Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Playa Nicuesa is an environmentally-friendly eco-lodge set on a 165-acre private rainforest preserve on the undeveloped Pacific Coast of Golfo Dulce in southern Costa Rica. Our jungle & sea location provides a unique adventure and nature vacation: the front yard is a gulf right off the Pacific Ocean, and the backyard consists of thousands of acres of pristine tropical rainforest. Overall, the experience embraces conservation and harmony with the natural environment.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
My family of four (two adults, two children, ages 11 and 15) had a lovely time at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. It's a unique and magical place. We didn't know too much about the property before arriving, but were delighted by our time there. The staff was very helpful and friendly, and it was nice that there wasn't a rigid division between staff and guests. Staff members often hung out in the lodge and at the bar to chat between activities, and they often had great stories to tell. The lodge also makes an effort to foster interaction between guests. Meals are served at a large communal table, which facilitates conversation. Coming from the United States, it was fun to meet other guests from other parts of the world (including the UK, Germany, Switzerland, etc.). One of the special features for us that any guest should be aware of is the true immersion you feel with nature. Although it had wooden shutters, our cabin was wide open to the air, allowing fresh breezes, rains, and sometimes birds, bats, and insects to visit, too. (It presented kind of a "glamping" vibe.) There is no air conditioning, so it can get fairly warm (and humid!). Everything ended up feeling fairly damp! But we got accustomed to the climate and the amazing jungle sounds, which include birds, insects, and monkeys. The food served is healthy and creative with several options at each meal. The activities we did included boat rides to see dolphins, kayaking, snorkeling, and hikes. Perhaps the best part about the Lodge (if this is what you are looking for) is how remote and secluded it is. It can only be accessed by boat (no roads) and the property is self-enclosed, so aside from the 20 or so guests and 20 or so staff members, there is no one else around. You really do feel far away from the masses in a place preserved very nicely in time and space. The natural beauty of the place—the trees, flowers, wildlife, and clear green waters—is quite special and something to be cherished.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Between the heat, rain, and humidity, your clothes and other things will get wet! Bring...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Services, Agencia/asesor at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Responded 6 Apr 2024
Thankyou for your stunning review of your stay at Nicuesa. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay and that you were able to enjoy its serenity and seclusion while immersed in nature. We believe that a sense of community and sharing spaces enriches the Nicuesa Experience including such details as the optional communal dining table and the Happy Hour at the bar. These opportunities to mix and mingle with both guests and our wonderful crew translate to nights of storytelling and laughter. We hope to see you again to continue exploring the Golfo Dulce and the Costa Rican rainforest.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I booked a trip to Costa Rica to celebrate our silver (!) wedding anniversary. Our first major port of call was the Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, a great place to stay for environmentally conscious people. It is very remote, only accessible by boat, set in 165 acres of rainforest adjacent to a national park. All of the wood used in its construction was from fallen trees. Food is either locally grown or locally sourced. Its energy supply will soon be totally renewable.
Our cabin was spacious and airy. The open shower room made it feel as if you were showering in the forest itself. At nighttime it felt as if ours was the only cabin for miles.
We hugely enjoyed the communal dining experience in the main lodge, sitting at one very long table. We got to make friends with several families over meals. Every meal was a culinary delight. Other highlights: a variety of daily excursions, including river cruises, snorkelling trips, waterfall hikes, and night walks. One could also snorkel, kayak, or paddle board from the nearby beach. Another delight was the New Year's Eve celebration on the beach.
The main highlight for us was the friendly, smiling faces (the owners, staff, other guests) we encountered throughout. We have made several friends for life, and would love to return one day. Many thanks, Donna, Michael, Leo, Henry, and all the wonderful staff (Valeria, Derian, Rodolfo, Fernanda, Youleisy, Josue, Monica, Kimberley, Isaac, Tomas, and more).
Pura Vida!
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Date of stay: December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from NicuesaLodge, Guest Relations Manager at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Responded 31 Jan 2020
Congratulations on your Silver wedding anniversary! We feel honored that you decided to celebrate such an important milestone enjoying Nicuesa and all the amazing things you can experience there. Our equally amazing staff work hard and with so much love to ensure our guests feel at home and truly enjoy their stay at Nicuesa. We will continue to make sure our dishes are as interesting and as delicious as the conversations that our guests have around the communal table that we are convinced is such a beautiful way to share moments and stories. We hope you 2020 is a fantastic one and hope to see you back in Nicuesa for another wedding anniversary soon!
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Our stay at Nicuesa was absolutely amazing. This place is very unique and the staff goes above and beyond to give their guests the first class treatment. This place is off the beaten path and must be accessed by boat only which they coordinate. The rooms only have a fan and there is an outdoor shower so it feels very rustic and authentic to fit the eco lodge vibe. The food is excellent. It was delicious and fresh and the chef and wait staff are simply the best. They were also able to accommodate my girlfriend who is vegan and she loved everything they served her. The grounds are so beautiful with lots of wildlife to be seen just outside our villa. Our guide Vale, was incredible and such a joy to be around. We saw tons of wildlife with her and learned so much about the current environment in the Osa. She is passionate about her work and takes great pride in her country and it shows. Make sure you do the kayak river tour through the mangroves. Our massages were also excellent and very relaxing. We cannot recommend this place enough and we will certainly come back.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicuesa Guest Services, Guest Services / Front Office at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Responded 9 Jun 2021
We are so happy that your stay at Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge was so full of wonderful memories. As you well said, Nicuesa is off the beaten path which makes it all that more beautiful and immersed in the rainforest. We take great pride in our dining experience and are pleased to see that you enjoyed the delicious, fresh food. We definitely can cater to vegans and vegetarians too! We hope to see you again soon so that you can enjoy another massage and continue to explore the Golfo Dulce and the rainforest in the company of our amazing staff including Vale. Thanks for your review, we truly appreciate it.
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This is our family’s third visit to Playa Nicuesa. We love it here! The location is idyllic, right on the shores of the Golfo Dulce and in the rainforest. We woke to the sounds of howler monkeys and scarlet macaws in the mornings and went to sleep to the sounds of waves crashing and frogs singing. The cabins and lodge are all open air so you can really enjoy the forest. We booked the cabin suite which was beautifully decorated and quite large. Fans kept us cool at night, the shower was spacious, and the mosquito nets kept any critters away. There are so many activities to choose from. We also made time to relax each day, sitting by the beach, listening to the rain, or seeing the stars. Our favorite activities were dolphin watching on the boat, the on-site chocolate tour, and jumping off the dock. My eight-year-old was in heaven exploring, swimming, and discovering exciting things. The people who work there are what make this place truly special: Valeria has a wealth of knowledge and is an enthusiastic and gifted tour guide; Pana creates delicious, healthy meals every day; Kimberly served us with such kindness and made delicious drinks at the bar every evening; Juan hosted a great yoga class and gave wonderful massages; Memo frequently surprised us with opened coconuts cut down from the palm trees; and Rodolfo kept the whole operation running smoothly. We feel like family here, and we can’t wait to return.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Take advantage of the large plastic bins in the rooms to help keep your clothes dry as this is...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicuesa Guest Services, Guest Services / Front Office at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Responded 1 Jul 2021
Thank you Beth for your fantastic review of Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. We are so happy that your stay was full of adventure, relaxation and great memories. You were able to fit a lot in during your stay with a mix of adventure, nature, and downtime. That is what the Nicuesa Experience is all about. We agree that not only is it a beautiful place to stay, that the Nicuesa team makes it all that much better with their generosity in sharing their knowledge about nature, yoga, and yes, the food and of course the cocktails. We hope to see you again soon and yes, you are part of the family.
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We enjoyed every moment of our stay at Nicuesa! The people, accommodations, food, and especially the setting are all top notch. We lounged on the beach, hiked, snorkeled, fished, kayaked, and explored nearby sights. I do not think I have ever come across a more friendly and professional staff. I really felt like we had all become friends when the time came to depart. Also, their COVID protocol was on point. Washing stations available at every building and I never saw a staff member without their mask on over 5 days. I would highly recommend Nicuesa Lodge!
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Date of stay: December 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dany Camacho, Guest Services / Front Office at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Responded 2 Mar 2021
Hello dv427. Thank you so much for your review. We are so happy that you had such a memorable time in Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge and that you were able to fit in so many fun activities during your stay. There is certainly lots to do and that is what the Nicuesa Experience is all about! As you noticed, our safety and hygiene protocols have been an important part of our adaptation to the new normal. Thanks again for your kind words and we hope to see you again soon!
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My husband and I stayed at the Mango building on the upper floor for 3 nights. Every single thing at Playa Nicuesa was amazing, particularly considering that they were in the middle of no where with not roads, everything was brought in via boats. The setting was just perfect, it sits on the beach of Golfo Dulce and backs up against the jungle. So we can just go do water sports or hike in the trails in the jungle just a few steps from our room. Every morning I picked up the SUP and paddle around in the serene water. The water does get choppy in the afternoon. Water shoes are recommended since the beach is pebble and not sand. The tours are really great, we saw a pod of dolphins jumping all around us. The service was impeccable, I casually mentioned to the manager that our mattress was a bit soft. And when we came back from our tour, he had already switched out the mattress. They had special bug repellent lotion in the rooms that was better than any bug spray I've ever used. But it's the food that put them over the top. I don't know where they found the chef, but he's a gem and they must pay him any amount to keep him. It was the best food we had in CR, including some fancier places we went to closer to San Jose. They even had different fresh juices every meal. Overall, this was just such an incredible experience.
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Date of stay: April 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicuesa Guest Services, Guest Services / Front Office at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Responded 5 May 2021
Thank you so much for sharing your Nicuesa Experience. We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay in our little corner of the world and were able to see the playful dolphins, do some exploring of the beautiful Golfo Dulce and walk the trails through the rainforest. Yes, the dining experience! Our amazing chef and kitchen staff love making unforgettable dishes using so many of the fruits, vegetables, and herbs that come directly from our garden and orchid. We agree that the friendly and attentive staff make all the difference and it is great to hear that they helped make your time in Nicuesa so fantastic. Come back! We would love to see you again soon.
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From the airport pickup to the fresh watermelon juice upon arrival we felt so welcome right away. First off, it's do pretty there. . The food was fresh, and so tasty.. the service was amazing and Carolina took really good care of us breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus the view from the dining area is outstanding. We chose to do at least one excursion every day and it was so worth it. Valeria showed us around and was kind and knowledgeable. We did the river tour/ kayaking and saw a lot of cool birds and creatures. We did a bird watching hike and found squirrel monkeys, and so many different birds. We did the chocolate tour and got to learn how to make cacao into chocolate. We did a night hike and saw armadillos!! The waterfront has lots of places to lay out and fish and snorkel. But the highlight of the trip was the sunset cruise! We saw dolphins(like right up next to the boat) the sunset was unbelievable out on the water, they packed us fresh juice and snacks. Then we got to experience bioluminescence when the sun went down and it was breathtaking. I have not stopped telling people about this place, and I fully intend on going back. They have a good packing list on their website and I suggest going by it, it was very helpful. Also I suggest going on the sustainability tour, it's really cool to see how they operate and how they are doing their part for conservation. I know this is long, but I'm not a big person on leaving reviews... but this one is so needed. They were amazing and such an amazing experience!
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â Go by the packing list, the excursions are worth the upgrade, and bring a reusable water bottle!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicuesa Guest Services, Guest Services / Front Office at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Responded 14 Jul 2021
We so very much appreciate your shining review of your stay at Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. We hope you come back too! You certainly did a variety of activities which is one of Nicuesa´s outstanding characteristics as is our signature hospitality. We love that our guests feel as welcome and special as the place they are visiting. How fantastic that you were able to see the bioluminescence and enjoy the sunset tour. Thank you again and see you again soon.
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Our first visit to Costa Rica and our first stop. Both great choices. The people at the lodge - from the guides to the kitchen (and bar!) to the housekeeping to transportation to the managers and maintenance were great and informative. Between hikes, swimming, river kayaking, making tamales and generally hanging out, we had a fantastic visit. A special part of the experience was the communal meals where you really got to know the other guests. It is the rainforest with all the vegetation and animals you want to see. Highly recommend!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from NicuesaLodge, Guest Relations Manager at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Responded 31 Jan 2020
Thank you so much for your kind remarks about our little corner of the world that we love. What a fantastic way to start 2020 and your visit to Costa Rica! Our amazing staff do their very best to make sure every guest truly feels at home and enjoys their stay. We appreciate your recognition of their work. We agree with you that those communal meals. It is such a great way to meet new people and share stories and experiences about your stay in Nicuesa and hey, why not about life. We hope you had a great time in Costa Rica and we look forward to another visit! Happy 2020!
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My husband and I spent a week at this amazing eco lodge. We arrived by boat to be greeted with the first of many fresh fruit juices. We took advantage of the package deal and did many of the activities that are offered. We hiked to a waterfall with a guide our first day; kayaked with a guide through the mangroves; did an early morning bird walk with a guide, and a very informative sustainability tour of the property.. We also kayaked over to a beautiful botanical garden, and spent a day kayaking in and out of little beaches along the shoreline. We spent hours in the ocean, went on self-guided hikes, and were just continually overly amazed by what we saw - plants, birds, insects, reptiles - and the incredible beauty of the rain forest. Our guides were simply the best!! They were so passionate and inspiring about what they do, their world and their desire to protect it. The staff were all friendly, helpful and just such beautiful people. The food was out of this world!!! Many choices and everything was so fresh and delicious. Meals are served family style, so we had the opportunity to meet other guests from so many places. It was hot and humid but never unbearable. This is a very special place. Beautiful beyond words. Thank you to everyone at Nicuesa for the most unforgettable week we've ever had. We hope to return.
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Date of stay: March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dany Camacho, Guest Services / Front Office at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Responded 2 Mar 2021
Hola Rene62056. It sounds like you had a vacation filled with the amazing activities and adventures that Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge offers to its guests. Even better when in company of the guides, without a doubt. Their knowledge and passion makes exploring the rainforest and the ocean even more exciting. We are so happy you enjoyed it all. We hope you return too! It is even more beautiful than before.
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Fantastic setting with very helpful staff. Excellent excursions with knowledgeable guides. Food was generally poor for example - overcooked fish, rancid butter and stale crisps served with evening meals. The accommodation was fine but of the 3 rooms, we occupied I had bats in my room. I did not mind the bats in the slightest but it meant that every time you walked in the room or got out of bed you were walking in bat droppings. This problem could be simply overcome with netting to prevent the bats nesting in the room in the first place.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Ask for a room without bat droppings
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! Yes, you certainly can. Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is located within a rainforest and has a number of trails that you can explore with or without a naturalist guide. Nicuesa is only reachable by boat so no cars to be seen in the rainforest.
Does that sound beautiful, or what?
Yes, Nicuesa Lodge is a great place for solo travelers. The way our lodge is set up with family style dining for meals and lots of opportunities for group tours and activities, you will meet other friendly travelers from all over the world. Private cabins and rooms and lots of places to just chill and relax, or go for a walk, mean you can also have plenty of alone time.
Nicuesa is very safe. There are no roads where we are. The only way to get to us is by our boat transport picking you up in either Puerto Jimenez or Golfito. You will be on our property with fellow guests and our longtime hotel staff ... one big happy family!
We recommend staying at least 3 nights (or longer) to take advantage of all that the area and our lodge have to offer.
My husband and I were there at the end of July last year which was during the rainy season. Every morning we woke up early and it was sunny and by mid afternoon the clouds would roll in and there would be a brief (sometimes a few hours) shower. Then it would usually clear up by dinner time. It was extremely humid but I think it is always like that. We had no problem with the weather and liked the break from the hot sun. It did not stop us from joining in on as many activities as we could. And sometimes we had the whole resort to ourselves! Don't let the rainy season stop you from going to this amazing place! You'll love it!
As the earlier reviewer said there are outlets. I was there in late June which is rainy season and by the night it cools down. Many evenings were warm but not uncomfortable for sleeping. I had some of the best sleeps as I fell asleep to the sound of the rain. Already planning my next trip in June. And congratulations on your wedding. I wish for you a wonderful life together.
There are more places to choose from in the Punta Nicuesa area.
PRICE RANGE
S$493 - S$683 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
playa nicuesa rainforest hotel golfito, playa nicuesa rainforest golfito
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasOsa PeninsulaPunta Nicuesa
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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