Set high in the lush tropical canopy of Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce, Cielo Lodge offers a powerful blend of luxury, sustainability, and authentic eco-tourism. Nestled within a privately owned 380-acre rainforest reserve near Golfito, this remote eco-lodge is redefining what it means to travel responsibly while indulging in comfort and serenity.
As Costa Rica continues to lead globally in environmental preservation—where over 60% of the land is forested and 30% of marine territories are protected—Cielo Lodge embodies the country’s green ethos with every experience it delivers. Located within one of the most biodiverse regions of the world, the lodge invites guests into a world where luxury harmonizes with conservation, community, and cultural respect.
A Journey Into the Wild: Getting to Cielo Lodge
The adventure begins with a flight into Golfito Airport, followed by a scenic 4WD transfer that climbs through pristine rainforest landscapes to the hilltop sanctuary of Cielo Lodge. As guests ascend into the tranquil retreat, they are greeted by sweeping views of the Golfo Dulce and welcomed with Costa Rica’s iconic greeting: pura vida—a lifestyle philosophy grounded in peace, simplicity, and joy.
Designed to blend seamlessly with nature, Cielo Lodge features just six minimalist luxury suites, each perched privately among the trees. Built with reclaimed hardwoods, natural stone, and indigenous Boruca art, the suites open onto expansive decks with hammocks and panoramic rainforest views, creating a peaceful escape unlike any traditional resort.
Reforestation at the Core of Its Green Mission
At the heart of Cielo Lodge’s mission is its active reforestation program, a partnership with Costa Rica’s National Forestry Financing Fund (FONAFIFO). Since acquiring the land, owner Keith Goldstein has led efforts to replant over 4,000 native trees, restoring once-degraded farmland into a thriving tropical ecosystem.
This grassroots conservation work supports Costa Rica’s National Decarbonization Plan (PND), which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The lodge’s rewilding project doesn’t just beautify the landscape—it revives wildlife habitats, enhances biodiversity, and stands as a living symbol of climate-conscious tourism.
Immersive Nature Experiences Rooted in Sustainability
Cielo Lodge’s activities are curated to immerse guests in the ecological richness of the region while minimizing environmental impact. Guests can embark on:
- Guided hikes through the rainforest to a hidden waterfall
- Birdwatching excursions with expert naturalists
- Boat tours on Golfo Dulce to observe dolphins and marine life
The focus is on connection, not consumption, with every tour designed to educate guests about the delicate ecosystems surrounding them.
Evenings are centered around a communal dining experience, where Executive Chef Cesar prepares fresh, locally sourced meals using produce from the lodge’s organic garden. Meals are shared around a large table, encouraging guests to connect over stories and shared experiences—reinforcing the lodge’s focus on community and mindfulness.
Supporting Local Culture and Community
Cielo Lodge is deeply committed to community-based tourism. From employing local guides and cooks to sourcing supplies from nearby cooperatives, the lodge ensures that its economic footprint benefits the people of Southern Puntarenas.
Artworks, décor, and architecture throughout the property incorporate elements of Boruca indigenous culture, honoring the ancestral ties to the land. In doing so, Cielo Lodge presents more than a vacation—it offers a cultural immersion that respects and supports local traditions.
Family-Founded With a Vision for Purposeful Travel
The story of Cielo Lodge began in 2005, when founders Keith and Nicole Goldstein left their Silicon Valley careers in search of a more meaningful life. Their vision was to create a family-friendly eco-lodge that embodied the ideals of sustainable living, community connection, and slow travel.
Today, that vision thrives. Unlike commercial luxury resorts that cater to excess, Cielo Lodge stands for “eco-luxury with intention”—where every decision is made with the planet in mind. Water is conserved, waste is minimized, and renewable energy sources power much of the property.
Setting a New Standard for Eco-Luxury Travel in Costa Rica
As Costa Rica continues to be a global leader in sustainable tourism, Cielo Lodge is helping to shape what the future of responsible travel can and should look like. From carbon sequestration and reforestation to community empowerment and cultural preservation, the lodge has become a model for eco-conscious hospitality.
Visitors leave Cielo Lodge with more than just photos—they leave with a deeper appreciation for nature, a better understanding of Costa Rica’s environmental leadership, and the knowledge that their travel dollars directly supported conservation and local livelihoods.
Conclusion: A Sanctuary Where Nature and Luxury Coexist
For travelers seeking an authentic, transformative escape, Cielo Lodge offers a rare blend of comfort, consciousness, and connection. Located in one of Costa Rica’s most biologically rich regions, this off-the-grid sanctuary demonstrates that luxury travel doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense.
Whether you’re waking up to the calls of howler monkeys, planting a native tree, or enjoying freshly harvested tropical fruits with fellow guests, your stay at Cielo Lodge is a journey—one that honors the land, the people, and the future of travel.
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