Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Resort

A warm-water return after an Arenal adventure

Move between hot-springs pools and Jacuzzis at Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Resort, and let the day change pace. Tropical gardens surround the water, with different pool sizes and temperatures inviting you to find a comfortable place to linger. An afternoon here can be the quieter half of an Arenal day: an outing in the morning, a warm soak when you return and dinner without needing to leave the resort.

Eight hot-springs pools and Jacuzzis give you room to vary that experience. Some have in-water loungers; others have cascading waterfalls. A poolside bar adds the pleasure of a cocktail or local cerveza, while the gardens keep the setting close as you move between the water and a pause beside it. Choose the pool that suits you, and give yourself time to enjoy the difference.

Time for a treatment

A massage can add another dimension to the slower hours. Swedish, deep-tissue, custom therapeutic, hot-stone, reflexology and angel-hands treatments give you a choice of approaches when arranging a session. Body treatments include volcanic mud and chocolate wraps, coffee exfoliation and coconut exfoliation. You can make a treatment part of a day at the resort without filling the entire visit with appointments.

Meals, and a room for your party

Azalia Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on site. Breakfast is included in your room rate and runs from 8–10 am. Lunch is à la carte from 12:30–3 pm; dinner is buffet-style from 6:30–8:30 pm. Plan lunch and dinner separately, choosing whether to return for a meal between outings or let an evening stay centered on the hotel.

Colonial-style rooms pair locally crafted hardwood furniture with marble bathrooms, giving the accommodation character beyond the pools. Air conditioning, cable TV, a safe, mini-fridge, coffee maker, hairdryer and complimentary Wi-Fi provide familiar comforts. Make coffee before heading out or settle in after a soak; the room should work as comfortably for your party as the gardens do for your downtime.

Occupancies and settings vary by category. The Jade Signature Villa is adults-only, and the Paradise Luxury Suite Volcano View with Jacuzzi is in an adult section. Compare those choices with everyone traveling with you, especially when choosing accommodation for a family. The current room options give you the relevant layouts and occupancy details for the trip you are arranging.

La Fortuna and the landscapes beyond

La Fortuna town center is about a five-minute drive away, with souvenir shops and restaurants near the resort adding options beyond its own dining. A town visit can be a simple change of scene: some browsing, a meal or an ice cream cone or milkshake at Pops before returning to the thermal pools.

Arenal Volcano gives the region its defining landscape. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall or explore the canopy at the hanging bridges, choose a Cano Negro riverboat safari or take a float along the Rio Penas Blancas. These outings let you experience the forest, rivers and wildlife opportunities at different paces.

Rio Balsa rafting, canyoning and waterfall rappelling, canopy zip lines or an ATV outing through back roads and farms can bring a more active rhythm to the trip. At the resort, the counterpoint is waiting: tropical gardens, warm water and a room to return to. Choose Paradise when that time after the day's adventure is part of what you look forward to, and keep it in the itinerary alongside the region's excursions.