Overview
The Sweet Gul'
Set along the breathtaking Golfo Dulce coastline, immerse yourself in the pristine Costa Rican tropical rainforest at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.
A breathtaking and peaceful refuge, accessible only by boat, the eco lodge is situated on a 67-hectare natural preserve and connected to Piedras Blancas National Park. Dramatic mountain views along the Pacific Coast welcome you as you approach, experience jade-coloured water, dolphins and majestic blue butterflies.
Rooms range from those in main guesthouse and and rainforest cabins to the private three-bedroom Jaguar HouseThe spacious Cabins, all featuring jungle-chic décor, private, open-air showers with rainforest views, and wrap around terraces
Designed in balance with the land, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is truly sustainable from the architectural design, using recycled plastics to make roof tiles for both the Main Lodge and rooms, to every aspect of your experience. The Main Lodge is an impressive structure designed to respect the earth, using salvaged Costa Rican hardwoods, and offers canopy views of the rainforest.
Experience a unique culinary adventure with delicious local dishes, fresh fruit cocktails and divine desserts with ingredients all sourced directly from the preserve.
Facts
At a glance
-
Eight rooms and suites
-
Two-bedroom cabin and three-bedroom Jaguar House
-
Restaurant and bar
-
Yoga and massage therapists

Experiences
-
Kayaking
Take out one of Nicuesa Lodge’s kayaks and explore the jungle by one of the several rivers in the area, keep an eye out for a variety of sea and jungle birds. Ocean kayaks and guided tours are also available.
-
Paddle boarding
Paddle along the dramatic shoreline of the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce. Explore secluded beaches. Keep a look out for wildlife, dolphins and turtles.
-
Snorkelling
Put on snorkel and fins to see multitudes of stunning tropical fish, explore rocky coves and beautiful reefs.
-
Fishing
The Golfo Dulce offers tremendous fishing opportunities both in-shore and big game sport fishing. Jump on a boat or fish right from the lodge’s docs.
-
Piedras Blancas & Corcovado National Parks
Explore the dense rainforest, coastal terrain and river trails that dot the landscape of Piedras Blancas and Corcovado National Parks and embark on excursions that highlight the diversity of one of the world's most enthralling ecosystems. Many trails and hikes are waiting within moments of the lodge.
Community & Culture
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge values the local community in the surrounding areas and understands the importance of ensuring a beneficial relationship. Majority of the lodge’s staff are from the immediate coastline and surrounding villages and provide training courses for their employees to help support their career advancement. In addition, Nicuesa Lodge contributes to a variety of other community projects, from sponsoring local students school fees to creating a recycling collection centre in Puerto Jimenez in collaboration with a local women’s project.
Footprint
Nicuesa Lodge runs on hydro-electric turbines plus solar panels with a back-up generator fuelled by vegetable oil. The entire lodge has been designed with environmentally friendly features and in context with its surroundings, the orientation of the structures maximizes natural air ventilation from the mountains and beach. From its architectural design to the activities and operations, sustainability is at the heart of Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. They have been awarded a 5-Leaf CST rating as well as Platinum level GreenLeader in TripAdvisor® GreenLeaders™ programme. The Sustainability Coordinator ensures that the lodge honours the environment while staying dedicated to the guest experience.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
-
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra


Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
-
Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
-
Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
-
Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.