On the beach.Within a 10-minute walk of the vacation home, you'll find Playa Ballena and Arco Beach. Also, Marino Ballena National Park is within 2 miles (3 km) and Pinuela Beach is within 6 miles (10 km).
Marino Ballena National Park - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
Uvita Beach - 10 min drive - 7.1 km
Hacienda Baru - 31 min drive - 28.2 km
Restaurants
La Choza de Alejo - 6 min drive
Restaurante Marino Ballena - 7 min drive
Restaurante Nativo - 9 min drive
Fernando’s Restaurante - 10 min drive
Kinsu - 8 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Breathtaking beachfront house w/ private pool, lanai, balcony & beach access
El Ballenato
Our calendar is updated in real-time & our nightly rates are accurately displayed. Simply enter your desired dates and click 'Book Now!'
This spectacular beachfront hacienda is just what you and your family and friends are looking for during your Costa Rican vacation. There is so much space, so many awesome amenities, and so many things to do that you'll never want to leave! First thing, throw down your bags, crack open a frosty beverage, and stretch out in the enormous open-concept living space in the main house. You'll love the natural worked-wood supporting beams, the spiral staircase corkscrewing up into the second level, the beautiful floors, and the flood of natural light cascading through huge windows. The beautiful kitchen is equipped with everything your family chefs need to turn today's catch into a veritable feast. Enjoy it out on the expansive lanai with cold drinks and lively conversation then drift off to sleep in the super-comfortable hammock. When you're not down at the beach (just steps away), cool down in the private outdoor pool.
Next to the main house, through the private garden and treeline is a beautiful two-story tropical villa with an open kitchen, natural worked-wood rooms, and balconies where you can choose if you want to take a glance at the pool, the beautiful trees, and surrounding jungles or the amazing blue ocean just in front of you!
What's nearby: Spend your afternoon swimming across the water, or take a surfboard out to catch some waves. Feeling a little rusty? Head over to Surf Lessons Tour, just five miles away, to get some solid instruction on riding stance, balance control, and wave-catching from knowledgeable and friendly instructors. If you'd prefer to get a little farther out on the water, check out Dolphin Tours to book a trip along the shore to find dolphins and whales. You can also see moray eels and white tip reef sharks when you go under for a bit of snorkeling! Baru Waterfalls Tours is only 19 miles away and offers trips to see a three-tiered waterfall tucked away in a South Pacific jungle. You might even be visited by the occasional Toucan while dining out at the seasonal open-air restaurant.
The property has direct access to the beach that is part of the National Park! Walking distance to a short hike at Playa Arco. The beach changes a lot during high tide, you can enjoy the beach at low tide.
Things to know: *Almost no cellphone coverage No Wifi available Two full kitchens Two separate oceanfront beach houses connected by a natural trail Private pool Snowbird-friendly (contact Vacasa for rates) 4WD vehicle required for access
Parking notes: There is free parking available for 4 vehicles. This rental is located on floor 2.
Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 18 years of age to book. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.
Note from host: Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near the ocean
On the waterfront
Things to do
Optional golf privileges
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Whale watching nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Property located in a resort
Unit size: 3,000 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
For information about quiet hours, please refer to the listing description.
Pets
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.
Property is also known as
38993
Frequently asked questions
How close is Breathtaking beachfront house w/ private pool, lanai, balcony & beach access to the airport?
This vacation home is 92.6 mi (223-min drive) away from the Drake Bay (DRK) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Breathtaking beachfront house w/ private pool, lanai, balcony & beach access have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How close is Breathtaking beachfront house w/ private pool, lanai, balcony & beach access to the beach?
This vacation home is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does Breathtaking beachfront house w/ private pool, lanai, balcony & beach access offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Breathtaking beachfront house w/ private pool, lanai, balcony & beach access?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home.
What time is check-in at Breathtaking beachfront house w/ private pool, lanai, balcony & beach access?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Breathtaking beachfront house w/ private pool, lanai, balcony & beach access?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does Breathtaking beachfront house w/ private pool, lanai, balcony & beach access have a pool?
Yes, there's a private pool.
Does Breathtaking beachfront house w/ private pool, lanai, balcony & beach access have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is Breathtaking beachfront house w/ private pool, lanai, balcony & beach access to downtown Bahía Ballena?
This vacation home is 3.8 mi away from Bahía Ballena.
Breathtaking beachfront house w/ private pool, lanai, balcony & beach access Reviews
Reviews
8.4
Very good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 8 reviews
10 - Excellent
4
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 8 reviews
8 - Good
3
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 8 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 8 reviews
2 - Terrible
1
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer D.
Apr 25, 2021
Lovely
Just a lovely open house in an amazing setting. Waking up to monkey playing outside you window is unforgetable.
Jennifer D.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Jason A.
Jan 7, 2021
Swiss Family Robinson House
Million dollar beach but the houses were definitely over sold in the description and pictures. No hot water and no locking doors. Needs some repairs on screens to keep critters out. Fortunately my family is used to back country camping and we still had a great time. Francisco and his wife (onsite care taker) were great people. If you can deal without a few amenities, like the “rustic style” , secluded location and beach you’ll enjoy staying here. You will seldom come across a beach location like this, it definitely makes it worth the short comings of the house.
Jason A.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2020
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Christopher E.
Aug 10, 2024
Amazing Tree House
Our family (13 of us) rented both houses for my moms 60th birthday. The house and property were out of a children’s book. The drive down the dirt road to the house might be a little intimidating at first sight but easily accessible by a SUV, our kids loved “off roading”.
It’s a rustic house with plenty of beds. The house had the most amazing view of the jungle with beautiful trees, monkeys and birds that led to the ocean about 30 yards from the back deck. The large stone beach creates the most beautiful noise during high tied. During low tide we found that if you head north on the beach you will find a trail when it looks like it does not go any further. Take that trail! You will come out to the most beautiful private beach with waterfalls and caves.
Great proximity to Uvita center and only 20 minutes south of Dominical.
We are already working on planning another trip to this house because it was such an amazing experience and so secluded from other properties.
Thank you!
C. E.
Christopher E.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Emeline J.
Jun 25, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in
Amazing property, needs TLC
We had 2 families stay together on this property for a week and it was gorgeous!! Don’t get me wrong, there are some things that need a little work, but it was a great adventure. We stayed very busy, but spent some time at the house too since it was rainy season.Things that were not advertised— oven doesn’t work( We had to cook stovetop the entire time); they have a bat problem (which I was told was taken care of); holes in the screen (hence the bat problem) that could easily be fixed; The road getting to the house is almost impossible!! We had 2 Subaru 4x4’s and it was tough. Again, rainy season and they roads were flooded. Even without the water the holes are insane!! If you can get a jeep or SUV, you will be better.There is a resident cat (we named her Dora because she is an explorer) that we were unsure of at first. TRUST ME- you want Dora around. She is really sweet and she hunts ( if you know what I mean).The caretaker next door, Francisco, is absolutely adorable and so kind!! He doesn’t speak much English, but he had fun trying to communicate with our teenagers. He has a dog, Roki that visits too (he likes belly rubs).Overall, the experience was great and it was the adventure we were looking for!!
Pros:
Superlative location for nature, beach is practically private, wildlife everywhere, impeccable grounds!
Our party of 5 only used the large house by the pool.
Great WiFi but no cellular service
Caretaker Francisco lives onsite.
All windows have only small-mesh screens (no glass) so the surf can be heard and the breeze felt everywhere.
We saw no mosquitoes or any biting bugs in December.
Cons:
Half mile entrance road is very rough and muddy, needs attention.
The doors on the house are falling off the hinges.
Dim indoor and outdoor lighting, not suitable for reading a book or playing board games.
Only one narrow spiral staircase to the second floor, dangerous in case of fire and impossible to carry suitcases to upstairs.
Doors on the house lock only from the inside!
Wood floors inside are smooth and dangerously slippery, even in flip flops or barefoot.
Getting to the beach is treacherous, 15 meters of loose river rocks sloping down towards the water.
Kitchen is not well-stocked with utensils.
Half the living room furniture was broken and unusable.
Leslie S.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Janet C.
Aug 24, 2022
Paradise! I wish I could buy this house
I would love here forever if I could. It could not have been more perfect.