Costa Rica
When? 1 room, 1 guest

Playa Cativo

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

8.5
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About the Hotel

Occupying a serene spot on America's only tropical fiord along the Golfo Dulce, the boutique hotel of Playa Cativo is enveloped in the snug embrace of the Piedras Blancas National Park and set on 1000 acres of lush private rainforest. A tranquil beach overlooks the crystalline waters off the Southern Costa Rican coast and guests set up lounge chairs on the meticulously groomed lawn to gaze across the expanse. All quarters, designed in contemporary eco-luxe style, are kitted out with polished reclaimed hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings, and large picture windows for stellar ocean views. Accommodations are within steps of the sand and offer all modern comforts such as wireless Internet access, ceiling fans, in-room safes and coffee makers. Bathrooms provide soothing rainfall showers, biodegradable toiletries and plush cotton robes.

Location

Playa Cativo
Playa Cativo, Golfito
Puntarenas, Costa Rica 60701

Nearest Airport: SJO

Features and Amenities

  • Dining
  • Outdoor Dining
  • Room Service
  • Organic Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Cuisine
  • Bar & Restaurant
  • On-Site Amenities
  • Hiking Trails
  • Library
  • Fitness Center
  • WiFi
  • Outdoor Pool
  • Gardens
  • Beach Access
  • In-Room Amenities
  • Private Patios or Balconies
  • Bathrobes
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Hair Dryers
  • In-Room Safes
  • Mini Bar
  • Luxury Bath Amenities
  • WiFi
  • Activities
  • Deep Sea Fishing
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Snorkeling
  • Nature Walks
  • Yoga
  • Whale Watching
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Paddleboarding
  • Nature Hikes
  • Nearby
  • Beach
  • National Park
  • Interests
  • Active & Adventure
  • Honeymoons & Romance

Reviews for Playa Cativo

Absolute paradise

TripAdvisor Traveler Review Rating Reviewed 1 day ago

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.

HappyinWoking - Woking, United Kingdom


Magical experience and personal touches

TripAdvisor Traveler Review Rating Reviewed 3 days ago

This was one of the best travel experiences ever. After the boat went for 30 minutes and then turned for the shore, I could barely see any people or any structures. I knew this was a going to be great. Alonso, Mike, Ivan, Kenny, Laura, and Brian took care of every detail and answered my questions of where can I snorkel, where can I see the herb farm, how did they get dairy-free yogurt for my husband, where is the puma, how can I see a sloth, what is a Cativo tree, and so much more. The chef put flowers and delicious herbs in the food and the staff put flowers on all the tables so this attention to detail made me smile all the time.

kkaucali


Paradise in the rainforest

TripAdvisor Traveler Review Rating Reviewed 6 days ago

A little piece of paradise in the rainforest of Costa Rica. Views that you would never bore of seeing. All of the staff were polite and couldn’t do enough to make our stay memorable in so many ways. Special thanks to Ivan, Alfonso and Mike. The views from our room were amazing, I would never tire of sitting on the verandah early in the morning watching the wildlife whilst sipping a coffee x

427richarda - West Bridgford, United Kingdom


A Magical Place!

TripAdvisor Traveler Review Rating Reviewed 2 weeks ago

My husband and I just returned from a magical week at Playa Cativo - we wish we had stayed for even longer! It was like being in paradise - beautiful beaches, calm water perfect for swimming, the lushest rainforest, lots of tropical flowers and most importantly, great people. It's accessible only by boat, so the nature is truly unspoiled. We saw many animals, birds and lizards without even leaving the property. It was the best! When we did want to leave for an adventure, there are many wonderful activities nearby that Alessandro, Kevin and Laura seamlessly arranged for us so we were able to fully relax without worrying about planning or details. We especially appreciated Alessandro's suggestions for the best activities, along with his care in selecting orchid and flower guidebooks for me, as I was especially interested in those. Cindy was our amazing wildlife guide who knew everything about each animal and plant we spotted and even found us at breakfast one morning to show us monkeys she had spotted nearby! The food was incredible and we were able to enjoy something different each meal so we never got bored, even staying for an entire week. The chefs Eduardo, Pablo and Ronnie were amazing, the food was some of the best we've ever had! Ronnie went above and beyond, preparing us local fish one night and also teaching us how to make ceviche. I also really appreciated the delicious baked goods and bread that Pamela made gluten-free for me during our stay. Our waiters Mike and Alonso also made our stay so memorable and special. Mike arranged a beautiful table setting and romantic dinner for us one evening, along with a delicious wine pairing, which was one of the highlights of our trip! Overall, apart from enjoying being in such a beautiful place, we felt at home thanks to the wonderful people who were always ready with a smile and friendly conversation and to help us with absolutely anything we needed. Kevin and Laura even picked us up and dropped us off at the airport, a special touch that made our travel very easy. We miss Cativo already and can't wait to return!

Camille B


AMAZING

TripAdvisor Traveler Review Rating Reviewed 2 weeks ago

An absolute pleasure. Playa Cativo is nestled in the jungle, pristine, no development, just pure beauty. The staff was amazing, especially Mike who was extremely attentive and fun. When we decided to cancel a difficult hike, the staff immediately suggested another activity. Our room was beautifully decorated, cozy and clean. Greatly appreciated the morning coffee service delivered to our room every morning. The restaurant is exceptional. My husband and I have traveled the world and make it a point to eat at Michelin star restaurants. This restaurant is at that level. You can taste the fresh ingredients that are grown locally. Every day the menu for lunch and dinner are different. And the wine list is superb. Playa Cativo will remain a special place in our hearts.

FiFiSt_Francisville - Saint Francisville, Louisiana


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