The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal, Arenal/La Fortuna

Kimkim team favorite · 4.9 (13 reviews) · Luxury
Sprawling luxury resort with five restaurants, hot springs, a spa, and an outdoor adventure center
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L
Laura J.
Dec 30, 2023
This hotel was a highlight of our trip. Very family friendly and a lot of on-site experiences.
Shannon
Shannon W.
Jul 18, 2023
Estevan is the best! Service is the best I have ever had Most beautiful propery!
K
Kristy P.
Mar 27, 2023
Fantastic property. Would have loved to stay here longer as they are a semi all inclusive resort and pur guide had us booked on a tour... Read more
Amanda
Amanda S.
Feb 23, 2023
wish we could have stayed here longer. I would move in permanently if I could haha Sprawling property with tons of resort exclusive activities mom and... Read more
Gidi
Gidi G.
Feb 20, 2023
Top notch hotel set up in a gorgeous park. Everything is superb including different restaurants. But pricy.
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Overview

As a luxury resort with a little bit of everything, travelers will find multiple bars, eateries, hot springs, spa treatments, and outdoor activities across The Springs Resort & Spa's vast property. The thermal mineral pools feature atmospheric perks like waterfalls, views of Arenal Volcano, and jungle vegetation, but the big highlight is the resort's stretch of the Río Arenal, where you can enjoy activities like kayaking and river rafting or visit the on-site wildlife sanctuary. When it's time to rest, the spacious guest rooms range from king beds with volcano-view balconies and marble bathrooms to sprawling, multi-bedroom villas.

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, March 2022 (Learn more)
Pros
  • The property is enormous—set across 165 acres—and comes with its own outdoor adventure center, complete with kayaking, horseback riding, river tubing, fishing, and more.
  • Enjoy soaking in three areas of on-site hot springs, which feature pools ranging from 83 to 104°F, swim-up bars, waterfalls, volcano views, and terraces with sun loungers.
  • Families and small groups will appreciate the large, multi-bedroom suites or villas, some with private pools, hot tubs, and/or kitchens and living rooms.
  • Take your meals at one of the five restaurants or six bars, many offering beautiful dining areas with Arenal Volcano views. 
  • The on-site spa features a large gym and extensive treatment menu utilizing natural ingredients from the area, including volcanic clay, bamboo cane, and coffee.  
Cons
  • Despite being on a hillside, the property has only one building with elevators, so getting around can be tricky and steep, but you can always call for a shuttle.
  • Keep in mind that the hot springs and adventure center are open for day use, so there will likely be non-hotel guests using the facilities.
  • Of all the recommended hotels in the area, this one is the furthest away from the big sites (downtown La Fortuna, the national park, etc.). Though part of its appeal, head's up that you'll need to drive or hire a taxi/transfer if you want to explore the area on your own.

Additional Notes From Brittany

The Springs Resort & Spa has its claims to fame (including being featured on multiple reality shows), but what makes this accommodation special is its high-quality Costa Rican experience—which you can enjoy without ever leaving the property. The resort is overflowing with things to do, and I must admit, I was envious of the guests enjoying it all. A lot stood out to me, but the hot springs and adventure center were definitely the highlights. The property even leads down to the Río Arenal, where you'll find Adirondack lounge chairs, cliffside hot springs, a restaurant, and several other activities—all still within the resort.

Authenticity

The Springs Resort & Spa created a mini version of Costa Rica within its vast 165-acre (67 ha) property, on a mountain ridge overlooking the Arenal Volcano and Arenal river valley. Its environment allows the property to host an entire adventure center on-site, where you can partake in all the activities the country is known for, including fishing, hiking, river rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.

Location

The resort can provide so much space and unique amenities because it's set farther away from all the main sites. Thanks to the incredible views and proximity to Arenal Volcano, it doesn't feel that way. Still, you'll be a 20-minute drive from downtown La Fortuna and 25 minutes from the national park in one direction and La Fortuna Waterfall in the other. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are far too many room options to list here, so let's just say you certainly have your pick of configurations and perks! Even the most standard units have balconies with volcano views and hammocks, plus air-conditioning, minifridges, and marble bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs. You can upgrade to multi-bedroom suites that feel like apartments or to actual apartments in the form of villas, many offering private pools, hot tubs, kitchens, multiple terraces, outdoor showers, and golf carts for getting around.

Amenities

During your stay, you'll have an impressive collection of pools to choose from, with three dedicated areas and 28 pools on the property. Many are fed directly by the mineral hot springs, and certain pools are equipped with features such as accessible entries, waterslides, or poolside bars and restaurants. There are two spas on the property, offering a full range of traditional spa services, along with access to a sauna, steam room, and large gym space. Several room types have elevator service, but the sprawling hillsides and many stairs throughout the property may prove challenging for guests with limited mobility.

Family-Friendliness

Travelers with children have loved this resort due to the exceptional range of activities offered, including wildlife tours, river recreation, dozens of pools, a game room, mini-golf, and restaurants with dedicated kids' menus. Children of all ages are welcome, and parents are able to request cribs, extra beds, and games.

Wildlife

Few resorts in the area can match The Spring Resort's opportunities for wildlife viewing. Take a stroll alongside the half-mile shoreline of the Río Arenal and keep your eyes out for the bright plumage of native birds in the canopy. For a guided experience, you can turn to Club Río, which offers guided night walks and a wildlife sanctuary home to a wide range of rescued animals, including ocelots, sloths, and various birds. 

Sustainability

You'll find a special wildlife sanctuary at the resort; an initiative started 15 years ago in partnership with MINAE (Ministry of the Environment and Energy). The animals you'll see at the sanctuary are those confiscated from people owning the species illegally. Because they can't survive in the wild on their own, the hotel offers an environment replicating the animals' natural habitat and promoting instinctual behavior.

Other Highlights

The property's Club Río and Jungle Cat Sanctuary are two unique highlights you won't find at any other accommodations; you can really do it all right at The Springs Resort. And when hungry, you have your choice of multiple bars and eateries, 11 in total. These include an incredible fine-dining restaurant with a mountaintop dining room lined with windows and a poolside grill overlooking the jungle canopy.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 24013313
Hotel address icon 9 km west & 3.5 km north from the center of La Fortuna
Hotel website icon Hotel website
Free parking
Free wifi
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal map

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Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Exceptional Staff Service

The staff at the hotel are described as unbelievably helpful, professional, friendly, and always willing to make the stay comfortable and wonderful. Many guests highlighted the personalized service, with staff often calling them by name. (7 mentions)

M
“Many of the staff would call us by name despite us only being there 3 days.”  — Michael H.
Geoffrey
“Nothing but smiles all day every day and a willingness to make the vacation and hotel stay comfortable and wonderful”  — Geoffrey P.
L
“The staff was amazing - don't miss the welcome tour.”  — Leslie V.
Beautiful and Spacious Property

Guests consistently praised the hotel's beautiful and sprawling property, mentioning its seclusion, exclusivity, and variety of on-site activities. The property is described as clean, with a great view and wildlife sightings like sloths and toucans. (5 mentions)

Gidi
“Top notch hotel set up in a gorgeous park.”  — Gidi G.
L
“The grounds are amazing.”  — Leslie V.
Geoffrey
“The hotel is beautiful, secluded, exclusive and enormous”  — Geoffrey P.
Comfortable and Beautiful Rooms

Guests found the rooms to be beautiful, clean, and comfortable, with spectacular views and very comfy beds. The overall room quality contributed greatly to a luxurious and pleasant stay. (4 mentions)

Iris
“rooms are beautiful”  — Iris M.
L
“Rooms were lovely”  — Leslie V.
Sherrie
“The rooms are spectacular and the beds are SO comfy.”  — Sherrie D.
Family-Friendly Environment

The hotel is noted for being very family-friendly with many on-site activities. The entertainment room for teenagers and the variety of experiences available for kids, such as rock climbing at Club Rio, were particularly appreciated. (4 mentions)

M
“We also all loved the entertainment room - our teenagers would happily go here to play some PS5 or other games while my wife and I could get some peace and quiet ourselves.”  — Michael H.
Geoffrey
“the children’s game room and niceties like a helpful essentials type store and free laundry accommodations”  — Geoffrey P.
M
“Our kids loved Club Rio, especially the rock climbing.”  — Michael H.

Traveler Reviews

13 total ratings, 11 with reviews
4.9
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.8
Location
4.8
Staff
4.9
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.8
Geoffrey
Geoffrey P.
Dania Beach, FL | Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024
First class service and accommodations, with unbelievably helpful and professional staff. Nothing but smiles all day every day and a willingness to make the vacation and hotel stay comfortable and wonderful. The hotel is beautiful, secluded, exclusive and enormous (when also considering the club rio aspect). The pools and hot springs are incredible as is the children’s game room and niceties like a helpful essentials type store and free laundry accommodations. The food wasn’t what we hoped... Read more

First class service and accommodations, with unbelievably helpful and professional staff. Nothing but smiles all day every day and a willingness to make the vacation and hotel stay comfortable and wonderful. The hotel is beautiful, secluded, exclusive and enormous (when also considering the club rio aspect). The pools and hot springs are incredible as is the children’s game room and niceties like a helpful essentials type store and free laundry accommodations. The food wasn’t what we hoped for - it was not terrible by any means - but just not up to the expectations given the VERY high price. The sushi was good and the restaurant down near club rio activities was quite good but that’s about it. The morning buffet was very mediocre and we made sure to leave the hotel for breakfast after trying it twice. The hotel pizza and non sushi dinner options were not enjoyable either. Again, not horrendous just not what we’d expect given all the other incredible aspects of the hotel and the cost of course. We will certainly return, we just know we will mostly eat downtown in La Fortuna. Otherwise, absolutely wonderful in every way

Authenticity & Character
Location
A bit hard to get to but AMAZING view and location
Staff
Amazing! Extremely friendly, helpful. Always smiling.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
L
Laura J.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Dec 30, 2023
This hotel was a highlight of our trip. Very family friendly and a lot of on-site experiences. Read more

This hotel was a highlight of our trip. Very family friendly and a lot of on-site experiences.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in December 2023
Shannon
Shannon W.
Boca Raton, FL | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2023
Estevan is the best!
Service is the best I have ever had
Most beautiful propery! Read more

Estevan is the best!
Service is the best I have ever had
Most beautiful propery!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2023
K
Kristy P.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 27, 2023
Fantastic property. Would have loved to stay here longer as they are a semi all inclusive resort and pur guide had us booked on a tour outside the resort for an entire day. Definitely need 3-4 days here! Read more

Fantastic property. Would have loved to stay here longer as they are a semi all inclusive resort and pur guide had us booked on a tour outside the resort for an entire day. Definitely need 3-4 days here!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2023
Amanda
Amanda S.
Highlands Ranch, CO | Reviewed on Feb 23, 2023
wish we could have stayed here longer. I would move in permanently if I could haha
Sprawling property with tons of resort exclusive activities
mom and baby sloth sighting as well as toucans seen on property
great view
good food (expensive)
clean
no bugs (they spray twice per month for mosquitoes etc!)
No need to leave the resort for anything. You will be comfortable and well taken care of here! Read more

wish we could have stayed here longer. I would move in permanently if I could haha
Sprawling property with tons of resort exclusive activities
mom and baby sloth sighting as well as toucans seen on property
great view
good food (expensive)
clean
no bugs (they spray twice per month for mosquitoes etc!)
No need to leave the resort for anything. You will be comfortable and well taken care of here!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2023
Gidi
Gidi G.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Feb 20, 2023
Top notch hotel set up in a gorgeous park. Everything is superb including different restaurants. But pricy. Read more

Top notch hotel set up in a gorgeous park. Everything is superb including different restaurants. But pricy.

Authenticity & Character
Location
In the middle of the Arenal national park
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2023
Iris
Iris M.
Harbeson, DE | Reviewed on Jan 27, 2023
Wonderful views and rooms are beautiful. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Read more

Wonderful views and rooms are beautiful. Staff were very helpful and friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2023
L
Leslie V.
Elmhurst, IL | Reviewed on Jan 10, 2023
Worth the splurge! The staff was amazing - don't miss the welcome tour. The grounds are amazing. Rooms were lovely and the breakfast buffet was so good. The views are crazy beautiful. We wish we would have stayed here longer. Read more

Worth the splurge! The staff was amazing - don't miss the welcome tour. The grounds are amazing. Rooms were lovely and the breakfast buffet was so good. The views are crazy beautiful. We wish we would have stayed here longer.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful grounds/furnishings
Location
The view!
Staff
Ready to answer any question and make the stay more enjoyable
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very spacious room even though we were staying as a family of four, it didn't feel cramped
Stayed in January 2023
Sherrie
Sherrie D.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Oct 05, 2022
Just do it!!! It's everything that you hope it will be and more. The staff are so friendly and helpful. The restaurants are pretty darned good. The amenities are awesome. The rooms are spectacular and the beds are SO comfy. The hot springs near the hotel are wonderful, but be sure to go down to the Adventure Center to explore the hot springs down below which are scattered throughout the rainforest. So relaxing! Be sure to reserve a full day just to explore and enjoy the hotel with no other... Read more

Just do it!!! It's everything that you hope it will be and more. The staff are so friendly and helpful. The restaurants are pretty darned good. The amenities are awesome. The rooms are spectacular and the beds are SO comfy. The hot springs near the hotel are wonderful, but be sure to go down to the Adventure Center to explore the hot springs down below which are scattered throughout the rainforest. So relaxing! Be sure to reserve a full day just to explore and enjoy the hotel with no other tours/activities planned. You need it!

Authenticity & Character
Location
You're in the middle of a rainforest, with a stunning volcano view and hot springs scattered all around. What's not to love?
Staff
Everyone was so happy and helpful. Always smiling and ready to help with any needs.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Those beds!!! I actually took picture of the linens so I can try to find them at home.
Stayed in August 2022
M
Michael H.
Live Oak, TX | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2022
Definitely a must-visit hotel. Extremely high-quality service. Many of the staff would call us by name despite us only being there 3 days. The hot springs were terrific - definitely try the ones down in Club Rio. They are surrounded by the rainforest and much more natural than the ones by the hotel. Our kids loved Club Rio, especially the rock climbing. We also all loved the entertainment room - our teenagers would happily go here to play some PS5 or other games while my wife and I... Read more

Definitely a must-visit hotel. Extremely high-quality service. Many of the staff would call us by name despite us only being there 3 days. The hot springs were terrific - definitely try the ones down in Club Rio. They are surrounded by the rainforest and much more natural than the ones by the hotel. Our kids loved Club Rio, especially the rock climbing. We also all loved the entertainment room - our teenagers would happily go here to play some PS5 or other games while my wife and I could get some peace and quiet ourselves. You could spend a week here easily and not do everything they have available.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2022

Like what you see?

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 24013313
Hotel address icon 9 km west & 3.5 km north from the center of La Fortuna
Hotel website icon Hotel website
Free parking
Free wifi
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal map

Open map

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