Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa

Hotels
Independent
8.8 (77 reviews)
12km South of Dominical, Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504 , Ballena , CR

Children allowed

Facilities

Free breakfast
Full-service spa
Free WiFi
Terrace
Garden
Luggage storage
Concierge service
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Snorkeling nearby
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Peaceful setting
Wonderful views
Great pool
Cons:
Minor maintenance issue (ceiling leak)

Categories

Cleanliness
8
Guests appreciated the cleanliness of the hotel, although some mentioned minor maintenance issues like mold in one instance.
Service
8
Staff were praised for being very friendly and helpful, contributing to a peaceful and restorative stay.
Location
7.8
The hotel's location provided wonderful views and easy access to key landmarks, enhancing the overall experience.
Room Quality
7.5
Guests enjoyed the comfortable beds and spacious rooms, but pointed out the need for maintenance in some areas.
Amenities
7.8
The gym and pool were highlighted as positive amenities, but there were mentions of lacking spa services.
Value for Money
7.5
Mixed reviews indicated that while some found the price reasonable for the location, others felt it was a bit high for the services offered.
Food and Beverage
7.5
Breakfast and restaurant services were generally well-received, though some suggested more variety could be offered.
Overall Experience
8
Most guests had a positive overall experience, looking forward to a return visit.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-08-03 15:38

Property Description

Luxurious Spa Services: Indulge in massages, body treatments, and facials at our spa for a relaxing experience.

Dining Experience: Enjoy Fusion cuisine at Las Velas Restaurant and unwind at the bar/lounge while taking in garden views.

Comfortable Accommodations: Stay in well-equipped apartments with kitchenettes, pillowtop beds, and private balconies.

Don't miss the chance to experience luxury and relaxation at our spa aparthotel conveniently located near beautiful beaches and national parks.

Book your stay now for the ultimate getaway experience!

Important information:

  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the aparthotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Guests under 16 years old are not permitted at this adults-only property.
  • The property is professionally cleaned.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: SJO

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • Sustainability Certifications

    Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Children and extra beds

    No rollaway/extra beds available

  • Smoking

    No smoking

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

8.8
Based on 77 reviews
Cleanliness: 8
Service: 8
Location: 7.8
Room Quality: 7.5
Amenities: 7.8
Value for Money: 7.5
Food and Beverage: 7.5
Overall Experience: 8
M
Megan friends
10
Pros:

Had a free weekend with the girlies during our month-long study abroad trip, and we could not have made a better choice than Tiki Villas!! The hotel staff, the view, the pool and spa services—absolutely no complaints from any of us.

From the get go, we were treated so kindly; Nancy upgraded our hotel room when we arrived so we’d have more space, and the room was lovely. We had an indoor AND outdoor shower, and a balcony with a view of the ocean. It’s genuinely the nicest place I’ve ever stayed.

The restaurant staff were also so kind and patient considering we’re a group of girls who are fairly new to speaking Spanish, and they always met us halfway (or more) with communication! The food and drinks were always amazing. They gave me a bag of dry rice when my phone got soaked at Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, and I was so grateful. They went out of their way to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and did not need anything.

I definitely hope to return one day and stay for much longer. Two days was not enough. Tiki Villas has definitely been solidified as one of my best experiences in Costa Rica, and I genuinely don’t know how anywhere else I go will be able to top this place!

2025-06-01 via Nuitee
M
Metuschelah family
8
Pros:

Great location, beach near by and good for exercise.
The surrounding is beautiful with lots of trees and animal sound. The Room are ok but need a little TLC, a little update which I heard they will be doing soon.

2025-05-30 via Nuitee
E
Elaine partner
10
Pros:

Staff very friendly and helpful, peaceful setting, wonderful views from room, dining area and the pool, which was great! Place in ceiling where there has been a leak needs to be addressed due to what appears to be mold, but overall this was a wonderful restorative stay and we hope to return!

2025-03-21 via Nuitee
L
lisa family
2
Pros:

This is not a top ranked hotel. In fact it was one of the worst we ever stayed at

On the positive side the grounds and the lobby are beautiful. We were so excited when we arrived. However that was before we saw the room and interacted with the staff.

The bathroom literally had black mold in the walk and peeling paint on the ceiling. There was also mold on the curtains in the bedroom. There was no room near the sink to put personal items and the shelves that were supposed to to be on the wall were missing. In addition there was a plastic glade air freshener in the closet. The chairs around the pools were missing cushions. One cushion that did exist had a giant hole in the cover

As far as service, We were shown to our room and told the comforter that went on the bed wasn't ready yet and was still in the wash. The gentleman who showed us to the room also mentioned we were missing coffee. He left the room. Several hours went by and still no comforter or coffee. When we went to dinner at the hotel, we asked about the comforter and were handed it to bring back as we left the lobby. The poor service continued throughout the stay. Housekeeping never showed up, promises to bring towels to the room were never kept, we were told dinner reservations would be made but would not etc

Unless u care only about the setting, stay anywhere else

2024-12-23 via Nuitee
S
Sophie family
8
Pros:

Great place & staff!

2024-11-06 via Nuitee
G
Gerardo friends
10
Pros:

Nice place. Great breakfast and view. Room are well maintained

2024-08-21 via Nuitee
C
Charlotte partner
10
Pros:

Lovely gem with amazing views of the ocean in a rainforest setting. Staff is amazing and restaurant is outstanding. So peaceful - truly a slice of heaven on earth.

2024-02-18 via Nuitee
G
Gemma partner
10
Pros:

This place has an outstanding view from the infinity pool, exceptional personal service from all the staff and is in a great location for exploring Uvita, Ballena and Dominical.
The rooms were a little tired but perfectly functional and having a walk in wardrobe, huge shower & kitchenette made our stay more comfortable.
Would definitely stay here again.

2024-02-11 via Nuitee
M
Megan
10
Amazing location and food was excellent
Pros:

Wow what a beautiful location. Staff were friendly and helpful but were very busy! This is a lovely place, food was excellent and room comfortable.

Just a few minor things that could be improved - dripping tap, modernisation of bathroom but overall recommended for a quiet stay in a wonderful location with great food.

2024-01-04 via Nuitee
D
David
2
Deceiving!
Pros:

I am sure 10 years ago the hotel was great. It’s just run down since it’s 2012 travel awards they received. Staff was nice but room was out dated and affected by the years of humidity. Firstly it was a challenge to locate the property. Zero signage indicating its location distance/direction to villas. Locks on doors were not functional for the patio and outdoor shower. The bed was probably the hardest mattress I have ever slept on. Sink water unsafe for consumption (teeth brushing, face washing, etc.) Property at night is not well lit, especially in the parking lot that is a distance from the hotel reception. Overall just needs to be maintained and cleaned up.

2023-09-25 via Nuitee
T
Tracy Baroni family
10
Pros:

Upon booking, prior to arrival, and during our stay the staff was attentive and helpful, including recommending a 4WD rental. They booked several activities for us and shared recommendations for restaurants and additional sites. Service was excellent in the dining room, and the popen air massage was amazing.

2023-04-13 via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
10
Pros:

Beautiful location, lovely pool, helpful friendly staff!

2023-03-07 via Nuitee
M
miguel family
2
Pros:

This hotel is overpriced for the place, not much things to do in the hotel, and staff is not friendly. For this price there are a lot better options in Costa Rica

2023-03-01 via Nuitee
J
Jessica
8
Pros:

Nice small hotel with excellent service. The views of the ocean from our balcony were beautiful and the setting was very peaceful. The room was very clean. The only draw back was that the room had a bad odor - maybe an issue with the drains or septic system. The air conditioner helped to mask it a little, but it persisted throughout the 2 night stay. Hopefully it was just our room and it can be fixed.

2023-02-04 via Nuitee
D
Daphne family
10
Pros:

The property was beautiful. The service was excellent and the ceviche delicious. However the steps to go to rooms are steep.

2022-08-13 via Nuitee
P
Pritika partner
6
Pros:

PROS
1) Geral works in the bar/restaurant, and is a great asset to this place.
2) The view

CONS
1) awful hard beds, gave us neck/back aches
2) massage terrible, boyfriend felt the gentle caress, short gasping breath, trembling hands, and sweat falling on him from masseuse victor.
3) Diego at front desk does not care. Not into customer service.
4) awful food. Ceviche with bones in it that one could choke on. Thai curry inedible. Dessert with nuts that people aren't made aware of, beware if have allergies, as Diego won't tell you about it.
5) water pressure is a trickle in sink and shower, room 3.
6) did not get the Expedia VIP benefits of $23 food discount

2022-08-07 via Nuitee
J
Jose
10
Pros:

The staff was great, Diego and Gerald were very helpful recomending and reserving activities, and would also have a packed lunch for us.
Definately coming back.
Thanks again guys!

2022-07-08 via Nuitee
C
Charles
8
Stay at Tiki
Pros:

We loved our stay at Tiki and enjoyed the solitude and peaceful surroundings. The staff was so pleasant and helpful. The room was comfortable and clean. The manager was so helpful and enjoyable to speak with.

Our only comment would be regarding the breakfast. Sometimes the food did not come out hot and seemed to have been prepared earlier. It was not necessarily fresh tasting.

We enjoyed our stay and will certainly return.

2022-04-29 via Nuitee
C
carl family
8
Pros:

Lovely staff, terrific restaurant onsite; terrific ocean view with lots of birds. Cons: no place to sit in the room other than on the beds. The balcony deck has a table and a couple of chairs that we moved inside; toilet sounded like the furnace failing in A Christmas Story. Overall the rooms could use a facelift.

2022-02-12 via Nuitee
C
Christa
10
Pros:

Such an incredible recluse feel, with gorgeous views of the ocean. The 4x4 only road continues past the resort up to the very top of a look out, where we saw monkeys and watched a spectacular sunset. The team at Tiki Villas were kind, and it was absolutely serene and peaceful. Very convenient location, immaculate grounds, and the feel of the seclusion was what made it perfect. Wonderful place for reflection, grounding and peace for the soul. Will absolutely recommend and stay again!

2022-01-31 via Nuitee