Discover the enchanting Playa Cativo Lodge, a hidden paradise nestled in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions, and accessible only by boat. This luxury eco-lodge promises an unforgettable escape, where you will awaken to the fascinating calls of howler monkeys, and soak in phenomenal sea views. Built with sustainability at its core, Playa Cativo Lodge features locally sourced materials and solar power, ensuring your stay is as eco-friendly as it is luxurious. Choose to stay at the lodge and spend your time relaxing, or there are plenty of activities available to keep you busy – head out on guided nature hikes, kayak through mangroves, and for a unique experience, head out on a bioluminescence expedition. Surrounded by lush rainforest and pristine beaches, Playa Cativo is the ultimate setting for not only a romantic getaway, but also perfect for families whose children are over the age of 8. If you are looking for a hidden gem and stunning natural beauty, then you can’t go wrong with a stay at Playa Cativo Lodge! 

Located within 1,000 acres of Private Nature Reserve in Golfo Dulce, getting to Playa Cativo Lodge is an adventure in itself. Take a short domestic flight from San Jose to Golfito Airport, where you will then be met by a member of the team, and embark on a 30-minute scenic boat ride straight to the lodge. 

If you want to be active and explore as much as you can, then there are plenty of activities for you to choose from. Just a short distance from the lodge are some of the largest and most pristine river systems in Costa Rica, which are perfect for peacefully exploring on kayaks. Head out on guided jungle hikes to learn more about your surroundings and the wildlife that live within the forest, or if you want to explore at your own pace, then the lodge has developed a user-friendly network of walking trails around the property. There is also a nocturnal hike available if you’re interested in the wildlife that comes to life at night! The lodge is in a marine-protected area, Golfo Dulce, which is known for its rich marine life. Head out on a tour for a chance to spot dolphins, and between July and November you may even get to witness the arrival of the Humpback whales! 

Head to the La Perica Sloth Garden and take a leisurely stroll as you keep an eye out for these unique mammals in their natural habitat, take part in complimentary yoga classes, grab a paddle board or kayak to paddle along Cativo Bay, or you could of course simply grab a sun lounger and sit by the pool to top up your tan before heading home.

Conservation is at the heart of everything at Playa Cativo, and they aim to be 100% sustainable. Clean energy is generated by hydropower, and solar panels are used to heat water. All bathroom amenities, cleaning and laundry products are biodegradable and manufactured in Costa Rica to minimise their carbon footprint, and guests are asked to avoid bringing non-biodegradable shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and similar products. As well as this, Playa Cativo supports some conservation projects, including The Coral Reef Programme – which is dedicated to safeguarding and rejuvenating the breathtaking coral reefs, and The Wildlife Camera Programme where motion-activated cameras capture and document the wildlife. 

Playa Cativo is made up of 18 Rooms – there are rooms in the main house, and then casitas and villas dotted around the rest of the property. The rooms in the main house have private terraces that you can sit out on and soak up the captivating views of the sea and tropical gardens, and the villas are made up of 2 bedrooms the provide spacious luxury for families. There are two types of casitas – an ocean front casita that is perfect for honeymooners as it stands alone with stunning views of the sea and unparalleled privacy, and luxury casitas that come with their own private terraces and plunge pools that provide the perfect spot for being able to enjoy the 180 degree vistas of the tropical terrain from.

All the rooms at Playa Cativo have been constructed from reclaimed hardwood, are accented with local-crafted colourful tiles, and include king-sized beds.