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Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

by Valerie Summers

A short flight from the capital city of San Jose  via Nature Air’s spanking new DeHaviland twin otter soaring over the mountains, villages and spectacular coastlines of Costa Rica  ended in the town of Puerto Jimenez  .  There, a welcoming member of the Playa Nicuesa staff met my fiancée and me.  We were ushered into a waiting taxi and minutes later climbed aboard a small motor boat with a canopy covering and we were off for a 30 minute high speed ride to the remote Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge on the Golfo Dulce.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lounge Area

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lounge Area

Our introduction to this magical experience began with a glass of fresh mango juice served to us just as we exited the boat by Jonathan, a smiling, dark eyed young man who was the official bartender for the Playa Nicuesa.  We were then ushered up a long sandy path through a tropical garden to the virtually wall-less two –tiered main lodge which appeared a lot like a Hollywood movie set.  However, I was to learn that this is as far away from the artificiality of Hollywood as one can get in providing the utmost in environmental conservation.

Following a brief tour of the dining area, bar, library and general public room, complete with hammocks and game tables, we were shown to our cabin, a picture-perfect, unique open-air affair secluded amidst the rainforest.  A single solid back wall divided our bedroom from the open-air bathroom that was designed in such as way as to still provide privacy.  The other three sides of our bedroom were made up of full-length louver doors that could be left with an unobstructed view of the surroundings.   It took some getting used to but after a while, we opted to leave everything wide open and enjoy our very private nest in the rainforest.  A white net hung over the bed, which at night, opened to protect us from anything that might be flying around.   Fresh flowers decorated our room each day and our towels hung on pieces of driftwood.

The commitment to preservation and conservation at this eco-lodge is of prime concern with the use of recycled construction materials, wood from fallen trees or nearby tree farms, solar energy, trash separation, composting organics, energy efficient lighting and a most amazing open-air drying structure which miraculously dried washed clothes, linens and towels in the middle of the very humid rainforest.

Relaxing at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest

Relaxing at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest

We were also impressed with the staff, 98% of whom were locals who were provided an opportunity to learn English and all of whom had learned it well and were eager to add new words to their already very fine English vocabulary.  Each one of them was knowledgeable, pleasant and eager to share information about this tropical paradise.   The cooking staff deserved special recognition for the beautifully presented, scrumptious meals focusing on national and regional cuisine.  We gathered, each day, around the long dining table with other guests and staff members to enjoy our fresh fare and exchanging stories.

Each morning we were awakened by a chorus of howler monkeys whose jungle home was theirs long before we came to visit.   Days were spent on hikes through the rainforest on the lookout for wildlife that included pre-historic looking sloths, snakes, white-faced monkeys and spectacular blue butterflies.   On the raised wooden pathway down to the yoga platform by the sea we often paused to watch the fascinating army ants in a long single line each carrying small leaves into a opening in the sand, then emerging leafless from a nearby opening to begin another round. We swam in the pristine waters of the gulf, enjoyed in-room massages and sometimes just hung out in comfortable hammocks.  Nighttime excursions took us down to the nearby lagoon where, under cover of darkness, snakes, bats, crocodiles and nocturnal animals ventured out.

Kayaking

Kayaking

My favorite eco-adventure was an all-morning boat/kayak expedition.  We boarded the boat which had brought us to Playa Nicuesa and headed into the calm waters of the Rio Esquinas where we slowly inched along the coastline spotting a variety of birds, iguanas which appeared very much like tree branches and a well-concealed boa hanging out in the verdant growth.  Later, each of us climbed into kayaks we had been towing and headed into the mysterious mangroves for a look ‘round.  Returning, we scrambled back on board for a delicious picnic of fresh fruit and snacks.  On our return trip, we were magically escorted by a pod of dolphins that raced and cavorted alongside our boat.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is an environmentally sensitive lodge set on a 165-acre private preserve in the undeveloped Pacific Coast Osa Peninsula/Golfo Dulce region of Southern Costa Rica.  The lodge, which accommodates only 24 guests, embraces conservation and harmony with the natural environment and caters to travelers interested in eco-tourism, nature, adventure and sports.  It is located within the lush rainforest of the Piedras  Blancas National Park  and fronts the pristine coastline of the Golfo Dulce.  Our visit provided not only a relaxing getaway but more importantly, it remains a place that never lets you forget that we are all nature’s guests.

For information:

Nature Air – the world’s first carbon neutral airline is recognized for its dedication to preserving the environment of Costa Rica.  The airline is committed to the conservation of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, one of the region’s most biologically diverse rainforests.  Carbon offsetting is an important component of their environmental strategy.  They are also invested in projects providing other benefits, such as tropical forest conservation, protection of biological corridors, environmental payment services to local communities and public education.  Nature Air offers both scheduled and chartered flights to 16 destinations in Costa Rica and Panama.

506/299-6000
www.natureair.com

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge
Golfo Dulce, Peninsual de Osa
Costa Rica
866/504-8116
www.nicuesalodge.com