Playa Cativo

We absolutely loved Playa Cativo. From the moment we arrived by boat, it felt like we had entered a completely different world. The setting on Golfo Dulce, surrounded by pristine rainforest, is spectacular and unlike anywhere we’ve stayed before. What really separates Playa Cativo, though, is the combination of the location, wildlife, activities, food, and incredible staff. Everyone was genuinely warm, attentive, and excited to share this part of Costa Rica with us. The service felt extremely personal without ever feeling overdone. We stayed in a Luxury Casita with a plunge pool and A/C, which was fantastic. We loved having our own private space surrounded by the rainforest while still being able to come back from an excursion and completely relax. The activities were some of the highlights of the trip. We did whale and dolphin watching, a nocturnal rainforest hike, Jungle Awakening, mangrove kayaking on the Río Esquinas, and a guided rainforest experience. Every excursion felt authentic rather than touristy, and the guides were outstanding. Being able to experience the rainforest in the early morning, at night, from the water, and then see the incredible marine life of Golfo Dulce made the trip especially memorable. The food was another huge surprise. For somewhere this remote, the quality and variety were exceptional. Meals felt fresh, thoughtful and very much connected to the surroundings. But perhaps our favorite part was simply being there. Watching scarlet macaws fly overhead, seeing coatis wander around the property, hearing the rainforest at night, sitting by the water, and realizing there are no roads or crowds anywhere around you is pretty extraordinary. Playa Cativo isn’t a traditional luxury resort, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s immersive, peaceful, adventurous and incredibly well run. You feel like you’re deep in the Costa Rican rainforest without sacrificing great food, accommodations or service. We came expecting a fun Costa Rica vacation and left feeling like we’d experienced somewhere truly special. Four nights was perfect, although we definitely weren’t ready to leave.

We had an exceptional experience at Playa Cativo Lodge!!! After traveling throughout Costa Rica, we can truely say that this is the most beautiful, natural and exceptional place we visited! Amazing landscape, beautifully kept hotel facilities, extraordinary chef with diverse menue and most important professional, friendly and out of the ordinary staff. Mike, Ivan and Alonso took very good care of us. Mike showed us and the kids the best fishing spots, treated us amazing and is now a true friend! We will surely come back next year!

Wonderful place, lovely friendly staff and delicious food. Highly recommended.

The location is a paradise, the atmosphere is warm and friendly. The entire team is welcoming and attentive - thank you Mike, Ashely, Alfonso and Ivan; Javier and the management team; Thank you Edward - the master chef, for preparing such flavorful and presentable dishes. The fruits were always aromatic, fresh and sweet. Resting on the edge of the rainforest with all its wonders was an incredible experience. Encountering the dolphins as well as the new mama & baby whale was spectacular & left me in awe. Each habitation & every part of the lodge are beautifully arranged , built of natural wood, and thoughtfully set amid the natural flora of the rainforest. A truly magical concept and an endeavor to see this project through. Well done. I’m grateful to have experienced Cativo Lodge, with all its magic - the staff, other guests from across the ocean, and the natural habitat that surrounds it.

Fabulous 4 night stay at the end of our holiday in Costa Rica. The service is impeccable and the every meal here was beautifully presented, fresh and delicious - it was like eating in a fancy restaurant. Our rooms were large with a seating area and AC. We also had private plunge pools. The views are stunning. You can go kayaking and paddle boarding. There are some walking trails by the beach, to their vegetable farm and to a waterfall so you don’t feel trapped here. The hotel grounds are immaculate too. The staff are thoughtful and helpful. Thank you so much Kenneth, Laura, Mike, Alonso, Javier and all the staff working hard there. I felt like I was in a tropical paradise here - it’s going to be hard going back to the real world. What a treat at the end of our trip.