Vista Ballena

Although my plane landed late, it was tricky to get to the area via taxi, but when I arrived late the reception was very helpful and helped me organise my stay. I had a great time there.

We had the most amazing cocktails with all natural ingredients. The bartender infuses his most common used liqueur’s with local fruits to create the best tasting cocktails we have had in Costa Rica. He created his own “Chamoy” with hibiscus flower and local ingredients that provides the most natural tasting flavored chamoy I have ever tasted. We had his Moscow Mule that contained soda infused with natural ginger which tasted phenomenal. Also, he invests time into ensuring the drinks are all garnished perfected. He is a true master of his craft and is fully committed to ensuring your drinking exceeds all expectations. In addition, the food was phenomenal with amazing bold flavors. We had the fish ceviche which is served in natural orange juice and provides a semi sweet flavor which is the perfect contrast to the fish. Amazing. Secondly, we had the Cordon Bleu Chicken and Chicken Ballena which both were extremely flavorful and would definitely try again. Lastly, we loved these dishes so much we asked for a Shrimp Fettuccine with Pesto that was amazing. The pesto was full of flavor with the perfect amount of Parmesan. After traveling through southwest Costa Rica and constantly being disappointed with the dinner and drink options at the hotels, Vista Ballena far exceeded our expectations. They created the perfect ending to our trip to Uvita and helped us establish trust in hotel dining and drink services.

This hotel is on a mountainside overlooking the sea. Fantastic views from rooms and restaurant and bar. Lovely swimming pool. Nice public areas. However, the receptionist was a bit dismissive, not friendly. No thank yous. Waiting staff very friendly though. First night meal was absolutely awful. Set menu for our group of 18, probably not the standard menu. The food was cold and very, very salty. However, the breakfasts were good and our second night meal was good. The rooms are tired and not particularly clean. The bathroom needed a good scrub. Bedding clean. Hairdryer in room. Shampoo and conditioner but no shower gel. Internet off and on. No water in room, but water available from bar urn. The swimming pool was great as the weather was very hot. You cannot walk to anywhere from this hotel. it's in the middle of nowhere up a very steep and narrow drive, which is at least one mile long. Not good for a long stay, but OK for 2 nights.