A place to slow down.
A base to explore from.
BaliBala works at two speeds. There are days when the plan is a hammock, a pool, and the sound of waves, and days when you’re on a zipline before lunch and watching the sunset from a different beach. Both are the point.
The days you don’t plan
Mornings that arrive slowly
Coffee from your own kitchen while the jungle wakes up around you. Monkeys and macaws are frequently seen moving through the trees, one guest counted over twenty-five bird species most mornings.
Showers under the canopy
The tents' open-air bathrooms are an experience guests write home about: hot water, tropical air, and green in every direction.
Water, two ways
In three of the four stays, a private pool sits a few steps from your bed, and for everyone, the Pacific is a few steps past the gate. Beach towels and chairs are provided; walking out empty-handed is part of the point.
Wildlife as neighbours
Sloths, squirrels, frogs, and a running soundtrack of birds. Nature isn't an excursion here, it's the property itself. Sightings are frequent, though never guaranteed; that's what makes them good.
An endless beach,
almost to yourself
Matapalo is a long, wild stretch of Pacific sand with natural shade and famously good sunsets, guests routinely report having it nearly empty. Two restaurants and a small supermarket about 15 minutes' walk away. The surf is open ocean: made for walking, playing, and watching, with swimming best judged day by day.
Say the word,
we’ll connect you
The hosts are happy to help connect you with local options, and can arrange breakfast at your stay if you ask in advance. Nothing is run by a big operator desk; it’s personal recommendations from people who live here.
Surf lessons
Beginner-friendly breaks are a short drive away; Dominical is the area's surf hub.
Horseback riding
Beach and jungle trails around Playa Matapalo.
Ziplining
Canopy lines run in the hills behind the coast, ask the hosts about local tour options.
Wildlife tours
Guided walks and boat trips, from mangroves to national parks.
Restaurant reservations
From beach sodas to the area's better tables.
Transportation
Airport pickups and day-trip transfers, arranged ahead.
Three nights or seven, sketched, not scripted
Use these as starting points. The best days here usually keep one thing planned and leave the rest to the tide.
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.