Playa Cativo Eco-Lodge

Playa Cativo Eco-Lodge, on the Golfo Dulce by Piedras Blancas

Playa Cativo sits inside a 1,000 acre private reserve on the Golfo Dulce, next to Piedras Blancas National Park, and it is reached only by boat, a 30 minute transfer across the gulf. It is a small beachfront lodge where you fall asleep to gentle waves and wake to birds and howler monkeys in the forest behind.

It suits couples and families with children aged 5 and over who want deep nature with real comfort and nothing to organise once they land.

Why we choose it

• A private beach on the gulf. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkel gear are ready on the full experience plan, and the calm water of the Golfo Dulce is good for all three.
• Its own rainforest reserve. Self-guided trails start at the lodge and lead into forest that runs on into Piedras Blancas National Park.
• Casitas with plunge pools. The Luxury Casitas have their own plunge pool, a good choice for a honeymoon.

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Rooms and views

Most rooms look at the ocean. The Deluxe and Premium Ocean View rooms face the gulf, the Premium with air conditioning, and the Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View has a 180 degree view of the gulf, sleeping up to 3 with a king bed and a sofa bed. The Luxury Casitas come with a plunge pool, with or without air conditioning, and the Ocean Front Casita sits on the beach. For families, the Family Ocean View Villa has two bedrooms.

On the property

The restaurant cooks farm-to-table, and on the full plan there are three à la carte meals a day. Mornings can start with a mindful movement session, and the rest of the day moves between the beach, the water and the trails. The rooms are built of hardwood, and the evenings are quiet.

Location and getting there

The Golfo Dulce is one of the richest corners of the Osa for wildlife, with scarlet macaws overhead and dolphins in the gulf. From the lodge we can arrange guided hikes in Piedras Blancas, including a night walk, mangrove and sea kayaking, dolphin and whale watching, waterfall hikes, snorkelling and bird watching. Read more about the Golfo Dulce.

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