Spectacular view of the 'Whale's Tail' in Ballena Marine National Park

Zen Villa is a two story, three bedroom, three bath, designer villa with sweeping views of Costa Ballena Nature Preserve. Relax on one of Zen's private terraces, take a dip in the private infinity pool, or simply relish the majesty that surrounds you. Zen Villa comes equipped with state of the art modern furnishings and facilities, complete with external living spaces fit for dining, relaxing and yoga. A full modern kitchen with air conditioning system awaits you.

Located on Costa Rica's southwestern coast in the city of Uvita, a small vibrant fishing village, Zen Villa is just a seven-minute drive to the nearest beach by the Pacific Ocean. This area is part of Costa Ballena which is known for its rugged beauty, incredible beaches and biodiversity. Water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, diving, surfing and sport fishing abound. There are canopy tours and tree climbing adventures. Take a horseback ride to a breathtaking waterfall. Visit Pre-Columbian stone spheres. Bird and wildlife watching is everywhere.

Zen Villa is also located near Ballena National Marine Park, one of Costa Rica's best kept secrets. This park, known for its coral reef, is the home of many marine species. Whale and dolphin watching are popular activities. This area is also known as Whales Tail or Whales Coast among the locals due to the large number of migratory whales spotted here. Travel by boat anywhere between Golfito and Quepos between December and March and you are likely to realize your dream of encountering the world’s largest mammals in their natural habitat.

Around Uvita there are numerous activities and tours to keep you occupied, and all are very educational for all members of the family. This part of Costa Rica is very diverse, unlike parts of Guanacaste, so the options are more varied and mostly quieter than the major tourist destinations.

For example about hiking near Uvita..

At Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge, the Night in the Jungle tours means sleeping out at their Rainforest camp. Having hiked up to base camp you experience al the sounds of life in the jungle at night. After enjoying the sunset and a true Costa Rica meal you go for a night hike seeking out all the nocturnal wildlife. Truly an amazing experience. Simple but clean accommodation ensures you a good night’s sleep, followed by breakfast.

An other option is to explore the many hillside roads around the area to take in whatthje locals see, not so much wildlife but enjoyable hikes never the less.

For a more conventional tour you can visit Corcovado National Park where local operators guide you on a half day hike.

At Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge who can take nocturnal walks and experience sloths, anteaters, bats, raccoons, opossums at the like, while being educated on all the snakes, frogs and insects that live in the rainforests. Experienced tour guides are available in all locations, and most of them have spent years within these areas so are fully knowledgeable.

For example, an other walking tour can be taken at Drakes Bay. An American-Costa Rican couple has lived here for many years, both are involved professional as either naturalists or in nature photography and as guides. Once you arrive there are numerous opportunities to educate yourself on all aspects of wildlife, and you could see all kinds of mammals such as kinkajous, raccoon, sloths, possums and even a possibility of an wild cat, an ocelot. You learn about insects and how they assist medical research, spiders, toads and frogs and there mating habits and more.

There are many hikes available such as the 1-day tour to Serena Biological Station, not everyone can stay here, but if you are lucky enough to find a vacancy then you can expect to experience one of the world’s wildest and rugged frontiers. You need at least 3 days and two night here to experience what this unique area has to offer. It is recorded that 400 species of birds live here in this spot alone. You can hike for hours within well marked trails that the Parks staff maintains, and you are likely to see many wildlife species unique to this part of Costa Rica. Wild cats even such as a Jaguar and Puma have been seen.

Not exactly a hike, but a visit to the Wilson Botanical Garden in the highlands near San Vito is a must. Experience over 900 hundred species of plants and the bird watching is fantastic. This garden is used by specialists in the botanical and research field for both educatation on and the preservation of endangered species.

Less demanding, just past Dominical, take in a Mangrove Walk and an other option for Bird watchers, at Hacienda Baru. Good in the wet season here, they have bird watching huts hidden away in the swamps, go early or in the evening when it is cooler. You will more then likely up to 40 odd species at least.