Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

This is a true eco lodge with heart. Having just spent two nights here I couldn’t recommend it enough. The staff, guides and management are very welcoming, friendly and informative. Rooms were clean and comfortable and I was very surprised about the lack of insects in the room given we are in the middle of the rainforest. Food was simple, fresh and delicious and I felt well looked after. My guide Oscar was great and incredibly knowledgeable, he took us out on a boat trip in the Golfo Dulce where we saw a pod of 60 dolphins and then had the chance to snorkel by a nearby reef. The night walk was fascinating and we saw frogs, spiders, a snake, scorpion, bats and a variety of insects. I also enjoyed the morning bird tour where Kimberley, my guide took me around the property identifying a number of different species of birds. I highly recommend the complimentary sustainability tour where you can learn about the efforts in preservation in the local area. All energy is renewable and sourced from the solar panels or hydroelectricity produced onsite. They make their own compost, grow fruit and vegetables and the structure of the property pre existed as a former cocoa plantation. Everything from waste management, to water filtration, drying washing and giving back to the local community through various projects has been carefully thought about. I was lucky enough to have a yoga class one morning with David where the yoga deck overlooks the sea, this was incredibly restorative and he incorporated lots of stretch/massage techniques to help get out any niggles. It was amazing and I only wish I could have something like this back home! If you visit this must be part of your experience! The mornings were dry and the afternoons did rain heavily and so I recommend early busy mornings and then the late afternoon to relax with a beer soaking up the rainforest views. Thanks you for such a wonderful experience!

Located on the east side of Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica, the lodge offers excellent jungle walking, lots of birds and animals, water-based activities, and some tours. The facilities are very comfortable and well-maintained. The staff are friendly and competent, and the general atmosphere is fun and welcoming. Toucans and macaws, capuchin monkeys, peccaries and agoutis. A good balance of close-to-nature and comfort.

We were lucky enough to spend four nights at this amazing eco lodge as part of our three week trip around Costa Rica. Only accessible by boat, the lodge is surrounded by forest, but with a great beach. The rooms were charming - an al fresco bathroom and a huge balcony, with insect mesh across all the windows and a great fan. Not too many intruders apart from bats (which we loved) and a huge spider, (which we didn't!) but my brother who was on the ground floor had a scorpion. It was amazing to be woken at first light every morning with incredible bird calls and monkeys. The yoga sessions on the deck next to the ocean were enchanting. All the staff went out of their way to be helpful (thank you Akila our waitress and Brian the barman!) and the meals were delicious yet healthy, a different menu each day - plus all day coffee and cookies available! The water sports equipment was tip top (kayaks, paddle boards, snorkels etc.) and something I loved was that there were always barrels of iced water dotted around the resort. A great place to rest in the heart of nature.

Great value. Completely unique. We all loved it. Jungle sophistication!

This is a tranquil and secluded lodge perched on the Osa Peninsula at Golfito. Don’t be put off by the ostentatious yachts moored at Golfito where you pick your taxi boat up for the short sea journey to Playa Nicuesa. This place has simple rustic beauty and a desert island feel. You’ll be asked to remove your shoes in your lodge and in shared communal areas, and this is respectful of the beautiful hard wood floors and those who clean them. This just adds to the feeling of entering a complete ‘forest hideaway’. The lodges nestle comfortably into the surrounding forest and have the feeling of seclusion. Meals are communal and dinner is a set time which makes it more fun to share stories from your day’s experiences. There’s plenty to see and do here; take part in an organised trip to Corcovado National Park or try a night walk. Or if you prefer to just unwind, try sea kayaking (it’s an ideal introduction as the lodge is set in a placid gulf), snorkelling or paddle boarding. Olmann and his team worked tirelessly (special shout out to JC) to ensure we wanted for nothing during our stay. Thank you