STAR!! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Jungle Luxury! Stunning Whale's Tail View! Pool, Outdoor Shower, Etc.! 5-STAR!! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Jungle Luxury! Stunning Whale's Tail View! Pool, Outdoor Shower, Etc.! 5-STAR!!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Jungle Luxury! Stunning Whale's Tail View! Pool, Outdoor Shower, Etc.! 5-STAR!!?

Checkout is at 9:00 AM.

Where is Jungle Luxury! Stunning Whale's Tail View! Pool, Outdoor Shower, Etc.! 5-STAR!! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Catarata uvita and 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Secret Lau Pool. Uvita Beach and Playa Colonia are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 156 out of 161 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 161 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 161 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 161 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 161 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

paige n.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible view, beautiful pool, lots of birds.

The property was perfect for our family, the grounds were beautiful the pool refreshing the view spectacular. The host was always available with great advice.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

andrew k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a view!

After a few weeks on the mountain we were relaxed but still energized for Uvita Host Sarah was amazing, thoughtful and a terrific communicator
Stayed 21 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Claudia P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular view!

Lovely house that was perfect for our family! Lovely large patio with lots of seating and great view. The pool was refreshing and tons of fun for our 10 year old grandson.The kitchen had everything we needed and the laundry room was a real plus. Sarah is such a gracious host and was always available for questions. The roads a challenge but we managed.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Renter

Amazing property, views, and landlord. Owner was very Responsive, helpful and accommodating. Great experience! 12 stars! Highly encourage everyone to check this out, you will not be disappointed.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lisa L

We had an amazing stay here. Sarah and Mark are excellent hosts. Book this and follow Sarah’s recommendations. She knows the best guides for excursions and we enjoyed the ATV and Corcovado tour she arranged for us. Dinner prepared by chef William and Elisia was delicious. Sunsets were different every night- but don’t forget the mornings- I was up early to enjoy coffee with the toucans and all the many birds. You will love staying here! Thank you Sarah and Mark for a great stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Raymond K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Truly paradise

Our family had a wonderful one week stay at Sara and Marks wonderful jungle and ocean view home. The view was gorgeous. Sara was the most gracious and helpful host. Our kids had their first experience with surfing snd scuba diving. They really had a blast. I really enjoyed the near shore fishing, I mean catching (12 yellowfin tuna in about 4 hours). I was really surprised how few biting insects were around. Indiana in the summer is a lot worse. We would be happy to return in the future. Just a great and relaxing experience overall. The road to the house was a bit rough. However, unless you have a bad back, it was not too bad (just very bumpy).
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

daniel m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Experience

This is a great place to stay no doubt. Beautiful view, pool, house and setting. The price point is great as well and you will make some great memories. Highly recommend to stay here and we can't to come back. I haven't even got to the best part which is Sarah the host. She is amazing, very responsive and helpful with anything you need. Book this property as you will not be dissapointed and will have an awesome experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dan D.

Wonderful time in Uvita!

We had a great experience at Casa Ballena. Admittedly we were a little apprehensive ... we were the first guests with new owner (having booked earlier with the prior!) Needless to say, our experience was both seemless and fantastic. As for the house itself and the location - totally concur with the prior reviews. Everything as stated - views are gorgeous, house is lovely, and the setting up in the mountains is to die for. Will be back for sure!

10/10 Excellent

Andrew H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Better than the pictures. Great place to stay

Everything was amazing. As others have said, Sarah is a great host and helps you find everything, schedule excursions and make local recommendations. All five star. The road up the hill is admittedly an adventure so double check the tires and bring a decent 4-wheel drive vehicle (like the local version of the 4-Runner). But it's very doable and the views are worth it. Lots of animal visitors, including the semi-resident pisote, Fred. You'll love the excursions; we did Corcovado National Park, surfing lessons, Chef Willy visiting for brunch, and Nuayaca Falls horseback riding. All solid recommendations. Driving in Costa Rica wasn't as challenging as we'd heard. But mostly the house and pool are just great, as is the food locally.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

doug r.

Perfect house in the perfect location.

Our family of 2 adults and 3 boys age 10, 8 and 6 spent a week in this house and loved every minute. The owners helped us plan our trip and arrival. The care taker was very responsive but not over bearing. The house is very well organized and you go thru a inventory list at arrival and check out which will guarantee future renters will have a equal experience. The view from the patio and pool is world class. Costa Rica is great, Uvita is great. We enjoyed a different local restaurant each evening. Zip lining, atv tours, boat tours, water falls, beaches, all near by and great for all ages.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Paul K., Saint Charles

This is a lovely house, we highly recommend it.

The view is spectacular. The house is very nice and easy to live in. The kitchen was well equipped. The only challenge is the drive up the mountain road, but they tell you to rent a four wheel drive car. We use two different personal chef service and both were great. There are so many wonderful 5 star equivalent restaurants within a 30 minute drive. OSA Thyme is one just at the bottom of the hill and my personal favorite. Trina the local property manager is super and answered all of our many questions about the area and also suggested places to eat.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect family vacation!

We had a wonderful stay with huge thanks to Sarah! She helped us secure a rental car and planned all of our excursions for us. We loved the ATV Tour, horseback riding to Nauyaca Waterfalls, and ziplining the most. We were late arriving and Sarah offered to get a pizza for us and some breakfast food - a big help! The house is beautiful, especially the view. We enjoyed hanging out there and relaxing by the pool. Chef Willy, also lined up by Sarah, was a delight and provided a fabulous meal for us. We also enjoyed Mosaic, Los Laureles, Jolly Roger, and feeding the monkeys at La Parcela ( definitely BYOBananas as Sarah suggests). The house was perfect for my family of five. I can't recommend it highly enough. Thank you, Sarah, for an amazing experience and adventure that my family will never forget!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carrie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Breathtaking View and Beautiful Experience

We had a wonderful experience with the rental of this property from Sarah and Mark. The home is absolutely stunning and the view cannot be matched. The Whales Tail was a beautiful scene every morning with a cup of coffee. Sarah was like our own personal travel agent- she recommended perfect tours for our family, including but not limited to Jungle ATVs, and a jungle tour (where we saw all types of monkeys (In their natural habitat), tapir, sloths, snakes and much more. Uvita was a perfect location for my sons to learn how to surf down in Dominical and we went white water rafting. There are restaurants for local flavor but there are also supermarkets close by if we wanted to stay at the house to cook. The home had every amenity that was needed or could be wanted. Thank you so much for a perfect memorable experience for our family!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Molly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unbelievable—just perfection

First, if I could give the host communication piece more stars I would. Sarah went absolutely above and beyond in making sure start to finish all our questions and concerns were addressed. Her assistance with getting the rental car booked was such a relief. She pointed us to all the best tours, all the best guides and all the best food spots. The climb up the mountain in our 4x4 Hyundai mini-van was a real adventure, and there is no way you could make the climb to the top without 4x4! But let me say--the view from the house was absolutely stunning. I loved having coffee every morning with the toucans. I would recommend installing the Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell to help you identify all the bird calls around the house!We traveled with a family of 6 (4 kids ages 7-13) and had plenty of space to unwind, eat, relax and enjoy ourselves. The pool was beautiful, & everything we needed was at the house!While we probably could have spent the entire 10 days gazing at the ocean we LOVED exploring the area! The Whale Tail beach was great for shell combing, walking, and swimming. The kids loved the big waves and beachy vibes at Dominical beach. We visited the Uvita waterfall just a few minutes from the house TWICE, and it was a crowd favorite. Our tours included the ATVs, ziplining, whale watching, Corcovado (and dinner by Chef Willy after!) and Nauyaca waterfall (yummy lunch). A PERFECT TRIP!!
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2025
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Christine B., Kitchener, ON Canada

Awesome Vacation

My husband and I travelled with our 18 year old son, and 2 of his friends. We all had an amazing vacation. This was our 3rd trip to Costa Rica, and this area, and this home is now our new favourite. Yes the trek up the mountain to the house is a bit daunting at first, but it was really no problem for the 4 x 4 Sante Fe we rented. The house is perfect, the grounds are amazing and the view is spectacular! Both Sarah and Trina were very helpful right from the booking through to our visit. Trina was always only a phone call (or text) away. We visited 2 waterfalls - one right on the road up to the house, and the other about 40 minutes from the house (we drove to trail head and then hiked; only 4 kms each way and fairly easy). The guys all went on the ATV tour and had a great time. We're hoping we can visit Casa Cola Bellena again. Thanks so much Sarah and Mark for sharing your lovely home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2016

10/10 Excellent

Robert M., Moore, Idaho

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Living in paradise

Can’t say enough good things about Casa Cola. The view and wild life were amazing. It had everything you could want. The grand kids would spend hours in the pool. Sarah and Mark were amazing help.Their recommendations were perfect. Sarah made reservations for for our excursions and restaurants. She kept track of them and would keep us informed what we had planned for the next day. Don’t want to miss the ATV ride, Corcovado National Park, zip lining, and massages. Chef Willy is a must. He cooked for us 3 times. The people of Costa Rica are great. They are helpful and courteous. They know how to take care of their environment. Never saw any trash along the roads or beaches. We would have coffee, pastry and fresh fruit on the deck every morning, while taking in the view and wild life. The road going up to Casa Cola is tricky. Four-wheel drive is a must and driving it in a down pour is not pleasant. We are already missing Casa Cola, Sarah, Mark, the people of Costa Rica, and the country. And we have only been home a few days. Would absolutely recommend it, and we would definitely go back to paradise. We’re their for 4 weeks enjoyed every day of our stay.
Stayed 27 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Slice of Heaven!

There are no words to describe how amazing our stay was. If you are considering renting this home…. DO IT! The house was in a perfect location, wonderfully decorated and the view was absolutely priceless. We enjoyed coffee on the deck overlooking the whale’s tail and lounging by the pool. We found ourselves wanting to just hang out at the house. We even spotted some local wildlife from the deck. The house had everything we needed to make our stay comfortable. Sarah and Mark were beyond great! Sarah was kind and patient with all my questions and left no detail unhandled. All of our activities (booked by Sarah) were fun! Her insider scoop and relationships in the town were invaluable. Corcovado, off shore fishing, ziplining, horseback ride to Nuayaca Waterfall and of course the ATVs….we fit it all in. All our excursion guides were knowledgeable, kind, and did everything possible to make our day perfect. Sarah booked us the best of the best for all our activities. Sarah was on point on all her restaurant recommendations (Gusto!, Seba’s, Mosaic and Sibu were some of our favs!) and Chef William’s food was scrumptious! A perfect idea after our day at Corcovado. Mark and Sarah were always available when needed and were so helpful with troubleshooting anything that popped up. They made us feel like family. This trip topped our vacation favorites!
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Terry B.

$10,000,000 View!!!

Cannot imagine a more spectacular view of the Whale's Tail from anywhere! The hillside setting of this home allows for completely unobstructed views of the ocean and jungle...we only went inside to sleep and cook, the remainder of the time was spent outside on the generous patio and deck area. The home was spotlessly clean when we checked in. Don met us in town and escorted us up the mountain upon arrival...the road is not bad by Costa Rica standards but 4 wheel drive is mandatory....just take your time and enjoy the scenery on the drive!! There were a couple of maintenance issues here....two of the three bedroom AC units did not work and two of the three floor fans did not work. To his credit, Kevin responded almost immediately to my e-mail about the AC units and offered to have someone come work on them...my choice to not have workers come during my stay...and Don took the two broken fans to town to have repairs done, just not completed during my 6 night stay. I would not hesitate to stay here again and plan on doing so as soon as possible! Everything you need is right here, and you can pack light because there is a washer and dryer to take care of the dirty clothes. If you stay here, go to Tortilla Flats in Domenical for the best Mahi sandwich you have ever eaten!! And DO NOT miss the roadside ceviche stand at Playa Hermosa...but go early as he is often sold out by 1pm! Thank you Kevin and Mary for making this beautiful home available!!!

10/10 Excellent

Nancy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

EXTRAordinary 'customer service' & breathtaking views

My parents loved visiting Costa Rica; after they died last winter, we committed to checking it out, to scattering ashes in the ocean, to see it for ourselves. It was maybe the greatest "gift" they left us. And, Sarah did absolutely everything she could to make our adventure flawless. I can say, without question, this was one of the best weeks of my life, largely due to the kind, patient and generous attention we got. Don't speak Spanish well/at all? You can count on her to iron out the misunderstood details, always making sure we knew where to be and when, managing all the pmts and communications. Unsure which adventures might be best for your group? Sarah knows the best coffee guy on the mountain, the most knowledgeable guides for Corcovado, the funnest local "Cheers", the best Argentinian food, dinner with a view, lunch with monkeys. Want to hang out at the house? You will NOT find a better view - any time of the day or night, any kind of weather. I guarantee your jaw will drop the first time you walk up to the outdoor patio area, and look out over the jungle, to the beloved Whale's Tail, and the Pacific Ocean beyond. If a 6 star review was an option, Sarah would definitely get it. NOTE: Our only 'regret' was that we didn't get to meet Mark as he was out of town during our visit. The next time I'm "in town", I'll make it a point. thank you Sarah - for every thing
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Two Weeks in Paradise

Casa Cola was a wonderful property from the moment we arrived. The views of the Whale Tail are stunning. You are perched high above town with uninterrupted views. If you're out on the deck, you will be able to just hear the waves rolling into the beach. The area is very private and quiet. We were visited each day by toucans and many other beautiful birds and butterflies. We could hear the howler monkeys each day, but we never saw them in person. The house had plenty of indoor and outdoor space to spread out, and was fully stocked with games, movies, beach towels, coolers, etc. From my first communication with Sarah, we could not have asked for a better experience. She worked wonders in the weeks leading up to our trip to help us schedule excursions, book private chefs and even a realtor who helped us see some lots and houses while we were there. When the trip dates had to be adjusted due to COVID airline changes, Sarah acted quickly and without hesitation to adjust our dates. After our arrival Sarah met us in town to welcome us and show us how to get up the hill to the house - 4x4 is an absolute must as some of the sections are very steep with switch backs to navigate. She and Mark continued to be available to make our stay memorable and comfortable in every way. They are wonderful hosts and very special people. We hired Chef William and his lovely wife, Alicia to cook for us twice. William made us so much delicious food, and we had plenty of leftovers, which our teenage sons enjoyed! We also hired chef, Manrique and Vera. They went above and beyond to incorporate the fresh fish my husband and sons caught that day, despite this not being part of the menu we had planned. Fantastic! We have several excursions we can recommend - My husband and sons enjoyed their fishing trip, and caught a bunch of tuna and wahoo. Our family had a blast on the ATV tour. We not only got to see the area, but we were able to visit a local coffee farm and learn about the process. My husband and I loved the horseback riding to the Nauyaca Falls and our day trip to Corcovado - beautiful! We also got to see humpback whales as we made our way across the ocean to the park! All in, this was one of the best vacations our family has ever had.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect mix of relaxation and adventure!

For first time travelers to Costa Rica, our family trip to Uvita was an amazing introduction to this beautiful country. Our six days spent at Casa Cola Ballena were a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Sarah went well above and beyond to help us plan and reserve our activities and provided excellent recommendations on what to do and where to eat and took care of our rental car reservation to ensure we had a veritable 4x4 to get us up the mountain. The house is beautiful and had all the amenities we needed for a wonderful stay. The grounds, outdoor living area, and pool are gorgeous. And the view!!! We couldn’t wait to get up in the morning to enjoy coffee on the porch and take in the stunning view while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle. It was the perfect place to disconnect and spend valuable time together as a family. After our six days in Uvita, as we drove back up the coast to San Jose, I felt that we had left behind a truly magical place. Thank you so much for sharing this paradise with us!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louis R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Stay high up the mountain.

This is a beautiful property with all the amenities. The house is well stocked with everything you need. Sarah goes above and beyond to help book excursions for you and make you comfortable. She's very communicative. If you're not great with 4 x 4 drive up a mountain, it might not be for you, but we loved it & saw Toucans daily, a coati and so many birds. Wonderful location with lots nearby.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacie J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

amazing jungle stay

I can't say enough good things about the house and the host. The house is beautiful and amazingly stocked with everything we could need. The outdoor shower is fantastic and such a great bonus. The beds were comfortable. The kitchen was functional and stocked with all necessities. House had good bird wildlife and you can find king Todds if you look around at night. The drive up is intense but a blast in my opinion. you do really need a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Sarah was amazing! She helped me plan all of our activities and book them for us. All of the events went smoothly and were just as described. she even arranged to have our rental car deliver to our hotel in San Jose to help save us running back to the airport to get it. She was always available on WhatsApp and was quick to address any issues or concerns.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dotty B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice quick stay

This is a unique property that was really nice to stay at. The check-in was easy, the location is secluded, the owner was accessible and helpful. We had dinner cooked for us one night and that was great. The owner lives just behind the house so if you have any issues she is right there.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Second stay

This was our second trip to Costa Rica and our second stay at Sarah and Mark’s house. We love the house and the magnificent views. Sarah is an invaluable resource for booking activities. Loved our time in Costa Rica. Thank you!
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2025

About the host

Hosted by Sarah and Mark

Host profile image
We fell in love with Costa Rica and, specifically, the Ballena coast, when we came here to marry in 2013. We had a spectacular view of the Whale's Tail as our backdrop! When we first came to Casa Cola Ballena ourselves we were awestruck, and set on a path to call it our new home! We look forward to sharing our home with you so that you can experience the ultimate in Costa Rica living.

Why they chose this property

For those of you who have stayed at Casa Cola Ballena in the past, you'll be delighted with the upgrades we have brought to our new home! The home itself, the nature that surrounds, and the incredible views remain awesome! We have upgraded all the bed linens to a Tommy Bahama-esq look, and upgraded the "creature comforts" such as Netflix streaming and incredible fiber optic internet connectivity in the event you need to stay better connected with your home base while escaping in the jungle!

What makes this property unique

Luxury Jungle Living....This house provides a great way to be in an adventurous area with all the fun things to do in the rainforest and at the beach. After a long hard day of surfing, ziplining, ATV's, fishing, or horses, there is nothing better than getting up to the house, where it is a little cooler, jumping in the pool, and living in luxury in the Jungle. It's like getting away from it all, but still coming home to a well appointed home with all the modern amenities.

Languages:

English, Spanish
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