Kura Design Villas
Kurà is an adults-only, intimate hotel, tailor-made for romantic getaways and honeymoons.
Located in the lush Uvita hills, just a short way from Manuel Antonio, Kurà overlooks the Pacific Ocean, the untouched beaches of the Marino Ballena National Park, and the famous Whale’s Tail sandbar formation. At Kurà – a resort truly ensconced in tranquillity, luxury, privacy and comfort –the city is left behind and genuine relaxation and romance begins. Countless sustainable practices keep operations green and make Kurà the epitome of intelligent luxury, a hotel blending seamlessly with the rainforest’s elegance.
Master Suites
The newest additions – the much-anticipated Master Suites – elevate Kurà from an already intimate and dreamy hotel to the destination for romance as it’s never been experienced before.
Located at the highest point of the property for the freshest of sea breezes and the most impressive of views, the Master Suites are removed from the others for maximum privacy and intimacy. With ample indoor and outdoor space, including an iconic Kurà-style private infinity pool with panoramic vistas of the famous Whale’s Tail sandbar formation and kilometres of pristine coastline, the Master Suites create the ultimate space for romantic celebrations, and are undoubtedly the most spectacular of their kind on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast if not in the whole country.
Infinity Suites
With stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the “Whale’s Tale” our private Suites feature expansive glass walls and extra-wide terraces. Ideal for wildlife viewing or just relaxing.
The suites are located just a short walk through our tropical gardens from the restaurant and pool area.
Junior Suites
Located at canopy-level, the Junior Suite are a front-row seat to the tropical Rainforest. These suites feature extra-wide terraces tucked right into the Rainforest canopy. Expect to see toucans, parrots, cusingas, and hummingbirds up close. You’ll access the Junior Suites through a hidden entrance surrounded by greenery.
Included in your stay:
• Signature Welcome Cocktail
• Daily a la carte Breakfast, freshly prepared and locally sourced
• One roundtrip transfer Uvita-Kurà-Uvita
• Spectacular views of the famed Whale’s Tail, Rainforest & Pacific from every suite
• Air-conditioning in every suite
• Twice-daily cleaning service
• Iconic, double-rain glass shower featured in every suite
• Over-sized hammock built for two in every suite
•Villa Amenities: robes, locally-sourced toiletries, binoculars, mini-bar, wine cooler & Nespresso coffee, Full WI-FI
• Complimentary use of iPads
Beaches
The hotel offers complimentary scheduled transfers to Uvita Beach each day. Ice water, towels, and portable beach chairs will be provided.
TOURS (additional charges apply)
Nauyaca Waterfalls Horseback Riding Tour
Nauyaca Waterfalls are only a 45 minute drive away from Kurà. Nauyaca is comprised of two waterfalls, one standing at 45m in free fall and the second at 20m with a tiered fall, forming a 1,000sqm and 6m deep pool. There are also other smaller natural pools where visitors can enjoy the waters.
You’ll partially hike and partially horseback ride over a 6km route with three resting periods to the majestic waterfalls. A typical Costa Rican breakfast and lunch will also be served in Don Lulo’s home, the local owner of the property.
Rancho La Merced Horseback Riding
Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge has an area of 1250 acres which is comprised of a reserve with primary and secondary rainforest, pasture land, mangroves and frontage on the Morete River and beach. The refuge is home to more than 310 bird species. Rancho La Merced offers various hikes and horse trails:
• Horseback riding through the reserve, beach and river, starting at 8:00 am and 1:30 pm (dry season).
• Sunset horseback ride
• Nature hikes at night or day
• Early morning birdwatching (6am)
Kayaking
The location is blessed with an impressive, pre-historic looking coastline, and what better way to explore than by kayak? Tour options include excursions in the river through the mangroves and at sea with some snorkeling too.
Depending on your experience you can choose:
• Kayaking and snorkeling at Uvita’s Whale ́s Tail
• Kayaking and snorkeling at Isla Ballena
• Kayaking at the Terraba-Sierpe
• Kayaking from Playa Ballena to Whale ́s Tail Beach
Hacienda Barú - Hikes and Birdwatching
The rainforest birdwatching hike begins just after daybreak. Your expert guide will take you through old cacao plantations and up into the rainforest. After a couple of hours of hiking and experiencing the early morning jungle, you’ll arrive at the campsite where you may observe birds at your leisure while your guide serves up a delicious Costa Rican breakfast. Afterwards, you’ll hike through primary forest in search of birds that forage in this particular habitat.
You can also choose to discover Hacienda Barú by yourself. There are 3 hiking trails that go through the rainforest and also through beaches.
Waterfall Rappelling
From Uvita, take a 15-minute drive through the rough rocky roads to the top of the canyon where you will receive thorough safety instructions before starting your adventure. When you reach the first waterfall (5m/15ft high), you’ll be taught the fundamentals and proper techniques of rappelling. Then you’re on your way – with 5 more waterfalls to go! The largest of the falls is 25m, or 75ft! The canyon ends at the Uvita River where there are some pristine pools perfect for swimming, relaxing and reflecting. You’ll be picked up and taken back to base camp for a well-deserved snack and drink.
Osa Canopy Tour
Start your journey on the 800-acre private reserve that includes primary and secondary humid tropicalrainforests. Enjoy spectacular views out over the majestic Pacific Ocean while you prepare for an exhilarating tour where you’ll learn a lot about the Osa in a fun and informative manner with yourbilingual guides.
This 2-3 hour tour involves a zip line with 14 platforms, 9 wires, 2 tree rappelling opportunities, and 1 suspension bridge. Adrenaline overload!
ATV Tour Uvita
This 3-4 hour tour is scenic and easy-paced. It’ll take you over the mountains and into some deep jungle providing you with many spectacular ocean and valley views.You’ll pass through several streams, coffee and banana plantations, and frequently see monkeys, toucans and other exotic wildlife on your way to the San Luis waterfall, one of the tallest in Costa Rica – often the top cannot be seen as it’s in the clouds! As you continue on your loop through the rainforest, stop for some fresh local fruit and a refreshing swim at another waterfall before heading back to base.
You may choose to have your own vehicle for this tour, or share one. Side-by-side quads are also available if you’d prefer.
Sport Fishing Tour
Fight for your catch of the day! Put your sport fishing skills to practice in-shore or off-shore, and feel theadrenaline rush of fighting a fierce mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, marlin, or sailfish during your sport fishing tour. The waters off the Osa Peninsula in the South Pacific Ocean of Costa Rica are home to a great variety of fish, and our local captains of over 10 years of experience know the hottest areas for fishing.
The Osa Peninsula region continues to produce world record catches year after year. In addition to impressive fish, during your tour you may also observe whales, dolphins, turtles and marine birds. Fantastic views of the Southern Pacific Osa coastline are always guaranteed, and if you’relucky we might even be able to make some fresh fish tacos for you upon your return to Kurà!
Surf Lessons
Mesmerized by this super cool sport? From Dominical to Uvita and all the way down to Bahia Ballena, if you want to learn to surf, you won’t find better waves than these! Your instructor will get you up and riding in no time during your 3 hour tour. Learn all about beach safety and how to identify and handle rip currents, wave generation and balance control, catching waves and riding stance, as well as paddling and intermediate turning.
Embrace this exhilarating part of Costa Rican culture and return home with the most enviable of new skills.
White water rafting
Head to the Savegre River for a wet and wild adventure. Raft through the primary forest taking in the sights and sounds of the jungle, and enjoy a hot grilled lunch overlooking the river too. After refuelling, you’ll continue the adventure to Boca Diablo, or Devil’s Mouth, a short rapid featuring big waves spilling out into a calm swimming pool. After Boca Diablo and several more rapids, you’ll arrive at Quebrada Arroyo where you’ll take a short hike to see and swim in a majestic spring-fed waterfall.
Recommended for physically fit adventure seekers and experienced rafters who are familiar with Class II and III rapids.
Corcovado National Park Nature Tour
Travel by boat for 1.5 hours to reach the San Pedrillo ranger station of the Corcovado National Park. En-route depending on the season, you may be able to spot whales, dolphins, turtles and marine birds, and stunning views of the Southern Pacific Osa coastline are always guaranteed! During your visit to the park, you’ll hike along two different trails and observe beautiful flora and fauna in the most biologically intense place on Earth. The first hike is around 3 hours long, and the second is approximately 1.5 hours, and both provide a fantastic opportunity to encounter numerous mammals such as howler, spider and white-faced monkeys, sloths, coatis, raccoons, and tapirs, as well as a great variety of birds, plants, and endangered trees older than one hundred years of age.
After the first hike, we’ll provide a picnic lunch for you to recharge the batteries before beginning the second trek to a nearby waterfall.
Kurà is perched on a coastal ridge overlooking Uvita and the Marino Ballena National Park in Southern Costa Rica. Reaching the property’s remote location is easy. It’s a 15-minute drive from the main road and 60 minutes from Manuel Antonio. There are 3 ways to get to Kurà: Fly, Drive, or take a Private Shuttle Service.
FLY
Flight: 30 mins + Airstrip Pick-Up: 60 mins = 1 hour 30 mins Total Travel Time
The easiest and fastest way to reach Kurà. It’s carbon neutral too.
Fly from the capital city, San Jose, to Quepos airstrip (20 mins.). Sansa Airlines offers daily flights from San Jose. Once in Quepos, it’s a 1-hour drive to Kurà. You will either be picked up from the airstrip or a 4×4 rental vehicle can be delivered for your arrival.
Alternatively, charter a helicopter (40 mins) and land at our nearby helipad, just 10 minutes from the hotel.
DRIVE
Approx. 3.5 hours Total Travel Time
Rent a car and explore Uvita and Costa Rica at your own pace.
If you’re planning to rent a car in Costa Rica, you will be provided with detailed driving instructions on how to reach Kurà. Highways are well-maintained and safe throughout the country. Expect several river crossings by bridge along the way from San Jose too.
Once in Uvita, you’ll drive up the property’s mountain gravel road accessible only by 4×4. The journey up to Kurà is around 15 minutes and the road is rugged and steep in parts. If you prefer not to drive uphill, the hotel can provide safe parking for your rental in Uvita. From there, you’ll be taken up the mountain in a luxury 4×4. Remember to rent a 4×4 if you plan to mak e the drive up – it is quite an experience in itself!
PRIVATE SHUTTLE
Approx. 3.5 hours Total Travel Time
As an alternative to flying from SJO, sit back and enjoy a scenic ride to Kurà. The highways from San Jose to Uvita are safe, fully paved and well-maintained all year round. You’ll travel in an air conditioned 4×4 vehicle and your private driver will be happy to make stops along the way for bathroom breaks and photo opportunities such as the famous crocodiles of the Tarcoles River.
