Playa Cativo Lodge

This place is just out of this world. Arrive by boat, delightful staff welcome you, eco friendly luxury, fresh fruit and veg to die for….and then fabulous rain forest, animals and birds. Oh and the best ever massage and yoga teacher Daysi. Mosquito nets on the windows, ceiling fans and NO television…. Hurray! Don’t miss the Sloth garden trip where you can see them in the wild at a family farm. Thank you all for making it a fabulous trip for my daughter and me.

From the minute we were met by Kira’s big smile, we knew we were going to love Playa Cativo. The approach by boat to a lodge almost invisible from the rain forest is exciting and beautiful and the warm welcome from every single member of staff made us feel like we were staying with friends! Our cabin was spacious with great views and a plunge pool and hammock and the hotel provided binoculars so we were able to look at all the amazing bird life in the forest in which the property is nestled. The ceiling fans kept the cabin at a very comfortable temperature and we found the lack of air conditioning and hairdryers a positive thing! Laura, Keilyn, Kendall, Nei and Alfonso looked after us during our four days stay and they were all delightful, extremely friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. The food was outstanding and we enjoyed learning how to make Caribbean curry with Eduardo the fantastic chef and Laura helping with translation. Plus fabulous cocktails from Moises in the bar with a spectacular sunset! Perfect! The office staff arranged the smooth running of all the tours we had booked. The tours (and guides) were all excellent - Corcovado National park with its wildlife and dramatic wet landing and re-embarkation a must - and we also enjoyed exploring the property and the forest by ourselves amidst red macaws and toucans Kenneth is charming and keeps everything running smoothly. We enjoyed meeting Mark, the owner, on our last evening and we know that this beautiful property is in very safe hands. Long may it continue to be the hideaway, home from home gem that we had the good fortune to discover. We are very well travelled and have stayed in and enjoyed many luxurious and boutique exotic locations and hotels but Playa Cativo captured our hearts. We felt very sad to leave and is tonly place we have ever genuinely felt we want to return to.

Wonderful luxurious stay. Our villa with a refreshing (not cold) plunge pool was magical. The staff is so genuine and warm and welcoming that you will feel like family. The grounds are lovely and the sunset view from the bar is not to be missed. We loved seeing the peccaries (small wild pig-like mammals) each night in the area above the main building. Lots of beautiful birds. Essentially no biting bugs. Walls of screens, ceiling fans, and the plunge pool will keep you comfortable. Awaken to the forest sounds each morning. Howler monkeys are nearby. We heard but didn’t see them. The trip to Corcovado national park is with a memorable day if you are okay with long speed boat rides. We wish Laura and Mikel (sp?) and perfect wedding. Highest recommend.