The Springs Resort & Spa
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal features sprawling grounds stretching across 165 acres (67 ha) next to the volcano. The resort has 74 rooms, all with a furnished outdoor space providing volcano views, which—on a clear day—is a sight to behold. The resort's highest tier is a group of villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets, though all have a rustic-luxe motif with wood, bamboo, and wicker accents, plus big marble bathrooms with jetted tubs.
Of course, the on-site hot springs are the property's main draw, with multiple pools ranging from 83°F to 103°F (28°C to 38°C) and sitting on a volcano-facing slope surrounded by greenery. 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.
Enjoy the resort's five bars and five eateries, including a sports bar, sushi restaurant, and fine dining options. There's also a 14,000-square-foot (1,301 sq m) fitness center that includes a rock-climbing wall and rafting and inner-tubing on the hotel's private stretch of Class-III Arenal River.
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Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa feels defined by its views of the volcano. Sitting at its base, the grounds sprawl throughout its valley and provide a nice mix of cultural elements, including on-site farms and ranching, jungle gardens, and a large hot springs complex with 13 pools to enjoy. As a bonus, more than 130 bird species call the property home, and there's a special bird-watching corner to enjoy. Other perks include the impressive wine selection at the Italian restaurant (with a tasting room) and complimentary morning yoga on the sun deck facing Arenal Volcano.
The property covers a lot of ground and almost feels like its own neighborhood, as roads lead to duplex cabins hosting two rooms and offering a parking spot for each. All rooms feature warm wooden furnishings, beamed ceilings, air conditioning, and complimentary minibars (only pay if you need a restock). Bathrooms have open showers with tropical plants (making it feel like an outdoor shower), and all units provide a terrace with patio furniture and volcano views. Upgrade for an indoor stone soaking tub with a mini waterfall.
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Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs has some of the best views of the volcano, thanks to its location perched atop a hill in the Palma area. Each suite is a private bungalow with outdoor spaces, minifridges, air conditioning, and volcano views. You might prefer the premium suite for a bit more space, plus a large deck with outdoor dining and a Jacuzzi bathtub.
In addition to the bright, large, and comfy bungalows, the on-site hot springs are a draw, with two pools, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, and an accessible ramp. The property's La Saca Restaurant offers a unique mix of Costa Rican flavors, an extensive wine menu, and volcano views from the expansive outdoor dining area. To switch it up for a meal or two, try the other restaurant, Alambique Bistro, which serves wood-fired pizza and sandwiches.
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The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
You'll enjoy Arenal Volcano views from nearly every corner of the mid-range property The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort, including its eateries and outdoor pools. The hot springs cover a good portion of the grounds, offering peaceful paths with tropical plants stretching from one pool to the next. Enjoy two warm swimming pools, one cold water, and seven other thermal, two with waterfalls and one set within the resort's thermal river. The natural stonework, wooden bridges, and floral gardens pull it all together. As for eateries, we recommend meals at the property's Lava Restaurant, positioned on the top floor with an open-air setting for those perfect views.
When not enjoying the pools, you can head to the Loto Spa for a little pampering, dine at one of the two restaurants, sip drinks at the bars, or relax in your room. The hotel offers two standard units (queen or king) and two suites, all relatively spacious but straightforward. Each has air conditioning, minibars, linen bedding, and private balconies with volcano views, while suites feature even better views from the top floors and add in-room Jacuzzi tubs.
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Volcano Lodge
Perfectly named, the mid-range Volcano Lodge offers incredible views of Arenal Volcano from its pool, junior suites, and some hot springs. This family-owned accommodation features an extensive property with gardens and hot springs—open to hotel guests only—with its main cold water pool, several thermal pools, lockers, and showers. Other amenities include an on-site gym and yoga platform, a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or the sports bar by the main lobby with various small plates, snacks, and drinks.
The hotel's 70 rooms offer simple yet comfortable lodgings with air conditioning, minifridges, and terraces with patio furniture. All the wooden furnishings in the rooms are handcrafted, though the wood paneling and tile flooring date the property a bit. Upgrade to a thermal room or suite for a little indulgence, as these categories add sun loungers and a private stone plunge pool with a waterfall to your terrace—the perfect complement to your Arenal Volcano views.
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Hotel Magic Mountain
You'll find views of Arenal Volcano across the entire grounds at Hotel Magic Mountain, a standard property. You can enjoy them from the outdoor pool with its hot tubs, waterfalls, hidden pools, the garden terrace, and each room. But for the best views on the property, head to the rooftop lounge and bar for dinner or drinks. The restaurant serves international cuisine, but the local and regional food is a highlight.
Overall, the rooms are clean, modern, and comfy, though a bit standard and not particular to the location. Still, all feature air conditioning, minifridges, and private terraces/balconies with volcano views. Grab a suite for a bit more space, a seating area, a wine bar, and an in-room Jacuzzi tub with views of Arenal Volcano.
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