Playa Cativo Lodge

We enjoyed spending 5 days at this amazing remote resort. Our lodge/cabin was beautiful and your manager, Kenneth, and his entire team were so friendly and helpful. Service was outstanding. I want to especially commend your chef Eduard for his excellent menu choices, great presentation, delicious food, and the portions were just right.. It was truly a very special experience for us with great bird and animal hearing and viewing, yoga, massages, hikes and kayaking in the mangroves. Both relaxing and adventurous.

Playa Cativo offers the highest standards of luxury and hospitality in a wonderfully natural environment. This resort is the perfect combination of five star amenities and a remote eco experience, with many options for exploring the grounds and surrounding rain forest, the ocean, and nearby mango groves. The lodge and Casitas are beautiful and comfortable, and the food is particularly note worthy. Many of the fruits and vegetables are organically grown on the resort farm. There is truly something for everyone on the menu, from vegetarian to fresh fish to hearty meat dishes, along with elegant desserts.

It has been a couple of days full of great service. The people (staff) makes you feel like home, they learn your name, spoil one in everyway. Take the chance for a Spa session, won't regret it. And ask for experiences around the area, simply the best.

We spent three nights in November 2025 which it rained non-stop. The Government closed the National Parks during our visit. We were able to go to the Farm and take a night walk. Both were very nice. We really enjoyed the spa, delicious meals and friendly staff. The highlight for me was having Chef Marco show me how to make Gallo Pinto. It was a fun experience. Laura helped with a little language interpretation. They were kind enough to share the recipe. The meals here prepared by the Chefs are very good. In spite of the bad weather we really enjoyed the rainforest lodge. It was fun to arrive and depart by boat. The boat ride is 30 minutes. They provided Ponchos which helped with the rain. If it is raining, I recommend sitting directly behind the boat Captain to stay dryer.

I was amazed from the moment I came down the boat and saw the most fantastic view of the rainforest just a few meters away, and the welcoming smiles of the staff were from the first time until the very sad farewell never extinguished, The rooms are an adventure luxurious fantasy, I had one of the best sleeps ever listening to the sea and sound of the forest. Kudos to the chef, I looked forward to every single meal, it was fresh and tasteful. Truly delicious.

Our time at the Playa Cativo Lodge in Golfo Dulce ( southern Costa Rica ) was magical. After flying in a 12 seater from San Jose, we were warmly greeted by Alexandro of guest services, and taken on a 30 minute boat ride to the eco-lodge ( no roads - only way in ). Upon approaching the lodge, the volcanic beach was lined with hundred’s of magnificent palm trees - we quickly melted into the environment. Cativo is a Eco-friendly resort, and the sights and sounds of the birds & monkeys at anytime of day with an occasional rain forest shower just magnified the atmosphere. Now combine this with 5 star features and food that is out-of-this-world makes this a magical place. Edward, the Executive Chef, is extraordinary. He uses his culinary skills and makes fresh ingredients from the resort’s organic farm ( actually started in early 1900’s) and all meals are to die for. We loved the daily fresh local fish. We stayed in a villa with a plunge pool ( highly recommended), and if needed, the WiFi was never an issue. The staff was extremely friendly and genuine with Kenneth, the GM, setting the tone. Kendell, the F&B manager was magnificent at the bar and dining venues. Keilyn & Moses prepared a surprise anniversary celebration for us one night that was soo special. A big thank you to Daisy who gave us complimentary restorative Yoga combined with sound therapy daily at 4. What a treat and Kudo’s to all the staff for making everyone feel so welcome. Lots of excursions to partake in or take a short hike to the resort’s waterfall - or do nothing at all and immerse yourself into the nature of the resort. Rooms are serviced twice daily and we used room service for breakfast, always on time with the freshest fruit. With a total capacity of 40 guests, you really feel the ambience of the lodge and grounds with gorgeous views of the Oso Peninsula. Cativo is the perfect place to get re-set and re-charge. Stefan L