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Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa

Arenal

Good to Know

Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa offers a luxurious five-star experience nestled in Arenal's rainforest, facing the iconic Arenal Volcano. Guests enjoy complimentary access to natural thermal hot springs, winding through tropical gardens with various pools, a swim-up bar, and cold-water alternatives. The resort also features an award-winning spa in private bungalows, diverse dining options from refined international cuisine to private rainforest experiences, and comfortable rooms, some designated adults-only.


Follow warm streams through Arenal’s rainforest gardens

At Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, warm streams wind through rainforest and tropical gardens, turning a soak into part of experiencing the landscape. Facing Arenal Volcano, this five-star Virtuoso-group resort gives an Arenal vacation a distinctive center of gravity: the thermal water, the gardens around it and the invitation to spend an unhurried day among them.

Let the springs shape the day

Hotel guests have complimentary access to the thermal hot springs. Choose natural stream areas or larger pools, explore the different temperatures, and pause at the lounge areas between soaks. A swim-up bar and waterslide add another side to the hot-springs setting, while cold-water swimming pools give you a refreshing alternative.

The award-winning Spa at Tabacon occupies private bungalows among trees and gardens close to the natural springs. Massages, treatments, facials and hot-springs enhancements give you ways to extend the quieter rhythm of the stay. There is a lovely logic to keeping a day here open: some time in the water, a treatment if you wish, then another turn through the gardens.

Dining beneath the trees

Ave del Paraiso, near the hot-springs area, serves Costa Rican and international cooking, with à la carte lunch and a dinner buffet. Los Tucanes, on the main hotel grounds, offers a more refined international dining setting, where gentlemen are encouraged to dress appropriately. Ephemeral Table adds a private dining experience in an open-air rainforest bungalow. Reservations are recommended for each dining option.

Four bars and snack stations add choices around the resort, including Arenal Pool Bar, Cana Brava in the hotel lobby and the adults-only Shangri-La Gardens Bar. In the rooms and suites, air conditioning, cable television, an in-room safe, an espresso machine, a mini-fridge, hairdryer and internet are among the familiar comforts. Compare the individual room details before choosing: Rainforest Rooms, Volcano View Suites and Private Pool Suites are designated adults only.

Explore, then return to the warm water

The Arenal Volcano region invites you onto volcano-base trails and down to the base of La Fortuna Waterfall’s 200-foot cascade for a swim. Fishing on Lake Arenal gives you the chance to pursue rainbow bass, also called Guapote, and machaca. Around La Fortuna, canopy ziplines, rafting, canyoneering and ATV trips bring a more active pace. Hanging bridges and volcano-base trails create opportunities to look for toucans, monkeys and sloths. A safari float on the Rio Penas Blancas or a boat trip at Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge changes the perspective again, leaving the springs and gardens waiting when you return. Choose a few outings that appeal, and give Tabacon time to be part of the vacation itself.

Tabacon highlights for a stay built around the springs

  • A five-star rainforest setting. Facing Arenal Volcano, Tabacon is a Virtuoso-group hotel with thermal streams and tropical gardens around the resort. Choose it when hot springs and the forest setting should be central to the vacation, not just an excursion.
  • Thermal access is included for hotel guests. Complimentary access lets you move among natural stream areas and larger pools with different temperatures. A swim-up bar, waterslide, sun lounges and cold-water pools add different ways to enjoy the day between soaks.
  • A spa among the trees. Spa at Tabacon uses private bungalows near the natural springs. Massages, treatments, facials and hot-springs enhancements make a quieter day appealing, while garden trails give you a way to spend time outdoors between appointments.
  • Choose the dining experience. Ave del Paraiso, near the springs, serves Costa Rican and international à la carte lunch and a dinner buffet. Los Tucanes on the hotel grounds offers refined international dining; gentlemen are encouraged to dress appropriately, and reservations are recommended for each dining option.
  • An evening with a different setting. Ephemeral Table is a private dining experience in an open-air rainforest bungalow. Four bars and snack stations include Arenal Pool Bar, Cana Brava in the lobby and the adults-only Shangri-La Gardens Bar, so location and age eligibility matter to the choice.
  • Room categories have age distinctions. Rooms have air conditioning, cable TV, a safe, mini-fridge, espresso machine, hairdryer and internet. Rainforest Rooms, Volcano View Suites and Private Pool Suites are adults only; compare the accommodation category as well as its features when planning a family stay.
  • Arenal outside the resort. Volcano-base trails, La Fortuna Waterfall’s 200-foot cascade and Lake Arenal fishing for rainbow bass or machaca give days different directions. Rafting, ziplines, canyoneering and ATV trips add active options, while hanging bridges and river safaris offer opportunities to look for toucans, monkeys and sloths.

Stay details

Number of rooms
103
Check-in
15:00
Check-out
12:00

Hotel Styles

  • Luxury
  • Resort
  • Eco Style
  • Spa
  • Romantic
  • Yoga
  • Hot Springs
  • Sustainable

Hotel Amenities

  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Hot Springs
  • Spa
  • Conference Room
  • Gardens
  • Handicap
  • Computer Station
  • Parking
  • WiFi
  • Laundry Service

Room Amenities

Orchid Room

  • AC
  • Cable TV
  • Coffee Service
  • Hair Dryer
  • Hot Tub
  • Internet
  • Internet Free
  • Jungle View
  • Mini-Fridge
  • Safe Deposit Box
  • Tub

Rainforest Room (Adults Only)

  • AC
  • Balcony or Terrace
  • Cable TV
  • Coffee Service
  • Hair Dryer
  • Internet
  • Jungle View
  • Mini-Fridge
  • Safe Deposit Box
  • Terrace
  • Tub

Two Bedroom Arenal Suite

  • AC
  • Cable TV
  • Coffee Service
  • Hair Dryer
  • Hot Tub
  • Internet
  • Jungle View
  • Living Room
  • Mini-Fridge
  • Safe Deposit Box
  • Tub
  • Two Bedrooms
Show all 6 room types

Tabacon Suite

  • AC
  • Cable TV
  • Coffee Service
  • Hair Dryer
  • Internet
  • Internet Free
  • Jungle View
  • Mini-Fridge
  • Safe Deposit Box
  • Sofa Bed
  • Tub

Volcano View Suite (Adults Only)

  • AC
  • Cable TV
  • Coffee Service
  • Hair Dryer
  • Hot Tub
  • Internet
  • Mini-Fridge
  • Safe Deposit Box
  • Tub

Private Pool Suite (Adults Only)

  • AC
  • Adult Section
  • Cable TV
  • Internet
  • Partial Jungle View
  • Plunge Pool
  • Safe Deposit Box
  • Terrace

Hotel location

Arenal

Explore the hotel location on the map

Latitude: 10.490344; longitude: -84.721931

View this location in Google Maps

Guest ratings and reviews

Pacific Trade Winds customer ratings and reviews.

Overall
96%236 guest ratings
Cleanliness
98%
Expectations
95%
Staff
97%
Comfort
98%
Value
92%

Showing reviews 26–50 of 81.

Jessica W.

The food in the hotel was mediocre, bit overall an amazing experience!

Janice S.

Very glad I made change to tabacon spa, it was the nicest resort. Staff was super friendly and the meals were great. Rooms are super clean and very nice.

David S.

To be sure, the river of hot springs at the bottom of the hotel property is absolutely spectacular. Much of this is open to the public, but the two hottest pools (101 degrees F) at thee top of the series are open to hotel guests only. It is photo-perfect and wonderfully relaxing. However, the hotel itself is somewhat disappointing. The hotel is some distance from La Fortuna, the closest town. The we were surrounded by opportunities to buy simple goods are vastly inflated prices and luxury goods at exorbitant prices. It reminded us of Las Vegas in presenting the appearance affordable luxury with constant attempts to separate the guest from his money. Hotel staff were curiously resistant to helping with travel or dining away from the hotel. Taxi to anywhere starts from La Fortuna and begins at about $18 USD each way. All costs in this area are in USD. Uber is of questionable local legality but is only about $6 USD each way. Dining and tours are best purchased in La Fortuna or in El Castillo (local towns). Spend a day or two to experience the hot springs. Stay elsewhere to experience the rainforest and volcano. Breakfast in Las Tucanes was a good buffet. It is included. Dinner at the Ave was disappointing and expensive. Seafood was poorly overcooked, or, in the case of ceviche, too little lime. A white chocolate mousse was almost completely flavorless. Much better food is to be had in La Fortuna.

Show all 25 reviews on this page

Abraham J.

This resort is absolutely beautiful and the service was superb. The rooms were very large, comfortable, and super clean. Prices for the food and drinks were a bit high, but the quality of food and drinks was not that high to match. They were still good.

Bojana Z.

Very crowded and busy and as a consequence sometimes a bit complicated (preordering breakfast time, car access only available with the help of staff...). But the staff always responded quickly and in a professional manner. Extremely professional and as a consequence less warm. Since it was raining heavily all the time during our stay there was no possibility to dry our clothes or bathing suits. As a consequence there was this feeling and smell of mold in the room, which developed gradually. Not sure how this could be prevented, but we were happy to change the scene and move on in order to dry everything. The spa was beautiful, of course!

Veronika C.

Beautiful resort with even more beautiful spa, although the drinks are way to overpriced even for US standard.

Guest review

Top notch resort.

Lauren C.

Amazing!

Jaroslav T.

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort exceeded all our expectations!!! All of the staff was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful; rooms were excellent, service throughout our stay was on the highest level. We would definitely love to come back and stay here again for a vacation. Thermal pools and spa services were also excellent! Dinning experiences at the hotel are equal to fine dining at Michelin star restaurants. We loved how the hotel is situated in the nature.

Ricardo D.

Amazing hotel

Elena M.

Spectacular and luxurious hotel. top notch in every aspect, felt like royalty staying here. Our room was beautiful with a breathtaking view. Only complaint is the lunch/dinner food is overpriced and we felt town was a far drive away (but worth it).

Acela O.

Staff went above and beyond to assist and answer questions

Douglas F.

The resort could benefit from having a non-thermal swimming pool. Hotter showers would be a plus.

Sharon A.

Everyone there were so welcoming and friendly

DaShawn G.

Everything was so nice here. The food was good. the staff was friendly, the views from the room was spectular. Access to the hot springs and then even having a hotel guest area was great.

Christine R.

I love Tabacon so much. I wish we would have spent another day just because we got there so late the first day. It was perfect even though we had some rain. Our room was as perfect as we could have imagined.

Constance G.

This is a wonderful hotel with fabulous facilities and staff. We were sad to leave and definitely want to return to this hotel.

Susan M.

The hotel was amazing, and the staff so friendly, and very helpful in organizing taxis to town.

Alexander M.

everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. The breakfast buffet was amazing with all the fresh fruit and other healthy and high quality food options. My only comment was that the food in the restaurant at dinner was good but over priced compared to other options in the Fortuna area

Carolin S.

Excellent hotel. Restaurants were overpriced; good but not great.

Danetta L.

When we arrived our suite had an awful smell. The staff immediately addressed the smell (cleaning the room again while we were at dinner). The room was great after that. The resort staff checked in on us several times to make sure we were comfortable. Loved the welcome drinks they provided and how nice to have a cool lavender rag to freshen up with. The breakfast buffet, fit everyone's wants. So fun, to walk to the hot springs in our robes. The front desk did a great job helping us get transportation into town for dinner. It was a wonderful place to stay.

Barbara S.

One of the nicest places we have ever stayed. Amazing service.

Catarina S.

One of best hotels, from the staff to the overall experience. From our entire stay in Costa Rica, one of the best hotels we have been in. I totally recommend it, 100%.

Karen W.

The resort was beautiful. However, I felt the prices for food in the restaurants was VERY EXPENSIVE. Also, my daughter is gluten free for medical reasons and it was not until the 3 morning staying there that a chef came out to talk with her in the morning. We do appreciate that and thought that was very nice and helpful. We had told the hostess and nothing was ever said until that morning. Also, we were not offered the option of hot chocolate until the last morning we stayed there. We were there for 6 mornings. We don't drink tea or coffee, and I would have enjoyed hot chocolate other mornings if I knew it was an option. For lunch and for dinner, there was nothing "special" offered for a gluten free option. Several trips were made to ask the chef what could be changed on the menu to make it gluten free. Disappointed in a 5 star resort, that the effort was not made. Also, the gift shop should have made known that if you spent over $100 on products that shipping was free. He told me it was just coffee and at the airport, they said it would be for chocolate as well.

Ken W.

Knowing our daughter had Gluten diet issues there was no real effort made for accomodate her neds

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are included with a stay at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa?

Hotel guests receive complimentary access to the thermal hot springs, which include natural stream areas, larger pools with varying temperatures, a swim-up bar, waterslide, sun lounges, and cold-water swimming pools. Rooms and suites feature air conditioning, cable television, an in-room safe, an espresso machine, a mini-fridge, hairdryer, and internet.


What dining experiences are available at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa?

Tabacon offers several dining options: Ave del Paraiso serves Costa Rican and international cuisine near the hot springs, Los Tucanes provides refined international dining on the main hotel grounds, and Ephemeral Table offers a private dining experience in an open-air rainforest bungalow. Four bars and snack stations, including the adults-only Shangri-La Gardens Bar, are also available.


What spa services can guests enjoy at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa?

The award-winning Spa at Tabacon is set in private bungalows amidst trees and gardens near the natural springs. It offers a range of services including massages, treatments, facials, and hot-springs enhancements, designed to complement the tranquil rhythm of the stay.


Are there specific room categories or age restrictions at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa?

Tabacon offers various room categories, all equipped with AC, cable TV, mini-fridge, espresso machine, safe, hairdryer, and internet. Rainforest Rooms, Volcano View Suites, and Private Pool Suites are designated adults-only, while other options like Orchid Rooms, Tabacon Suites, and Two Bedroom Arenal Suites are also available.


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