1 / 26This expansive 117-acre master-scale development tract in the Bahía Ballena district of the Osa canton represents an extraordinary opportunity to establish a world-class wellness or hospitality destination. Listed at USD 9,900,000, the property spans 473,482 square meters of pristine, high-elevation terrain just ten minutes from the shores of Playa Dominical. The land is defined by its dramatic ridge-top building sites, which command sweeping, unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. Adding to the sensory appeal of this luxury estate are its natural water features, including cascading on-site waterfalls and a rare, high-temperature volcanic hot spring that provides a genuine geothermal foundation for a thermal-wellness retreat.
The sheer scale of the acreage allows for a versatile layout, accommodating grand-scale estate planning, a gated community, or a luxury resort complete with private pools and beachfront access. Potential buyers will appreciate the favorable ownership structure in Costa Rica, where foreign investors enjoy fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of local citizens. When budgeting for this acquisition, buyers should note that the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land, keeping ongoing holding costs highly manageable. Additionally, buyers should anticipate standard closing expenses, which typically encompass a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value, alongside a comprehensive closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees that generally totals between two and four percent of the final purchase price.
Acquiring this expansive 117-acre development property in Bahía Ballena is a highly secure transaction for international investors. In Costa Rica, foreign buyers enjoy the same constitutional rights as citizens, allowing for direct, fee-simple ownership of this massive estate. Because the land sits outside the restricted maritime zone, you can hold the title outright in your own name or through a local corporation.
The transaction involves standard closing costs, which typically encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps, generally totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price. Additionally, a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value applies at closing. Ongoing carrying costs are remarkably favorable, as the annual property tax is calculated using the registered cadastral value of the land rather than the retail purchase price. Furthermore, because this investment significantly exceeds the national threshold for residency-by-investment programs, purchasing this estate positions you and your family for legal residency status in Costa Rica.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This expansive development land in the Bahía Ballena district of the Osa canton spans 473,482 m² of prime coastal terrain, offered at USD 9,900,000. Positioned just ten minutes from the surf destination of Playa Dominical, the property features elevated ridge-top building sites that deliver panoramic ocean views. The geography is defined by its natural water features, including on-site waterfalls and a high-temperature volcanic hot spring. These thermal elements provide a distinct foundation for a luxury wellness retreat or a master-scale hospitality destination.
The estate is situated within a secure, gated community framework, ensuring privacy and controlled access. Existing infrastructure supports immediate development planning, with designated building footprints optimized to capture the ocean breeze and sunset views. The property is delivered fully furnished, integrating functional assets directly into the acquisition.
From a purchasing perspective, foreign buyers enjoy fee-simple ownership rights for this registered parcel. The annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land, rather than the market purchase price. Buyers should budget for standard closing costs, which typically bundle notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps into an additional two to four percent of the final transaction value.
This exceptional development land is situated in the highly desirable district of Bahía Ballena, Osa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, a region celebrated for its dramatic convergence of rainforest-covered mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Located just a ten-minute drive from the world-class surf breaks of Playa Dominical, the property offers a rare microclimate where cool mountain breezes temper the tropical warmth. Investors looking to buy property in Costa Rica will find that this specific corridor of the Costa Ballena offers an unmatched balance of raw natural beauty and modern convenience. Essential amenities, including organic markets, dining, and professional services, are easily accessible in the nearby coastal towns of Dominical and Uvita. The regional infrastructure ensures straightforward travel to domestic airports, local medical clinics, and key tourist hubs, making it an ideal anchor for a high-end wellness retreat, a boutique eco-resort, or an exclusive gated residential community.
For North American buyers exploring real estate Dominical Costa Rica, this location represents the pinnacle of the country's southern zone appeal. The Osa region is a cornerstone of Costa Rica's diverse property landscape, attracting global travelers who prioritize conservation, longevity, and wellness. The presence of a high-temperature volcanic hot spring and natural waterfalls on this 117-acre parcel enables a lifestyle centered on thermal therapy, hiking, and deep nature immersion. Secure fee-simple ownership is fully permitted for foreign buyers of this property, as it sits outside the restricted maritime concession zones. When acquiring property Uvita or Dominical developers should note that the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the land, rather than the market purchase price. Additionally, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs—including notary, registry, and legal fees—which generally bundle to between two and four percent of the transaction value, alongside a property transfer stamp tax that typically averages about one and a half percent of the declared value. This landmark acreage stands as one of the most significant Costa Ballena homes and estate development opportunities currently on the market.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Acquiring this 473,482-square-meter master-scale estate in Bahía Ballena presents a sophisticated entry point into Costa Rica’s booming wellness hospitality sector. At USD 9,900,000, the acquisition breaks down to approximately USD 20.91 per square meter, a highly competitive valuation for premium ridge-top land featuring active volcanic hot springs and ocean views near Dominical. This pricing provides a substantial equity cushion compared to smaller, fragmented parcels in the Uvita corridor.
The ideal buyer is a visionary institutional developer or a high-net-worth syndicate aiming to establish a world-class thermal wellness resort. High-temperature geothermal assets are exceptionally rare in the coastal zone, allowing a developer to command premium nightly rates that outpace standard luxury rentals.
From a transaction perspective, foreign buyers enjoy secure, fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of Costa Rican citizens. The ongoing holding costs are highly favorable, as the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the land rather than the market purchase price. Buyers should budget for standard closing costs, which typically encompass a property transfer stamp tax of about 1.5% of the declared transaction value, alongside notary and registry fees that bring the total closing bundle to between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. This investment also positions qualified buyers to apply for the national residency-by-investment program. An exit strategy is supported by the scarcity of master-scale parcels, making a subdivided luxury gated community or a branded hotel flag highly liquid future divestment options.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
To own a property of this magnitude in Bahía Ballena is to claim a life of unparalleled prestige, where the raw majesty of the Osa Peninsula meets the sophisticated aspirations of the world’s most discerning visionary. This is not merely an acquisition of acreage; it is an entry into an elite coastal lifestyle defined by the rhythmic whisper of the Pacific, the cool canopy of the Puntarenas rainforest, and the restorative energy of the earth itself. For the high-net-worth investor or visionary developer, this estate represents the ultimate canvas to curate a legacy. Imagine waking to panoramic ocean views that stretch across the horizon, spending afternoons exploring private waterfalls, and unwinding in the healing warmth of your own volcanic hot spring. This is a sanctuary designed for those who seek to disconnect from the frantic pace of global capitals while remaining effortlessly connected to the natural world. Here, luxury is measured in privacy, clean air, and the rare privilege of stewardship over one of the planet's most biodiverse corridors. Future residents and guests will find themselves immersed in a lifestyle where wellness is integrated into every moment, from morning yoga on sun-drenched ridges to sunset surf sessions at nearby Playa Dominical. By securing this landmark destination, you are not just building a development; you are answering a growing global demand for authentic, nature-centric luxury, establishing an iconic haven that elevates the human spirit and sets a new benchmark for tropical living.
Bahía Ballena, Osa, Puntarenas
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
