*Denotes local charge
*Denotes local charge
Manatus Hotel
3.5
Explore the untouched rainforest, wetlands and lagoons of Tortuguero from this comfortable lodge which lies at the edge of Tortuguero National Park. The small group boat tours have been designed to help maximise your wildlife-viewing opportunities and the expert guides can point out a whole host of wildlife. Glide along the waterways while listening out for the call of the howler monkey, spotting caimans in the water, iguanas lazing in the sun and sloths clinging onto branches. There are also plenty of other activities on offer, from kayaking and fishing to watching green turtles lay their eggs on the beach at night (July to October). You really feel connected to your surroundings here and the peaceful gardens and small pool overlooking the canal are the perfect places to soak up the natural beauty and serenity after a morning of exploring. Linger over meals at the airy Ara Macaw restaurant, which offers an à la carte menu of Afro-Caribbean fusion food, before enjoying cocktails at the bar. The simple, air-conditioned rooms are stretched along the waterfront and feature romantic canopy beds, refreshing cold-water outdoor showers (there is also a hot-water indoor shower) and terraces.
Switch off from modern life at this charming eco-lodge which has been built from salvaged wood and generates all of its own electricity. Look out for playful dolphins during the scenic boat journey to the lodge which is tucked away in the rainforest and feels wonderfully secluded and wild. Its unique location offers an irresistible combination of forest sounds and waves lapping the shore, and as there are just 18 rooms guests can enjoy a personalised experience. You can spot toucans, scarlet macaws and howler monkeys before you’ve even ventured outside the property and there’s a range of activities and wildlife adventures on offer. Explore the forest during a self-guided hike, join a birdwatching tour or go kayaking in the mangroves. You can snorkel in the bay, try stand-up paddle boarding or spot humpback whales on a boat tour. Connect with nature with a massage or yoga class on the shady deck that’s nestled in the forest and relax by the pretty freshwater pool which offers incredible sunset views over the Golfo Dulce. Learn about Costa Rican wildlife by perusing nature books in the air-conditioned library or lose yourself in a novel. Enjoy gourmet dining with fresh food from the on-site organic farm at El Gavilán Restaurant which also offers a selection of wines, craft beers and tropical cocktails. The beautiful plantation-style rooms each feature an open-air design (with screens for the evening) which makes you feel really connected to nature and offers incredible 180-degree views of the ocean and rain-forest. The main difference between the three room types is the size. Luxury Guest Rooms are more spacious than Deluxe Guest Rooms and Premium Guest Rooms are larger still, with superior views and a mini-bar and fridge that’s refilled daily.
Playa Cativo Lodge, Golfito
