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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 1–25 of 81.

Laura M.

This hotel was beautiful! But we had a few hiccups. We lost power twice and weren’t overly impressed with the rooms for the cost. We also weren’t aware that we’d need a shuttle to access the springs.

Samantha H.

Stunning grounds, very safe, beautiful hot springs!

Aaron T.

Hotel is on the more expensive side, but with the hot springs included it is to be expected. Also, we had great breakfast experiences courtesy of Francisco who made the omelets and pancakes.

Show all 25 reviews on this page

Judyth H.

I know that ants are unavoidable, but we arrived to find a row of candy with hundreds of ants crawling all over. Ants continued to be a problem but on a much smaller scale.

Rachel F.

One of the best hotels I have ever stayed at. Beautiful, exceptional service. Would definitely stay again if I returned.

Steven L.

Amazing!! rooms was great and Hot Springs were Amazing. food and drink was great and the staff was outstanding. evetrything we needed, we got Excellent

Kolton C.

They went above and beyond re: Gluten free. It was nice and refreshing-What a treat

Nidhi P.

Unbelievable stay, would come back here in a heartbeat.

Esther P.

My favourite resort could’ve stayed longer! Everything was on point.

Guest review

The hotel itself was nice but crowded and the restaurants were very expensive. We did love the thermal springs area as it was gorgeous. The hotel is a far way from town so there is nothing nearby for shopping, restaurants, etc. which was very disappointing.

Jenny C.

Amazing resort, love the hot springs! We had an amazing view of the Arenal Volcano from our room and it was we were able to see it fully over the first couple days we were there. They brought my husband a gift for Father's Day, a miniature chocolate toolbox, that we all enjoyed. The included breakfast was amazing every day. Wish there were more options for dining but we found better value at the restaurant by the hot springs.

Jennifer R.

The scenery and staff are amazing. The hotel rooms felt a bit generic, especially after arenal springs. But they were comfortable and not where we spent alot of time anyways. This was a well oiled machine helping us with tours, transfers and other things. So we'll coordinated and smooth

Ellen K.

Too was good but overpriced

Cindy G.

Hotel was beautiful. Loved the feel. The rooms were beautiful and spacious. The spa and springs were relaxing and gorgeous. Hadn't realized there would be a pre-fixe menu for Xmas eve. The meal was a little pricey for what was served but the staff was lovely to interact with. The breakfast buffet was delicious and plentiful.

Jessica L.

Great, friendly staff who was always willing to help

Eresha S.

The hot springs were amazing. We had issues with climate control in our room, but the hotel was very responsive in resolving the issue. The hotel staff was very helpful. The restaurant food at Tucanes was overpriced and the quality was okay. The included breakfast was a good representation of local produce/cuisine but was the same all three days.

Guest review

The food wasn’t the best, but I love that it was actually Costa Rican food and drinks.

Guest review

Everything overall was amazing.

Leslie H.

The hotel was amazing and we loved the hot springs. My only complaint is that all the restaurants there were pretty expensive and we had to drive to get to the nearest restaurant.

Phyllis L.

Wonderful place!

Araksie C.

Loved the hot springs! Beautiful resort. Rooms were great and beds comfortable. The grounds are immaculate. Worth the money for the hot springs experience. Didn’t like that I had to get 2 rooms since my 17 and 13 year olds were considered adults. Food was ok and pricey that is what I didn’t give the resort a 10.

Randy R.

Worth the money. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The gardens and thermal pools were wonderful. The Spa treatments were amazing....

Robert D.

Amazing experience at hotel with the hot springs and amenities. Whole family enjoyed our stay

Felicia B.

This place is amazing! The staff is very friendly and accommodating. The hot springs is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. The experience was excellent.

Robert W.

Beautiful resort.

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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