TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD
After deplaning , we were picked up by a very nice , but non- English-speaking representative from the resort . Luckily , with more clever use of Google Maps , we were able to share iPhone pictures of the local grocery store and persuade the representative to take us there for a quick stop . At the store we picked up nature-lovers ’ bug spray , sunblock , chips , tequila and rum .
Then it was off to a small dock on the bay . There we were picked up by a boat and taken on a short ride across Dolce Gulfo to the resort . My stress from the plane ride melted away as we crossed the calm waters of the bay . I was soothed by watching the coconuts that float aimlessly in the bay , searching for just the right shoreline on which to start a new tree . As we got closer to the resort , I envisioned myself arriving to start my own episode of Fantasy Island .
Immediately upon our arrival , it quickly became obvious that one thing that sets Playa Nicuesa apart from other places I have visited is its focus on sustainability . It has been awarded Platinum Level by the TripAdvisor Green Leaders Program . This is a program that helps travelers plan greener trips by connecting them with places engaging in environmentally friendly practices . Playa Nicuesa is located on a 165-acre rain forest preserve using only 2 % of the land for its buildings . The main lodge was beautiful . It was hard to believe it was constructed using only salvaged Costa Rican hardwoods . Hydroelectric turbines and solar panels provide the lodge ’ s electricity . Local labor was used in the lodge ’ s construction , and 98 % of the staff is Costa Rican , mainly from the local area . The staff was very excited to share details about their sustainability efforts and led tours of the grounds daily .
The experience at Playa Nicuesa was very personal . If you are
looking for something off the grid to de-stress , this is an excellent choice . There were probably no more than twenty total guests at any given time while we were there . Internet is only available at the lodge , but speeds were so slow as to almost force you to disconnect . There were a multitude of activities to enjoy . We would typically do a structured activity in the morning and then relax and do our own thing in the afternoon .
There are about ten cabins on the premises . Ours was surrounded by rainforest with no other buildings in sight . The cabin was constructed of locally salvaged hardwoods and featured a lower-level bathroom / shower that was completely open to the rainforest on one side . The cabin itself was only isolated from nature by folding doors and screen-covered windows . At night all I heard was the ocean and the gentle noise of my husband snoring . In the early mornings we were awakened by howler monkeys and macaws . It was perfect !
Being so close to nature , especially at night , can create some unusual experiences . We did , for example , have to share the aforementioned open-air bathroom with a pair of bats . At night we might turn on the light in the bathroom and find our two friends hanging upside down from the light fixture not five feet from our face . Here we learned that the secret to confronting nature in a situation like this is … not to . Just act like you ’ ve suddenly realized that you don ’ t need to go , slowly back out of the doorway , and turn off the light . Then , from the other side of the door , give a simple 10-count . Our bats were always very considerate and would exit the bathroom before we then re-entered .
The staff members of Playa Nicuesa were incredibly friendly
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