Kura Design Villas - Ultra-Luxury Above the Jungle Canopy

About Kura Design Villas

Perched high above the jungle canopy on a ridgeline overlooking Costa Rica's pristine South Pacific coast, Kura Design Villas is one of the most exclusive and visually stunning boutique hotels in all of Central America. This adults-only retreat consists of just eight meticulously designed villas, each offering panoramic views that stretch from the dense emerald rainforest below to the shimmering Pacific Ocean and the iconic Whale's Tail sandbar of Marino Ballena National Park. The hotel has earned its place among the world's most coveted luxury escapes, regularly appearing on lists of the best boutique hotels globally, and for good reason — every element of Kura has been conceived to deliver an experience of extraordinary beauty, intimacy, and sophistication.

The architecture of Kura Design Villas is a masterful fusion of minimalist modern design and tropical sensitivity. Clean lines, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, natural hardwoods, and exposed concrete create a contemporary aesthetic that never competes with the breathtaking natural surroundings — instead, it frames them like a living work of art. Each villa is oriented to capture the maximum ocean and jungle view, and the property's elevated position ensures complete privacy and an almost surreal sense of floating above the rainforest canopy. The infinity pool appears to pour directly into the Pacific horizon, creating one of the most photographed hotel vistas in Costa Rica. At night, the sky explodes with stars — the absence of light pollution in this remote corner of the coast makes Kura a remarkable stargazing destination.

What truly elevates Kura Design Villas beyond its spectacular setting and design is the deeply personalized service. With only eight villas and a high staff-to-guest ratio, the team at Kura anticipates every need with genuine warmth and discretion. From customized dining experiences featuring locally sourced ingredients to privately arranged whale-watching excursions, waterfall hikes, and in-villa spa treatments, every aspect of a stay is tailored to the individual guest. This is not a resort where you blend into the crowd — at Kura, you are the only guest that matters, and the experience reflects that philosophy in every detail.

Location

Kura Design Villas is situated in the hills above the coastal town of Uvita, on Costa Rica's South Pacific coast in the province of Puntarenas. This region, often referred to as the Costa Ballena (Whale Coast), is one of the most biodiverse and least developed stretches of coastline in the country. The hotel sits at an elevation of approximately 300 meters (1,000 feet) above sea level, providing the dramatic aerial perspective over the jungle and ocean that defines the Kura experience. Below the property, Marino Ballena National Park protects a stunning section of coastline that includes the famous Whale's Tail — a natural sandbar formation visible at low tide that resembles, as its name suggests, the tail of a whale.

The nearest major airport is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, approximately 185 kilometers (115 miles) to the north. The drive from San José to Uvita takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours via the Costanera Sur highway, one of the most scenic coastal drives in Central America. Alternatively, guests can take a domestic flight from San José to the Quepos/Manuel Antonio airstrip or to Palmar Sur, both of which are within 1 to 1.5 hours' drive of the hotel. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia is farther away and not recommended for this destination. Kura Design Villas provides complimentary luxury airport transfers and can coordinate all travel logistics, ensuring that guests arrive relaxed and ready to unwind from the moment they leave the airport.

Rooms and Accommodations

With only eight villas on the entire property, Kura Design Villas offers an exclusivity and privacy that larger resorts simply cannot match. Each villa has been designed as a self-contained sanctuary of modern luxury, blending seamlessly with the tropical landscape while providing every comfort a discerning traveler could desire.

Kura Villas

The signature Kura Villas are spacious, open-concept retreats that redefine the relationship between indoor and outdoor living. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls slide open to merge the bedroom and living area with a generous private terrace, creating a single flowing space where the boundary between architecture and nature dissolves. Each villa features a king-size bed dressed in premium organic cotton linens, positioned to face the ocean view so that every morning begins with a panoramic sunrise. The en-suite bathroom includes a rain shower, double vanities, and premium natural bath products. A daybed on the terrace invites hours of lazy contemplation, and each villa includes air conditioning, a minibar, Bluetooth speaker, in-room safe, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

Superior Kura Villas

The Superior Kura Villas offer everything found in the standard villas plus additional space and upgraded amenities for guests seeking an even more elevated experience. These villas feature expanded terraces with private plunge pools — cool, refreshing counterpoints to the tropical heat — and dedicated outdoor lounging areas with premium furniture. The interiors are enhanced with curated local artwork, upgraded minibar selections including premium spirits, and a Nespresso machine for morning coffee with a view. Superior Villas also enjoy preferred positioning on the ridgeline, offering what many guests describe as the single most beautiful hotel view they have ever experienced.

Kura Penthouse

The crown jewel of the property is the Kura Penthouse, a sprawling two-level masterpiece occupying the highest point of the ridgeline. The lower level features a generous living and dining area that opens onto an expansive terrace with a private infinity pool that seems to merge with the Pacific horizon. The upper level houses the bedroom — a serene retreat with 270-degree views of ocean, jungle, and mountains. The Penthouse includes a full kitchen, an outdoor shower, exclusive butler service, and the most private location on the property. For couples celebrating a special occasion or travelers who accept nothing but the absolute best, the Penthouse delivers an experience that few hotels in the world can rival.

In-Villa Amenities

Regardless of category, every villa at Kura includes thoughtful touches that enhance the sense of luxury and connection to place. Organic toiletries made with local ingredients, artisanal welcome drinks, fresh tropical fruit replenished daily, plush robes and slippers, and nightly turndown service with locally made chocolate truffles are standard. The attention to detail extends to the technology — high-speed Wi-Fi reaches every corner of the property, and each villa is equipped with smart lighting and climate control for personalized comfort.

Things to Do

Whale Watching in Marino Ballena National Park

The Costa Ballena region is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world, with humpback whales visiting these warm Pacific waters twice a year — from July to November (Southern Hemisphere population) and December to April (Northern Hemisphere population). This means that Uvita enjoys one of the longest whale-watching seasons on the planet. Kura arranges private boat excursions into Marino Ballena National Park, where guests can witness these magnificent creatures breaching, tail-slapping, and nursing their calves in the protected waters. Dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays are frequently spotted as well.

Guided Rainforest and Waterfall Hikes

The jungle-clad mountains surrounding Kura are laced with hiking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, natural swimming holes, and extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities. The hotel's naturalist guides lead excursions tailored to each guest's fitness level and interests, from easy walks along forest paths to more challenging treks deep into the primary rainforest. The region is home to scarlet macaws, toucans, sloths, monkeys, poison dart frogs, and an astounding diversity of butterflies and insects. The Uvita Waterfall, accessible within a short drive, offers a spectacular cascade plunging into a natural swimming pool surrounded by jungle.

Spa and Wellness

Kura's approach to wellness is intimate and personalized, reflecting the boutique nature of the property. In-villa spa treatments are available, allowing guests to enjoy massages, facials, and body treatments in the privacy of their own terrace with ocean views as the backdrop. The spa menu draws on Costa Rican traditions and local ingredients — think coffee scrubs sourced from the nearby highlands, volcanic mud wraps, and treatments infused with tropical botanicals. A dedicated yoga deck perched above the canopy provides the setting for morning and sunset yoga sessions, led by visiting instructors, that are as much about the spiritual experience of the setting as the physical practice itself.

Explore the Whale's Tail at Low Tide

One of the most unique natural phenomena in Costa Rica, the Whale's Tail (Cola de Ballena) is a tombolo — a sandy formation that emerges at low tide in the shape of a whale's tail, extending from the beach into the ocean. Guests can walk out along this remarkable natural feature, snorkeling in the calm, shallow waters on either side where tropical fish, sea stars, and occasional sea turtles can be found. The experience is otherworldly, and Kura's team will advise on the best tide windows for visiting.

Snorkeling and Diving at Caño Island

Caño Island Biological Reserve, located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) offshore, is widely regarded as one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in Costa Rica. The island's surrounding waters are exceptionally clear, with visibility often exceeding 20 meters (65 feet), and are home to vibrant coral formations, white-tip reef sharks, giant manta rays, sea turtles, and schools of colorful tropical fish. Kura can arrange full-day excursions to Caño Island, including boat transportation, equipment, guides, and a picnic lunch.

Mangrove Kayaking

The estuaries and mangrove forests near Uvita offer a peaceful and fascinating kayaking experience. Paddling through the calm, sheltered waterways, guests encounter an ecosystem teeming with life — herons, kingfishers, iguanas, caimans, and crabs are commonly spotted among the tangled mangrove roots. Guided kayak tours arranged by the hotel provide ecological context and ensure guests discover the hidden corners of these vital coastal ecosystems.

Dining

Kura Restaurant

Dining at Kura is an event unto itself. The open-air restaurant, cantilevered over the jungle canopy with uninterrupted ocean views, serves a daily-changing menu of contemporary Costa Rican cuisine crafted from the freshest local ingredients. The chef works closely with local fishermen, farmers, and artisan producers to source sustainably caught seafood, organic produce, and heritage meats. A typical dinner might begin with tuna tartare with avocado and passion fruit, followed by line-caught red snapper with coconut rice and plantain purée, and conclude with a warm chocolate fondant made with cacao from the Talamanca Valley. The wine list features carefully curated selections from South America, Spain, and France, and the craft cocktail menu highlights Costa Rican spirits and tropical fruits.

Private Dining Experiences

For the ultimate romantic experience, Kura offers a range of private dining options that transform a meal into an unforgettable occasion. A candlelit dinner on your villa's terrace, a sunset cocktail hour at the infinity pool, or a multi-course tasting menu served on a secluded platform overlooking the jungle — each option is customized to the guest's preferences and dietary requirements. The chef is happy to create entirely bespoke menus, and the service team ensures every detail, from floral arrangements to music selection, is perfect.

Kura Bar

The Kura Bar is the social heart of the property — though "social" at a hotel of just eight villas means an intimate gathering of like-minded travelers. The bar serves expertly crafted cocktails using fresh tropical juices, Costa Rican coffee liqueur, local sugarcane spirits, and house-made syrups. The signature "Kura Sunset" cocktail, made with guaro (Costa Rica's national spirit), mango, lime, and chili, has become something of a legend among past guests. The bar terrace is the prime spot for watching the sun sink into the Pacific — a nightly spectacle that never grows old.

Why Stay at Kura Design Villas

• Unmatched panoramic views — From the infinity pool to every villa, the sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Whale's Tail sandbar, and dense jungle canopy create one of the most photographed hotel settings in the world.
• Ultimate exclusivity and privacy — With only eight villas and an adults-only policy, Kura offers an intimate, personalized experience that large resorts simply cannot replicate.
• Architectural masterpiece — The seamless fusion of minimalist modern design with the raw beauty of the tropical landscape has earned Kura international recognition as one of the finest design hotels in Latin America.
• World-class whale watching — Located in one of the best whale-watching zones on the planet, with humpback whales visible from the hotel for much of the year and private boat excursions available.
• Deeply personalized service — A high staff-to-guest ratio and a philosophy of tailored hospitality ensure that every experience, from dining to excursions, is crafted around your individual desires.

Explore more Costa Rica hotel options in our Top 10 Hotels in Costa Rica guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kura Design Villas adults-only?

Yes, Kura Design Villas is an exclusively adults-only property. The hotel welcomes guests aged 16 and older, creating a peaceful, sophisticated atmosphere ideal for couples, honeymooners, and travelers seeking a tranquil retreat. This policy ensures that every aspect of the experience — from the infinity pool to the restaurant and spa — maintains the serene, intimate ambiance that defines Kura.

What is the best time to visit for whale watching?

The Costa Ballena region enjoys one of the longest humpback whale seasons in the world. Northern Hemisphere humpback whales visit from December through April, while Southern Hemisphere populations arrive from July through November. This means there are humpback whales in the waters near Kura for approximately 8 to 9 months of the year. Peak whale watching typically occurs in August–October and January–March. The hotel's concierge can arrange private whale-watching excursions timed to maximize sighting opportunities.

How do I get to Kura Design Villas from San José?

The most common route is a scenic 3.5 to 4-hour drive from San José via the Costanera Sur highway. Kura provides complimentary luxury airport transfers for all guests, so you simply need to arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and the hotel takes care of the rest. For a faster option, domestic flights to Quepos or Palmar Sur reduce travel time significantly, with a shorter ground transfer from the airstrip to the hotel. The concierge team will coordinate all logistics before your arrival.

Is there Wi-Fi and cell service at Kura?

Yes, Kura Design Villas offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, including in every villa, the restaurant, and common areas. Cell service is generally available, though signal strength can vary depending on your carrier. The hotel's remote hilltop location means you're far from urban noise and light pollution, but modern connectivity ensures you can stay in touch when needed. Many guests, however, choose to disconnect and embrace the tranquility.

What is the cancellation policy?

Kura Design Villas maintains a flexible cancellation policy that varies by season and rate type. Generally, reservations can be cancelled free of charge up to 30 days prior to arrival during regular season, and up to 60 days during peak season (December–April). Holiday periods and special events may have different terms. A deposit is required at the time of booking. The reservations team is responsive and helpful — guests are encouraged to contact the hotel directly for the most current cancellation terms applicable to their dates.