Comfort
Costa Rica

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

An exceedingly private retreat, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is surrounded by pristine rainforest in the verge of the exotic coasts of Golfo Dulce and Piedras Blancas National Park tropical rainforests, and accessible only by boat. Dramatic views of mountains and the tranquillity of a private bay welcome you to the lodge as you approach from Golfito or Puerto Jimenez. The main lodge, private cabins, and room modules are surrounded by the colours, sounds and aromas of the green lush jungle. Guests can feel free to use the paddle-boards, kayak, snorkelling, fishing gear, Sustainability Tour and the self-guided rainforest trails that the hotel offers complimentary. More adventures are offered in their tours, such rainforest hikes, dolphin watching tour, kayak on the Rio Esquinas mangroves, chocolate tour, and much more.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Set along the breath-taking Golfo Dulce coastline and backed by thousands of acres of pristine tropical rainforest, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is a sanctuary for relaxation and adventure in Costa Rica. A breath-taking and peaceful refuge, accessible only by boat, this eco lodge is situated on a 165-acre natural preserve and connected to Piedras Blancas National Park, with picturesque ocean and mountain views.

  • Accessible only by boat, providing an excellent, secluded stay.
  • Rooms feature beautiful hardwood floors, open air bathroom and shower, and a private terrace.
  • Fresh, local dining offered, providing a selection of authentic Costa Rican cuisine.
  • Amazing access to a variety of trips and tours in the surrounding national parks, rainforest and ocean.
  • Playa Nicuesa are happy to help you arrange tours, transport and activities
  • The 165 acre preserve provides an authentic experience in balance with nature
  • 5 Leaf Rating for sustainable tourism due to the hotel’s dedication to the environment

Immersed in the rainforest, and steps from the Gulf, welcome yourself back into nature. The resort offers spacious Cabins, Suites, the Mango Guest House and the Jaguar House; all feature jungle-chic décor and lifestyle comforts designed to indulge your senses and have you relaxed the moment you step into them. Discover privacy in the heart of the rainforest while staying in beautiful accommodations. If you are traveling with your family, stretch out in the spacious Two or Three Bedroom Cabins nestled on the edge of the jungle, or experience the 2 story Jaguar House, or you can even rent the entire Mango Guest House.

Mango Guest House

This two story house features a private terrace, beautiful hardwood floors and even an open aired shower giving incredible jungle views. The jungle inspired house has 4 private rooms all with panoramic views. You can either have Queen or Twin beds. Amenities included;

  • Louvered Doors and Windows
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Private Terrace
  • Wrap Around Porch
  • Open Air Bathroom & Shower
  • Canopy Level Views
One Bedroom Cabin

Tucked into the rainforest these private cabins are uniquely designed. In an amazing natural setting cabins come furnished with queen beds (or twin beds upon request). With rainforest views, a wrap around terrace, and louvered doors and windows allowing you panoramic views it is the prefect place to stay. Amenities included;

  • Louvered Doors and Windows
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Private Terrace
  • Wrap Around Porch
  • Open Air Bathroom & Shower
Cabin Suite

Set apart from all the other accommodations the cabin suite is exclusively yours. It is the largest cabin at the resort. The spacious, loft-like accommodation includes a sliding partition that adds flexibility to create 2 large bedrooms when closed or when open, a bedroom with comfortable large sitting area. Ideal for groups, families or couples wanting extra space. Amenities include;

  • Louvered Doors and Windows
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Private Terrace
  • Wrap Around Porch
  • Open Air Bathroom & Shower
Two Bedroom Cabin

Like the Cabin Suite this private cabin features a living room that can be converted into another bedroom. The property already has two rooms and sits on the edge of the rainforest just steps from the main lodge – a great choice for families with younger children. Amenities include;

  • Louvered Doors and Windows
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Private Terrace
  • Wrap Around Porch
  • Open Air Bathroom & Shower
Jaguar House

This 2 story, 3 bedroom house surrounded by the lush jungle. The second floor of this house features a spacious master bedroom with canopy views, the second bedroom, bathroom and full open terrace. The ground floor includes a living room, a bedroom and bathroom. Amenities included;

  • Louvered Doors and Windows
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Private Terrace
  • Wrap Around Porch
  • Open Air Bathroom & Shower
  • Canopy Level Views

Share your incredible experiences from the day as you enjoy family-style dining as you gather around the table. Designed like a treehouse, the restaurant is open-air and showcases Costa Rican cuisine with an emphasis on fresh fish- which you can catch yourself fish from the Gulf and let the chefs create grilled creations- also at the heart of the menu is tropical fruits and locally grown vegetables. Fresh Fruit cocktails are a must at the restaurant as the 165-acre preserve abounds with fruit trees bearing the freshest mangoes and pineapples. Enhance your food experience at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.

Piedras Blancas & Corcovado National Parks

Explore the tropical rainforest, coastal terrain and river trails. Endless trails and hikes are waiting to be explored by you just outside the lodge. See the richly biodiverse national park which features scenic rainforest hiking trails, waterfalls and diverse plant and animal life.

Rainforest Adventures

Take an adventure right at the lodge. With hundreds of acres of land enjoy guided and self-guided hikes. On the hikes observe wildlife such as the Holwer monkeys or just relax and enjoy the solitude of nature. These trails are perfect for all levels and there are endless paths to venture.

Ocean Adventures

Kayak, Paddle Boarding, Snorkelling and Surfing are all available at the lodge. Perfect for couples and families alike. Kayak to nearby hidden coves on the Golfo Dulce and marvel in the beauty of its waters or give Paddle Boarding a go if you enjoy more of a challenge. You can also fish from the pier, the shore, kayaks and from Nicuesa’s local panga boats. You will fish with the lodge’s team of local guides familiar with fishing all the gulf’s best spots.

Yoga & Spa

Enrich your experience with the wellness centre. Whether beginner or advanced, private or group session, enjoy Yoga at the lodge or enjoy peaceful meditation or a therapeutic massage whether in the privacy of your cabin or on the beach.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge has been awarded the highest rating – 5 Leafs – for sustainability by the Costa Rica government’s Tourism Board. This sustainable tourism program recognises businesses that comply with a sustainable model of natural, cultural and social resource management.

Construction
  • The lodge hired local labour to build the lodge. As well as hiring a Costa Rican architect
  • Use of recycled construction materials such as: roof tiles on the lodge and cabins are made of recycled plastics including banana bags
  • Use of organic micro-organisms to clean septic system of toxins and diseases
  • Wood used throughout Playa Nicuesa is either naturally fallen or permitted by the government to be pulled out of the forest
  • Environmentally friendly design features: design of the cabins and lodge is unique and in context with the natural environment and the orientation of the cabins and lodge maximises natural ventilation of air from the mountains and the beach through the structures
 
Energy-Efficient
  • Use of solar lanterns for pathway lighting
  • Back-up generator runs of recycled vegetable oil
  • Passive solar drying room used to dry all of the wash
  • Fuel efficient four stroke engines are used on all of boats
  • Energy efficient light bulbs, refrigerators, and freezers
  • Hot water is provided by on-demand propane
  • With hydro electric turbine and solar panels electricity throughout Nicuesa is provided
Community
  • The lodge employ local/Costa Rican staff (98% of employees)
  • Employ reformed hunters as guides.
  • Plan environmental education events.
  • Sponsor a local Costa Rican student annually to attend a local bilingual school.
  • Assist in creation of a local recycling collection center in Puerto Jimenez.
  • Support local campaign to clean up and beautify Golfito improving infrastructure.
  • Provide opportunities for employees to learn English through free classes at the Lodge.
  • Display decorations and sell to guests locally produced artwork and handicrafts.
  • Support local economy by purchasing food, hardware, and other supplies from nearby towns.
  • Provide opportunity for career advancement for employees via training course sponsorship.
  • Provide educational materials and presentations to Las Animas, the only local school in the Golfo Dulce
Going Green
  • Trash separation for the purpose of recycling.
  • Composting organics to be used later as fertilisers in gardens.
  • Offer daily Sustainability Tour of lodge environmental operations.
  • Rainwater management: use of trenches to channel heavy amounts of rainfall- reducing soil erosion.
  • Gardens and landscaping maintained without use of artificial fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides.
  • Use of homemade natural solution to combat certain insects (garlic, onion, chilli pepper)
  • Use of organic-biodegradable cleaning products as well as organic-biodegradable shampoos and soaps in guest rooms and for employees.
  • In order to preserve the natural habitat and the wildlife that thrive here, tours and activities are conducted in the most environmentally friendly manner possible.
  • Lodge meals focused on national and regional cuisine, utilising food from the property or grown as locally as possible.
  • Family- Friendly
  • Endless adventures and activities for the children to explore
  • For families Playa Nicuesa’s Two Room Cabins can fit up to 5 guests
  • The Mango Guesthouse with four separate rooms is also ideal
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