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.
Off-grid and off the beaten track, Cielo Lodge sits within a 380 acre private reserve of primary and secondary rainforest, overlooking the beautiful and serene waters of the Golfo Dulce in Southern Costa Rica. Our rates include a variety of rainforest and ocean activities, 3 gourmet meals, and local transportation. All of our private, standalone suites enjoy sweeping views of the nearby jungle. Having just opened in early 2021, we are honored to have been included on both - the 2021 Conde Nast Hot List and the 2021 Travel+Leisure It list.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Business
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
Cerro Adams 1 Km Hacia Arriba del Codo de Diablo, Golfito 60701 Costa Rica
We booked our trip to the Cielo Lodge based on an article in the Wall Street Journal about two families who bought out the lodge for a week. From the first e-mail Nicole Goldstein, the owner could not have been more accommodating. We did indeed buy out the lodge for our four children and spouses/fiance and three young grandchildren as we gathered to celebrate my husband's 70th birthday. The lodge and grounds are exceptional, perched on the mountain overlooking the Golfito Bay and ocean. Each of the six suites has a fantastic view of the secondary forest that the owners are passionate about turning into primary forest. No detail was overlooked, from the hammock on our lovely porch to the outdoor showers in their own private little garden at the back of the suite, with elegant Egyptian cotton towels that were environmentally friendly in the totally solar powered enclave. Binoculars were on our desks to use for our daily 6:00 bird walks with Donny the darling naturalist. Meals were absolutely fantastic, served on the main floor of the gorgeous architectural building with a beautiful bar and lounge on the second floor having even more of a commanding view of the ocean. We were always outside. The infinity pool was terrific. And then the outings that Nicole scheduled for us! Dolphins, snorkeling, mangroves, private beaches, a chocolate farm, ziplining . . you name it and she could organize it. The entire staff was just outstanding; always looking to make sure we were making the most of our six days and spoiling us rotten. This is a not to be missed experience.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2022
Value
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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 Nicole Goldstein, Owner at Cielo Lodge
Responded 26 Mar 2022
Dear RBFH - What a pleasure it was to host you and your family! You all are amazing and we are so happy that Cielo Lodge was a perfect spot for your multi-generational family gathering. We so enjoyed watching all of you - from the 5 year olds to the older generation - become enamored of the sights and sounds of the rainforest, spotting the the red-eye and the masked tree frogs, the toucans, the capuchins...what a joy. Here's to many more family events for all of you. Thank you so much for your kind words and for staying with us!
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I was lucky enough to get a "sneak peek" of the GLORIOUS Cielo Lodge. This is a one of a kind place that will truly immerse you in nature and immediately connect you to yourself. You are truly right in the middle of the rainforest with views everywhere you look, each more beautiful than the next. The canopy is all around you and wildlife is abundant and present at each turn. Cielo lodge is situated perfectly atop the mountain so you feel like you are at once enveloped in the jungle and touching the sky. Every detail has been thought of, with such great care. The suites are each luxurious and beautiful. The design is clean, bright, open, with virtually entire walls of screens that make you feel you have entered the most exclusive treehouse you've ever seen. Special shoutout to the outdoor shower. I was there for over a week and never once used the indoor one. Getting to gaze out at the mountains and the canopy under the giant showerhead was a highlight. Each suite has a private balcony with its own distinctive view that will truly take your breath away. The suites manage to be both sheltering and entirely open air so you feel connected to the landscape around you. Waking up to the symphony of sounds while the sun rose over the mountain onto the bed, was an experience I'll never forget. The main lodge building is an absolute dream. Perched almost like a birds nest, high above the town of Golfito with sweeping views down to the Bay, Gulf, and Ocean. It is magical to see. The infinity pool, the beautiful decks, the chairs and furniture made of local wood, every aspect of the design is stunning and will make you want to stay forever. With several trails on property that lead you down to incredible waterfalls to swim under, I was in absolute heaven. This kind of untouched nature is so hard to come by in today's world. Lastly, the upper bar area is the perfect spot to catch the sunset. I will never forget these evenings for the rest of my life, you couldn't dream of a more perfect view... This was probably the most unplugged I've ever been, and given the choice, I'd probably want to move into Cielo Lodge and never come back. Don't waste another second, Stay here.
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Date of stay: January 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:I stayed in Suite 1, and personally it's my favorite view. But each is unique in its position...
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 Nicole Goldstein, Owner at Cielo Lodge
Responded 16 May 2021
Oh Riley, what an amazing writeup. Thank you, thank you, for all of your kind words and impressions. We loved sharing the Lodge with you. It truly was our pleasure. Here's to all of your next adventures - Wicked, Broadway, and beyond!
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Our family just returned from a lovely, restful vacation at Cielo Lodge in Golfito, Costa Rica. We had planned to be there for ten days but American Airlanes stranded us for two days in Dallas, Texas, on our way out (and then refused to communicate online or by phone) so we had a shorter vacation. We got to see a remarkable number of Costa Rican plants and animals, as well as visiting the indigenous artisans village of Boruca. We even got to explore what is left of two old trains from the Ferrocarril del Sur line in Golfito. The food at Cielo Lodge was excellent and we were very well cared for by owners Nicole and Keith Goldstein.
This trip was to belatedly celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, postponed in 2020 because of the pandemic. Even though Costa Rica is at the top level of Covid-19 danger (CDC Level 4 – Very High), we felt safe. The eco-lodge is isolated and when we were in public, most people wore masks indoors and washed hands before entering any building. Before going to the airport to return to the USA, we took BinaxNow Covid-19 home tests to be sure none of us had caught the disease during our travels. I highly recommend Cielo Lodge.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2021
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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 Nicole Goldstein, Owner at Cielo Lodge
Responded 15 Aug 2021
I am so glad you enjoyed your day in Boruca and that you saw the trains in Golfito. Part of our ethos is to cater specifically to our guest's interests, and these are 2 activities that are great for those who are truly interested. And we appreciate the articles that you sent afterwards - about Golfito's history with the United Fruit Company - so interesting. Thank you for spending your vacation with us. It was a joy.
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My husband and I came here for a belated honeymoon in April and probably didn't speak for 20 minutes after arriving since we were in such shock of the beauty and the service we received when at Cielo. Literally, as you get out of your car, there is Manny with one of their signature "welcome drinks" waiting for you! If that wasn't special enough, the team walks you down into the lodge and you are again speechless after seeing one of the most stunning views of the Golfito coast.
Never quite had an experience like Cielo Lodge and it's all thanks to all the staff who all go above and beyond for their guests and make the experience so special. There is a lot of love for the Golfito community experienced throughout Cielo that makes the stay even more meaningful and special. The materials used for the lodge were (mostly) sourced locally, all the food used for meals is bought from local farmers and fisherman, even their Head Chef, Pablo is a Golfito local and gives guests some of the best dining experiences you can ask for!
Donny is such a special person and he was clearly born to guide people through the Costa Rican landscapes. Our excursions with him were unforgettable! Drinks made by Manny were always perfect and always hit the spot after a day out in the sun!
Paired with great people taking care of you, the suites at Cielo are just as special. The outdoor shower in each suite is another brilliant touch the Cielo team thought to give each guest. What an experience to get to shower (mostly) outside in the middle of the rainforest! Rather than have glass for the windows, each suite has multiple screens for windows so you are more immersed in the beautiful rainforest, while also keeping the little critters at bay. We always joked that you don't need a sound machine when you can fall asleep listening to an actual rainforest at Cielo!
Cielo is a one-of-a-kind destination in Costa Rica that you won't find anywhere else. The service, the property, and the amenities make this a trip you won't forget. This would be a destination we can see ourselves coming back to on a regular basis since it so special!
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Date of stay: April 2022
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Room Tip:Suite 2 has stunning views of the rainforest canopy and Golfo Dulce. Beautiful sights to wake up to.
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 Nicole Goldstein, Owner at Cielo Lodge
Responded 2 Jul 2022
Thank you, Rochelle, for your lovely sentiments and for taking the time to write them! We so appreciate it. We are so happy your stay was memorable and special. And we are thrilled our service was top-notch. We hope we will see you again - it was such a treat sharing our #cielospirit with you.
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I tried not have high expectations but Cielo really exceeded expectations when it comes to service, food, atmosphere and staff. One of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen off the main lodge in the dining area. When I first saw it, I felt like falling to my knees and shedding of few tears -at the awe-inspiring beauty. I actually did cry a little. So, nature is really in your face here, it’s very healing, I think to see trees, greenery, sunlight and sounds morning, noon and night. Yes, there are a few bugs but you need to get a grip and be okay with that. We saw two lizards, a troop of white-faced monkey, frogs and beautiful birds. I think a visitor would be happier if he or she has pretty good mobility as there are some walking, swimming and hiking experiences here. It’s not for me to say, but an uncontrolled medical condition here, would make me uncomfortable —a pretty long, extremely rough road to the hospital in Golfito and you would want to be able to enjoy the food without too many restrictions, also the heat but with opportunities for cooling off. However, one could be perfectly happy hanging out in one’s beautiful suite. Pretty casual dress among the guests. I was glad for the loose fitting clothes I brought but I didn’t feel the need to dress for dinner, no heels, makeup tends to slide off, and oh, the glorious humidity! We took a lot of naps and drank a lot of water. A very muddy, slippery hike to some lovely swimming, so if you can hike, bring your stuff. Donnie, our guide, was super attentive, he carried water and towels and offered so much education, he’s an absolute genius and treasure. Water shoes are a must. I brought my oldest hiking shoes, they got caked with mud (the lodge cleans your shoes!), and I gave the shoes away when we dropped off the car at the rental agent. Prepare to be spoiled and in losing yourself here, connecting with your partner, you may find yourself in a new, rejuvenated frame of mind when you leave.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2023
Value
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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 Nicole Goldstein, Owner at Cielo Lodge
Responded 29 Jan 2023
Thank you Touristasx2 for your amazing words and for taking the time to write them. And thank you for articulating in a meaningful way your experience at Cielo Lodge. You truly capture what life is like here - the views, the immersion in nature with all of its pluses and its minuses, the rough road, the muddy trails, as well as the treasures that await if one is wiling to succumb to the adventure. The writer of our entry on the Conde Nast Hot List 2021 quoted Mick Jagger - “You can’t always get want you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need." And I think you capture that idea here. Sometimes we don't realize how much we need nature - to really immerse in it. Because we don't even realize what we are missing. We are so happy that you found it to be rejuvenating and magical. Thank you for your kind words and your candor. We really appreciate it!
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My wife and I spent three wonderful days at Cello Lodge. It had just opened for business and everything was new and shining. We stayed in a casita (they call them suites) that was above the tree line looking down at the forest canopy. It was beautifully appointed and extremely comfortable. There are about six suites, each one separated from the other so that there is a feeling of total privacy. The main building with the dining room, bar and swimming pool was architecturally very appealing. They serve three meals a day, and the food was terrific. We had several excursions from the lodge. One was in a boat to see dolphins in the bay, and we saw hundreds of them. Another was to see hundreds of birds returning to their island at the end of the day, and a third one was to a village of indigenous people where we observed weaving and carving of masks. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and highly recommend the lodge.
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Date of stay: April 2021
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 Nicole Goldstein, Owner at Cielo Lodge
Responded 12 Apr 2021
Thank you so much for your kind words Tom! We really enjoyed your visit and we are so happy that you enjoyed your stay. Here's to many more safe travels!
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I’m not typically a fan of ‘bucket lists’, let alone advising others on such matters. But we just spent five amazing days at Cielo Lodge near Golfito, Costa Rica. Cielo’s lodge/restaurant and 6 insanely private suite/cabins sits high on a rain forest mountain, essentially a private, miniature national park. Views, gourmet food, comfort and service to die for. As amazing as the their website picture gallery is, it really doesn’t convey just how stunning the place is. I would certainly call this a bucket list candidate. Getting to Cielo takes a little work: either a 5 hour drive or 40 minute puddle jumper flight from San Jose (Costa Rica, not California!), followed by a 15+ minute dirt road drive up the mountain. The reward at the end of the road – Cielo Lodge — is worth it! Tropical luxury, Costa Rican service and hospitality and amazing wildlife all around make for a one of a kind experience.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip 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 Nicole Goldstein, Owner at Cielo Lodge
Responded 12 Apr 2022
Thank you so much Bob for your lovely review and for taking the time to write it. We are so appreciative. We are delighted to be considered a "Bucket List" destination - what a compliment! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and we are so pleased that our service and food met (or even exceeded!) your bar. We couldn't ask for better recognition. Thank you, thank you!
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We found a beautifully designed brand new off-the-grid eco lodge. The individual suites, like the main lodge, are very contemporary. The lighting is terrific at night, The chef is creative as is the food. The staff is extremely friendly and eager to make guests' stays interesting. The main lodge is set in the rain forest with a beautiful view of the bay over the architecturally-designed infinity pool.
Enjoy a hike to a waterfall on the property. Have an outing to Bird Island with a naturalist at sunset. Take a boat trip to be among hundreds of dolphins and then swim and lunch on a nearby beach.
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Date of stay: April 2021
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:All suites are beautifully sited and at a distance from one another so you do not hear anyone.
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 Nicole Goldstein, Owner at Cielo Lodge
Responded 12 Apr 2021
Thank you so much Lonnie! We loved sharing our magical setting with you!
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We recently returned from a 7 night stay at Cielo Lodge. We decided to visit Costa Rica but hadn’t decided on where when I came across Cielo’s website. I’m so happy we did. The lodge and Golfito itself felt like hidden treasures and were exactly what we needed to relax and unwind. The owners have taken great care to create a special experience that blends with and enhances the environment around it. Every staff member we encountered went out of their way to make sure we had a wonderful time.
Nicole and Catalina were both so helpful in answering my questions and getting us booked. Once we did, Cielo took care of all the planning and details, including planning our daily itinerary based on our interests and arranging our flights in and out of Golfito.
We had an opportunity to take advantage of almost all the included excursions. Each one felt like it was curated to show us the best of Golfito. Our guide and naturalist was very knowledgeable about the area and we were either by ourselves or with an extremely small group each day. The Dolphin tour with snorkeling and a hike to the 3rd waterfall on Cielo property were particular highlights.
Every day was a good balance of getting out and exploring in the morning with plenty of time to relax by the pool or in our suite before sunset cocktails and dinner. The food was fresh, beautifully prepared and delicious. The menus every day offered lots of variety and also included thoughtful vegetarian options.
The suites are spacious, private and exactly as pictured on the website. I can’t put into words how amazing it was to wake up to the sun peeking through the rainforest . There was ample water pressure and hot water in both the indoor and outdoor showers and everything you would need was provided in the room.
This was an amazing vacation and we would highly recommend it!
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip 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 Nicole Goldstein, Owner at Cielo Lodge
Responded 19 Mar 2023
Dear Elizabeth - Thank you so much for taking the time to write your kind words and for adding in so many details. We really appreciate it and I know others reading your review will as well. We're so glad you found us and we are so glad you had such a nice visit. Golfito really is a hidden treasure - not on the standard tourist "Arenal - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio" loop - and it has so much to offer - a real eco-tourist haven for those who want a more off-the-beaten path experience. Thank you for visiting and thank you for writing this review!! Here's to many more adventures!!
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The private suites at Cielo Lodge gives you an opportunity to relax and recharge in a luxurious environment. Clean, elegant design. Comfortable bed. 2 showers, and the one that’s outdoor is the winner. On the veranda you see hills and mountains covered with lush vegetation. Parrots and other birds everywhere. The main building with a bar, restaurant and pool, is spectacular with a view over Golfito Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
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Date of stay: April 2021
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.
There are more places to choose from in the Golfito area.
PRICE RANGE
S$1,202 - S$1,488 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasOsa PeninsulaGolfito
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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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