Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, Península de Osa–COSTA RICA
An Invitation to Workshop Instructors… COSTA RICA’S PREMIER RAINFOREST RETREAT INVITES YOGA INSTRUCTORS TO CONDUCT THEIR RETREATS IN PARADISE!!!
Golfo Dulce/Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica – Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, situated in one of the most biologically diverse regions of the world – Golfo Dulce/Osa Peninsula region of Costa Rica, now offers an exclusive Rainforest Adventure Retreat Package designed specifically for workshop instructors and their students. The Costa Rica Rainforest Workshop Adventure Package is an excellent option for instructors of wellness, creativity and spirituality workshops. The location and facilities are ideal for: • Yoga • Creative Writing • Meditation and Wellness • Spirituality • Photography • Women’s Journeys We provide instructors the ultimate eco-tourism destination for retreats. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge offers deluxe facilities and amenities as well as endless nature and adventure activities for group retreats that focus on creativity and well-being. Instructors may design a 4-7 night retreat package that includes exclusive or shared use of lodge, a beautiful hardwood open-air water front yoga/massage deck protected from the rain/sun and ideal for group activities, a canopy level yoga/meditation platform that is tucked away in the lush jungle canopy, three delicious healthy meals daily that focus on locally caught fresh fish and locally harvested tropical fruits and vegetables prepared by an in-house Costa Rican chef (vegetarian menus available), an abundance of natural fruit juices and snacks, and flexible activities and nature/wildlife tours during non-workshop hours. Instructor’s room and meals at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge are included at no charge.
Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, PenĂnsula de Osa–COSTA RICA
Lodge Accommodations Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge rooms offer privacy and comfort in a natural setting. The Lodge has five private cabins (three 1-bedroom, one 2-bedroom and one cabin suite), one three-bedroom house and the Mango Guesthouse with four private rooms. Room Description and Capacity: Mango Guest House (4 private rooms) The Mango Guest House is a 2 story accommodation that has 4 separate rooms. Set in a beautiful jungle garden area with mango trees on all sides and open views of the surrounding rainforest. Each room has private entrance, beautiful hardwood floors, private bathroom, private terrace, louver doors and windows that wrap around the room to afford panoramic views. Rooms have queen beds (or twin beds upon request) with mosquito netting and ceiling fans. The Mango Guest House is separate from the Main Lodge. The Mango House is great for all types of travelers. Especially a good choice for friends or families that want to be close, but also have the privacy of your own room with private bathroom. Also great for single travelers or those who are a bit nervous about staying in the jungle, as the Mango Guest rooms are more in an open area than the private cabins that are tucked into the rainforest. Also great for parties of approximately 6-10 that want to rent all 4 rooms at once. Maximum Occupancy Per Room: 3 people including children
One Bedroom Cabins (3): These cabins are very private and set apart from all other accommodations. Tucked into the rainforest affording you a unique feeling of being in an amazing natural setting, yet with design and comfort details that have been described as simple yet jungle-chic. Each cabin has a private entrance, beautiful hardwood floors, private open air shower-bathroom, private terrace, louver doors and windows that wrap around the room to afford panoramic views. All cabins have one queen bed (or two single beds upon request) with mosquito netting and ceiling fans. The garden open air shower is within the cabin's bathroom, yet allows you to look at nature all around. Look out for the peeping monkeys! Maximum Occupancy: 3 people (including children)
Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, PenĂnsula de Osa–COSTA RICA
Cabin Suite (1): The Cabin Suite is also very private and set apart from all other accommodations. Tucked into the rainforest affording you a unique feeling of being in an amazing natural setting, yet with design and comfort details that have been described as simple, yet jungle-chic. The cabin has a private entrance, beautiful hardwood floors, private open air shower-bathroom, private terrace, mosquito netting over the beds, ceiling fans, louver doors and windows that wrap around the room to afford panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. The Cabin Suite is similar in size to the two bedroom cabin, but set in a large loft like room with a removable partition wall to add flexible space for families and groups. With the partition in place it creates two large bedrooms that can accommodate 4 to 5 guests in a variety of bedding options. The Cabin Suite is also great for couples seeking more space, as well as the luxury of a comfortable sitting area, set up with a couch and chairs. This cabin also is equipped with a deluxe bathroom with two sinks and our signature garden open air shower that is designed to allow you to look at nature all around. Maximum Occupancy: 4 people (including children)
Two Bedroom Cabin (1): This is a private cabin much like the single cabins but larger with two bedrooms and a common den that can also be converted to a third bedroom. This is a great choice for families, especially with younger children. The cabin is set at the edge of the jungle but only a few steps from the main lodge building. Each cabin has a private entrance, beautiful hardwood floors, private open air shower-bathroom, private terrace, mosquito netting over the beds, ceiling fans, louver doors and windows that wrap around the room to afford panoramic views of the jungle. The cabin has one large bathroom complete with our signature garden open air shower that is designed to allow you to look at nature all around. The cabin can accommodate up to 5 people. However, we recommend that families with older children or groups of adults that want to be near each other also consider two rooms in the Mango Guest House. Two rooms in Mango Guest House will give you more privacy amongst your group and an additional bathroom. Maximum Occupancy: 5 people (including children)
Jaguar House (1): This 2-storey, 3 bedroom house is surrounded by lush jungle. First floor has a living room, bedroom and full bath with beautiful open air shower. Loft-like second storey with master bedroom, second bedroom, full bath and large open terrace. Let the crashing of the waves lull you to sleep!
Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, Península de Osa–COSTA RICA Maximum Occupancy: 6 people (including children)
On Room Set Up: We can arrange for one queen bed or two singles or a queen and a single in all rooms. In the Two Bedroom Cabin we can put an extra bed in the common room. In the Cabin Suite we have a removable partition wall that allows you to create two separate rooms or one large room with a variety of bedding options. We also have bunk beds for children to be placed in any cabin/room. We cannot put three beds in any one room, with the exception of the cabin suite set up as one large room. Please let us know your exact needs.
WORKSHOPS AT PLAYA NICUESA RAINFOREST LODGE 2013-2014 Small Group Rental for Groups of 6-17 (4 – 7 Nights) Including Daily Nature Tour Selection and 3 Delicious Meals Every Day Regular Nicuesa Rack Rate Per Person
Cabin
HIGH SEASON
GREEN SEASON
$240
$210
Discounted Rates for Workshops Groups Per Person 10% DISCOUNT + FREE TOURS + INSTRUCTOR FREE OF CHARGE HIGH SEASON GREEN SEASON
Cabin
$216
$189
Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, Península de Osa–COSTA RICA
Mango Room
$215
$185
Guided Adventure Tours – Additional fee of $25 - $95 per tour per person
Mango Room
$194
$167
Guided Adventure Tours – Daily selection included at no additional fee. Workshop Leader complimentary room, meals and tours
PACKAGE FEATURES: •
Tours: In addition to unlimited self guided use of preserve trails, kayaks, fishing and snorkeling gear, Price includes 1 guided kayak/snorkeling and rainforest hiking/birding tour daily. Additional tour options will be available at regular Nicuesa tour prices to be paid upon checkout.
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Use of Lodge Facilities and Preserve: including beautiful and uniquely designed Main Lodge with bar, dining room, garden lounge area which affords panoramic views of surrounding rainforest and gulf; a beautiful hardwood open-air waterfront yoga/massage/meditation deck protected from the rain/sun; a canopy-level yoga/mediation platform tucked away in the lush jungle canopy;
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Accommodations in private cabins or Mango Guest House. All cabins and rooms have private entrance, hot water open air showers, hardwood floors, ceiling fans and private terraces.
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Recreational Equipment includes: kayaks, fishing gear and snorkeling gear.
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165 Acre Preserve with private trail system adjacent to National Park and fruit orchard growing bananas, papaya, pineapple, oranges, grapefruit, star fruit, guava and other tropical fruits.
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Three Fabulous Meals prepared each day by our chefs with emphasis on locally harvested tropical fruits and vegetables, and freshly caught fish (vegetarian menus available); an abundance of natural fruit juices.
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Excellent Guest to Staff Ratio: Staff of 16 including manager, personal chef(s), housekeeping service, tour guides, boat captains.
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Transport: Boat pick up and drop off from town of arrival/departure (Golfito/Puerto Jimenez).
This offer is based on a minimum of 6 full paying workshop attendees and 1 complimentary group leader. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes included. Single occupancy rates vary – Add US $75 per night (single supplement) Workshop Leader receives complImentary room (shared room with group attendees), meals and tours. Upgrade to private room if space available.
High Season: November 16, 2013 – December 22, 2013 and January 3, 2014 – April 30, 2014 Green Season: May 01, 2014 - September 30, 2014 Lodge is closed October 01 - November 15 Annually
WORKSHOPS AT PLAYA NICUESA RAINFOREST LODGE 2012-2013 Entire Lodge Rental for Groups of 18-28 (4 – 7 Nights) Including Daily Nature Tour Selection and 3 Delicious Meals Every Day Regular Nicuesa Rack Rate Per Person
Cabin
HIGH SEASON
GREEN SEASON
$240
$210
Discounted Rates for Workshops Groups Per Person 15% DISCOUNT + FREE TOURS + INSTRUCTOR FREE OF CHARGE HIGH SEASON GREEN SEASON
Cabin
$204
$179
Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, Península de Osa–COSTA RICA
Mango Room
$215
$185
Guided Adventure Tours – Additional fee of $25 - $95 per tour per person
Mango Room
$183
$157
Guided Adventure Tours – Daily selection included at no additional fee. Workshop Leader complimentary room, meals and tours
PACKAGE FEATURES: •
Tours: In addition to unlimited self guided use of preserve trails, kayaks, fishing and snorkeling gear, Price includes 1 guided kayak/snorkeling and rainforest hiking/birding tour daily. Additional tour options will be available at regular Nicuesa tour prices to be paid upon checkout.
•
Use of Lodge Facilities and Preserve: including beautiful and uniquely designed Main Lodge with bar, dining room, garden lounge area which affords panoramic views of surrounding rainforest and gulf; a beautiful hardwood open-air waterfront yoga/massage/meditation deck protected from the rain/sun; a canopy-level yoga/mediation platform tucked away in the lush jungle canopy;
•
Accommodations in private cabins or Mango Guest House. All cabins and rooms have private entrance, hot water open air showers, hardwood floors, ceiling fans and private terraces.
•
Recreational Equipment includes: kayaks, fishing gear and snorkeling gear.
•
165 Acre Preserve with private trail system adjacent to National Park and fruit orchard growing bananas, papaya, pineapple, oranges, grapefruit, star fruit, guava and other tropical fruits.
•
Three Fabulous Meals prepared each day by our chefs with emphasis on locally harvested tropical fruits and vegetables, and freshly caught fish (vegetarian menus available); an abundance of natural fruit juices.
•
Excellent Guest to Staff Ratio: Staff of 16 including manager, personal chef(s), housekeeping service, tour guides, boat captains.
•
Transport: Boat pick up and drop off from town of arrival/departure (Golfito/Puerto Jimenez).
This offer is based on a minimum of 18 full paying workshop attendees and 1 complimentary group leader. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes included. Single occupancy rates vary – Add US $75 per night (single supplement) Workshop Leader receives complImentary room (shared room with group attendees), meals and tours. Upgrade to private room if space available.
High Season: November 16, 2013 – December 22, 2013 and January 3, 2014 – April 30, 2014 Green Season: May 01, 2014 - September 30, 2014 Lodge is closed October 01 - November 15 Annually
Reservations, Payment and Cancellation Policies 2013 - 2014 Workshops and Retreats
Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, Península de Osa–COSTA RICA
1. RESERVATION POLICIES: All reservation requests must be sent on writing (Via Fax or E-mail). Reservation is not confirmed until you receive a written confirmation from Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge Reservations Office. Please send the following information on your reservation request: full names of all people in the party, children ages, pick up and drop off information: airline, flight number, arrival and departure times, and location (Golfito or Puerto Jimenez). Also please let us know of any food allergies or dietary restrictions your clients might have. We are located in a very remote area and our meals are served “family style” and are planned well in advance of guests’ arrival. Minimum Stay: Four night minimum stay required for workshops and retreats. Boat Pick Up and Drop Off: Please contact our Reservations Department to find out about pick ups and drop offs schedule. The transfer boat cannot pick up or drop off any later than 03:00 pm on the day of your arrival or departure due to the water conditions in the afternoon. Therefore, please make sure your passengers’ flights, private transfers and/or any other method of arrival/departure are scheduled to match with Nicuesa pick up and drop off times.
Payment Policies for Workshops and Retreats: Rooms will be held for 30 days upon issuance of confirmation of room request. A 10% deposit is due during this 30 day period or reservation will be cancelled. The deposit becomes non refundable 30 days after confirmation of deposit or immediately if reservation is made within 120 days of arrival. An additional 40% payment is due during the next 60 day period. All groups must have 50% deposits paid within 120 days of arrival date or reservation will be cancelled or switched to small group reservation if agreed up by both parties. Whole Lodge Rental Reservations are officially confirmed once 50% of total lodging bill is received by Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge’s Reservations Office via credit card, check or direct deposit in bank account. Any changes to smaller group rental will be done at higher small group prices. Balance of Payment is due 90 days prior to arrival at the lodge. Reservations placed less than 90 days of guests arrival must be fully paid when you make the reservation. Payment in full is a guarantee of the reservation to both the guest and the Lodge for the entire period of the reservation and includes all nights and rooms requested.
Cancellation Policies for Workshops and Retreats: All cancellation requests must be written and sent via fax or e mail to: reservations@nicuesalodge.com 100% refund of deposit if cancellation is made within 30 days of deposit. 100% of payments less 10% non refundable deposit are refundable prior to 120 days of group arrival. 50% refund of total reservation payments will be made (except for 10% non refundable deposit) if cancellation is made prior to 91 days of arrival date. No refunds for cancellations made from 0-90 days prior to arrival.
CHILDREN POLICY Children ages 6 through 12 are welcome at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge! We have had many children have a great time at Playa Nicuesa. The rainforest and the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce are excellent places for children to learn and participate in nature and sporting activities. We have many flat trails that are easy for
Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, Península de Osa–COSTA RICA
children, and the warm and calm waters of the Golfo Dulce provide great training ground for kayaking, fishing and swimming. Please remember that we are all nature’s guests - in a true tropical rainforest - and there are real/inherent hazards in nature that parents/guardians must be aware of and supervise their children at all times. Playa Nicuesa is a remote and natural location, and electronic games, t.v. and computers are not available so that all guests may enjoy the nature they came to experience. We can provide “child-friendly” food and special tours geared towards kids, if needed. advance.
Just let us know in
PAYMENT METHOD Credit Card: Please request the credit card payment form to our reservations office for this payment method. Direct Deposit to Bank Account: In Costa Rica, please deposit payment in the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica account of Playa M. B. Zancudo Corporation S.A. #100-02-094-600208-0, Cuenta Corriente Dollars. Business Checks: U.S. Tour Operators and Whole Sellers without representatives in Costa Rica may send business check written to Playa M.B. Zancudo Corporation S.A. and mail it to: Playa M.B. Zancudo J.B.C. – SJO #11187 2053 N.W. 79 Avenue Miami, FL 33122. An e-mailed or faxed confirmation of deposit is required and must include client name, arrival date and amount of deposit or check. E-mail to reservations@nicuesalodge.com or Fax to 506-2221-8030. All additional charges incurred at lodge by clients (tours, alcoholic beverages, etc.) may be cancelled via cash or credit card (Visa/Master Card). We do not accept personal or traveller checks at the lodge.
General Information General Information Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge accommodates up to 28 guests, offering five private cabins (one and two bedrooms), one three-bedroom house and four private rooms in the mango guest house. All accommodations feature private open-air baths, canopied beds, ceiling fans, and full length louver doors that wrap around rooms – with private verandas providing spectacular views of rainforest. Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, Península de Osa–COSTA RICA
Lush, green vegetation as far as the eye can see, with leaves as big as elephant ears. Jade colored water. Toucans, monkeys, iguanas, dolphins, majestic blue butterflies – all are here at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. 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! We are a destination lodge that offers kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, yoga, horseback riding, and hammock swinging right out our doorstep. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge embraces conservation and harmony with the natural environment, and offers a perfect blend of comfort with environmental preservation. This wilderness lodge is sensitively designed with the environment and constructed from naturally fallen trees, recycled materials and harnesses the natural energy from the sun to provide electricity. What also makes Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge so unique, pristine and private is that access from nearby villages is by water only. Dramatic views of the mountains surrounding the Pacific Coast gulf welcome you to the lodge as you approach by boat. Once you arrive at the lodge, lose yourself in the tropical paradise that surrounds you, and let the adventure begin! We refer to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge as our "Selva y Mar" (jungle and sea) location because our front yard is literally a gulf right off the Pacific Ocean, and our back yard is literally thousands of acres of pristine tropical rainforest. Adventure and nature activities are unlimited! The Front Door leads to the Golfo Dulce’s 80 degree blue green waters. Kayak the Golfo Dulce (sweet gulf) right off our beach front. Jump in! The water is calm and perfect for swimming. Spend a relaxing hour or a challenging day kayaking and exploring along the coastline and through nearby mangroves. Stop and snorkel along the way! In-shore and off-shore fishing guarantee a fresh fish dinner. And, from the Golfo Dulce we can also access several rivers and the Pacific Ocean leading to a variety of marine environments that make this area so unique. The Back Door of our 165-acre preserve is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine tropical rainforest, full of fruit trees and tropical flowering plants. Explore the jungle by hiking our labyrinth of trails that wind through the rainforest canopy, up the mountainside, and connect through the National Park. Listen to the howler monkeys, watch and hear the calls of any one of the 250 species of birds, and end up at a waterfall. OR, just relax in a hammock under the almond tree by the sea and take in the ocean and mountain views while listening to the rhythmic waves.
Location and Boat Transfers Coordination Playa Nicuesa’s location is amazingly Pristine, Private, and Beautiful! Located in the least populated region of Costa Rica, Playa Nicuesa offers a perfect blend of comfort with environmental conservation. Natural energy from the sun is harnessed to provide electricity. Cabins, rooms and main lodge are uniquely designed to create a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.
Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, Península de Osa–COSTA RICA
The best way to get to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is to fly via Sansa Airlines (www.flysansa.com) or Nature Air (www.natureair.com) to either Puerto Jimenez or Golfito. Flight time is approximately 50 minutes. From there, we will meet you at the airport and transport you by our boat across the Golfo Dulce to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge (the boat ride is approximately 35 minutes). Charter flights are also a great option for families or groups of 4 or more people. Also, this is a great option for people that want to go directly from the lodge to many other areas within Costa Rica and not going via San Jose. Recommended companies are: Aviones Taxi Aereo S.A and Paradise Air Costa Rica You may also drive your car to Golfito. It is recommended that you park your car in a secured lot, and that you remove anything of value from your car. A secure place to leave your parked car is at Samoa del Sur Restaurant. The drive time is approximately 5 hours. The road between San Jose and Golfito is well maintained. Arrival-Departure Coordination: You do not need to confirm arrival/departure location and time if you have already submitted it to our reservations office. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE PICK UP AND DROP OFF AT BOTH PUERTO JIMENEZ AND GOLFITO AND BOTH LOCATIONS ARE EQUAL DISTANCE FROM THE LODGE. THUS, YOU SHOULD FEEL FREE TO BOOK EITHER LOCATION, BUT, PLEASE DO SO ON THE FLIGHTS THAT MATCH WITH OUR PREDEFINED BOAT TRANSFER HOURS. THIS WILL HELP US TO AVOID HAVING PICK UPS AND DROP OFFS IN BOTH TOWNS AT THE SAME TIME AND WASTING FUEL AND CARBON EMISSION UNNECESARRILY. Please contact our reservations office for more details on pick up and drop off schedules.
Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, Península de Osa–COSTA RICA
Important: The Nicuesa transfer boat cannot pick up/drop off guests any later than 3:00 pm on the day of their arrival or departure due to the water and weather conditions in the late afternoon. WE WILL PICK UP GUESTS FROM FLIGHTS THAT ARRIVE LATE, BUT CANNOT PICK UP GUESTS AT FLIGHTS THAT ARE SCHEDUELED TO ARRIVE AFTER 3:00 PM. Therefore, please make sure the flights, private transfers and/or any other method of arrival/departure are scheduled before that time.
Our Philosophy of Sustainability and Adventure Our Philosophy 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 of 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
Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, Península de Osa–COSTA RICA
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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 – 98% is a Private Protected Area. 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.
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Operation
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Electricity is provided by solar energy. Panels are located on main lodge structure. Back-up generator runs of recycled vegetable oil. Passive solar drying room used to dry all of the wash. Hot water is provided by on-demand propane which means that the propane is used only when the hot water faucet is turned on. Fuel efficient four stroke engines are used on all of our boats. Trash separation for the purpose of recycling glass, plastics, paper, aluminum and tetrapaks. Composting organics to be used later as fertilizers in gardens. Rainwater management: use of trenches to channel heavy amounts of rainfall thereby reducing soil erosion. Gardens and landscaping maintained without use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Use of homemade natural solution to combat certain insects (garlic, onion, chili pepper) Use of organic-biodegradable cleaning products as well as organic-biodegradable shampoos and soaps in guest rooms and for employees. Energy efficient light bulbs, refrigerators and freezers. Use of solar lanterns for pathway lighting. Tours and activities are conducted in the most environmentally friendly manner possible in order to preserve the natural habitat and the wildlife that thrive here, while always educating guests about the importance of environmental conservation. Offer daily Sustainability Tour of lodge environmental operations (recycling area, composting area, Reforestation Center, passive solar drying room, solar system, construction efforts, etc.). Lodge meals focus on national and regional cuisine, utilizing food from the property or grown as locally as possible.
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Community Efforts
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Employ local/Costa Rican staff (98% of employees); primarily from the immediate coastline and two area villages. Sponsor a local Costa Rican student annually to attend a local bilingual school – Nueva Hoja. Assist in creation of a local recycling collection center in Puerto Jimenez in collaboration with Women of the Osa.
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Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, Península de Osa–COSTA RICA
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Support local campaign to clean up and beautify Golfito by creating welcoming public spaces & improving infrastructure. Employ reformed hunters as guides. Plan environmental education events in collaboration with the Environmental Coalition of Puerto Jimenez. Sponsored building of local library in Puerto Jimenez. Provide opportunity to employees to learn English. (e.g. offer free English classes at Lodge & fully sponsored one employee to live in San Jose and attend a one month intensive English language program). Sponsor Troop 150 Guias y Scouts of Puerto Jimenez. Display decorations and sell to guests locally produced artwork and handicrafts. Support local economy by purchasing food, hardware, and other supplies from nearby towns Support local tour operations by regularly promoting to guests. Provide opportunity for career advancement for employees via training course sponsorship. Provide educational materials and presentations to the only local school in the Golfo Dulce. Sponsor folkloric dance group composed of adolescents from Puerto Jimenez.
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Conservation
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Reforestation of Nicuesa Property with hardwood tree species. Active supporters of ACOSA (Osa Conservation Area) & MINAE (Min. of the Environment). Donate to and collaborate with MarViva, a marine conservation organization. Donate to PRETOMA, an NGO fighting harmful marine practices in Golfo Dulce. Sponsor Yaguará, a feline conservation organization, to place cameras on Nicuesa property. Donate to Osa Campaign through TNC. Involved with ANAGA (Association no to tuna farms) to prevent tuna farms in Golfo Dulce.
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Memberships
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Active member of Women of the Osa (WOO) which is a local effort as part of an international campaign supported by The Nature Conservancy, Conservation International and Costa Rica-USA (CRUSA) to protect and preserve the OSA Peninsula/Golfo Dulce Region. Active member of the Environmental Coalition of Puerto Jimenez. Member of the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) Member of the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS) Member of EcoClub International Certified by the Costa Rican Institute for Tourism with the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) Member of Centro de Derecha y de los Recursos Naturales (CEDARENA) Member of Responsibletravel.com Member of Sustainable Travel International Member of Amigos de los Parques Nacionales (Friends of te National Parks)
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Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com
Pristine, Natural, Sustainable Golfo Dulce, Península de Osa–COSTA RICA
Reservations & Information: US & Canada Toll Free: 1 866 5048116 / Costa Rica: T (506) 2258 8250 / reservations@nicuesalodge.com / www.nicuesalodge.com