Golfo Dulce Retreat | Rainforest & Beach Ecolodge — Hotel in Golfito

We stumbled on Golfo Dulce Retreat as we looked for options to experience the Aug/Sept whale season in the area. And we are so glad we did! From the boat ride across the Golfo Dulce from Puerto Jimenez to the immaculate property to the gorgeous excursions and incredible food, GDR turned what was going to be a simple whale watching trip into a magical experience fully immersed in some of the best nature Costa Rica has to share. Simon and Chantelle have built something truly special and it’s clear how much they have poured their hearts into this project as the attention to detail was outstanding. Especially in the middle of the rainforest, a brutal climate to maintain a property, it’s super impressive how immaculate every corner of the property is. Our family of 3 stayed in a one bedroom cabina and it was perfect. We did the bioluminescence tour the first night (guided by a young student from Cambridge who was a gem) and it felt like swimming in stars (a must do!), woke up to coffee on our patio early the next morning (no alarms needed - the sounds of the rain forest waking up are all you need!) before a wonderful breakfast and a private 2.5h whale watching tour. Golfo Dulce is amazing…perfectly flat for the 3 days we were there, despite afternoon rain, which made spotting the tails and breaching humps of the whales from afar super easy to do. We also got to hear them sing on a hydrophone. During our tour we saw plenty of dolphins and even a couple turtles. In the afternoon the wise sage of the rainforest Augustine, guided us on the waterfall hike. We learned so much (even with our fairly basic Spanish skills) and loved getting to take a waterfall shower! Our daughter loved the sparkling clean pool at the resort and we squeezed in plenty of pool time between scheduled activities. The next day we toured the mangroves with Augustine which gave us another opportunity to see whales, dolphins and turtles on the boat ride to the mangroves before experiencing the mangroves up close on kayaks with plenty of of crocs nearby. We wrapped up with a swim off the boat, in the emerald green waters of the Golfo Dulce on our way back to the resort. Each afternoon Chantelle and her team serve a British style high tea with a different baked good from their kitchen and the evening meals changed daily and were amazing. We had a wonderful experience and highly recommend experiencing Golfo Dulce from the Golfo Dulce Retreat. Now, it is not the place for everyone, while a luxurious way to experience nature, it is in the middle of the rainforest, which means it is ‘a wild place’ as the safety card given at check in notes. Yes, there are snakes, spiders and plenty of other insects and it is incredibly humid so by the end of the weekend everything we brought felt quite damp. There is no air conditioning in the cabinas as that would ruin the intended experience of true immersion, but in late August the temperature was perfect for afternoon naps in the rain and sleeping at night with the overhead fan. The beach was wonderful for a morning open water swim along the coast line and would be great for paddle board (offered but we did not managed to fit in) but do note the beach is pebbly and it’s definitely easier to get in/out of the water and the boats (there is no dock) with proper footwear like keens or something similar. Net, Golfo Dulce Retreat is the perfect balance of luxury and true rain forest immersion, and will be one of our best memories from our time...

Nestled amidst the lush greenery and pristine coastline of Costa Rica, Golfo Dulce Retreat is an absolute paradise on earth. From the moment I stepped foot onto this magnificent property, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquillity and serenity that I had never experienced before.

The attention to detail and impeccable design of the retreat's accommodations left me speechless. Each villa and bungalow is a luxurious sanctuary, meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings while offering unparalleled comfort and elegance. Waking up to the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore and the sight of vibrant tropical gardens outside my window was a dream come true. Not to mention the freshly ground and brewed Costa Rican blend coffee, delivered hot to my porch every day.

But it's not just the accommodations that make Golfo Dulce Retreat so extraordinary—it's the entire experience. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality from the staff, who went above and beyond to ensure that my stay was nothing short of perfect. Whether it was arranging personalized excursions, or simply sharing stories about the amazing hosts, Chantelle and Simon, creating this formidable life in Costa Rica, both the owners and the staff made me feel like part of the family.

One of the highlights of my stay was the incredible cuisine offered at Golfo Dulce Retreat. Every single day each meal was a feast for the senses, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients bursting with flavour and creativity. From traditional Costa Rican dishes to international fare, each dish was a culinary masterpiece that left me craving more. The afternoon tea was spectacular and nothing short of a touch of genius. The impeccably presented 5pm treat was an experience in itself.

And then there's the natural beauty that surrounds Golfo Dulce Retreat. The pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean create a sense of awe and wonder that is truly unparalleled. Whether I was lounging by the infinity pool, exploring the nearby waterfalls, canoeing in the mangroves and dolphin watching, hiking to the enormously gorgeous ceiba tree, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the beach, every moment spent in nature was a reminder of the sheer beauty and magnificence of the world around us and how much care and love Chantelle and Simon put into all they do at the retreat to respect mother nature and our the future of our earth.

Golfo Dulce Retreat is more than just a destination—it's a transformative experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or simply a chance to reconnect with nature, Golfo Dulce Retreat offers a slice of paradise that will stay with you long after you leave. Thank you, Golfo Dulce, for an unforgettable experience—I can't...

We spent a few days on the Osa peninsula in Bosque del Cabo where the focus is on wildlife in the rainforest so it was a refreshing change to hop over the bay (c.45 mins by their private boat) to Golfo Dulce Retreat where water plays more of a part in the experience. |It is a very small and personal resort - just 4 cabins I think - and meal times are taken together (at separate tables) at specific times. Our cabin was comfortable and just a short walk from the main dining area. There are a couple of short/simple walking trails into the rainforest - nowhere near as extensive as Bosque but easy and interesting. The pool is natural and lovely for a refreshing dip...although the caimans (small crocodiles) enjoy it in the evening too. |Food was very good - fresh, mainly vegetarian, no options but consistently delicious. |They have a small team of resident Cambridge Uni undergraduates who provide the insight on the excursions. We went dolphin watching, mangove river kayaking and night swimming in the bioluminescence. All were excellent experiences and the students were terrific - very informative and fun to be with. Hats off to Carolina who conjured the most extraordinary leaping dolphins on our trip and then shared with us her hugely professional photos afterwards (which I have now claimed as my own obviously).|The owners - Simon & Chantelle - were very helpful and accommodating. They had a clear vision for the property and have executed it brilliantly. They have laid out simple rules for guests to help the retreat function - meal timings, use of fans, shoe removal - which are understandable but probably wouldn't suit the more chilled-out guests.|One point worth mentioning is that the retreat is family-friendly and our other 2 fellow guests were families with young (and incredibly well-behaved) children. In a small area and with meals (and indeed pre-dinner cocktails) at set times, that romantic moment for the 2 of you will depend largely on how many under 10s are playing dominoes at the time and with how much gusto. Obviously, if you're a family with youngish kids then it's great that the retreat is so welcoming and that should be a massive plus for you.|One other point - the airstrip at Puerto Jimenez is a throwback to the early days of air travel and the one room waiting area off the street is hot enough to make the air-conditioned gift shop nearby an extremely...