Words by Sara Darling
With so much to do in Costa Rica, you’d be remiss not to head to the country’s famous thermal springs to wind down. Situated close to the charming town of La Fortuna in the north of the country, in the shadow of the impressive Arenal Volcano, the springs are further from Costa Rica’s famous beaches, but this region still oozes the country’s laidback ‘pura vida’.
The small, touristy town of Fortuna is a three-hour drive from San Jose and is surrounded by rainforest and nature, plus plenty of souvenir shops so you can stock up if this is the finale of your journey. Most visitors come to the town to experience the healing properties of the famous hot springs, which you can enjoy on a day pass. Alternatively, treat yourself to VIP treatment at the eco-luxe Tabacón Resort, which was the first spa in the area and the only hotel with direct access to the 18 hot springs.
Hotel
First opened as a day spa with five hot springs in 1993, the Tabacón Resort officially opened in 1997 and is the first luxury hotel in the area, with many of the low rise buildings boasting terraces that have direct views of the volcano. Most guests feel at home in their robes and swimwear, and you won’t look out of place donning this at the breakfast buffet before heading directly down to the hot springs for a day at the pools.
Offering a variety of accommodation for families, explorers and romantics, the spacious grounds boast 103 rooms and bungalows dotted amongst the rainforest, so it’s quite common to get carried away watching the native birds with your morning coffee on your balcony, or bonding with your neighbours at breakfast as you admire the Jesus Christ lizard promenading on the outdoor decking.
The resort focuses on biodegradable products and its eco-friendly credentials include 800 solar panels, clean electricity and recharging stations, as well as organic food which sits with their wellness pledge. The relaxing vibe is completed with an on site swimming pool and lots of quiet, shady spots for time out within the perfectly manicured grounds. There is also a gym, shop and coffee shop if you need a break from the thermal springs.
Room
I stayed in one of the honeymoon suites complete with a balcony tub and oversized hammock with direct views to the volcano. Had romance been on the agenda, the handy iPad and room service would have been very convenient, but I was keen to explore, so just utilised the double rainforest shower which, like all the water on the property is solar powered and naturally heated by the volcano, whilst the fully stocked mini bar provided everything I needed.
With family apartments and standard rooms available, the hotel never seemed crowded and privacy was paramount, meaning you could bathe on the balcony and enjoy the fluffy robes and organic products (in refillable bottles – no plastic here) which were truly sumptuous, with the only eyes on you belonging to the howler monkeys!
Food and drink
In total, the resort has two restaurants and four bars, three of which serve food. The room rate includes daily breakfast at the poolside Tucanes which is exclusive for hotel guests. Stock up on a large buffet selection before burning off steam at the springs or a more action-packed day. The gallo pinto, Costa Rica’s national dish is definitely worth a mention – try with a side of scrambled eggs, fried sweet plantains and cheese washed down with a cafetiere of French press coffee.
In the evening, Tucanes turns into a smart diner, with an a la carte menu which requires proper attire rather than your dressing gown; and you can enjoy pre or post dinner cocktails at the adjacent Bosque Bar. If you’re in a rush or would prefer to grab and go, or want a late night cocktail and you are staying in the rainforest suites, the Cana Brava is an unsuspecting hotel lobby bar that looks more like a coffee shop than a restaurant, but is a hidden gem for cocktails and snacks.
At the springs, Agua Ardiente is a swim-up bar at the main pool, which serves drinks – often in a pitted pineapple, and child-friendly snacks; whilst Ave is a seated diner with a great vegan selection overlooking the pools. Further afield, guests of the hotel, rather than those with a day pass, can take advantage of the luxury facilities at the adults-only oasis at the Shangri-la Garden Bar, and enjoy the perks of this exclusive area.
Back at the resort, you can really push the boat out and book a romantic experience at the Ephemeral Table, where you can indulge in a privately catered dinner in a candlelit bungalow.
To do
The resort is designed as the ideal place to do everything you’ve ever wanted to in a rainforest or do absolutely nothing at all! Block at least one full day to spend at the hot springs as you enjoy getting lost meandering your way through the palapa-filled jungle paths and taking advantage of the cleansing and rejuvenating springs.
With the original temperature starting at 55 degrees, the pools gradually cool so you can find the most comfortable for you, and you can take note of the signs near every pool that state the temperature. Don’t forget your hotel bracelet, which also doubles as your room key and your method to pay for anything extra, which will get added to your room bill.
The hotel is also renowned for its spa facilities which can be found within the hot spring gardens. With eleven treatment rooms, you will have to book in advance, and you can enjoy treats from specialist massages to ‘journey’ offerings such a coffee orange parfait journey that starts with an exfoliating coffee scrub, moves onto a massage, then ends with a yoghurt and honey express facial. A journey appointment is one hour and 50 minutes. The extensive menu uses only eco-friendly products that are sourced locally, and the private, thatched-roof, open-air cabanas open out to the natural rainforest with steam from the lava rocks and the sounds of wildlife becoming part of the experience.
The hotel is also ideally situated for wildlife spotting, and you can head to the nearby Mistico Hanging Bridges to witness the country’s famous wildlife. You can enjoy the diverse ecosystem with the added bonus of testing your adrenaline by mastering the hanging bridges that link the treetop canopies.
Take a guide with binoculars and the amazing view paired with the adventure of crossing a swaying suspension bridge will be a day out to remember; plus, you’ll probably spot the country’s iconic toucans, sleepy sloths, and any of the country’s four species of monkey – the white-faced capuchin, mantled howler, spider monkey, or the squirrel monkey. These primates are playful and curious, and they can often be seen swinging through the trees or foraging for food along the forest floor.
People refer to the Arenal area as the main eco-adventure activity hub in Costa Rica, so the hotel is a great base to hike through the rainforest and enjoy adrenaline-fuelled jungle activities such as waterfall rappelling, zip lining, stand up paddleboarding or rafting. It is known for its wet habitats and boasts impressive clouds and incredible wildlife unique to Central America, so be sure to take your camera if you want to snap the aforementioned wildlife in the National Parks.
Or you could just spend your days soaking up the goodness of the thermal spring pools. There are plenty to visit in the area, but guests at the Tabacón have access to the only natural rejuvenating baths.
In a nutshell
You might have come for relaxation, but this is also the ideal spot to unwind after an action-packed volcano hike or rainforest tour.
Factbox
Room rates –
- Honeymoon Pool Suite – from $845 per night including breakfast
- Honeymoon Suite – from $650 per night including breakfast
- Rainforest Room – from $545 per night including breakfast
- Orchid Room – from $450 per night including breakfast
Address: Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
Phone: +1 855-822-2266
Website: tabacon.com
