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Kura Design Villas

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Luxurious, ultra-contemporary retreat
- Boutique property with 8 stylish suites
- Adults only, great mix of activities
- Unspoilt coastline near Uvita

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Overview

Kura Design Villas is a super-luxurious, contemporary retreat set high up on a striking mountain ledge overlooking southern Costa Rica’s Ballena National Park and the Pacific Ocean. This glamorous and stylish adults-only property was designed by a Costa Rican architect and biologist who have together created this upscale, sustainable boutique offering in an unspoilt spot not far from the charming village of Uvita. Guests are invited to relax, unwind and bask in the magnificent, unspoiled mountain scenery and to enjoy a huge range of water and land-based activities, not to mention some fabulous on-site facilities.

The accommodation consists of just eight spacious, air-conditioned suites designed specifically with couples in mind. All suites are located in exceptionally well-presented, stand-alone buildings and are noticeably modern, minimalist and open-plan in design. All come with a large private terrace and double hammock, with stunning 180-degree views of the rainforest and ocean down below. There’s a double-sized glass rain shower that can be accessed from outdoors, along with organic toiletries and sumptuous bathrobes. Binoculars are provided for spotting wildlife from the comfort of the suite and other amenities include a well-stocked minibar, coffee making facilities and a wine cooler.

The magnificent infinity pool, complete with double loungers, is open throughout the day and late into the evening and offers captivating sunset views. The nearby Diablitos Bar & Lounge has a broad range of cocktails, wines, craft beers and other specialty drinks on its menu, and a poolside bar service is also available. Meals are served at the Ocean View Restaurant, which, as its name suggests, looks out on to the Pacific. Here, gourmet meals are served three times a day, with ingredients sourced locally and a focus on both local and national dishes. Romantic candlelit dinners for two can be arranged at the Sky Lounge, a private rooftop venue that offers intimate dining experiences and 360-degree views. The open-air Spa, Sha, offers a wide menu of treatments - some are for just one individual, while others can be enjoyed by couples together.

While there’s certainly an emphasis here on soaking up the scenery and taking things easy, there’s also a huge range of land and water-based adventures to enjoy. The hotel offers a complimentary daily shuttle service to a variety of nearby beaches – towels, iced drinking water and beach chairs are provided, and it’s generally a 25 to 40-minute journey to reach the various, unspoilt beaches along this very special stretch of coast. There’s also horse riding along a waterfall trail, or through a wildlife refuge. The birdwatching hikes which begin at dawn are a delight, and kayaking, snorkelling and waterfall rappelling through several stunning waterfalls with a lovely, relaxing swim at the end are all possible. Quad biking, zip lining in the tree canopy and fishing are also on offer, along with visits to the wildlife-intense Corcovado National Park.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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