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On Location, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

June 10, 2015 by Javi the Frog

Beautiful main building at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

In my many travels through Costa Rica, I often get to stay at some of the best hotels that the county has to offer. There is one place, though, that easily tops my list of favorite places. This piece of paradise is Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. Like the name suggests, this amazing structure is in the middle of the forest! Talk about a frog feeling right at home! The unique location of this hotel is only one of the things that make it special; rest assured that a stay at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge will be private and breathtaking. Located on 165 private acres in the Osa Peninsula region, this beautiful hotel is accessible only by boat and is a dream come true for lovers of both nature and adventure sports. I never get tired of the lush forests and unspoiled beaches that I have access to as a guest of Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge! This is a place that not only looks special; it is special. The lodge works in harmony with nature to preserve beauty and to make the area sustainable. When you visit, you’ll notice the beaches have blue flags. This means that the beach and its water are clean. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge takes social responsibility seriously, and you can see the results when you visit. Below are a few details that I gathered while I was on location, that can help you plan your own adventure!

Beautiful cabin terrace view at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Guest Rooms

Guests can choose from five different types of rooms. When I travel with my buddies, I like to rent out the Mango Guest House, the Jaguar House or the Cabin Suites. Both of these guest houses are two stories, and surrounded by the jungle with amazing views. The Mango Guest House offers four rooms that are each private with their own entrances. The rooms can be rented out by groups traveling together, or just by individuals, since they are private. The Jaguar House is for groups or families that want to stay together. The Cabin Suite is a little small than the other two options, but is still great for groups, families or couples, since the sleeping space is flexible with a removable partition wall. For smaller groups or single families, there is a two-bedroom and one-bedroom cabin option also. Both of these accommodations are private, offering you a true rainforest experience.

Lodge main building perfect for relaxation, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Services

Guanacaste Escape Adventure Tour

7 Days / 6 Nights

Starting at $779 per person

See Itinerary

Dining:

When you stay at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, they feed you well! I was treated to three meals each day, and each was fresh and local. You can get plenty of fruits and veggies, so you don’t need to gain any vacation weight. I loved having access to fresh mangos, pineapples and coconuts.

Massages:

After a day of exploring the rainforest, nothing feels better than a deep tissue massage. This isn’t your ordinary massage though – this is a massage inunity with nature since you get to listen to the waves.

Yoga:

Namaste. Before or after you exert your body with a jungle adventure, bring your practice back to nature with a yoga class on the deck near the beach.

Hammocks:

If you are just looking to kick back and read a nature guide or your favorite book, head over to the trees. You’ll find the almond and palm trees equipped with hammocks, just for you!

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge Kayaks in the ocean

Things to See and Do

There are so many things to do when staying at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge that I couldn’t even list them all! Below are the highlights, picked because they are my favorite things to do!

Hiking:

Choose from private or public trails, and from day or night hikes. The trails offer easy hikes for those with physical limitations or children, and also more challenging hikes for the most adventurous. You can hike to waterfalls and rainforest canopies, and see monkeys, birds, butterflies, and reptiles along the way! Say hello to my cousins if you see them!

Horseback Riding:

If you aren’t much of a hiker, you can still explore the area by horseback. The horseback tours head to many different areas, including hidden waterfalls!

Botanical Gardens:

Hop on a boat and you can head over to the Casa Orquidias botanical garden to tour the grounds. Canopy Tour: One of my absolute favorite activities to do in Costa Rica – ziplining through the forest!

Kayaking:

This is kayaking like nothing you’ve experienced before – with the forest canopy as your background. Pay attention to the water and you might see dolphins; pay attention to the jungle and you might see birds. Either way, it’s an amazing experience!

Fishing:

I’m not a big fisher, but Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge makes it look fun! You can fish on shore or for big game.

Snorkeling:

Are you ready to see tropical fish and beautiful reefs? The Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge will provide the equipment you need for your snorkeling trip.

Eco friendly Dry station used to dry clothes, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Amazing Sustainability Stance

So, Playa Nicuesa offers incredible accommodations, celebrity-level services, and more activities than you could complete even if you stayed for a whole year; however, the most impressive thing about this location is its dedication to sustainable tourism. Playa Nicuesa has been recognized many times, with many rewards, included 5 Leaf ratings, by the country’s government and by the tourism board. The lodge has taken a stance to offer great service, while still honoring environmental initiatives, and this includes everything from the construction of the lodge to the footprint that it makes over time. The lodge uses solar energy, has a recycling program, avoids pesticides, and uses composting.

Playa Nicuesa also supports several community efforts so that everyone in the area can live better. When you stay at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, you aren’t just getting a unique jungle experience, you are also supporting the natural landscape of Costa Rica. I hope that you will visit!

Have you stayed at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge before? Tell me your thoughts about the accommodations and services!