Playa Cativo
Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula
Surrounded by tropical rainforest and the Golfo Dulce shoreline, Playa Cativo sits within a 1,000-acre private nature reserve. This eco-conscious luxury lodge offers an intimate stay in a piece of hidden paradise, where boat-only access adds to the sense of escape.
Standalone Casitas and guest rooms in the main lodge feature outdoor terraces with vistas of the lush surroundings, some with private plunge pools and a peek of turquoise ocean. The freshwater swimming pool, encircled by emerald flora, is a peaceful spot to cool off after an Osa Peninsula adventure.
- Why we love it
- Highlights
- Sustainability
At Playa Cativo we love how you can literally be in the middle of nature while still having access to top-notch food and outstanding service. The hotel´s location in Golfo Dulce is unique with both mountains and sandy beaches nearby for animal encounters (we´ve spotted dolphins almost every time we´ve been!) and hikes along the property´s own trails on the edge of Piedras Blancas National Park.
- 18 guest rooms designed with reclaimed hardwood and artisanal tilework.
- All stays include: local airport meet and greet, round-trip scenic boat transfer, three à la carte meals per day, freshly brewed specialty coffees and teas, Wi-Fi, twice-daily maid service.
- Beachfront eco-lodge on the Golfo Dulce tropical fjord, next to Piedras Blancas National Park.
- Lotus Wellness center with two treatment rooms, outdoor plunge pool, lounge and treatment menu.
- Accessed only by boat.
- Farm-to-table cuisine at El Gavilán Restaurant.
- Complimentary activities: Introduction to the Tropical Rainforest Guided Tour, mindful movement morning Sessions/yoga, walking trails & use of kayaks & paddle boards in Cativo Bay.
- Chemical-free, outdoor freshwater swimming pool.
- Adventure center and organic farm on-site.
Playa Cativo is passionate about protecting the region´s vast ecosystem of biodiversity and implements environmentally sustainable practices to do its part.
The lodge generates its own 100% clean electric energy and water heating via hydropower and solar panels. An on-site, organic farm cultivates fruits, vegetables and herbs for fresh farm-to-table cuisine at Playa Cativo´s El Galiván Restaurant and El Gazebo Sunset Bar. The property´s waste collection center is open to the community, where all waste is classified, separated, and taken to the Golfito recycling center. Organic waste is kept at Playa Cativo and treated at the on-site compost center to produce fertilizer and rich soil for use in the gardens and at the organic farm.
All bathroom amenities, as well as cleaning and laundry products, are biodegradable and locally manufactured. Over 80% of the lodge´s building materials are biodegradable or reusable and LED technology reduces energy consumption. A solar-powered filtering system is utilized for the swimming pool.
Additionally, Playa Cativo supports three projects carried out by scientists in the surrounding forest and sea, including cultivating coral to be outplanted, protecting the endangered spider monkey and its habitat, and promoting the sustainable use of wild vanilla.
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