Playa Cativo

Playa Cativo Lodge is the most beautiful, secluded resort you can imagine - Jurassic Park meets Robinson Crusoe, with coconut palms growing onto the beach and stunning, dense primary rainforest in the background. We had the most amazing stay, a combination of walking, exploring and relaxing. The team were super friendly, kind, helpful and fun; you really get to know them throughout your stay and they go above and beyond for you. We enjoyed a fantastic rum tasting with Mike and several incredible nature walks around the property and adjacent national park with Cindy; both of which were informative, fun and moments we’ll remember forever. We were upgraded to a casita which was beautiful, private and idyllic - an incredible surprise, thank you. As we left by speedboat, the receding view of the beach was briefly interrupted by dolphins playing in the golfo - perfectly wrapping up a magical three days. Thank you Kenneth and team, what you’ve created is amazing and we’ll be back!

What a setting. All guests arrive by speedboat, very White Lotus in the best way. You will not want to leave, staff are taking care of you impeccably from start to finish. Some highlights, the sea view corner room, wow. Mike treated us to a aged rum tasting session with great expertise and humour. Morning yoga with Daisy set each day up perfectly with her happy disposition.

A once in a lifetime place to stay and enjoy all the area can give. The hotel is excellent and all the rooms are exceptional, with views of the surrounding nature and animals. The food quality is superb and always a new selection every day. The staff are friendly and helpful, always going that extra mile. The amenities and in room products are very high quality. The spa is outstanding and the pool is inviting. A place to relax or get involved with quite waterspouts or snorkeling. The beaches are like being on your own private island. Getting to the lodge is by water transport and is the only way to get there.

We’ve just completed a stay at this incredible hotel. Everything is fabulous! From the arrival by boat - when you feel like you’re in a James Bond movie - on which we saw a huge pod of spotted dolphins, to the unique style of the lodges, and the layout of the grounds - it is a unique and special place. Walking to howler monkeys, or myriad different birdsong, is an experience in itself. A highlight was the dolphin viewing trip, where we saw a pod of bottlenose dolphins, who inquisitively came up to our boat, and a huge pod of spotted dolphins - it was a mesmerising experience, and one we will never forget. The room product is top class, and the food and service exceptional. Special mention to Mike - in charge of all things Food and Beverage, who was my saviour. I came down with travellers tummy on arrival (not due to this hotel I should emphasise). And his recommendations on what to eat, and the kitchen catering to that need, was invaluable. His advice and care was beyond any level of service I’ve ever received in a hotel. He is a huge asset to the resort - bravo Mike! My only regret is not being able to fully sample the delicious food that my family could - but a reason to return I guess! Do note only a couple of rooms have air con. I adapted to no AC quite quickly but it’s not to everyone’s taste - so something to be aware of if an issue for you as it’s hot! As an ex leader of a Tour Operator I am widely travelled, but Playa Cativo has taken a firm spot in my top 3 hotels ever - an exceptional experience in a breathtaking location.

The location in the middle of nature, the lodge itself, the food, the staff and the possibilities to explore nature by yourself: it is outstanding.