Playa Cativo Lodge

Nestled between a tropical rainforest and a one-mile private beach, this luxury eco-lodge is a hidden slice of paradise in one of Costa Rica’s most overlooked regions. Surrounded by Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, named “the most biologically intense region on earth” by National Geographic, the resort is only accessible by boat and is encompassed within 1,000-acre of Private Nature Reserve in Golfo Dulce amidst Piedras Blancas National Park.

There are 18 rooms in total, including 16 spacious “casitas” tucked away throughout the property, each with a private wraparound deck and plunge pool. Additional ocean view guest rooms are available on the top floors of the main lodge, where the restaurant and bar are also located. All the rooms are made from reclaimed wood and are tastefully decorated with local Costa Rican artwork and artisanal tile, creating a real sense of place.

There is a freshwater outdoor swimming pool, library and organic farm.  The beautiful and lush gardens are abundant with butterflies, birds, small mammals and exotic plants. 

The culinary program is overseen by Chef Eduard Alonso Méndez, a native Costa Rican who was trained in Madrid. An organic on-site farm supplies over 35% of the ingredients used at El Gavilán, the hotel’s acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant, which offers an a la carte menu accompanied by a premium wine selection. Most of the remaining ingredients sourced from nearby communities of Golfito, Puerto Jimenez, and the Central Valley of Costa Rica. That means every dish, from the seasonal produce to local seafood, is incredibly fresh.

There are over a dozen nature-based excursions offered at Playa Cativo. They range from day trips that require boat transfers—including hiking in Corcovado National Park, surfing in Matapalo, and deep sea fishing charters—to on-site hikes and tours that explore the hotel’s 1,000-acre private nature reserve and Golfo Dulce. There are outdoor yoga classes taught outside on the beachside pavilion beneath the rainforest canopy twice per day and complimentary for all guests. There are also a range of treatments and healing modalities on offer at The Lotus Spa, from classic massages and facials to Reiki energy work and sound baths.

At Playa Cativo, conservation and community are at the core of their identity. They have a deep responsibility to protect and support the natural ecosystem, as well as a desire to give back to the people of Golfo Dulce. To date, Playa Cativo has helped fund Turtle nesting projects, Golfito street scope improvements, and a coral protection and restoration project.

ACCOMMODATION

18 rooms including Deluxe Ocean View, Premium Ocean View, Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View and Luxury Casita with plunge pool.

FACILITIES/AMENITIES

• El Gavilán farm-to-table restauarant
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Lotus Spa
• Outdoor Yoga classes
• A range of nature-based activities and excursions can be arranged by the lodge

Deluxe Ocean View

Deluxe Ocean View room with ceiling fan, king-size bed, bathroom (shower), bathrobe, slippers, dining table, complimentary WiFi, safe deposit box and views of the ocean and rainforest.

Luxury Casita with plunge pool

Luxury Casita with ceiling fan, king-size bed, bathroom (shower), bathrobe, slippers, dining table, complimentary WiFi, safe deposit box, a private al fresco terrace and plunge pool with views of the ocean and rainforest.