Two tents with a plunge pool
Two Safari Tents have a deep plunge pool built into the deck, a few steps from the living space and the garden around it.
Children under 10 are not permitted in this unit: the pool is deep and unfenced.
Playa Matapalo · Savegre · Puntarenas · Costa Rica
Where the junglemeets the Pacific.
Three luxury safari tents and one award-winning house, steps from Playa Matapalo. Glamping in Costa Rica for slow mornings, wild encounters, and days spent exploring the southern coast.
What it feels like
You’ll hear the ocean before you see it
Monkeys cross the property daily, and macaws are frequently seen from the decks. Iguanas take the sun; sloths make slower appearances. None of it is scheduled. That’s the point.
Off the beaten path and immersed in it: no walls where walls aren’t needed, no TV where a jungle will do.
Choose your stay
Three safari tents and one house. One honest way to pick.
Simple filters over the four stays, nothing hidden. Always confirm current house rules on Airbnb before booking.
No-Footprint House
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · private pool
A teak-built home from the internationally awarded No Footprint House series, open-air sustainable architecture with a private pool, steps from Playa Matapalo.
Also fits: Safari Tent with Pool 1 · Safari Tent with Pool 2 · Safari Tent Hideaway
Three luxury safari tents
Glamping in Costa Rica, done properly
The safari tents were shipped from South Africa. Their structure is built from four layers of canvas, chosen for strength, shade, and comfort in a tropical setting. Inside each one: two lockable bedrooms, a king bed, a queen and a high twin, and a fully equipped kitchen. The two hot-water showers are open-air, under the canopy, and layered canvas, deep shade, and ceiling fans keep the tents comfortable. Not camping, not a hotel room, something better than both.
One without, for the quiet
The Hideaway has no pool, and that is the point: the same tent, the same garden on every side, the deepest quiet of the three. Sleeps 5.
From above
Four stays, one pocket of jungle
Seen from the air, the layout makes sense: the safari tents in their own clearings, the No-Footprint House behind its own gate, gardens between them, and the Pacific a short walk through the trees. Everything is private, and nothing is far from anything.
And one award-winning house
Sleep inside award-winning architecture
This is the architectural signature of BaliBala: a teak-built home from the No Footprint House series by architecture studio A-01, a sustainable prefab design recognised internationally, including a public-vote win at the Dezeen Awards and an International Architecture Award from the Chicago Athenaeum.
The house has its own private entrance, its own gate separate from the safari tents, and private parking, so it stays entirely self-contained.
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · private pool · ★ 4.78 (18 reviews, as of Aug 2026)
Life around BaliBala
The moments between the plans
Monkeys and macaws are frequently seen from the decks; sloths make slower appearances. None of it is scheduled. That’s the point.
The southern coast
A quiet base for a loud coastline
Dominical, Uvita, the Whale’s Tail, Manuel Antonio, all within day-trip reach, none of them on your doorstep. That’s deliberate.
An endless, largely empty stretch of Pacific sand with plenty of natural shade: guests regularly report having it almost to themselves. The hosts provide beach towels and chairs, and two restaurants and a small supermarket are about 15 minutes' walk away. The surf here is open Pacific: strong at times, spectacular at sunset.
Playa Matapalo
Your beach · Steps from your door
An endless, largely empty stretch of Pacific sand with plenty of natural shade: guests regularly report having it almost to themselves. The hosts provide beach towels and chairs, and two restaurants and a small supermarket are about 15 minutes' walk away. The surf here is open Pacific: strong at times, spectacular at sunset.
Dominical
Surf town · A short drive south along the coastal road
The area's surf hub, a laid-back town of board racks, sodas, and cafés with a well-known beach break. Good for a morning surf lesson, an afternoon of browsing, and grocery runs.
Pictured: the Savegre estuary near BaliBala
Uvita & Bahía Ballena
The sheltered side · A drive south along the coastal road
The gateway to Marino Ballena National Park. Depending on tide, season, and daily conditions, some spots around Uvita and Bahía Ballena can offer more sheltered swimming than the open coast, the hosts can point you to current options. In season, whale-watching tours run from here.
Pictured: coastline near BaliBala, not the sandbar itself
The Whale's Tail
The icon · Inside Marino Ballena National Park, near Uvita
Marino Ballena's famous sandbar, shaped like a whale's tail and walkable at low tide. Time your visit with the tides: the walk out across the water is one of the coast's signature experiences.
Pictured: jungle-to-beach coastline near BaliBala
Manuel Antonio
The national park · North along the coastal road, within easy reach
Costa Rica's most visited national park: sloths, capuchins, and toucans on compact rainforest trails that end in postcard beaches. Go early, take water, and book a guide at the entrance if you want the wildlife pointed out.
Pictured: river and jungle near BaliBala, not Corcovado itself
Sierpe & Corcovado
The wild one · Roughly 1.5 hours south to Sierpe, then by boat
Corcovado National Park is one of the most biologically intense places on earth, and it makes a long, rewarding day trip from BaliBala. Guests drive south to Sierpe, where the boats for Corcovado leave, travelling down the mangrove river to the peninsula. Go with a licensed guide and book ahead; park entry is regulated.
Sample itineraries
Three days or seven, sketched for you
A long weekend that feels twice as long.
- 01
Arrive and exhale
- Morning
- Arrive and be welcomed personally by Linda or Flory, then take your first walk to Playa Matapalo.
- Afternoon
- Pool or hammock. Let the jungle introduce itself.
- Evening
- Cook in your open-air kitchen and fall asleep to the waves.
- 02
The coast, southbound
- Morning
- Drive to Uvita and Marino Ballena National Park, at low tide, walk the Whale's Tail sandbar.
- Afternoon
- Lunch in Uvita or Bahía Ballena, then a slow return along the coast.
- Evening
- Sunset on Matapalo beach, the hosts say it's Costa Rica's best, and guests tend to agree.
- 03
Adrenaline, then stillness
- Morning
- Zipline through the rainforest canopy. Local operators run tours; ask the hosts for options.
- Afternoon
- Kayak the river that comes out at Matapalo beach, arranged with local guides, then recover under the canopy.
- Evening
- Dinner at one of the restaurants a short walk away.
A long weekend that feels twice as long.
- 01
Arrive and exhale
- Morning
- Arrive and be welcomed personally by Linda or Flory, then take your first walk to Playa Matapalo.
- Afternoon
- Pool or hammock. Let the jungle introduce itself.
- Evening
- Cook in your open-air kitchen and fall asleep to the waves.
- 02
The coast, southbound
- Morning
- Drive to Uvita and Marino Ballena National Park, at low tide, walk the Whale's Tail sandbar.
- Afternoon
- Lunch in Uvita or Bahía Ballena, then a slow return along the coast.
- Evening
- Sunset on Matapalo beach, the hosts say it's Costa Rica's best, and guests tend to agree.
- 03
Adrenaline, then stillness
- Morning
- Zipline through the rainforest canopy. Local operators run tours; ask the hosts for options.
- Afternoon
- Kayak the river that comes out at Matapalo beach, arranged with local guides, then recover under the canopy.
- Evening
- Dinner at one of the restaurants a short walk away.
What guests say
Linda is an Airbnb Superhost rated 4.89 across 37 reviews (as of Aug 2026). The quotes below are real guest reviews, translated where noted.
“Our stay was wonderful. The place, close to the sea, with a private pool and surrounded by nature (we saw everything from monkeys and squirrels to sloths and so many birds), let us fall asleep to the sound of the ocean. The cleanliness was spectacular and the outdoor bathroom felt unreal. Fully equipped, we felt at home, but disconnected from our screens. The hosts, Linda and Bart, were attentive, with excellent food and activity recommendations, and gave us flexibility at checkout. The security, with a caretaker on the property, and Tigra, the affectionate, respectful dog, made us feel like family. Without a doubt, this is a special refuge we will visit again. Thank you.”
Raquel · May 2026 · Airbnb guest review, previously published on balibala.net · translated from Spanish
- No-Footprint House 4.78 · 18 reviews · Guest Favourite
- Safari Tent with Pool 1 5.0 · 11 reviews · Top 5% · Guest Favourite
- Safari Tent with Pool 2 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Safari Tent HideawayNew listing
Ratings and labels verified on Airbnb, Aug 2026.
Side by side
Compare the four stays
| No-Footprint House | Safari Tent with Pool 1 | Safari Tent with Pool 2 | Safari Tent Hideaway | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Entire villa | Safari tent | Safari tent | Safari tent |
| Max guests | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Bedrooms | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Beds | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Private pool | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (garden instead) |
| Open-air showers | Indoor bathrooms | Yes, hot water | Yes, hot water | Yes, hot water |
| Full kitchen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Beach access | Steps away | Steps away | Steps away | Steps away |
| Children | All ages welcome | Ages 10+ only | Ages 10+ only | All ages welcome |
| Checkout | 11:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
| Best for | Design & architecture travellers, Families up to 4, Couples | Couples, Friends, Families with children 10+ | Couples, Friends, Families with children 10+ | Couples, Nature purists, Readers & resters |
| Airbnb rating | ★ 4.78 (18) | ★ 5.0 (11) | ★ 5.0 (4) | New listing |
Children under 10 are not permitted in this unit: the pool is deep and unfenced. Always confirm current house rules on Airbnb before booking. DetailsBook on Airbnb(opens in a new tab) | Children under 10 are not permitted in this unit: the pool is deep and unfenced. Always confirm current house rules on Airbnb before booking. DetailsBook on Airbnb(opens in a new tab) |
No-Footprint House
- Type
- Entire villa
- Max guests
- 4
- Bedrooms
- 2
- Beds
- 3
- Bathrooms
- 2
- Private pool
- Yes
- Open-air showers
- Indoor bathrooms
- Full kitchen
- Yes
- Beach access
- Steps away
- Children
- All ages welcome
- Checkout
- 11:00 AM
- Best for
- Design & architecture travellers, Families up to 4, Couples
- Airbnb rating
- ★ 4.78 (18)
Safari Tent with Pool 1
- Type
- Safari tent
- Max guests
- 5
- Bedrooms
- 2
- Beds
- 3
- Bathrooms
- 2
- Private pool
- Yes
- Open-air showers
- Yes, hot water
- Full kitchen
- Yes
- Beach access
- Steps away
- Children
- Ages 10+ only
- Checkout
- 11:00 AM
- Best for
- Couples, Friends, Families with children 10+
- Airbnb rating
- ★ 5.0 (11)
Children under 10 are not permitted in this unit: the pool is deep and unfenced. Always confirm current house rules on Airbnb before booking.
DetailsBook on Airbnb(opens in a new tab)Safari Tent with Pool 2
- Type
- Safari tent
- Max guests
- 5
- Bedrooms
- 2
- Beds
- 3
- Bathrooms
- 2
- Private pool
- Yes
- Open-air showers
- Yes, hot water
- Full kitchen
- Yes
- Beach access
- Steps away
- Children
- Ages 10+ only
- Checkout
- 12:00 PM
- Best for
- Couples, Friends, Families with children 10+
- Airbnb rating
- ★ 5.0 (4)
Children under 10 are not permitted in this unit: the pool is deep and unfenced. Always confirm current house rules on Airbnb before booking.
DetailsBook on Airbnb(opens in a new tab)Safari Tent Hideaway
- Type
- Safari tent
- Max guests
- 5
- Bedrooms
- 2
- Beds
- 3
- Bathrooms
- 2
- Private pool
- No (garden instead)
- Open-air showers
- Yes, hot water
- Full kitchen
- Yes
- Beach access
- Steps away
- Children
- All ages welcome
- Checkout
- 12:00 PM
- Best for
- Couples, Nature purists, Readers & resters
- Airbnb rating
- New listing
Always confirm current house rules on Airbnb before booking.
Personal hosting
Breakfast can appear. Horses can be arranged.
Ask ahead and the hosts will sort breakfast at your stay. For everything beyond it, tours, surf lessons, horseback riding, kayaking, ziplining, transport, and restaurant tables, we are happy to connect guests with trusted local providers, so your stay helps support the community around Playa Matapalo.
You will be personally welcomed by Linda or Flory, our local host.
Ready when you are
Your BaliBala stay starts here.
Compare the four stays, send the hosts a question, or go straight to the listings. Three tents in total. Ask about booking more than one.
The No-Footprint House on Airbnb(opens in a new tab)