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Playa Cativo Lodge

4.5 star property
Luxury lodge on the beach, with outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Playa Cativo Lodge

Relax by the pool surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees, with a clear view of the ocean.
Escape to a serene tropical oasis with a balcony and covered seating area amidst lush greenery.
Relax in this inviting room with two single beds, a comfortable sofa, and a cozy coffee table.
Relax in a spacious room with a high ceiling, comfortable seating area, and large window offering views of the surrounding landscape.
Relax with a drink at the bar, surrounded by comfortable seating and a stunning stained glass window.

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Room service
The current price is AU$1,815
includes taxes & fees
16 Aug - 17 Aug

Explore the area

Map
Playa Cativo, Golfo Dulce, Piedras Blancas National Park, Golfito, Puntarenas, 60701
  • Playa San Josecito
  • Casa Orquideas Botanical Garden
  • Piedras Blancas National Park
  • Golfito (GLF)

Room options

View all photos for Ocean Front Casita

Ocean Front Casita

Ocean Front Casita

Highlights

Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Bathrobes
  • 80 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Ocean View

Deluxe Ocean View

Deluxe Ocean View

Highlights

Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Bathrobes
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Premium Oceanview with A/C

Premium Oceanview with A/C

Premium Oceanview with A/C

Highlights

Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Bathrobes
  • 80 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Luxury Casita with Plunge Pool

Luxury Casita with Plunge Pool

Luxury Casita with Plunge Pool

Highlights

Deck/patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private plunge pool
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
  • 55 sq m
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View

Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View

Deluxe Panoramic Ocean View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Bathrobes
  • 60 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Two Bedroom Ocean View Villa

Two Bedroom Ocean View Villa | View from room

Two Bedroom Ocean View Villa

Highlights

Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private pool
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Bathrobes
  • 90 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

About the area

Golfito

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 Wi-Fi 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. .In proximity to this 4.5-property class Golfito lodge you'll find Corcovado National Park.
View more Lodges in GolfitoOpens in a new window

Restaurants

  • Burger King

About this property

Playa Cativo Lodge

Luxury lodge on the beach, with outdoor pool
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
  • 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, bathrobes, 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

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  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 91 reviews
The price is AU$336
includes taxes & fees
21 Aug - 22 Aug
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free 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
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • 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
  • 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 provided

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 at the property

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, a smoke detector 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.

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.

How much does it cost to stay at Playa Cativo Lodge?

As of 2 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Playa Cativo Lodge on 16 Aug 2025 start from AU$1,814.75, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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 beachside 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

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Nancy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

J

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2023

6/10 Okay

Jeffrey

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
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.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is paradise. Our room was fantastic, we had views of the sea and views of the jungle.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan, The berkshires ,Ma USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.....
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Es, London

Travelled with partner
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

kaitlyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful place

Amazing place and amazing service !
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ruth, Annapolis, MD

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Increible
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025