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Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Tranquil rainforest eco-lodge
- Restaurant, bar, yoga, massages
- Dolphin watching, deep-sea fishng
- Zip wiring, horse riding, kayaking

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Overview

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is a comfortable, well-appointed eco-lodge situated in a secluded 165-acre private reserve on the beautiful and unspoilt Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. This tranquil retreat is flanked by the vast Piedras Blancas National Park whose 14,000 hectares of pristine rainforest is renowned for its huge diversity of plant and wildlife.

The lodge offers pristine, spacious accommodation with wonderful tropical forest views, a restaurant and bar, and a glorious private beach, along with an array of land and water-based activities. The property is at a lower price point than some of the more luxurious offerings on offer in Osa, but without compromising on the wildlife experience.

Constructed from local timber, the property pursues an eco-friendly ethos and engages in composting, recycling, and use of solar energy. Guest spaces include an open-sided dining room and bar area where communal breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are served, with a menu focussing on regional cuisine. Local produce is used, along with fruit and vegetables grown in the lodge’s gardens. There’s also an onsite gift shop, a small library, and an observatory with a telescope. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main area, although due to the property’s remote location, the signal can be intermittent. Outside, tropical gardens lead onto an alfresco yoga deck with lovely ocean views, and a private, unspoilt beach.

Activities include swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling and fishing, along with the dolphin watching excursions for which the area is renowned. Self-guided or guided walks and bird watching are possible in the surrounding national park which features a network of hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels. Yoga classes and in-room or beachfront massages are available onsite, subject to additional cost, and zip wire canopy trails, horse riding, and deep-sea fishing excursions can also be arranged.

Accommodation varies from generous one-bedroom units in the main lodge, to one and two-bedroom cabins spaced out within the grounds. Tastefully decorated with high ceilings and hardwood floors, all rooms and cabins have double or twin beds with mosquito nets, ceiling fans, and spacious ensuite bathrooms featuring indulgent open-air showers with rainforest views. The two-bed cabins also house an additional lounge area. All units have patio doors opening onto a private veranda or terrace. There’s also the Jaguar House, a private two-storey property comprising a lounge, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a large private terrace.

Children over six years of age are welcome at Playa Nicuesa, and the two-bedroom cabins or Jaguar House are a popular choice for families and groups travelling together. Discounts are offered for guests under 12 years of age, and child menus are available. Due to the remote nature of the lodge, parents are reminded that children must remain under adult supervision at all times.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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