Playa Cativo

We are well travelled, and have stayed in many beautiful places around the world, but I can honestly say that Playa Cativo wins hands down. It's hard to find the right words to describe how marvellous Playa Cativo and all its staff are. Stunningly beautiful location, and we received the most excellent care. I will start at the beginning. Alessandro met us at the marino in Golfito for our transfer to the lodge. Such a lovely welcome for my Mum and myself, lovely to see the amazing location we were headed to. On the way, the boat captain Maurizio, spotted something in the water and we slowed down i time to spot a blue Morpho butterfly that had ended up in the sea. We could see that it was still alive. Alessandro scooped it up and sheltered it carefully all the way to the Lodge, where he carried it to the garden. (He later told me that it had flown away!) We were met with smiles, cold towels and a refreshing drink before being shown to our room. Our room had the mosts amazing views out to the ocean from the wrap around balcony, and the tranquility of the environment was simply fantastic. An orientation walk and visit to the on site organic farm - guided by Alberto -was a relaxing way to start our stay. The size of the Lodge meant that it never felt busy, the pool was lovely, with plenty of shade. The menu on offer, with a mouth-watering choice of food, was cooked and served to an incredibly high standard, and changed every day. Valeria took us on a bird walk, and a nocturnal walk and shared her incredible knowledge with us. How amazing that she could mimic the birds (and later the frogs) that we might be able to see! Valeria even found us a roosting bat. She also recommended a tea that she asked the staff to prepare that would help my Mum's cough. The birds we saw whilst staying were beautiful, and we were hugely excited to be shown the red eyed frog on our nocturnal walk. Whilst we were there, my Mum became unwell (with what we later discovered was pneumonia). The staff could not have been more supportive, finding a guest who happened to be a doctor, and providing him with equipment to check her over. The following day, we took an early boat back to Golfito and the hospital there. Luis came with us and provided support and translation, ensuring that she received the best care. I cannot thank him enough for his care and attention. At a scary time, I can honestly say that I do not think anywhere could have made us feel more safe. Staff were quietly checking up on us both and making sure that we had everything we needed. We were able to have a meal delivered to our room, which the chef had prepared specially for Mum. I was delighted to get to know Keilyn, who I discovered I had a lot in common with, and she was hugely reassuring and supportive, understanding how concerned I was about Mum. Naydelin served us many of our meals and we enjoyed chatting to her and also to Kendall. Alfonso brought cocktails and mocktails to our room for us on our last evening. If you aren't afraid of a few steps through the jungle, do take the trail to the waterfall, which has a small natural plunge pool that the staff have deepened by removing lose rocks from the base of the fall. DO take a bamboo hiking pole with you - I found it essential on the trail, largely because it started raining on my way back turning the steps into their own mini waterfall! Take the time to stand out and look at the stars, simply breathtaking. Waking up in the morning to the bird song and the howler monkeys is thrilling. EVERYONE was simply amazing. Some of the best people we have met on our travels. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Playa Cativo is somewhere that you MUST try to stay if you have the chance, and we would certainly love to visit again someday.

What an amazing lodge location, set in the rainforest you wake to the call of the Howler Monkeys and early morning bird calls, great food with superb service. Our room was excellent with a plunge pool and discreet area with loungers. You arrive at the lodge on a high speed launch, straight out of a movie scene, to be greeted by the team with cold towels and a refreshing cool drink.

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.

This was an amazing experience. They are situated in the jungle, surrounded by native animals and birds with some black sand in the surrounding area. The food was outstanding and the staff were all available and friendly. If you want to get into nature, this is the place for you.

This is an exceptional place to visit and stay. First, the wildlife is incredible; we saw sloth, toucans, hummingbirds, coatis, pecaris ,an abundance of birds and so much more (even a dolphin and whale). The resort itself is exceptional; clean, well maintained, truly and genuinely eco, incredible food (standout!) and amazing service. Every member of staff goes above and beyond to make your stay exceptional. We can’t praise this place enough. We also enjoyed the spa and the many tours we took (almost all of them). A place and trip not to be missed. Flawless and wonderful. On a more practical note, you have everything you need in the room (we stayed in the main house) in terms of amenities. While there is no gym, running to and from the pier is possible and there are two yoga decks to enable you to do your own workout, plus a lovely hike to the waterfall. But you’ll be very busy with the great trips on offer!