A luxury stay in Golfito awaits you at Playa Cativo Lodge. Within steps you'll find Playa San Josecito and Playa Cacao within a 20-minute stroll. Highlights at this beachfront lodge include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free cooked-to-order breakfast. .A day of pampering can include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages and body wraps along with aromatherapy and mani/pedis. The restaurant, El Gavilan, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the lodge's own lounge bar, you can stop for a drink. Spend the day at the beach where you'll find sunloungers, and enjoy the on-site pool loungers. Plus you'll find free WiFi in public areas, coffee/tea in a common area and laundry facilities. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of a free area shuttle. .With a stay at this 4.5-property class Golfito lodge, you'll be 27.6 km (17.2 mi) from Playa Isidora.
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 members are 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 bottles of water. This individually decorated and furnished accommodation has separate dining areas and includes desks. Beds feature premium bedding. This Golfito lodge provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include a shower, dressing gowns, slippers and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site 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 transport
Free area shuttle
Area shuttle
Free self parking on site
Food and drink
Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
A bar/lounge
A restaurant
Coffee and tea in common areas
Restaurants on site
El Gavilan
Things to do
Ecotours
Fishing
Kayaking
Library
Outdoor pool
Snorkelling
Yoga classes
Conveniences
24-hour front desk
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk
Guest services
Concierge services
Daily housekeeping
Multilingual staff
Tour and ticket assistance
Wedding services
Business services
Computer station
Outdoors
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Garden
In a national park
In the mountains
On the bay
On the beach
Picnic area
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Terrace
Spa
Aromatherapy
Body scrubs
Body wraps
Deep-tissue massages
Facials
Manicures/pedicures
Swedish massages
Accessibility
No lift
More
2 buildings
Smoke-free property
Room amenities
Bedroom
Premium bedding
Bathroom
Dressing gowns
Free toiletries
Shower
Slippers
Towels
Food and drink
Free bottled water
Limited room service
Separate dining area
More
Ceiling fan
Desk
Individual decor
Individual furnishings
Laptop workspace
Laptop-compatible safe
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available.
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 all accommodation. Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.
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
Frequently asked questions
What is the cancellation policy at Playa Cativo Lodge?
Playa Cativo Lodge offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.
Is parking available at Playa Cativo Lodge?
Yep, Playa Cativo Lodge has a free self car park.
Are there any beaches close to Playa Cativo Lodge?
Yep, Playa Cativo Lodge is a short 19-minute walk from Playa Cacao.
Fun beach activities include snorkelling, kayaking and fishing.
Is there a spa on site at Playa Cativo Lodge?
There's no onsite spa, but this property does offer services like body wraps, body scrubs and facials, as well as deep-tissue massages.
Does Playa Cativo Lodge have a pool?
Playa Cativo Lodge has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella.
What makes Playa Cativo Lodge a romantic place to stay?
Beachfront dining and a lounge bar, as well as premium bedding in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Playa Cativo Lodge.
Does Playa Cativo Lodge serve breakfast?
You bet, free cooked-to-order breakfast is offered daily between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at Playa Cativo Lodge?
No, Playa Cativo Lodge does not offer an airport shuttle service.
Is there a bar or restaurant at Playa Cativo Lodge?
Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
What time are check-in & check-out at Playa Cativo Lodge?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Are pets allowed at Playa Cativo Lodge?
No, pets are not allowed.
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.