Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, Arenal/La Fortuna

Pros

• As a luxury property with a relaxed and romantic setting, Tabacón is perfect for couples, friends, or small groups.
• Although day visitors are welcome into the thermal pools, a private adults-only area of the hot springs is reserved for resort guests.
• The hot springs at Tabacón are unique, appearing more like a natural river than separate swimming pools, as with other properties.
• You'll find plenty of food variety, including a beautiful restaurant at the hot springs with private dining available at an additional cost.
• In addition to the thermal pools, the hotel itself features an outdoor pool and hot tub area with cozy cabanas for guests.
• Guests requiring mobility support can enjoy the accessible main hot springs pool with a ramp.
• Rooms include warm wooden features, and all have rainforest views.
• Enjoy spa services for an additional fee, including body wraps, massages, and other treatments using natural materials, such as volcanic mud.

Cons

• As the property is on the main road, some rooms may experience noise. 
• You must take a shuttle from the hotel to the hot springs (complimentary).
• The property isn't walkable to the town or restaurants, and you need a car or taxi for self-guided off-site explorations.

Authenticity

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa does a great job blending into its surrounding environment and highlighting the essence of the Costa Rican jungle. This makes sense, considering a nature-loving architect created the luxury property and restored its natural, tropical origins. This small resort, with just 42 rooms, sits on 900 acres (364 ha) and offers rainforest views.

Location

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is just off Route 142, about 7 miles (11 km) west of La Fortuna and slightly north of Arenal Volcano National Park. So, although getting to town requires a 20-minute drive, you'll be closer to the national park's entrance. Note that the hotel and thermal pool are about 1,640 feet (500 m) apart, so you'll need to take a quick shuttle to get between the two areas.

Rooms & Bathrooms

You'll have your choice of five different room types: two Superior Room options and three suites. All are warm and inviting, with tile floors and small pops of colors, while some feature balconies overlooking tropical gardens. Upgraded units have in-room Jacuzzi tubs, and some suites include kitchenettes, seating areas, and multiple rooms. The bathrooms in the suites are huge, adding to the property's luxury vibe. The room price for all guests includes entrance to the hot springs, access to the Shangri-La Gardens (adults-only), and daily breakfast.

Amenities

The main highlight of Tabacón is, of course, its beautiful thermal pools, complete with waterfalls, tropical gardens, wooden bridges, and thatched-roof buildings. You'll have access to 18 pools open to hotel guests from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Spa treatments are available in outdoor bungalows, and the spa area includes a mineral spring water Jacuzzi and an outdoor hydromassage pool. Tabacón Gym is in the hotel's main building and has a wide range of fitness equipment. There are accessible rooms for travelers with limited mobility, and one of the pools has a specially designed wheelchair ramp, a feature that is quite rare to find in the area. 

Family-Friendliness

Tabacón is a good choice for families, though certain areas, such as the Shangri-La Gardens and spa, are reserved for adults. Cribs, highchairs, and rollaway beds are all available, allowing you to mix and match to meet your family's needs. Several larger suites are ideal for families, and kids can access a children's pool with a waterslide. If you want to sneak away to one of the adult-only areas, paid babysitting is available. 

Wildlife

Surrounded by rainforest, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa offers you easy opportunities to see local wildlife, despite being just off a busy highway. Travelers have spotted iguanas, coatis, and a wide range of brightly colored birds, often from the comfort of their private terraces or balconies that look out at the surrounding rainforest. 

Sustainability

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa has numerous sustainability initiatives, including (but not limited to) water conservation and environmental education programs, water treatment facilities, the use of local and regional producers, an on-site organic garden for food sourcing, a clean energy project, solar panel installation, natural geothermal heating for the pools, and a "plant a tree" program to help reach carbon neutrality.

Other Highlights

Since it's a long drive to town, you'll want to take advantage of one of the two beautiful restaurants (reservations necessary). Travelers have been impressed with the resort's ability to accommodate dietary restrictions, something that comes in handy given the lack of other dining options nearby. You can also book a private dining experience for an additional fee—a unique perk in the area that is great for small group dinners, special occasions, or even a romantic proposal. Four bars supplement the restaurants, ideal for relaxing with a drink or grabbing a quick snack. Before you leave, check out the resort's gift shop for a chance to grab a memento of your trip.