Playa Cativo

We were upgraded to a room in the main building which was slightly noisy from the kitchen on the first night but it’s a fabulous place with great food and friendly staff. Again you get to it by boat. We saw lots of dolphins and the bird guide was great. Shame we didn’t do the kayaking but we relaxed by the pool instead.

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Stunning! Without doubt, the highlight of our trip. It is hard to put into words just how incredibly unique Playa Cativo is. Frederico met us at the airstrip and the adventure began. His passion is infectious! Approaching the Lodge by boat, you begin to realise that you are arriving somewhere very special. The location is stunning, the staff are exceptional but it is so much more than that. There is a vibe about the place. Everything has been thought of and everyone goes above and beyond to ensure that you have the most amazing and relaxing stay. Location - ocean meets rainforest. You wake to the sound of the waves and howler monkeys. Scarlet macaws fly above you, iguanas stroll around the garden. There is every kind of bird, insect, animal. You can even spot dolphins close to the shoreline. The Lodge - beautifully furnished rooms are all open air so the sights and sounds of the ocean and rainforest are always with you. There are no room keys - you don't need them. As Felipe said when he greeted us "Welcome to your home for the next few days". And that's the thing, you feel like you are home. Food - incredible! Fresh, varied, delicious. I don't think we have ever eaten so healthily on holiday. Activities - amazing! Whale and dolphin watching boat trip, rainforest trek to the Piedras Blancas reserve, boat and kayaking trip to the mangrove swamps, evening boat trip to see the bioluminescence. Staff - unbelievable! Passion, enthusiasm, kindness, smiles, laughter. Our guides Jose and Michael gave us two of the best experiences we have ever had - the whale watching and mangrove trips. Their warmth and their ability to spot wildlife made both trips adventures that we will never forget.

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Arriving at Playa Cativo, staff bring out a metal ramp painted red so it’s a kind of wet red carpet welcome, and typical of the courteous treatment you’ll receive here! The gardens are beautifully planted and attract a lot of birds. I was even able to photograph toucans   from my room. Rooms have open sides during the day, bringing light and sounds inside, and staff come in the late afternoon to close it all up with screens, so you’re cosy and secure after dark. Everything in the lodge is handmade; from the furniture to the painted pottery bowl basins in the bathroom. With world class accommodation and food, and plenty to do if you want to, or just relax, this place is a little piece of paradise. There are a few places in the world I fall in love with - and this is one of them!