Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa does a great job blending into the environment and highlighting the essence of Costa Rica, which makes sense considering a nature-loving architect created the luxury property and restored it to its tropical origins. Despite housing 900 acres of rainforest, the property has just 42 rooms, each with jungle views. All are warm and inviting, though only some feature balconies overlooking tropical gardens. Upgraded units have in-room Jacuzzi tubs, and some suites include kitchenettes, seating areas, and large, luxurious bathrooms.
Relax in the 18 thermal pools, some with waterfalls, tropical gardens, wooden bridges, and thatched-roof buildings. The room price for all guests includes entrance to the hot springs, access to the Shangri-La Gardens (adults-only), and daily breakfast. Keep in mind that getting to the pools requires a quick shuttle ride (just a couple of minutes). Although Tabacón welcomes day users to the pools, there's an exclusive area reserved just for hotel guests.
Other noteworthy highlights include a full-service spa using local products for treatments in open-air cabins, an organic garden sourcing the on-site restaurant, and the opportunity to reserve a 6-course private dining experience surrounded by the rainforest—a unique perk perfect for small group dinners, special occasions, or even a romantic proposal.
Read kimkim's review of Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
Aptly named for its 28 mineral hot springs, The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal is an enormous Costa Rican playground of thermal pools, rooms, amenities, and meeting spaces stretching across 165 acres next to the volcano. The resort has 74 rooms (and 14 different room types) on the property, including villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets and equipped with golf carts for getting around. All rooms have a rustic-luxe motif with wood, bamboo, and wicker accents and big marble bathrooms with jetted tubs. The best part: Each unit has a spacious furnished outdoor space with volcano views, which, on a clear day, is a sight to behold.
Thanks to its five bars and five restaurants, including a sports bar, sushi restaurant, and fine dining options, you don't even need to leave the property if you don't want to! Of course, the on-site hot springs are the main draw, with multiple pools ranging from 83 to 103 °F on a volcano-facing slope. There's also a 14,000-square-foot fitness center, including a rock-climbing wall, plus rafting and inner-tubing on the hotel's private stretch of the Class-III Arenal River.
Additional amenities include horse stables, a wildlife sanctuary with 22 types of animals, and several rainforest trails that lead to hot springs and waterfalls. The spa offers a range of massage and beauty treatments, including a floating water massage, body wraps using therapeutic volcanic clay, and a steam room and sauna.
Read kimkim's review of The Springs Resort & Spa Arenal
Nayara Springs
Not to be confused with its bigger, family-friendly sister property, Nayara Gardens, the luxurious Nayara Springs is a secluded, adults-only boutique hotel surrounded by tropical rainforest. The only drawback here is the lack of volcano views. What you get, though, is the ultimate stay in privacy.
Each of the resort's villas—16 of them—features a private thermal plunge pool (an anomaly on this list) fed by natural mineral hot springs and romantic, contemporary, and slightly exotic decor in the form of indigenous wood and stone. Expect special touches like four-poster beds, indoor-outdoor showers, and big furnished decks leading to the pools, complete with daybeds, dining areas, and hammocks.
The resort offers several freebies (free minibar items and free international calls) and gadgets (think Bluetooth music players and espresso machines). You'll also have access to the property next door for excellent dining options, including a charming wine bar and coffee shop, plus the resort's weekly cocktail party. For a refreshing start to the day, check out the morning yoga classes held in the yoga hut.
Read kimkim's review of Nayara Springs
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Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs is perched atop a hill in the Palma area. Each suite is a private bungalow with outdoor spaces, minifridges, air conditioning, and volcano views. Those who want a bit more space might prefer the premium suite, which also has a large deck with outdoor dining and a Jacuzzi bathtub.
In addition to the bright, large, and comfy bungalows, the rest of the property also offers luxurious vibes. Of course, the on-site hot springs are a draw, with two pools, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, and an accessible ramp. The mineral waters in the pools are known to offer several wellness benefits, but for extra pampering, check out the on-site spa.
The property's La Saca Restaurant offers a unique mix of flavors in its Costa Rican dishes, an extensive wine menu, and some of the best views of Arenal Volcano from the outdoor dining area. To switch it up for a meal or two, consider the other restaurant, Alambique Bistro, which serves wood-fired pizza and sandwiches. You'll find two bars for drinks, both facing the pools and offering a swim-up option.
Read kimkim's review of Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort & Spa
If you prefer a more lively experience, consider staying at Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort & Spa, which, of all the hotels on this list, is the closest to downtown La Fortuna. The resort has 25 mineral pools certified by the National Water Laboratory. Each thermal hot spring features a different theme and ranges from 93 to 152ºF. The hot springs are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with one pool available 24/7 for hotel guests.
With so many different pools, amenities, play areas, waterslides, colorful lighting, swim-up bars, and expansive grounds, Baldi can feel more like an attraction than a Costa Rican hotel. However, you can still find a pocket of quiet by walking along the winding paths and choosing a pool with a more mellow vibe.
At Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort and Spa, you can choose from three categories of rooms, but all feel a little outdated especially the standard rooms. All rooms have air conditioning, cable TV, and minibars, while deluxe rooms, superior rooms, and suites have outdoor patios or balconies. If your budget allows, we recommend upgrading to a Junior Suite, which is much larger, more comfortable, and will better let you enjoy the essence of the property with a balcony or terrace.
Read kimkim's review of Baldi Hot Springs Resort & Spa
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
With 54 rooms, The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort is a mid-range accommodation near the Palma area, roughly the midpoint between La Fortuna town and the entrance to the national park. The list of amenities at the resort is long and includes a full-service spa, a sauna with natural thermal water steam, four eateries, and 10 natural and thermal pools. Keep in mind that the property has an age restriction of 13 years and older, so this might be a good choice if you prefer a quieter experience.
The hot springs cover a good portion of the grounds, so you'll walk along paths lined with tropical plants to get from pool to pool. You'll find two warm swimming pools, one cold water pool, and seven other thermal pools, two with waterfalls and one set within the resort's thermal river. The natural stonework, wooden bridges, and floral gardens pull it all together.
When not enjoying the pools, you can head to the Loto Spa for a little pampering or dine at one of the two restaurants. The Emperador Restaurant uses local ingredients and has indoor and outdoor seating, while the Lava Restaurant is more casual with light meals and live music. You'll also find two bars (a lobby bar and a swim-up pool bar) for drinks and snacks.
As for the rooms, The Royal Corin offers two types of standard units (queen or king) and two suites, all relatively spacious but simple. Each has air conditioning, minibars, linen bedding, and private balconies with volcano views, while suites add in-room Jacuzzi tubs.
Read kimkim's review of The Royal Corbin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Water Resort
Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Water Resort is an excellent option for the budget-minded. It's a relatively small property with just 25 rooms—clean and simple with typical amenities like minifridges, air conditioning, and complimentary breakfast. Rooms lack character overall, but you'll find wooden furniture and marble bathrooms made from local sources. If you upgrade to a suite, you can enjoy views of the volcano, private soaking tubs, and/or roof-top patios.
But visitors don't choose Paradise for the decor or rooms—undoubtedly, the highlight of this property is its on-site geothermal pools. You'll have your choice to relax in one of eight hot springs, with one featuring a swim-up bar and others with a waterfall and submerged stone loungers. Although you may notice slight wear and tear around the pools, guests will still enjoy a relaxing soak surrounded by lush gardens filled with tropical plants and trees. Unlike some other properties in the area, Paradise limits the number of daily users, so the atmosphere remains calm and quiet.
When hungry, you can grab a meal at Paradise's restaurant, which features open-air dining. This is also where you'll enjoy your complimentary breakfast in the morning, overlooking the pool and listening to jungle sounds.
Read kimkim's review of Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Water Resort
Hotel Kokoro Arenal
Step back in time a bit for a rustic and slightly vintage (albeit a little dated) feel at Hotel Kokoro Arenal. Standard rooms have wood paneling on the walls and ceilings, a nod to the area's past, while suites feel like an upgrade with tile flooring and bright, warm colors. All come with air conditioning, cable TV, private bathrooms, and balconies or terraces, but suites (also referred to as cabins) provide separate seating areas and views of the volcano.
Enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the open-air dining area surrounded by jungle greenery. In the afternoon, the eatery transforms into a lounge where you can sip Costa Rican coffee while reading a book, but keep in mind that it doesn't serve lunch or dinner. You can also relax at the outdoor swimming pool or Kokoro's own hot springs pool, complete with a waterfall.
Hotel Kokoro Arenal is farther from La Fortuna than other recommended boutique accommodations. Having a car is helpful, as you'll be in the Palma area, about 5 miles (8 km) from the town center.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Kokoro Arenal
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