Beachside getaway.Stay at this Golfito lodge and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Playa San Josecito and 2 miles (3 km) of Playa Cacao. Playa Isidora is 17.2 mi (27.6 km) away.
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces.
An outdoor pool, spa services, and a library are also featured at the luxury Playa Cativo Lodge. Self parking is free.
This 4.5-star Golfito lodge is smoke free.
18 guestrooms or units
2 buildings
Cooked-to-order breakfast (free)
Beach lounge chairs
Towels for the beach
Poolside lounge chairs
Umbrellas for the pool
Coffee in lobby
Self-service laundry
Front desk (24 hours)
Staff is multilingual
Storage area for luggage
Front-desk safe
Tour and ticket information
Concierge
Wedding services available
Library
Terrace
Garden
Outdoor picnic space
Computer for guest use
No smoking on site
Bar or lounge
Dining venue
Playa Cativo Lodge offers 18 accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and complimentary bottled water. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate dining areas and include desks. Beds feature premium bedding. This Golfito lodge provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include showers, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body wraps. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.
Languages
English, Spanish
Property amenities
Internet
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Free self parking on site
Free area shuttle
Food and drink
Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 6:00 AM–9:00 AM
1 restaurant
1 bar
Room service available
Coffee/tea in common area(s)
Things to do
Ecotours
Fishing
Kayaking
Outdoor pool
Snorkeling
Spa services
Yoga classes
Accessibility
This property does not have elevators
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bed sheets
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Bathroom
Bathrobes
Free toiletries
Shower
Towels
Food and drink
Dining room
Free bottled water
More
Desk
Individually decorated
Individually furnished
Laptop-compatible safe
Laptop-friendly workspace
Slippers
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
Children 7 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 7 are welcome.
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
Property payment types
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.
We should mention
Children 7 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.
Property is also known as
Playa Cativo Lodge Puntarenas
Playa Cativo Lodge
Playa Cativo Puntarenas
Playa Cativo Lodge Golfito
Playa Cativo Golfito
Playa Cativo Lodge Lodge
Playa Cativo Lodge Golfito
Playa Cativo Lodge Lodge Golfito
Playa Cativo Lodge Reviews
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
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!!
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.
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.....
Jonathan
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2020
10/10 Excellent
Es, London
Travelled with partner
21 Jan 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
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.