Hotel Snapshot
Arriving in a 4x4 is a necessity as you make your way up a steep, winding, and rugged road. Twisting and turning, and practically offroading, adventure seekers will be thrilled, while more nervous travelers might exchange curious glances. But once you reach the top, both types of travelers will be taken aback by the breathtaking views that you can only get in Uvita, Costa Rica at 2,000 feet above sea level. Pura Vida is a phrase that you will hear over and over again in Costa Rica. It is often used as a greeting and a call-and-response, but more than that, it is a total embodiment and way of life that, once experienced, is hard to forget. Rancho Pacifico and Vista Celestial are sister properties nestled on a mountaintop and perfectly embody that pura vida lifestyle. Surrounded by 50 acres of a private nature reserve, there is nothing but pure life in every direction you look.
The Rooms
Rancho Pacifico is an adults-only property that hosts no more than 20 guests at a time and offers a variety of stay options, including suites and villas. However, their most notable stay is in one of their four luxury treehouses. These are not the ones from your childhood, but more feel plucked from a movie or directly from a Pinterest board. Smartly designed to seamlessly blend nature and luxury, while still fully immersing you in the surrounding rainforest. Open-air bathrooms have you brushing your teeth to the sounds of birds; panoramic windows and sliding doors let you soak in the views from bed, while the massive deck, complete with a soaking tub and a large swing, gives you a front-row seat to a sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
A short and scenic walk through the lush grounds, you’ll find Visa Celestial. A nine-room property offering three-bedroom Garden Casitas and Ocean View Villas. While the spacious Garden Casitas are perfect for larger groups and families, the Ocean View Villas are for a cozier experience. Similar to Rancho Pacifico, the view is the main attraction in these villa rooms, where the inviting deck, complete with lounge seating and a private plunge pool, makes it hard to ever want to leave. Enjoying breakfast delivered to your room out on the deck each morning while viewing the iconic Whale’s Tail — a beach formation that mimics its name— is the ultimate way to start your morning.
The Food & Drink
Since both Rancho Pacifico and Vista Celestial are neighbors, their experiences are very much intertwined. Meant to enhance your stay, allowing you to flow through both with ease, with each offering a little something different. You’ll want to sip on a signature Pineapple Basil Martini during happy hour on the lawn at the Club House at Rancho Pacifico, followed by a four-course prix-fix menu that changes nightly, ensuring the freshest ingredients at each meal. Enjoy ceviche at Nueve Grados at Vista Celestial for lunch, followed by an afternoon dip in the pool. With two full-service restaurants open from morning to night ,serving up locally sourced cuisine, every meal is just as good as the view.
Amenities
You won’t find TVs in your room at either property — and truthfully, you won’t even notice. You can greet the sunrise with the birds on an early morning tour, spotting vibrant toucans among hundreds of other bird species. Wander five miles of jungle trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and sightings of unique wildlife. Off-property, the list becomes endless as Uvita is a playground for those seeking adventure. ATV tours will have you roaring up mountains for sky-high views. Dive into the Pacific for paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, or surfing lessons. Spend afternoons ziplining, horseback riding, or braving white water rapids. In Uvita, adventure and tranquility dance together, promising the ultimate escape.
Spa & Wellness
After a day of adventure, the on-site spa is a must. With just two treatment rooms, every session feels personal and deeply soothing. Choose from massages, scrubs, and facials designed to ground you in tranquility. Post-treatment, unwind with fresh fruit and tea in a relaxation room overlooking the ocean, or slip into a private jacuzzi. For a deeper connection with nature, yoga on a treetop platform will leave you feeling at ease.
Serenity and seclusion are the foundation at both Rancho Pacifico and Vista Celestial. If peace is what you crave, look no further. Staying here feels like a long, luxurious exhale, inviting you to savor the moment and carry the spirit of pura vida with you long after you leave.
Fast Facts
Location: Uvita, Costa Rica
Address: Vista Celestial: 2 km Noreste de Catarata de Uvita, Uvita de Osa, Puntarenas 60504 Costa Rica; Rancho Pacifico: 1 Rancho Pacifico Road, Provincia de Puntarenas, Uvita, 00000, Costa Rica
Rating: 5- Star
The vibe: Peaceful jungle haven. Surrounded by a lush, overgrown rainforest, this is the most luxurious way to connect with nature.
Food + drink: Two on-site restaurants between the two properties both serving seasonal, vibrant, and locally sourced ingredients for all 3 meals.
Amenities: Nearly 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, luxury spa, fitness center, yoga deck and daily yoga sessions, infinity pool and infinity hot tub, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort
Our favorite part of the hotel: The views from the rooms are unmatched and incredible. Opening the curtains to views of the ocean, and stepping outside on the deck to enjoy a morning coffee with only the sounds of the birds is the height of relaxation.
What's nearby? At least a dozen beaches for any water activity imaginable! Marino Ballena National Park, as well as a few others close by.
Rooms: Rancho Pacifico: 10 rooms ; Vista Celestial: nine rooms
Pricing: Rates start at $545/ night
Airport: Palmar Sur Airport (PMZ) – 25 miles (40 km), approximately 1-hour drive Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) – 76 miles (122 km), approximately 3.5–4 hour drive
Uvita, Costa Rica
