Playa Cativo Lodge

The hotel is in the most remarkably beautiful setting. I arrived and felt immediately welcome. I had spent a week up in Guiones but was really struck coming down here by the peace as well as the raw, exceptional nature. I’ve stayed in number 6, up the hill, wonderful views and plunge pool. For such an out of the way place, the service and food are remarkable - the kitchen will take special requests, the food quality and presentation are great. But the staff really make the experience and special thanks to Edwin, Ivan, Alonso (F&B), Daisy (exceptional and amazing spa treatments), Gabriel (management team). I’ve found the other guests very friendly and there is a great bar area to social time and sundowners. I’m sad to be going, it’s been en exceptional stay and hugely recommended!!

A lot of very cool and unique wild life. All of the excursions were entertaining, well timed, and safe. The locations and constant view were constantly astonishing us. The rooms were in good condition and had really good views. The food was amazing and presented well. There was something for everyone and I highly recommend visiting playa cativo.

An amazing transfer by boat across the Golfo Dulce tropical fjord to the lodge was such an exciting and delightful experience. On arrival peace and tranquillity descended. We received a very warm welcome by all we met – everyone giving a very friendly hola! A very beautifully designed lodge with a really friendly atmosphere. We loved the artwork and sculptures in the main areas, and even in our room we had a striking Puma painting. ||It was amazing accommodation; it had everything to make our stay perfect! Our luxury casita was very comfortable and spacious with stunning interior design. The doors opened out to a balcony with a hammock and plunge pool – the hammock great to relax in and the plunge pool to refresh in, both with fab views of the gulf and the gardens. We even got a toucan visiting! Housekeeping was excellent. ||The dining experience was fantastic. First coffee of the day delivered to our room to be enjoyed on the balcony listening to the forest waking up. We stayed on a Full Board basis and enjoyed 3 delicious meals a day, all freshly prepared and beautifully presented using ingredients from their organic farm. The portion sizes really suited us, and we enjoyed being able to try different things – like the basil ice cream! The tuna was delicious!||It's the place to switch off and reset and enjoy a range of activities whilst seeing the rainforest at its best. We enjoyed a hike in Piedras Blancas National Park – a hot and humid uphill and downhill guided trek pointing out plants, birdlife and monkeys on the way. Birdwatching through the lodge gardens – more toucans! – and a night walk where we got to see the iconic, red-eyed tree frog (they’re so cute!). The first tree frog was spotted without leaving the bar, turns out you just need to know the sound to listen out for! We also enjoyed the visit through the rainforest to the Happy Hen organic farm – seeing the produce grown on the grounds. We had a coconut drink waiting for us on arrival! On our third afternoon we took a boat trip to the mangroves – a great adventure! And the kayaking in the mangroves was an exciting new experience. ||On our last evening, the new moon and cloud cover gifted us another memorable experience. Out into the gulf by boat we witnessed the magical phenomenon of bioluminescence – a sea of sparkling stars.||We both visited the spa and experienced wonderful massages. Feeling suitably recharged and wondering how to clean our muddy rainforest walking shoes before packing we welcomed another “nothing was too much trouble moment”, - leave them out by your door and they’ll be returned clean and dry!||Muchísimas gracias y pura vida! We’d love to return one day!

what can I say ... paradise does exist. Secluded and only approached by a 'James Bond' boat arrival. So welcoming and location quiet and magical. Food choices out of this world with hospitality to match. Staff went out of their way to make this an amazing experience. Wildlife, birds and the surrounding were so lucious. We really can't praise this experience enough with a wonderful upgrade and dinner on the water's edge making my 70th birthday something i will never forget .. don't change a thing!

This place is made up of wonderful people! Our Butler Gabriel and Bartender Edwin made our stay perfect, luxurious, and top-notch! The chef and his dishes, carefully selected to our specifications, are elegant and art in themselves! Congratulations to the gardeners for such a well-maintained garden! The hotel is fantastic! Here, you can see a parrot perched on a branch, a toucan, a Costa Rican forest, and a waterfall! The place is perfect.

We have just spent 3 nights is this paradise! The hotel accommodation, food and staff have been out of this world. We have travelled extensively and this is easily the best place we have stayed at.|The arrival on a private boat was exillerating followed by personal greetings by the friendly staff who all made us feel so special. |The accommodation was absolutely beautiful with stunning views across the bay from the balcony.|The food was freshly prepared and beautifully presented, easily rivalling any top restaurant and certainly the best we have ever experienced. |The resort is surrounded by tropical rainforest which can be experienced with wonderful guides who have extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna.|It was the most amazing experience we have ever had. Thank you to all the wonderful staff at Playa Cativo Lodge, you have given us so many wonderful memories. Alan & Catherine

From the moment we were welcomed at the airport to the dolphins jumping alongside our boat on the way to the lodge, everything felt extraordinary. Playa Cativo Lodge exceeded every expectation—breathtaking sunsets, gourmet food, impeccable service, and magical views everywhere you looked. The wildlife encounters, from colorful birds to playful animals, made each day feel special, and the excursions were truly unforgettable.|I absolutely loved my stay at Playa Cativo Lodge. Five stars all the way. Highly recommend!

My wife and I couldn't have had a better experience. Beautiful property teeming with biodiversity and amazing wildlife experience without ever leaving the property. Excellent naturalist guides. Top tier rooms, food, and amenities without ever sacrificing the ecolodge mission. Paradise.