Our Philosophy of Sustainability

We travelled all over Costa Rica and
other parts of Central America to find
and create a special place where one
can intimately experience the natural world
of both the tropical rainforest and
the Pacific Ocean.

Our plan was to create a place that
offers the comfort of a lodge and
the activities and diversity
of an adventure tour. 

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is: 

	A place that is remote yet accessible;
	A place that is sensitively designed in harmony with the environment;
	A place that is a nature lover's, adventure sports lover's and environmentalist's dream; and, most importantly,
	A place that never lets you forget that you are nature's guest.

We envisioned and created a lodge that is small enough to allow us to help you design a special experience that meets your individual interests and goals. This also allows you the flexibility to change your schedule to meet your pace and mood. 

We hope that you will come and enjoy nature and adventure with us! 
 

Environmental Initiatives 

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 embraces conservation and harmony with the natural environment and caters to travelers interested in ecotourism, nature, adventure and sports.  Playa Nicuesa is located within the lush rainforest on the Piedras Blancas National Park, and fronts the pristine coastline of the Golfo Dulce. 

Our goal is to provide guests with an experience that they will always remember fondly: Excellence, friendly service, hi-end accommodations, educational opportunities and unique, well run adventure activities, and to provide this experience while operating the lodge in the most environmentally friendly manner possible. 

We have incorporated this goal into both the construction and operation of the lodge in the many ways listed below.  And, we would be thrilled to share more with you if you are interested! 


 Construction

• • Worked with Costa Rican architect to design all lodge structures
• • The entire construction was performed by local labor from the immediate coast as well as the towns of Puerto Jimenez and Golfito.
• • Lodge buildings are located on less than 2% of property.
• • The use of recycled construction materials such as: roof tiles on the lodge and cabins are made of recycled plastics including banana bags.
• • Wood used throughout Playa Nicuesa is either naturally fallen and permitted by the government to be pulled out of the forest by oxen, or farmed
• • Environmentally friendly design features: design of the cabins and lodge is unique and in context with the natural environment and, the orientation of the cabins and lodge maximizes natural ventilation of air from the mountains and the beach through the structures.
• • Separation of grey water and black water, and use of organic micro-organisms to clean septic system of toxins and diseases.
• • Little to no disturbance to the natural landscaping to protect the natural habitat.

 
  

 
  Community Efforts

• • Employ local/Costa Rican staff (95% of employees); primarily from the immediate coastline and two area villages.
• • Employing reformed hunters as guides.
• • Providing opportunity to employees to learn English. (e.g. fully sponsored one employee to live in San Jose and attend a one month intensive English language program).
• • Display decorations and sell to guests locally produced artwork and handicrafts in effort to support the development of regional/local cultural and artistic activities.