Playa Cativo

Playa Cativo is a truly special place. What I loved most was its secluded location in the heart of the rainforest, accessible only by boat. It offers something increasingly difficult to find: genuine peace and quiet, surrounded by untouched nature. The atmosphere is wonderfully calm, and the guests come here to relax, so everyone respects the tranquillity of the place. The staff were exceptionally kind, attentive and professional throughout my stay. Everything was beautifully organised, yet the service always felt warm and personal. The food deserves a special mention—it was absolutely outstanding and honestly beyond five-star quality. Every meal was a pleasure. From the location and natural surroundings to the service, atmosphere and exceptional cuisine, everything was wonderful. Playa Cativo is the perfect place to disconnect, slow down and experience Costa Rica’s incredible nature in complete peace. I would happily return and wholeheartedly recommend it.

An exceptional experience in every respect. The lodges, food, people and setting were incredible in every way. In particular, we would like to recognise Mike, Ivan and Ashley for the warmth, care and professionalism throughout. Nothing was too much trouble and always delivered with such care! A special mention also goes to Jeff who dealt with us, as his first departures, with absolute efficiency. We were looked after from start to finish. It was a pleasure to stay here and we would recommend this place without reservation.

Perfection. This is the world that can describe my stay. The place is luxurious and fit in harmony in the perfect jungle that surrounds the lodge. The people at the lodge is what makes this place amazing. The place itself is beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but what makes this place incredible is the atmosphere and the friendly, familiar but always professional hospitality of the staff. Kenneth, the manager, is amazing ,he wants you to be happy!!everything works smoothly also because he has a wonderful team. Mike is great, professional and friendly. Ivan also with his great margarita!! The welcoming crowd , Alessandro , Laura , Jeff , make sure that you are helped with anything! Ashley such a great attitude! Those are the guys that I have been mostly relating in my stay. I don’t remember all the names, forgive me,but all of them, from Alonzo and the garden crew or the cleaning crew are wonderful. Don’t forget to try the Spa !! The place is so serene and relaxing and truly try a Thai massage with Daisy. An experience that makes you say “ why I didn’t do that from the first day!!” Not sure what to add to make you go!

Playa Cativo is a secluded retreat reachable only by boat, with abundant wildlife on the property (many birds —guan, mot-mot, red-rumpled tanagers, various flycatchers, yellow-headed caracara, scarlet macaws etc — plus coati, anteaters, peccaries, agouti, a puma if you’re very lucky, etc). The villas, each with their own plunge pools, are lovely. The food is excellent. Our main waiters/helpers, Alonso and Mike, were terrific, extremely attentive. A great getaway.

We visited five locations in Costa Rica and each thought doubt this was the best. The OSA Peninsula is beautiful, nature on steroids! We’ve been all over the world & this is one of the few places we would love to someday go back to.