No trip to the central American country of Costa Rica would be complete without taking some time out for rest and relaxation in the Golfo Dulce. Located at the South of the Province of Puntarenas, this tropical paradise has two unique eco-systems sustaining numerous wildlife species from reptiles, amphibians and insects to birds and mammals, as well as diverse flora that can be found nowhere else in the world.
We highly recommend immersing yourself in this beautiful, natural environment, with a stay at the Playa Cativo Lodge. This boutique eco-lodge is just a 45 minute domestic flight from Costa Rica’s capital city of San José, followed by a 30 minute scenic boat ride to the lodge which may present the occasional sightings of dolphins, turtles and humpback whales if you’re lucky! Surrounded by a 1,000-acre private nature reserve and the Piedras Blancas National Park, Playa Cativo Lodge offers luxurious accommodation along with world-class eco-friendly amenities which help to attain that perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.
The lodge has just 18 guest rooms, all elegantly furnished with reclaimed wood, and with interiors handcrafted by local artisans. All rooms offer ensuite bathrooms with glorious rain showers, hot water and biodegradable bathroom amenities, as well as cotton bathrobes and slippers, ceiling fans, binoculars, flashlights, complimentary WiFi, daily maid service and safe deposit boxes. Room categories include Deluxe Guest Rooms, Luxury Guest Rooms, Premium Guest Rooms, and Premium Plus Casitas.
The facilities at Playa Cativo Lodge do not disappoint. Enjoy delicious and authentic gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs at El Gavilán Restaurant which overlooks stunning Golfo Dulce, or sip cocktails at El Gazebo Sunset Bar as you watch the sun setting over the horizon. There is also the option to arrange a private dining feast in the privacy and comfort of your room (Premium Plus Guest Room), or a special candle-light dining experience under the stars and surrounded by the lush rainforest, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of tree frogs and crashing waves.
Cool off in the outdoor, chemical-free fresh-water swimming pool, or indulge yourself with a variety of healing treatments at the Lotus Wellness Spa. Head to the Adventure Centre where you will find complimentary high quality paddleboards, kayaks and snorkel equipment available for you to enjoy. Stroll through the lush tropical gardens and explore the self-guided walking trails and encounter an abundance of butterflies, exotic birds, and small mammals, as well as a variety of tropical plants. For the more energetic guests, hikes to the Piedras Blancas National Park or rainforest can be arranged.
Playa Cativo Lodge is passionate about preserving local culture and protecting the planet. The lodge is deeply committed to environmentally sustainable practices and has implemented clean electric energy, meaning the lodge generates it’s own electricity by hydropower and solar panels. The lodge also aims to reduce, recycle, and reuse any waste to help preserve natural resources and reduce pollution. You’ll find that all of the bathroom amenities as well as cleaning and laundry products are biodegradable and manufactured in Costa Rica to reduce the carbon footprint, thus reducing the impact on the environment. The lodge also supports conservation projects carried out by scientists in the surrounding rainforest and the sea, and guests are encouraged to take part in reef monitoring or garden projects.
