Playa Cativo Lodge

The whole experience from arrival to departure was first class. All the staff; restaurant, bar, gardens, etc. were all super helpful and polite. The room and meals were exceptional., and the location is an absolute paradise. The only advice we would give if you are looking to stay here is to make this your final stop as all other locations will be a disappointment in comparison.

The staff and services were beyond outstanding! Very thoughtful, welcoming and responsive team of professionals! The accommodations were beautiful and comfortable with great views of the gulf and the rainforest! Food was unbelievably fresh and good with lots of options to accommodate everyone! We loved their commitment to nature and sustainability! The activities included knowledgeable guides as well! Couldn’t have been a better experience for our family!!!

The rooms are lovely, Beds comfy, bathroom beautifully tiled. Large windows looking out across the grounds and water allowing you to see all the wildlife moving about. Staff was always attentive and helpful. Guides allowed us to experience things we would have missed on our own. But the food was fabulous and beautifully presented. Lots of trails, plenty to do and beautiful spots to sit and do nothing.

From the moment Rei picked me up at the dock with a huge, warm smile, I knew this place would be special. A fabulous 30-min boat ride, with Rei explaining the area and showing me the coral, and I arrived in paradise! Beautiful room, incredible food (much of which is grown on the farm so is super fresh and tasty), gorgeous forest and beach. But it all comes down to the amazing staff. The fabulous Rei, Karen, Teresa, William, Laura, Kielynn, Moses, the magical nocturnal forest tour with Alberto, and all the others whose names I don’t know. Everyone greets you with a shining smile and genuine warmth. I felt at home as soon as I arrived and, as I was sick, they treated me with so much care and attention. Thank you all so much. I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough. It was THE best experience I had in the whole of Costa Rica. They truly do live Pura Vida!

How does one describe “perfection” in just two words? Playa Cativo! We had seen the photos and the descriptions of Playa Cativo Lodge on line, but even that did not prepare my wife and I for what awaited us on a recent 4-day trip to paradise. A small plane from Liberia International Airport transported us to Golfito, where we were met by staff from Playa Cativo, with cold towels, water and a fresh, chilled coconut with a sugar cane straw to drink the coconut milk, whilst they gathered out luggage and tagged it with our names and room number. A quick drive in the Lodge’s van to an awaiting open-air boat for the 30 minute ride to the lodge was the perfect beginning to what would only get better over the next four days. If I did not know better I would have thought that the dolphins were trained to greet us as we got close to the beach at the lodge. Upon arrival we were taken to our casita, one of 18 rooms emerging out of the lush jungle overlooking the Golfo Dulce. Already outside our door were boots for hiking, snorkeling gear and a pair of binoculars. Entering the bright casita, across the room and out the full wall window, we could see the beautiful blue waters of the gulf, and the hammock on the deck. The room was tastefully decorated with native paintings and the spacious bathroom and rain shower opened onto the deck with plunge pool. And because of the privacy of each villa, the only peering eyes were of the scores of beautiful birds and butterflies. Even more impressive than the casitas were the staff and the dining. Friendlier people you will never meet. Always greeted with a smile and a willingness to help or, just as important, steer clear, every need was seemingly anticipated. At such a remote location it is hard to believe that the restaurant could compare to a Micheline 3-star, but it does. Exceptional, fresh, organic (they have their own farm) food presented in a fashion like the best world class restaurants, where a dairy free person (me) or a gluten intolerant person (my wife) did not suffer from choices of food. Where did they find this chef? Probably where they found the bartender who commanded a separate bar area across from the swimming pool, as he could prepare anything one desired, even mocktails that were the rave of those seeking to cut down on alcohol. There is just too much to describe. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on a sunset cruise in front of the lodge, a fishing trip (or just on board for the views) where the hundreds, yes hundreds, of dolphins, lead the boat to the tuna, a waterfall hike into the jungle behind the lodge, where a seemingly endless cascade of water falls into a pool (don’t forget to bring a towel, as you will want to go for a dip), a kayak trip down the Rio Esquina mangrove forest into the gulf, outdoor yoga on a beachfront platform, a massage in a beautiful, zin like spa, or simply a hike where the howler and spider monkeys jump from tree to tree, displaying their athletic abilities, the rare

My wife and I are experienced eco-travelers. Over two decades, we’ve enjoyed everything from five-star safaris in Tanzania to high-mountain trekking in Peru. But nothing prepared us for the richness of Playa Cativo’s spacious casitas, gracious staff, and delicious meals – completely surrounded by southern Costa Rica’s matchless marine and rainforest environment. We took a small plane to the little town of Golfito where Playa Cativo’s marvelous staff met us and took us on a refreshing boat ride across the Golfo Dulce to the lodge. No cars. No noise, just the sounds of birds – hundreds of different kinds – and in the mornings, the calls of Howler monkeys deep in the forest. On our first morning, we went deep-sea fishing using huge schools of Bottlenose dolphins to guide us to the invisible Yellowfin tuna below. We caught enough to feed ourselves, other guests, and the lodge staff fresh tuna for days! Our hours were spent napping, snorkeling, yoga outdoors under Morpho butterflies, hiking in ancient forests to see rare two and three-toed Sloths, kayaking through the Rio Esquina mangrove forest, picnicking on the beach, lazy lunches watching Cinnamon and Green Hermit hummingbirds zipping from flower to flower, and wild card games into the night with our friends. Our last evening was sweet – a sunset cruise followed by a delicious dinner on the beach. We're going back! Kenneth Hidalgo, Playa Cativo's superb director, explained that Golfo Dulce is a world recognized breeding and birthing sanctuary for Pacific Humpback whales. We’re already planning a trip to see the whales and more of southern Costa Rica’s spectacular rainforests -- and to just melt again into Playa Cativo’s restoring rhythms.

The most amazing slice of Costa Rican paradise, with spectacular views, glorious food but most importantly a special team of people with big hearts and happy souls. Thankyou to Rai for the most efficient organisation of activities, Kendall, Moses and William for looking after us over every meal and Daisy for her patience and energy on our daily yoga classes. A kayaking trip to the mangrove swamp and snorkelling / free diving at the reef were trips to be remembered thanks to the wonderful Adrian whose passion for nature and Costa Rica was infectious. You all made it very hard to leave - A trip never to be forgotten, we shall return!

You arrive in paradise by boat, adding to the anticipation. Then you round the bay to a hillside, manicured to wild perfection, dotted with chalet roofs peeking out of the jungle. Be assured that what you see is what you get, wilderness, wildlife and luxury. Then you meet the most professional, beautiful bunch of staff ever. Beware, they are seductive, and you will love one and all by the end. Be careful what you eat, the food is so good, the weight will go on. Our love goes to the three most generous people who looked after us daily, and became like family, Keilyn, Kendell and Danny. The only thing that would improve the complex, would be the addition of air conditioning. It was very hot, and the evening temperatures remained high also. Thank you Cativo

Playa Cativo Lodge is perfect in every way. We were privileged to be the only guests for three days and were treated like royalty! The room was luxurious and comfortable, with a sea and garden view from our wide balcony. Wildlife abounded in the gardens, birds, mammals and reptiles. Bats were roosting outside our bathroom window. The food is incredibly delicious and the menu is flexible to personal likes and dislikes. The restaurant service is immaculate and friendly. All the staff were so attentive and thoughtful. We felt genuinely welcome and valued. We enjoyed the complimentary use of kayaks and paddle boards. The bay was calm and tranquil for a paddle. The garden is planted to encourage visiting wildlife and birds for a really immersive experience. We went on a whale and dolphin watching excursion with Luis and had the most amazing experience watching humpbacks breach. Luis was really knowledgeable and shared a great video he had managed to capture. If you visit between July and November, don't miss this trip! Big shout out to our lovely servers, Kendal and Moses. We loved our decorated dinner tables and the chance to get to know them. Had we stayed longer, we would have taken advantage of more excursions. As it was, we were content to relax, bird watch and swim in the sea. Be adventurous or relax in beautiful surroundings, the choice is yours.