Bella Vista Mar

We stayed for two weeks and never felt like moving. The beds were comfortable, parking was easy, and the grounds were clean and well cared for. Alexa and her staff were sweet and professional. Each morning we had a fresh fruit bowl and a choice of breakfast, included with the stay, while taking in the ocean view and birds flying by. I recommend staying up here for the views and the feeling of safety. Pura vida!

You get the things that matter here: an ocean view, privacy, and a short distance to the beach. It’s not a Hilton, and the place feels like staying at a friend’s home. Breakfast comes with the reservation. I’d especially recommend spending late at night by the pool, looking at the sky.

It’s a private, welcoming place to unwind, with a lovely view, and breakfast was a great way to start the day. If you enjoy a workout and getting around in an eco-friendly way, I’d suggest renting a mountain bike. The climb up is good training. Otherwise, you’ll want an ATV or car, or you can get around by tuk tuk.

The owner was charming and really kind, and her encouragement made our stay memorable. After speaking with her, we looked into finding a guide for a turtle nesting tour. It all came together smoothly, and my partner and I got to witness a turtle nesting. The beach is only 30 minutes away by tuctuc, she said, and it was worth trying. That came after a frustrating moment: I’d chosen Bella Vista Mar because it was near Ostional Beach and hoped to see a turtle nesting, even though it was off season. I’d found online that there was a small chance, and in an email months before booking, Bella Vista Mar had said there was always a chance of spotting sea turtles near Ostional. When I arrived, the assistant manager bluntly told me there were no turtles and I wouldn’t see any. I felt pretty betrayed by the difference between that and what I’d been told earlier. Later that day, the owner said there was a small chance after all. For the stay itself, Bella Vista Mar is a great hotel with a lovely view of the Costa Rican coastline. Make sure you have the exact location or route visible in your navigation, as it can be tricky to find. The approach is a gravel road. When I visited in March 2019, it was easy enough in a 2WD. Breakfast was lovely, with great pancakes and omelettes. The pool was clean, with amazing views. The beach is a 10 to 15 minute walk, and there are good restaurants nearby. Booking ahead is recommended, especially for La Luna and its sunset view. Rooms were tidy and the showers were good. There’s plenty to do around the area, and you could easily spend a week here without getting bored. Having your own car seems pretty essential, otherwise you’ll be taking tuctucs all day.