Kura
Uvita, Costa Rica
Vibe
Cantilevered above the rainforest canopy, dark slate terraces and a saltwater infinity pool gaze down at the Pacific coastline.
“Tropical minimalist lair”
Open-plan villas feature floating beds, exposed glass rain showers, and teak verandas overlooking the ocean.
Personalized service across eight suites with private wine cellars, plush double hammocks, and tailored local transfers.
Showcases hand-carved Boruca masks, greenhouse-grown produce, and fresh seafood from surrounding Pacific coastal waters.
High on a rainforest ridge above Uvita, looking down over Marino Ballena National Park.
“This is a glamorous hotel, with serious modern design and locally sourced materials from gray slate to teak wood.”
Rooms
Open-plan suites feature bamboo ceilings, floating beds, and freestanding glass rain showers looking onto teak verandas.
“Built by a local architect and biologist couple, the six villas unite the vocation of each with sleek design and a sustainability programme…”
Wellness
Spa Shà offers open-air volcanic stone treatments and hydrotherapy baths facing the canopy, alongside an infinity pool with underwater sound.
“The resort sits on a hillside overlooking Marino Ballena National Park and its famous Whale’s Tail sandbar, where migrating humpback whales can often be spotted.”
Backstory
A Costa Rican architect and biologist couple conceived the retreat, pairing sharp minimalist structures with solar power and native landscaping.
Eat & drink
The open-air restaurant pairs greenhouse herbs with fresh Pacific seafood, while the Sky Lounge pours craft cocktails overlooking the ocean.
The neighborhood
Marino Ballena National Park lies below, where humpback whales breach along the coast and rainforest trails lead down to remote beaches.
More like this
Rancho Pacifico
“Canopy rainforest hideaway”
Secluded
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.