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Experience the Technicolor of Costa Rica’s Sweet Gulf
Costa Rica – Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge Costa Rica’s rainforest is alive with blue butterflies, vibrant red Scarlet Macaws and more than 250 species of tropical birds in every hue imaginable, all set in a backdrop of lush green vegetation. Playa Nicuesa wants to keep it that way, and be one of the most high-end and ecologically sensitive lodges you’ll find anywhere, and built with the planet in mind.
Stay in jungle chic and sustainable accommodations powered by solar energy. This is a place where you can literally eat the landscape and maybe throw in a few crunchy carrot-tasting termites for good measure; a place where you can hike into the largest remaining lowland rainforest in Costa Rica, kayak across one of only four tropical fjords in the world, and catch abundant fish to be used for your dinner.
Playa Nicuesa is an environmentally sensitive multi-sport lodge set on a 165-acre private preserve in the undeveloped Pacific Coast of Southern Costa Rica. The lodge embraces conservation and harmony with the natural environment and caters to travelers interested in enjoying ecotourism, nature, adventure and sports.
If physical challenge is what you want… it’s here. If rest and relaxation is what you need… it’s here. And everything in between! They offer kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, rain forest hiking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and yoga practice right out their doorstep.
Green Dream
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is committed to putting what they believe into everyday practice. Guests at Playa Nicuesa can offset their carbon footprints created when flying to Costa Rica by purchasing carbon credits, and the lodge has also begun the official process to become a Carbon Neutral Business.
Green Construction
The resort was custom designed by the owners and a Costa Rican architect and built by local labor. Its buildings are located on less than two per cent of the property, and the materials used in construction include recycled plastics for the roof and wood that naturally fell or was farmed.
The unique design of the cabins and lodge fits into the natural environment, and their orientation maximizes natural air ventilation from the mountains and the ocean to create a comfortable setting without the need for air conditioning.
Green Operations
Solar panels and an inverter and battery storage system provide the resort with most of its energy. Recently the Mean Clean Green Machine, a new backup bio-diesel generator fueled with used vegetable oil was custom built by resort staff.
Resort laundry is now dried in a new custom-built solar drying room. Given the amount of resort laundry, this system will save much time and energy and will outlast many electric dryers over time. Hot water is provided by on-demand propane. Trash is separated to recycle glass, plastics and paper, and organics are composted.
Other green operating features include rainwater management to prevent soil erosion; gardening without fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides; use of organic-biodegradable cleaning products, shampoos and soaps; use of energy efficient light bulbs, refrigerators and freezers; solar lanterns for pathway lighting; and fuel efficient four stroke engines on all boats.
A new Sustainability Coordinator has been hired to coordinate Playa Nicuesa’s dream environmental projects and sustainability goals. The coordinator also leads the Sustainability Tour available for guests.
Community Involvement
98 per cent of employees of Playa Nicuesa are local Costa Ricans, most from the two local villages and coastal region. Reformed hunters and poachers of wildlife are hired as guides, and a deliberate attempt is made to source food, hardware and other supplies from nearby towns. Employees are given opportunities to formally learn English and receive training courses.
Within the local region, Playa Nicuesa sponsors a student to attend a nearby bilingual school and has assisted in the creation of a recycling center and welcoming public spaces. Locally produced artwork and handicrafts are available to guests for purchase.
Other community initiatives that Playa Nicuesa supports include reforestation, village infrastructure maintenance and construction, and animal conservation.
Green Adventure
Playa Nicuesa is in a dream location for nature lovers, adventure sports enthusiasts and environmentalists. The region has 13 major ecosystems, and 2.5 per cent of the world’s biodiversity and the lodge’s back yard is a 165 acre preserve full of exotic wildlife, plants and trees and a network of trails through the rainforest to explore.
The lodge offers packages built around a wide array of interests and activities, including hiking, deep sea fishing, birdwatching, and yoga practice. There are even nocturnal hikes for those keen on going out into the jungle at night to catch a glimpse of elusive creatures, such as bats, snakes and frogs.
Please visit the Playa Nicuesa website at: www.Nicuesalodge.com
“Nothing quite compares to being sung to sleep by the ocean's lapping waves while then being awoken by the deep roar of howler monkeys. Although I have now seen it for myself, I still maintain that Costa Rica is much like Narnia."
National Geographic Traveler
- Elisabeth Seward
"Experience total rainforest immersion within the fragrant splendour of Costa Rica's fiercely protected Osa Peninsula...
Outpost Magazine
- Liza Finlay
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