Playa Cativo Lodge
A barefoot luxury experience in harmony with nature.
Luxury
Sustainable
Rainforest
Boutique
Offer
Hiking
From $1,130 / night
Playa Cativo Lodge Overview
The Playa Cativo Lodge, surrounded by 35,000 acres of protected rainforest, sits on the shores of the Gulfo Dulce, with the Osa Peninsula across the water. Playa Cativo is only accessible by boat. This place is where nature lovers come to truly get away from it all and experience Costa Rica's natural splendors while keeping to a certain level of comfort and luxury. Couples and families with older children are most suited to this hotel.
What to Expect at Playa Cativo Lodge
- Privacy and seclusion. Playa Cativo Lodge has 12 rooms, accessible only by boat. And surrounding those 12 rooms is nothing except for thousands of acres of rainforest. The hotel sits in the pristine rainforests of the Piedras Blancas National Park. Nature is everywhere.
- A boutique hotel with personalized service and attention to detail. With only 12 rooms, you're guaranteed to be looked after at Playa Cativo. The staff goes out of their way to make you happy and look after you.
- Dining with style. Let’s chat about the food options, as you won't be disappointed.
What Not to Expect
- A resort feel. This is a small boutique hotel.
- Nightlife. Accessible only by boat, Playa Cativo is in the middle of the rainforest, far away from anything resembling nightlife. If you're here, you're here.
Amenities
- Beachfront
- Business Center
- On-Site Tours
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
Playa Cativo Lodge Is Featured in These Trips
If you want to stay at Playa Cativo Lodge we recommend you to check out
the following trips:
Playa Cativo Lodge: An Intimate Haven
Playa Cativo Lodge is all about immersing yourself in nature, surrounding yourself with nothing but a beach and jungle.
Located in Costa Rica's deep south, on the eastern (mainland) side of the Golfo Dulce is a 35,000-acre national park called Piedras Blancas. On a bit of cove in the Golfo Dulce, the Playa Cativo Lodge is in that park. Nature lovers and those looking to get far off the beaten path will love this secluded, private eco-lodge. Playa Cativo offers a barefoot luxury experience that brings its guests into harmony with nature.
Playa Cativo Lodge is a 30-minute scenic boat ride through the Golfo Dulce from either Golfito or Puerto Jiménez. The ride offers the opportunity to admire the beauty of the area, with the calm, turquoise waters of the gulf and the lush, green rainforests that come straight to its shores.
Glorious. Secluded. Private. A Rainforest Bliss
Once you disembark at Playa Cativo, you'll find an eco-lodge set on a 1,000-acre private reserve, which itself is surrounded by the 35,000-acre Piedras Blancas National Park. It sits on a mile of pristine beach, with no other hotel or home insight.
Nature is right outside your window—and the hotel provides binoculars so you can see it without leaving your room. Hear the call of the howler monkeys and the sounds of birds, then see if you can spot them!
There's a high chance of spotting other wildlife, especially on the property’s hiking trails, which are connected to the park. An on-site biologist can answer any questions you may have about the local flora and fauna.
A Barefoot Luxury Experience
Just because you're in the jungle doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy luxury and comfort. The staff is waiting for you to make the stay the best from the start. Even upon arrival at the property’s dock, a smile and a cold drink welcome you to the Playa Cativo Lodge.
The spacious guest rooms and open-air designs feel like you have the place to yourself. All 12 rooms feature ocean views and large windows that let the breeze in. They are elegant, cozy, and inviting. So sit back and enjoy the peace of nature and the ocean's proximity.
There are plenty of ways to relax at Playa Cativo. Lounge poolside, curl up with a book in the library, take a yoga class surrounded by the sounds of the jungle, book a massage at the spa, or check out the on-site organic farm, where most of the hotel’s food comes from.
Dining in Style at Playa Cativo
The El Gavilan Restaurant features a gourmet, organic, farm-to-table dining ambiance. Each meal is made with care, presenting a fresh, unique, and delicious experience.
The hotel’s owner is a wine lover, so the cellar holds a great collection of imported labels to choose from. In addition, the restaurant’s mixologist uses local fruits and organic herbs from the garden to create excellent mixtures. Enjoy a cocktail during the afternoon at the bar and social area, taking in the beauty of the whole place.
Get Active in the Rainforest
Explore the tranquil waters of the Golfo Dulce with the complimentary kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUP), and snorkeling gear. There are also self-guided hiking trails and one selected on-site guided tour. In addition, you can upgrade the experience with a nature walk with an expert guide along the property’s trails. This will awaken your sense of wonder as you experience the rich diversity in the area.
Playa Cativo also borders one of the least visited (but most beautiful) national parks in Costa Rica, Piedras Blancas. This park is home to the same type of wildlife and vegetation that the more famous Corcovado National Park across the gulf has. But with fewer visitors and noise.
The Golfo Dulce is also great for animal spotting, depending on the season. Ensure not to miss the whale watching tour if the time is right. This area is a humpback breeding zone. Admire impressive sea creatures as whales and dolphins swim, jump, and play. Seabirds and turtles are also easy to spot in one of the most biodiverse areas of Costa Rica.
Contact Us for More Information
If you feel like Playa Cativo is the perfect fit for your Costa Rica vacation, contact us, and we’ll gladly help you get started on planning your trip.