Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

This resort is a heaven for nature lovers. It only has a few bungalows nestled in the jungle and it is only reachable by boat. The view from our bungalow (the perezoso) was only greenery, and we were visited by colibris , butterflies, dragonflies and some mammals which we do not even know the names of. You could hear howler monkeys in the morning. We loved it. We had chosen the rainforest activity package which meant we could choose from a large number of guided activities each day. These were amazing. Our favorite was kayaking on a river in the rainforest watching crocodiles and beautiful scenery. Another day we went on a boat tour and saw so many dolphins, we could not count them. The fjord is so full of life, you see fish jumping everywhere. And it is surrounded by mountains covered in jungle and stretches of black beaches, with no umbrellas or people in sight. We also went on hikes alone, in the rain forest surrounding the resort. The forest on the top of the mountain was beautiful and we again saw many interesting animals. After a day of adventures, we rested at the beautiful and quiet beach in the afternoon, or listened to the rain on the bungalow roof, or did yoga. The staff at the resort are lovely people: Warm and friendly and talented, and we felt very welcomed. The chefs prepared excellent food every day and the fruity drinks were also delicious. The bungalow was very comfortable and beautifully designed in wood (although the bathroom could use a makeover). The bungalows are open to the elements, but can close with mosquito doors at night. I warmly recommend this resort for anyone who wants to experience the jungle, and then return for some comfort at a nice resort after the adventures.

We visited as a family with an 8 yr old and 10 yr old. We had a wonderful and relaxing stay. The food was amazing and plentiful. The staff were extremely accommodating. Shout out to Stefan, Manuel, Stephanie, Jon Carlo. My husband and son went fishing and they prepared the fish they caught. We did chocolate making and the chocolates are delicious. The sustainability tour was very interesting as well. The clothes drying was genius! If you want authentic jungle living, this is the place. It is not for everyone. Nothing dries, there are bugs, it is dark, it is remote. The food is delicious but there is not a variety of food choices. You get what chef makes. Not recommended for young children.

My wife and I stayed here for 9 days in mid May. We had an amazing time. The environment is truly a tropical rainforest. It sits on secondary rainforest but a short waterfall hike goes into primary rainforest. We did attempt the loop trail to a viewing platform which was very challenging, as it goes up to 700 meters I think, but had to turn around as we were exhausted. The humidity in May also plays a significant role in your physical limits. You will sleep with a fan blowing directly on you and still have that sticky feeling on the skin. But we did sleep very well. Just be prepared. As for the staff, absolutely great people. Friendly, helpful, and enthusiastic! Special shout out to our guides Steven and Jean Carlos. Both very knowledgeable of the wildlife and fun to be around. Michelle the amazing yoga teacher and masseuse. I credit those yoga sessions with helping me get into the present and appreciate the natural environment you are blessed with there. My wife loved the massage! Also would like to thank our fishing captains Thomas, Raffy, and Jeffery. They really put us on the fish - skip jack tuna, mackerel, snapper, and jackfish. The fishing in the Golfo Dulce is the best. You literally see the sea boil with fish in places. And they cooked the fish for us! Which reminds me the food was delicious and healthy. Oh and monkeys swinging in the trees around your cabin. Dolphins, rays, sea turtles, and colorful fish in the sea. We would love to come back!

I stayed at Playa Nicuesa with a group for a yoga retreat. We were able to book the entire lodge. I must say, this was an experience of a lifetime! The staff led us on several sightseeing tours, prepared great meals, and made our stay truly memorable. I look forward to visiting again and hosting my own retreats!

This is an eco, sustainability experience for the adventurous! The staff are amazing —professional, courteous and responsive! The food was outstanding and served at a communal table with other guests from around the world. The activities were well done and safe! We loved the dolphin tour, fishing experience and sunset tour! The commitment to sustainability and local food was great! Accommodations are rustic and open air (no air conditioning) with shuttered doors to close for the evenings.

Nicuesa surpassed all expectations. We were two couples aged 74 - 85, the eldest with advanced Parkinson’s and limited mobility and all very keen naturalists.. Costa Rica Expeditions suggested Nicuesa to us as our final destination and we spent 4 nights there. Flying into Golfito and then the 30 minute boat trip along the coast where the forest comes down to the Pacific was an exciting way to arrive. It was just wonderful to be in such a remote location surrounded by the sounds of the forest. The Lodge itself is designed so you can birdwatch over the canopy, cup of coffee in hand! It was wonderful to be able to wander along the trails leading out from the lodge as well as with the guides. A boat trip was among the highlights as well as snorkelling in water of 33C. Sadly global warming has bleached the coral. The food was outstanding and delicious freshly caught fish was always on the menu. The rooms were all well appointed with silent lazy ceiling fans and balconies looking into the jungle. Gera, the manager, and all his staff and guides were so welcoming and efficient and went to great lengths to make sure that we were well looked after. We were lucky with the weather and would have liked to stay longer. A truly memorable visit