Uvita, Costa Ballena,
Uvita,
Costa Rica,
00000,
Puntarenas
-
Close to Playa Ballena
Perfect
9.1
9.3
/10
4.2
4.5
/5
Loved by Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa guests
Amazing views
Attentive staff
Beautiful grounds
Spacious rooms
"I am a birder, so being up early in the morning, just sitting outside our room was magical - toucans, oropendolas."
SafetyPro-VA from United States
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"The beautiful views from my room were outstanding."
Monica from United Kingdom
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"One of the highlights was the giant heated pool, which we were lucky to have all to ourselves, a true luxury!"
Cindy B from Costa Rica
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"Amazing views of the ocean and the grounds overlook the forest."
Fiona from United Kingdom
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"The restaurant serves very nice food and is reasonably priced."
marianne k from Switzerland
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Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa - A Mediterranean-style four-star hotel with rainforest and ocean views, near Ballena Marine National Park
Perched on a rainforest-covered hill overlooking Ballena Marine National Park, Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa features air-conditioned Mediterranean-style suites with balconies, ocean views, satellite TV, minibars, and hydromassage showers. The onsite Pura Vida restaurant serves breakfast amidst the sounds of local wildlife like clay-colored robins and parrots. Guests can explore the Jungle Trail to observe howler monkeys, coatis, and tropical birds, or walk to the nearby Whale's Tail-a sandy isthmus forming a natural whale-tail-shaped bay at low tide. Whale-watching tours, snorkeling, kayaking, and horseback riding are available through Cristal Ballena, which is 40 km from Palmar Sur Airport.
Pros
- The hotel offers direct access to Ballena Marine National Park, a key humpback whale breeding site.
- Spacious rooms include balconies with ocean views and hydromassage showers.
- Bird-watching and wildlife spotting opportunities abound on the Jungle Trail.
- Whale-watching and snorkeling tours depart from nearby Uvita Beach.
Cons
- The remote hilltop location may require transportation for exploring beyond the hotel.
- No direct beachfront access; Playa Ballena is a short drive or walk away.
Must-do experiences
Take a guided whale watching tour from Uvita beach-truly unforgettable.
Visit the Marino Ballena National Park at sunset for stunning views.
Try a traditional casado at Sabor Tico for an authentic local meal.
Explore the waterfalls at Nauyaca-perfect for a refreshing swim.
Don't miss the Uvita local market on Saturdays for fresh produce.
View all
Select your room type
Find detailed information on rooms, amenities, and exclusive deals for your ideal beach holiday
Junior Suite
2 persons
540 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Bathtub
room details
Master Suite
2 persons
970 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Bathtub
room details
Family Suite
2 persons
810 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Shower
Bathtub
room details
Prices and availability
View real-time room availability and secure the best rate for your travel dates
Facilities
Enjoy modern comforts, from ocean-view suites to family-friendly options with breakfast included
Facilities:
Perfect
9.1/10Review score
General
Smoking allowed in designated areas
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Parking
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Currency exchange
Hairdresser
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
Diving
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Billiard tables
Darts
Fishing
Services
Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Car hire
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus
Business
Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Children's buffet
Game room
Spa & Leisure
Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
Spa & wellness centre
Pedicure
Manicure
Waxing
Facial
Beauty treatment
Massage
Pool with view
Room features
Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Show more
Dining Onsite
At Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa, dining takes on a unique flair at Restaurant Pura Vida. Set against the backdrop of the island's stunning landscapes, it offers a delightful blend of Australian, international, and European cuisines, all served with a touch of authenticity. This family-friendly venue invites guests to indulge in meals that celebrate both tradition and modern tastes.
Restaurant Pura Vida
A fusion of Australian, international, and European dishes.
Ambiance
A warm and inviting atmosphere with options for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual get-togethers, complemented by the soothing sounds of nature.
Key Offerings
The restaurant dishes up delightful meals that cater to various dietary preferences, including dairy-free options. Enjoy dining to the melodious songs of clay-colored robins while being entertained by the whimsical flight of parrots overhead.
Reservation
Not needed.
Hours vary.
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Location
Uvita, Costa Ballena,
Uvita,
Costa Rica,
00000,
Puntarenas
Map view
Uvita, Costa Ballena,
Uvita,
Costa Rica,
00000,
Puntarenas
City landmarks
Beach
Arco Beach
1.3
mi
Park
Playa Ballena
1.6
mi
Landmark
Pinuela Beach
1.7
mi
Beach
Playa Arco
1.7
mi
Beach
Playa Pinuelas
1.9
mi
Landmark
Pedregosa
2.1
mi
Island
Isla ballena
2.3
mi
Landmark
Ventanas Beach
2.6
mi
Landmark
Playa Ventanas
2.7
mi
Restaurants
Pura Vida Bar & Restaurant
200 ft
Playa Ballena
Explore Uvita
Explore Uvita
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Arco Beach
25 minutes walking
Arco Beach features stunning rock formations and clear waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing amid breathtaking scenery.
Playa Ballena
30 minutes walking
Playa Ballena offers pristine sands and gentle waves, a perfect spot for enjoying sunbathing and beachcombing.
Pinuela Beach
30 minutes walking
Pinuela Beach is a quiet escape popular for enjoying peaceful strolls and snorkeling in its unique marine biodiversity.
Paddle Boarding
10 minutes driving
Paddle boarding at Paddle 9 offers stunning ocean views, rentals available, suitable for all skill levels.
Yoga Classes
5 minutes driving
Yoga classes nearby provide a serene environment to unwind and recharge, promoting relaxation and wellness.
Pura Vida Bar & Restaurant
5 minutes walking
Pura Vida offers a vibrant atmosphere with a menu rich in local seafood and tropical cocktails. Vegetarian options available.
Vista Ballena
10 minutes driving
Vista Ballena provides fine dining with ocean views, specializing in gourmet international dishes and fresh local ingredients.
Mango's Nightclub
10 minutes driving
Mango's Nightclub features vibrant nightlife with DJs and dancing, offering a lively place for fun and socializing.
Uvita Market
10 minutes driving
Uvita Market is a family-friendly event with local crafts, produce, and live music, making it a perfect outing on weekends.
How to get around?
City Centre
Uvita9 min
·
3.6
mi
Airports
Aeropuerto de Palmar Sur (PMZ)59 min
·
24.1
mi
Aeropuerto La Managua (XQP)96 min
·
39.5
mi
Want to get the best booking rate?
Access special rates for early reservations and start planning your dream beach holiday
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-20:00
Check-out
from 07:00-12:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel Cristal Ballena Boutique & Spa guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
German, Spanish
Year renovated:
2012
Number of rooms:
19
Former name
Hotel Resort Cristal Ballena
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 195 verified reviews
9.1/10
Perfect
94%
Recommend
Breakfast
9.9/10
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Comfort
9.4/10
Facilities
9.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Staff
9.5/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Spacious rooms
Heated pool
Helpful staff
Cons
Noisy air conditioning
Expensive drinks
Guest reviews
based on 376 reviews
9.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.