Hotels of Earth

Playa Cativo Lodge

★★★★★ Golfo Dulce, Playa Cativo, Esquinas, CR

10 guest rating· 6 reviews

The five stars

Playa Cativo Lodge holds a five-star rating in its official classification, the requirement for every property in the Hotels of Earth collection.

The service side of those stars shows in its listing: Swimming pool, Room service, Terrace, Spa/wellness center and Outdoor pool.

About this hotel

Luxurious Beachfront Accommodation

Playa Cativo Lodge in Esquinas offers a 5-star experience with an outdoor pool, lush garden, and shared lounge. The property boasts water sports facilities and a private beach area, perfect for adventure seekers.

Breathtaking Views and Dining

Indulge in sea views from the terrace, savor a meal at the on-site restaurant, or unwind with a drink at the bar. Each room features a patio, some overlooking the pool, ensuring a relaxing stay. Wake up to a delicious continental or American breakfast.

Recreation and Relaxation

Explore hiking trails, go snorkeling, or simply lounge by the pool. Car hire services are available for further exploration. Additionally, guests can utilize the business center or unwind at the snack bar, making for a well-rounded stay.

Book now to experience the ultimate beach getaway at Playa Cativo Lodge!

Rooms & rates

Pick your dates. Prices are live, not cached.

Deluxe Double Room

Sleeps 2 · 80 m² · Queen bed

The unit has 1 bed.

Deluxe Room

Sleeps 2 · 70 m² · Queen bed, Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)

  • Private bathroom
  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Seating Area

Deluxe rooms are constructed from reclaimed hardwood and colorful tile works crafted by local artisans. Rooms have an ocean view with a king-sized bed, ceiling fans, sofa (or day bed), WiFi and a safety deposit box. Bathrooms include rain showers with hot water, biodegradable bathroom amenities and cotton bathrobes.

Deluxe Double Room with Sea View

Sleeps 3 · 80 m² · Extra-large double bed (Super-king size), Sofa bed

  • Private bathroom
  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Seating Area

Luxury rooms have all Deluxe room amenities plus superior views of the ocean and rain forest; they are also more spacious than the Deluxe guest rooms.

Suite with Private Pool

Sleeps 3 · 90 m² · Sofa bed

  • Private bathroom
  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Seating Area

Premium rooms have all Luxury room amenities, as well as a mini-bar (complimentary daily refill); double-sink bathroom vanities plus panoramic views of the ocean, the rain forest. These are the most spacious guest rooms at the Lodge.

Two-Bedroom Villa

Sleeps 4 · 90 m² · 2× Queen bed

  • Private bathroom
  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Seating Area

This villa features 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. The unit has a private entrance, sea views, a patio and fruit is available for guests. The unit has 4 beds.

Bungalow - Beach Front

Sleeps 2 · 80 m² · Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)

  • Private bathroom
  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Seating Area

Featuring a private entrance, this spacious bungalow also consists of 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a shower and slippers. The unit features a mini-bar, sea views, a patio and fruit is provided for guests. The unit offers 1 bed.

Amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool with view
  • Swimming pool
  • Spa/wellness center
  • Spa/wellness center services
  • Free Parking
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Snack bar
  • Air conditioning
  • Beach
  • Beachfront
Show all 70 amenities
  • Private beach area
  • Tour desk
  • Business center
  • Room service
  • 24-hour security
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Airport shuttle
  • Airport shuttle (free)
  • Airport drop off
  • Airport pick up
  • Allergy-free room
  • Babysitting/child services
  • BBQ facilities
  • Beauty Services
  • Car hire
  • Concierge service
  • Cooking class
  • Currency exchange
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Designated smoking area
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Fax/photocopying
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fishing
  • Fruits
  • Garden
  • Happy hour
  • Hiking
  • Key access
  • Kid meals
  • Laundry
  • Luggage storage
  • Manicure
  • Massage services
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Pedicure
  • Picnic area
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Safety deposit box
  • Security alarm
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Shuttle service (additional charge)
  • Smoke alarms
  • Snorkelling
  • Solarium
  • Special diet menus - on request
  • Sun terrace
  • Terrace
  • Themed dinner nights
  • Tour/class on local culture
  • Walking tours
  • Water sport facilities on site
  • Wine/champagne
  • Yoga classes

Location

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Golfo Dulce, Playa Cativo, Esquinas, CR

Check-in
from 02:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Check-out
until 01:30 PM

What guests say106 reviews

+ Superb location+ Comfortable & clean lodging+ Excellent food+ Magical yoga experienceLack of spa services
Cleanliness8.0
Service8.0
Location9.0
Room Quality8.0
Amenities7.5
Value for Money7.5

Exceptional

10.0

Such a superb location and experience. Comfortable & clean lodging, excellent food and the most magical yoga experience. From the arrival experience to kayaking in the mangroves - this is a must-visit location in Costa Rica!

Vanessa · MT · 2025-05-16

Guest review

8.0

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!!

Nancy · 2023-02-19

Guest review

6.0

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.

Jeffrey · 2023-01-04

Guest review

10.0

This place is paradise. Our room was fantastic, we had views of the sea and views of the jungle.

Verified traveler · 2020-03-06

Guest review

10.0

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 · 2020-02-16

Guest review

10.0

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.

Es · 2020-01-21

Hotels of Earth · questions

Is Playa Cativo Lodge really a five-star hotel?
Yes. Its own classification data carries five stars; that rating, not a style label, is what puts a property in this collection.

Good to know

A deposit may be required at the property.

Parking

Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Children and extra bed policy

Children ages 5 and older are allowed.

You haven't added any cots.

You haven't added any extra beds.

Internet

WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.