Rancho Pacifico

4.5 star property
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Rancho Pacifico

Outdoor spa tub
Breakfast, lunch served; local and international cuisine, pool views
Luxury Tree House, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View | Jetted tub
Luxury Villa, 3 Bedrooms, Private Pool, Ocean View | Living area
Luxury Villa, 1 King Bed, Private Pool, Ocean View

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
    Pool
  • Hot tub
    Hot tub
  • Bar
    Bar
  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Gym
    Gym
  • Housekeeping
    Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
1 Rancho Pacifico Road, Ballena, Puntarenas, 0
  • Secret Lau Pool
    8 min drive
  • Catarata uvita
    11 min drive
  • Playa Hermosa
    27 min drive
  • Buenos Aires (BAI)
    161 min drive

Room options

Luxury Villa, 3 Bedrooms, Private Pool, Ocean View

  • 195 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 King Beds

Luxury Villa, 2 Bedrooms, Hot Tub, Ocean View

  • 145 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

Luxury Suite, 1 King Bed, Terrace, Ocean View

  • 40 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Suite, 1 King Bed, Terrace, Ocean View

  • 40 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Tree House, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View

  • 90 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Villa, 1 King Bed, Private Pool, Ocean View

  • 125 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Tree House, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Ballena

Located in Ballena, Rancho Pacifico is by the ocean, within a 15-minute drive of Catarata uvita and Marino Ballena National Park. .This luxury hotel is 4.7 mi (7.6 km) from Uvita Beach and 7.6 mi (12.2 km) from Playa Ballena.

What's nearby

  • Secret Lau Pool - 8 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Catarata uvita - 11 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Marino Ballena National Park - 15 min drive - 7.7 km
  • Uvita Beach - 23 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Hacienda Baru - 24 min drive - 19.9 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizzeria La Fogata - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Time - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪La Choza de Alejo - ‬11 min drive

About this property

Rancho Pacifico

Adults-only hotel with a full-service spa and free breakfast
Rancho Pacifico offers 13 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate sitting areas. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and coffee/tea makers.

Bathrooms include bathrobes, designer toiletries, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottled water and ceiling fans. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily. Amenities available on request include in-room massages.

An outdoor pool and a spa tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

The onsite spa has 2 treatment rooms including rooms for couples and outdoor treatment areas. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages, and Swedish massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.
Make yourself at home in one of the 13 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring refrigerators and minibars. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers.
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and wedding services. The complimentary beach shuttle makes getting to the surf and sand a breeze.
Enjoy local and international cuisine at Whale's Tail Grill, a poolside restaurant where you can enjoy drinks at the bar/lounge, take in the garden view, and even dine alfresco. You can also stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Wrap up your day with a drink at the poolside bar. A complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily from 7 AM to 10:30 AM.
Featured amenities include express check-in, dry cleaning/laundry services, and multilingual staff. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast is served each morning between 7 AM and 10:30 AM.
Whale's Tail Grill - This poolside restaurant specializes in local and international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting).
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and public transport

  • Free self-parking on site
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Airport shuttle on request
  • Local area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free beach shuttle

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 7 AM–10:30 AM
  • 1 restaurant
  • 1 poolside bar and 1 bar
  • Room service available
  • Coffee/tea in a common area

Restaurants on site

  • Whale's Tail Grill

Things to do

  • Ecotours
  • Fitness centre
  • Full-service spa
  • Game/wildlife viewing
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Infinity pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private picnics
  • A hot tub
  • Tennis
  • Yoga classes

Conveniences

  • Banquet hall
  • Front-desk safe

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry-cleaning service
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Beach umbrellas
  • Free pool cabanas
  • Garden
  • Pool sunloungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body treatments
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment room(s)
  • Facials
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Massage - deep-tissue
  • Massage - hot stone
  • Massage - sports
  • Massage - Swedish
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Outdoor treatment areas

Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • This property does not have any lifts
  • Accessible airport shuttle

More

  • Beach towels
  • Couples dining
  • Romance packages available

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning
  • Bed sheets
  • Ceiling fan
  • Pillow-top mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Freezer
  • Minibar
  • Fridge

More

  • Free local calls
  • In-room massage
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Turndown service

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 10 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children younger than 18 are not allowed at this adults-only property; all guests 18 and older are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 260 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 2)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card 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
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests under 18 years old are not permitted at this adults-only property
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Rancho Pacifico Costa Rica/Uvita
Rancho Pacifico Hotel Uvita
Rancho Pacifico Hotel
Rancho Pacifico Uvita
Rancho Pacifico Ballena
Rancho Pacifico Hotel Ballena
Ballena Rancho Pacifico Hotel
Rancho Pacifico Hotel
Hotel Rancho Pacifico Ballena
Hotel Rancho Pacifico
Rancho Pacifico Hotel
Rancho Pacifico Ballena
Rancho Pacifico Hotel Ballena

Rancho Pacifico Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Glenn

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is stunning and our accommodations in the Tree House was a one of a kind experience. Mark and Marlo were super host and their hospitality sets the pace for everyone else on site; everyone was very friendly and make their guests feel welcome. Breakfasts, which are included, were a highlight as were our dinners which were excellent and reasonable, at a fixed price. Of the three boutique hotels we stayed at, Ranch Pacifico was the most expensive, but like the saying goes, you get what you pay for and I’m my opinion, there was an abundance of value at this very special resort. We’ll be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

robert

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful all the way around
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
What a View!
Had an amazing honeymoon stay at Rancho Pacifico. The property offers an absolutely incredible view overlooking the Pacific and feels very private with hiking trails and even a waterfall which is worth the trek. The service is spectacular (I think guests may have outnumbered the staff when we were there) and helped us plan a few of our activities (gave us an umbrella, chairs, and cooler for a beach day). I would definitely advise renting a 4x4 if you plan on driving to the property since the hill to get there is pretty steep and I'm not sure we would have made it up if we didn't have it.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Absolutely amazing stay. This is one of the best hotels we have ever stayed at and we travel a lot. Mark and Marlo are the owners and they are onsite every day to ensure that you have an amazing stay. The rooms are awesome, food is phenomenal and the views are to die for. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Magical rainforest retreat
This place is truly magical. It is an incredibly unique resort experience. The staff is outstanding and the scenery unparalleled!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Aside from the fact that the view is amazing, the whole resort is modern and beautifully designed. The hand selected staff are personable, talented and made our stay special. We loved that Rancho Pacifico is quiet, private, and permitted us to experience living in a two-story home located in the middle of the jungle with our own pool, patio and no else around.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Luxurious & Private
Such a tranquil & magnificent place! I stayed here with my best friend for a girl's getaway to relax. The Rancho Pacifico did not disappoint! We had some trouble getting up the mountain with our vehicle (Make sure you have a 4X4 that can handle steep rocky roads). However, the manager Alex & the staff came to our rescue! They were so wonderful and accommodating after a stressful arrival. They really made us feel comfortable and right at home. The entire staff is lovely & we really enjoyed our time there! Thanks to the owners & the wonderful staff for making our relaxing vacation a dream! Pictures do not do justice for this place! Completely luxurious & private- I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quiet place to get away in Costa Rica. I will definitely be back <3
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sagit, New York, NY

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our first trip to Costa Rica and coming from NYC we were looking for some solitude, adventure, and authenticity. Rancho Pacifico was all that and more. They truly exceeded our expectations. Set high up on a mountain in the middle of a rainforest with spectacular views of the jungle and Pacific. I could sit and look for hours, listening to the birds singing. Accommodations were open yet private, comfortable, clean and eco friendly. The gracious owners Marlo & Mark, who were there during our visit, have created a classy, modern yet comfortable and relaxing ambience that allows guests to experience the true beauty of the place. The staff; Salome, Hannah, Andrey, Alex and Vianney, were attentive, helpful and consistently went out of their way to ensure that we were taken care of. Thank you all for a wonderful time. Pura vida
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely a fabulous property. We enjoyed everything about our stay and cannot wait to go back. I would recommend this to all, but I really want to keep it a secret.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a first class property all the way. Can't say enough! Staff was attentive, personable and plain friendly. The views are fantastic! You want to have a bucket list experience visit RP! If you aren't satisfied then you are just a complaint searching for a target. We spent 5 nights there and left on 4/8/2019. Pura Vida
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

8/10 Good

Farzin, LA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

catherine, Houston Texas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unique Experience
This was our first trip to Costa Rica and we wanted a different type of stay than the usual all inclusive! We found Rancho Pacifico... WOW is all I can say. The drive up is abit scary the first time but once at the top you are greeted by warm welcoming staff or maybe the new owners Mark& Marlo! We stayed in a treehouse of sorts with spectacular views of the whales tale , sunsets and jungle, we ate every breakfast and supper at the hotel because the food was so yummy the menu changes every night and they really watch for any allergies (I have some weird food ones) it was such a relaxing and adventurous stay we will definitely be back
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2018

8/10 Good

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
nice hotel but the driveway is really bad
beautiful location high in the forest with gorgeous views. unfortunately, the unpaved driveway is ca. 2 miles long and very! steep. also quite pricey.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing and stunning.
Couldn't say enough about this breathtaking place. The staff went above and beyond. They even located a sloth up in the trees the last day I was there, knowing I desperately wanted to see one. The food was generous, healthy and yummy. I will definitely recommend and be going back.

10/10 Excellent

Nati, SJO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
BEST TIME EVER AT RANCHO PACIFICO
My boyfriend and I just got back from the most romantic long weekend at RP imaginable. Friends in San Jose have been recommending it for years - and now we know why. The food, ambiance and service are second to none - certainly in CR. The staff is super friendly and accommodating - but professional as well. We already miss the care they gave us. Perhaps what stands out most (beside the view, natural beauty and exquisite design) is the fresh sushi created and served by master sushi chef Hudson. We indulged in it every night - the freshest ever.... Can't wait to g back!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
As close to heaven you can imagine
Everything about Rancho Pacifico is unique -- and much of it is one of a kind. It was heaven for us because it is peaceful, beautiful beyond belief and is fully staffed by professionals that make you feel at home. We drank in the views, the solitude -- and a few cocktails (all fresh, creative and fairly priced). We had a private BBQ by a secret waterfall, the best spa treatments ever in the most amazing setting, and met fabulous people (some of which were there for the 3rd or 4th time). Chef Hudson prepared fresh sushi for us in our villa - and it was probably the best we ever had. Manager Alex and Concierge Karla attended to everything. It's important to realize that RP is not a budget hotel - it is one of the most awarded small hotels in the world which is one of the reasons we chose it. As such it is certainly not cheap. But if you can afford it - or it's a special occasion - you will experience the royal treatment - and it is worth every penny.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful view and quiet
Three rugged miles from beach. Hotel transportation available but pricey. Activities at hotel limited to pool and hiking. Staff are very nice and helpful. Dinner menu could be simpler with fresh fish and veggies. Fruit and salad on request were outstanding.

6/10 Okay

Melissa, St. Paul, MN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
Beautiful setting but would not stay again
Amazing setting up in the mountains. Incredible views and wildlife. All the staff were great. A couple reasons why we would not stay again. Because it's difficult to get to due to the hair raising drive, it's easiest to to have all meals there. However, food and drinks while good are really pricey. Do your research on tours as they like to book you on more expensive private tours. Ask if anyone else is going on the same tour as you at the same exact time so you have the option of sharing the tour and perhaps carpooling as the drive in and out of RP is stressful, especially for Nat Geo tour. Our room was way too hot at night for a comfortable sleep and they only provide one extra small fan, which doesn't help much if at all. Ask for a tall fan before you even arrive. Be aware of large bugs in room.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous getaway at Rancho Pacifico
We live in San Jose and have been hearing about about RP for years as the perfect getaway for a busy couple to escape for a much needed break. From the moment we arrived we were treated like royalty - and never left the property for the couple of days we were there. There really was no need to. All of the meals - especially the special private dinner we had at poolside - were extraordinary. It was peaceful, dramatic and unlike any other hotel we've ever visited.....we think the best in Costa Rica.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Paradise Found!
Followed the advice of friends who have been raving about RP for several years and now understand what they were raving about! The food, service, cleanliness and hospitality are without doubt the best we have experienced in many travels around the world. And of course the feeling of retreating to a mountaintop in the rainforest overlooking the ocean is other worldly.