Return to the wild and find a new home away from home at Golfo Dulce Retreat. This exclusive eco-lodge sits within 1,000 acres of pristine rainforest in Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat, Golfo Dulce offers guests the ultimate getaway to connect with nature and make memories.
The Golfo Dulce gulf that sits between the Osa Peninsula and mainland Costa Rica has been named one of the ocean’s 20 wildest places by National Geographic. This ecosystem truly exemplifies the vibrant biodiversity of Costa Rica. With ocean adventures, self-guided exploration, and rainforest expeditions, guests at Golfo Dulce can immerse themselves in the unmatched nature that surrounds the lodge.
Small cabins surrounded by rainforests create an unforgettable treehouse experience, Neighboring the Piedras Blancas National Park, a 30,000-acre swath of undisturbed tropical rainforest, Golfo Dulce offers a sweet taste of what Costa Rica has to offer.
Their story
Golfo Dulce is a family, and this family’s story starts in Italy. The owners traveled to the Osa Peninsula and happened upon the Golfo Dulce. The owners were reminded of a trip over Borneo, where they witnessed the senseless destruction of rainforests. From then on they vowed to protect the rainforest. After buying 1,000 acres of pristine jungle, the owners became stewards of the land.
While the owners had the passion and drive to build an eco-lodge, they lacked the local knowledge shared by the community. After a few trying months of living in the Costa Rican wilderness, the family reached out to locals to help them build and run the lodge. For many of these locals, Golfo Dulce was their first stable job.
The owners then added scientific knowledge to their experience by taking in a group of biologists from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. With their scientific expertise and the local knowledge of their staff, the owners were able to create an unparalleled nature experience for their guests.
After years of learning, failing, and succeeding, Golfo Dulce has become a new home in the wilderness. The resulting lodge is a perfect escape for any looking to find beauty in the lesser-known regions of Costa Rica. Read more about them here.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The aim of Golfo Dulce Retreat is not to harm wildlife so that it is protected for future generations.
- Cabins are designed to be spacious, but not so grand that it impacts the forest.
High level of energy efficiency
- 100% of the energy used at Golfo Dulce comes from a small hydroelectric plant. The Pelton water wheel produces no harmful waste products.
- Golfo Dulce has a special solar clothes drying room that uses a unique structure to harness the sun’s power to dry clothes even in the humid rainforest. This laundry solution is completely carbon-neutral.
- Certain appliances are not in use because they overload the small power grid. Golfo Dulce’s careful energy use is part of the jungle experience.
Pioneer in waste management
- There is no use of disposable plastic on site. The resort organizes clean-up efforts if any plastic washes up on Golfo Dulce’s beaches.
- A number of fruits are grown on the property itself.
- Chickens provide eggs and also eat any leftover food scraps.
Fully organic and chemical-free operation
- The pools on the property are freshwater, using no chemicals, so that the water can feed into other ponds without treatment.
- All soaps in the guests’ areas are fully biodegradable and produced locally.
- There is no chemical treatment of water so as not to disturb the natural water cycle.
Actively protects nature and community
- Golfo Dulce has a tree nursery used to repopulate the iconic trees in the rainforest.
- Golfo Dulce employs locals and biologists to give guests a unique understanding of the natural environment they have come to enjoy.
Most Popular Activities near Golfo Dulce Retreat
- Dolphin & Whale watching
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Hiking in rainforest
- Expedition tour to one of Costa Rica’s waterfalls
READ ON – 36 Eco-friendly Things to Do in Costa Rica (From A to Z)
Best time to visit Golfo Dulce Retreat
- The humidity in Costa Rica is high all year around.
- To avoid the rainy season, plan your visit outside May-June and September-October.
- If you want to enjoy this place the sunniest it can be, visit in March or December.
- Smaller showers or thunderstorms can be expected all year around, so please be prepared.
READ ON – Best Time To Visit Costa Rica (Factual Data, Pros & Cons, What to Expect)
Features
Pricing
per person per night starts from
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One-Bedroom Cabina
Room price includes: + Pick-up and drop-off in Puerto Jimenez/Golfito’s landing strip + Scenic return boat transportation from Golfito or Puerto Jimenez + Three delicious meals served to your table + Early morning coffee and biscuits brought to your cabin and 5 o'clock tea and cakes + Access to our Jungle Pool and Beach Cabanas + Use of kayaks and stand-up-paddling boards + Self-guided hikes in our rainforest reserve
$ 245 -
Cabina Suite
Room price includes: + Pick-up and drop-off in Puerto Jimenez/Golfito’s landing strip + Scenic return boat transportation from Golfito or Puerto Jimenez + Three delicious meals served to your table + Early morning coffee and biscuits brought to your cabin and 5 o'clock tea and cakes + Access to our Jungle Pool and Beach Cabanas + Use of kayaks and stand-up-paddling boards + Self-guided hikes in our rainforest reserve
$ 315