Name: Playa Cativo Lodge
Address: Playa Cativo, Golfo Dulce, Puntarenas, 60702, CR

6/10

Pleasant

23 Mar 2026

Akshay

Properties located in a rainforest. There is a really beautiful property. Restaurant is great the food is amazing. Stop is really really accommodating and nice. However it is expensive at about $1200-$1300 a night, when you include the food and stay.. The only problem is that it does not have air conditioning. With the hot and humid weather not having air conditioning creates a big problem. When guests are not getting good sleep, they are not able to enjoy their day and that was a problem for us too. Her daughter was under slept the whole week, and she was cranky in the evenings. I would think that a property of this price range should offer air conditioning to the guests. I would not be returning to this property because of that issue.

8/10

Excellent

19 Feb 2023

Nancy

Playa Cativo Lodge is a wonderful place and the accommodations, food and staff were absolutely perfect. It was nice to be so close to the gulf which was calm, warm, sandy and perfect for swimming.

My only complaint was that the entire front area of the lodge has been landscaped with grass and ornamental plants, many of which are not native. Because of this large open area few birds or animals come near the lodge. Bird watching was disappointing compared to lodges that have left the rainforest intact or revegetated.
Also with the large, unshaded open area the lodge is blasted with intense afternoon sun making the rooms very hot.

Despite this our stay was great and unless you are a hard-core birder and monkey watcher you will love Playa Cativo!!

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jan 2023

Jeffrey

The property is generally good given its environment deep within a rain forest and the staff & management are excellent. The food choice if staying for more than two nights is very limited and the menu does not rotate. The activities around the resort are limited to bird watching and some water based trips such as dolphin spotting. The web site implies you may see a complete range of wildlife including rare sightings of Costa Rica's cats - the reality is you will not and are restricted to birds and an occaisional monkey. Some of the listed activities do not deliver eg AM bird watching is simply a walk around the hotel garden and the Sainos tour includes you stopping after 15 minutes for a drink and some nachos - its not good value as there isnt much to see. The beach at Cativo is not used and so you are restricted to the pool area which is heavily insect infested and so sun bathing or relaxing is difficult. The resort promises alot but doesn't deliver in a number of areas although it is premium priced.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

This place is paradise. Our room was fantastic, we had views of the sea and views of the jungle.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2020

Jonathan

The setting is stunning combining the beautiful rainforest with the Pacific Ocean in all their glories. The Lodge purposely blends in with the natural surrounding trying to minimize the intrusion. The team here has a true passion for the ecosystem and ecology . They provided an exceptional level of attention and service.Of note a near perfectly prepared piece of red snapper, an evening massage on my balcony to the music of the rainforest 10 ft away,the first tug of a fish on a hand line, a carafe of fresh watermelon juice placed in my room,sunsets sitting on my balcony.....

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2020

Es

The lodge is in a stunning location - on the beach but within the rainforest. Incredible scenery, great food, a small but well equipped lodge with rooms with plunge pools. An amazing get away.

The lodge offers good value as the meals are included - delicious, healthy and organic. There are various activities and guides available for trips. Our highlight was kayaking in the mangroves.

But what really makes this place special are the staff - they are very attentive and nothing is too much trouble. With an attention to detail they made our stay a special one.

We would highly recommend a visit and we will be visiting again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2019

kaitlyn

Beautiful place

Amazing place and amazing service !

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2018

Ruth

Playa Cativo's welcoming, warm and very ( rain-forest) knowledgeable staff ensure you are well taken care of 24/7. Pampered really! The food is exceptional. This eco-lodge, its gardens and organic farm, in one of the most amazing and beautiful biodiverse rain forests in the world, is beautiful, tastefully appointed, peaceful, healing and nurturing. Just sent 12 days there!

Non-toxic insect spray is a must in the rain forest.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2026

BEATRICE

Très beau eco lodge placé dans un environnement magnifique face à la baie.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2026

Pedro

Staff muito gentil, quarto bem espaçoso e bonito (sem ar condicionado)

Friends_and_family Family