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Amazing Whitewater View Of The Ballena Marine Preserve Islands

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December 2024

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Miscellaneous
Unclassified image, 2 of 58, button
Smart TV, DVD player, books
Aerial view
Outdoor pool, an infinity pool

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6200 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
    Pool
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Breakfast available
    Breakfast available
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Uvita, Osa, Puntarenas
  • Playa Ballena
    7 min walk
  • Pinuela Beach
    9 min walk
  • Arco Beach
    2 min drive
  • Drake Bay (DRK)
    193 min drive

Room options

About the area

Ballena

Seaside stay .Within a 10-minute walk of the vacation home, you'll find Playa Ballena and Pinuela Beach. Arco Beach and Marino Ballena National Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Vacation homes in BallenaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Playa Ballena - 7 min walk
  • Arco Beach - 2 min drive
  • Ventanas Beach - 6 min drive
  • Uvita Beach - 7 min drive
  • Playa Tortuga - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizzeria La Fogata - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Heliconia - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Time - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Amazing Whitewater View Of The Ballena Marine Preserve Islands

Important points below! Pura Vida!

This is the Costa Rican expression for everything that is good. It translates as pure life and is used as a greeting and a salutation. It is always spoken with a smile. Costa Rica is rated as one of the happiest places on earth. You can discover why.

Imagine secluded beaches where the jungle meets the sand, monkeys and toucans greeting you each morning, or swimming under warm waterfalls. All this happens everyday in the unspoiled beauty of Uvita.

Our rental home is situated in an old growth jungle minutes from the beach on the Pacific coast in Marino Ballena National Park, the only national marine park in Costa Rica. Ballena translates to whale. Humpbacks from the southern and northern hemisphere travel thousands of miles to have their babies in this area. Excellent whale watching, snorkeling and diving! We are halfway between Manual Antonio, the most popular park in Costa Rica, and the famous Osa Penninsula. National Geographic named our area one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet. From the house and pool you can see the ever changing pacific ocean, local islands, incredible wildlife, rainforest, and beautiful sunsets.

The food in the area is the best in Costa Rica and maybe some of the best we have ever had - think Napa in the South Pacific. Expats from around the world have created amazing culinary delights. We can recommend at least 10 restaurants in the area. You can drink the water and eat the food and not worry.

The home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a newly-completely remodeled full gourmet kitchen, laundry room, two outside patio areas, a modest infinity pool, and a stone BBQ (boogie boards, beach chairs, beach and pool towels, a cooler, a telescope and monkey-finding rubber boots are in the the bedroom closets). Listen to the waves crashing on the shore from bed as you awake to howler monkeys calling in the trees. The jungle is right outside the door. Take a walk and see all the wonders you expect from Costa Rica.

The house is an easy accessible drive from the main road with a wide, short maintained road leading to the house. This should not be underestimated. Most homes in the area take a long drive up a steep, single lane, winding road taking up to 20 minutes from the main road, especially difficult at night. Look next to the map on the listing to where the closest beach is. If it more than .5 miles from the beach you will regret it. We are .3 miles to the beach. There will be no anxiety driving to this house. Rent a 4x4 or all wheel drive to get the most out of your trip in this area.

This is not a resort town. It is an agrarian area with beautiful farms and unspoiled beaches and jungle. It is a place to explore and discover. It will excite your inner adventurer. 5 islands are visible from our home. I don't now of anyone else that can boast that!

We would love to welcome you as our guest to Casa Ballena.

Pura Vida!

Proud of this review. It is what we strive for.
Best Vacation Rental We Have Ever Booked!
5/5 Stayed Jan 2023
Janet M.
I have rented over 30 vacation homes throughout Costa Rica, Europe and Australia and I owned my own vacation rental which has made me rather picky and critical. It takes a lot to impress me. But this property really impressed me! The attention to detail is outstanding. This is a lovely home is set in a gorgeous setting with outstanding views. The house has everything you could possibly need, is very comfortable, very clean and we felt very safe. The outdoor furniture is very good quality and comfortable. We never wanted to leave the awesome pool. It is very conveniently located to beaches and the towns of Uvita and Ojochal. The kitchen is very well stocked - which is rare! The fact that Mark provides boogie boards, beach chairs and a good supply of beach towels speaks volumes. Communication with Mark was excellent and he provided all kinds of information. He has a full binder of information on the house and recommendations on what to do in the area - perfect! We loved this place and will certainly stay here again when in the area.

Published Feb 7, 2023


Property manager

Mark and Allyson Roberts

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels
  • Beach sun loungers

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Infinity pool
  • Fence around the pool
  • Massages

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Limo/town car service
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Paper towels
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Kitchen island
  • Spices

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Fenced yard
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Telescope

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Safe
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Chef
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Local meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • On the river
  • Near a health or beauty spa

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Bodyboard on site
  • Golfing on site
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 2153 sq ft (200 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 30

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Amazing Whitewater View Ballena Marine Preserve Islands House
Amazing Whitewater View Ballena Marine Preserve Islands Uvita
Amazing Whitewater View Ballena Marine Preserve Islands
Amazing Whitewater View Ballena Marine Preserve Islands House
Amazing Whitewater View Ballena Marine Preserve Islands Uvita
Amazing Whitewater View Ballena Marine Preserve Islands House
Amazing Whitewater View Ballena Marine Preserve Islands Uvita
Amazing Whitewater View Ballena Marine Preserve Islands

Amazing Whitewater View Of The Ballena Marine Preserve Islands Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 133 out of 135 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 135 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 135 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 135 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 135 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Todd A., Minneapolis

Liked: Cleanliness
Pura Vida in Costa Ballena
Our family has stayed at many properties in the area. This location of this house is what sets it apart for us. We've gone a half hour up the mountain to get to houses, this was 1 minute. There's a little highway noise because of it, but not annoying enough to take away from the close proximity to everything and the amazing view. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic!
My husband and I spent 5 wonderful days at this property in Uvita. The house is beautiful and very well appointed. The host provided a treasure trove of information about the area, activities and other information that was especially helpful for us since we had never been to Costa Rica before. In fact, the information was so thorough, we even ended up helping out some locals we met on Ventanas Beach! The access point they normally used to come to the beach was closed for maintenance and they weren't sure how to get back to their car. Mark's "alternate route" saved the day! We also had several lovely meals at host recommended restaurants and tours by local, recommended guides. The property has stunning views of the ocean and you will see (and hear) plenty of local wildlife right from the patio. Truly paradise and a host who goes above and beyond!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacob R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just book it already
We spent the week sitting on the patio or soaking in the pool, watching and listening to wildlife, from monkeys and agoutis to toucans, hummingbirds, and all kinds of other exotic and rare birds (you should seriously consider downloading the Merlin Bird ID app!). We watched humpback whales breaching in the sea, enjoyed the company of geckos and basilisks, and were very happy with the level of comfort and privacy. It was quiet but not far from groceries and anything else you want/need while in the country. We've stayed at 7 or 8 villas/houses in Costa Rica, and this is the one we''ll go back to. Everyone was very responsive and made the entire process seamless. We can't recommend this place enough.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Dream Getaway!
Three weeks flew by at this luxury estate. Mark was a responsive and generous host. The views are spectacular and every detail high end. Definitely want to come back.
Stayed 20 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exceptional Stay
We had an exquisite stay in this beautiful home. Our family loved everything about our time in Uvita. The views, the birds, the amenities. Thanks to Mark for taking such good care of us and for being a wonderful and welcoming host. We can’t wait to return. ¡Pura Vida!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Can’t wait to go back!
I can’t begin to describe our vacation at Mark and Allison’s place. The house was perfect, beautiful, welcoming and warm, like being in your own home. It had everything we needed and more. We had more than a few hiccups during our stay that included a couple of urgent care visits but Mark was there to help us every step of the way. We loved the location and ease the home provided us in doing all the things we planned and still was an oasis to stay in and relax while taking in all the beauty the home provided. My daughter is a zookeeper and was up early every morning to go see what birds or wildlife she could see on the property. It was so tranquil in a way that you couldn’t help but get caught up in the sounds, sights and smells that Costa Rica has to offer. As I said in the subject line, we can’t wait to go back and will definitely be staying here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becky S., Charlotte, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise!
We had the best time in Costa Rica! This house is exactly as described, however, the view! The View is way better in person. Everything about our stay was smooth and so easy. Mark gives a very robust document of tips, directions, information, recommended excursions and so much more. I planned everything based on Mark’s rec. We did snorkeling at cano island, a Jungle ATV tour which included a stop at a coffee farm and the horseback riding to Nauyaca falls. These were fantastic trips with guides that not only did their job but talked to you and got to know you! The Costa Ricans are so proud of their beautiful country and want to share it with you! We hiked at La Cosinga Lodge and saw monkeys. We managed to hit Playa Arco and the Whale tail at low tide- highly recommend both! Last but not least we stopped in to see Playa Ballena, Playa Pinuelas, and Playa Ventana - all at high tide but got to see three different and beautiful beaches!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R., Nanaimo

Liked: Cleanliness
Love Marks House- 2nd Time Stay
This is our second time staying at Mark's house. We had a great time. The house is beautiful, the view is unbelievable. This was the first time we brought our kids to Costa Rica and they loved it. The area was great and everyone loved the pool. But highly recommend the house ❤️❤️❤️🌴🦜
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Uvita Paradise
I'm not sure I can describe how much my husband and I enjoyed our stay! The house is wonderful, all you could possibly need, well stocked kitchen, grill, beach towels and chairs, comfy bed, lush gardens, and an amazing pool. It's the perfect home base for so many activities but you may not want to leave the pool and porch. We loved listening to the birds each morning with coffee and in the evening with a drink. We were amazed by the birds, especially loved seeing the yellow-throated toucan. Mark provides wonderful information on excursions and restaurants. We hope to visit again!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful place to chill and appreciate nature and friendly locals!
Outstanding property with astonishingly responsive hosts! Mark and Allyson go above and beyond. The road/driveway are unusually easy to navigate, this makes a big difference. Delicious restaurants nearby. Great home base, whether you want a perfect place to relax in, or someplace to sleep in between tour activities. HIGHLY recommend!
Stayed 13 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandy K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Another wonderful vacation at this property.
This is our second year staying here. We love the property, the owner and the property manager. Everything was wonderful…no issues… and we hope to be able to come back soon! It has become our home away from home 😃
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patricia R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house with beautiful views
This was our second time staying at this fabulous house. It has great views and an infinity pool from which to enjoy them after a day at the beach or exploring the area. The house is a short drive to a few beaches and great restaurants, supermarkets, etc. The property manager is nearby. Our flight to CR was delayed by over 24 hours and we got to the house late. The property manager met us at the house and made sure everything was ok. We had one small problems with the house and he came by to fix it withing a couple of hours. We hated for this vacation to end!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beth L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Home, very pleased
Beautiful home with a spectacular view. Beautiful view from the pool. Saw all kinds of Toucans and birds. Heard the howler monkeys, but they never came to the house. The owner was very helpful in scheduling excursions, etc. I would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

gina s., USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Uvita
A beautiful place ! What a view and a wonderfully laid out setting . Everything u need . And Mark even though in CA he was always quick to message . We loved it ! Make sure u read the binder provided . They spent a lot of time explaining the area and made excellent suggestions . Citrus restaurant was our favorite local restaurant but we also found a cool place for an afternoon snack called cafe Vivo and near that was a bakery . My girls also tried the French Cafe and spoke highly of there as well ;). Thank u Mark and Allyson !
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shannon B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best Family Vacation Ever
You will not be disappointed! Everything you see listed is exactly as it is and more. The home is wonderful with everything you'll need for cooking, relaxing, swimming, etc. The views are amazing! The location is extremely close to amazing beaches as well as outdoor/nature experiences, sometimes only a few min away. We hired a driver for the week which made it even more relaxing as to not have to worry about directions and he also gave us a lot of history, plus help in the language in getting things like chairs/umbrellas at the beaches for the right price. Even last minute restaurants, that were great, after the beach since it was New Years and not everything was open. The food in Costa Rica is also amazing! We've stayed in central Costa Rica before but were looking for a more family/outdoor/relaxing experience for the whole family (two young children and two adult children came with us so there were 6 of us comfortably staying for 9 days). We have 2 boys (11yr and 12yr). One with special needs that requires more flat land while the other seeks adventure. The house, grounds, location, and beaches met both of their needs. It was great waking up to the sounds of nature and coming back after a long day to get in the pool for cool relaxation. When we come back we will look to stay at Mark's place again! Thank you Mark for sharing your home & for all of the attention and help you provided us preparing for our vacation. Everything Mark recommends for food and fun is spot on!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heidi K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely house with an amazing view
We love this house and location so much!!!! This was our second stay at Mark's house. The first trip it was just my husband and I with our teenage daughter. This trip we included our other college age daughter and both of our mom's. Considering the grandma's are a little less mobile, we spent more time around the house this trip and it was just as nice. The birds and wildlife combined with the iguanas in the tree made every morning magical. We especially enjoyed the sunsets with the amazing view of the Pacific. We will be back!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan Y., North Andover

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous 5 Days
This was my parents first time to Costa Rica and we wanted them to have a wonderful experience. Ballena did not disappoint. The house was well appointed, clean and spacious... and the views - just amazing. But it was the morning and sunset experiences that made this a great experience. The sounds and sightings from the birds, iguanas, howler monkeys and agotis made it extra special. The sunset views are the best too! We hope to visit again Ballena.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heidi M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolute Paradise
This home was the perfect place for our vacation! Mark the home owner provides everything you may ever need to know about vacationing in Costa Rica. It made planning our trip so easy. The home is exceptionally clean and comfortable. We loved cooling off in the pool and watching birds from the patio. This home was absolute paradise!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

Liked: Cleanliness
AMAZING
This is one of the best stays we've ever had. The view is spectacular, the grounds are beautiful and Mark is the best host. He has an extensive guidebook for the area and is super informative about the house. We took a few day trips to the beaches and did some fun excursions - boogie boarding, hiking to the whales tail, seeing the animal sanctuary....But we also loved lounging in the pool and watching the beautiful birds come and go. We also saw an iguana in the trees. My family and I highly recommend!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

farzana k.

Liked: Cleanliness
The best experience!
This was our first ever VRBO rental and wow did we make the right choice. We chose this property for the view but it was the hosts that really made it special. The attention to detail, the professionalism and concern that they showed is truly exemplary. The house is close to great restaurants, beaches and stores. We were traveling with children and an elderly person and found the house had everything we needed. Mark and Allison provided us with a very detailed information packet that was incredibly helpful. It saved us a lot if time looking up places to eat and things to do. The hosts were available for any questions or concern we had, they responded in minutes. It was truly the most wonderful experience and we cant wait to go back and stay at this property again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Ideal home! Amazing and relaxing stay
We couldn't have dreamed that we would love the home and setting as much as we did!!! Glorious views of the ocean, coast and sunsets. Peaceful, spacious and elegantly appointed home that had all that we needed. Gorgeous, plush garden and yard. Ideal access to great restaurants and stores. Abundance of enchanting bird watching... and the pool was perfect to cool off in after a full day of adventure. Mark and Allyson were amazing hosts and such a great resource to enhance our experience! They were always available to address questions both prior to and during our stay. Thank you to both! We have already told all of our friends that if a Costa Rica trip is in their future, this is the absolute best place to stay! Can't wait to return soon!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Costa Rican Adventure
Mark and Allyson's beautiful home is why we were lucky enough to land in Uvita, Costa Rica. The home was exactly how the pictures described it. Mark was a great communicator from the moment we booked our trip. He sent a Trip Planning Guide which we were able to use to plan our stay from beginning to end. We were able to witness two unbelievable sunsets which made up for the cloudy rainy sunsets while we were there (beginning of rainy season). Loved having the pool to come home to after all our excursions. The restaurants and all our tours were were top notch. We did not have one bad experience. Here is what we recommend. Breakfast-Bagel Time and Sibu Dinner-Sebas, Pizza Time, Ballena Bistro, Beehive, Aracari and Citrus Osa Canopy Tour-Ziplining Jugle ATV Tour Nauyaco Waterfall/Cataratas Nauyaco-Horseback Riding to the Falls Bahia Adventuras-Private Fishing Excursion-we saw a whale and her calf. Caught a Mahia Mahia and Wahoo Thank you Mark and Allyson for sharing your beautiful home!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K., Amelia Island, FL

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome summer family vacation!!
We had an amazing time in Uvita! Mark was absolute best host we've ever had using VRBO. He was so responsive and so easy to communicate with. Five stars all day! This house was beautiful... my husband and I and our 5 teenagers were so comfortable in this home. From the morning coffee outside to the fun family Uno games at night, just great quality family time.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Ballena Bliss
This is a beautiful home, very spacious and well-appointed…including beach chairs and boogie boards! The sunset view, nice landscaping, along with easy access off the highway made for a very pleasant stay. Thank you for hosting us.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful view and lots of wildlife!
We really enjoyed staying at this house! The owner, Mark, was very responsive and helpful with our stay. We were greeted by a toucan upon our arrival and we saw so many different birds throughout our stay, toucans, parrots, macaws, hummingbirds, and many more. The view here is so beautiful and we loved sitting outside on the back porch and deck down below. The trips we really enjoyed in the area were Canyoning with Carlos, Santa Lucia Falls with Humberto/Enrique, and going to Arco Beach and walking through the cave (a sloth happened to be hanging at the end of the cave!). Carlos and his team were amazing and we would highly recommend them! We also loved eating at Aracari, which was only a kilometer down the road. The staff was very friendly and the food was great, not to mention a beautiful view. You can also park here and hike down to Arco Beach. We stayed at Mark’s place for 5 nights and would have loved to stay longer. Was hard to leave such a great place!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023