Family-friendly rainforest resort with mineral hot spring pools, a spa, botanical gardens, and a restaurant
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, nestled deep within the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, offers a unique and enchanting escape for families seeking an authentic and unforgettable vacation. This remarkable resort, a true hidden gem, is situated far from the crowded tourist trails, providing a tranquil and immersive experience in the heart of nature. Despite the expansive size of the property, the resort boasts a limited number of guest cottages, creating an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. With only 25 cottages in total, many positioned side-by-side, each bungalow is carefully designed in a charming, rustic style, featuring warm wood paneling and elegant hardwood floors that evoke a sense of natural comfort.
The bungalows at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs are thoughtfully arranged around a central hub, where guests can easily access a delightful array of amenities. This central area features a welcoming restaurant serving delectable cuisine, inviting swimming pools for refreshing dips, naturally heated hot springs for ultimate relaxation, a lively pool bar for enjoying tropical cocktails, a rejuvenating spa for pampering treatments, and a mesmerizing botanical garden showcasing the region’s diverse plant life. The location of Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, away from the noise and distractions of bustling cities and towns, ensures a peaceful and serene environment. However, the vibrant sounds of the rainforest are always present, creating a symphony of nature with the melodious songs of birds and the distinctive calls of frogs and playful howler monkeys.
**Pros of staying at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs:**
* The hotel’s inviting pools are conveniently located adjacent to the restaurant and bars, offering guests the opportunity to order delicious food and refreshing drinks to savor while lounging by the water’s edge. The seamless integration of dining and leisure creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
* Despite its secluded location, the restaurant at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs consistently receives high praise for its exceptional food quality and reasonable prices. Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary delights without having to venture far from the comfort of the resort.
* Blue River Resort & Hot Springs stands out for its outstanding features and amenities tailored specifically for families. From exciting activities to dedicated spaces, the resort ensures that children and adults alike have a memorable and engaging experience.
* Travelers who have experienced the hospitality of Blue River Resort & Hot Springs consistently award the staff with five-star ratings. The dedication and attentiveness of the staff contribute significantly to the overall positive experience for guests.
**Cons to consider:**
* The remote location of Blue River Resort & Hot Springs means that there are no shops, cafés, markets, or restaurants within easy walking distance. Guests should plan accordingly for any needs or desires beyond what the resort provides.
* While generally well-maintained, some of the bungalows at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs could benefit from an update. Although comfortable and functional, a touch of modernization could further enhance the guest experience.
* Blue River Resort & Hot Springs may not be the ideal choice for travelers with limited mobility. The terrain and layout of the resort may present challenges for those with physical limitations.
**Authenticity in Nature:**
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs excels in providing opportunities to appreciate the remarkable natural beauty of Costa Rica. The meticulously maintained botanical garden serves as a magnet for local wildlife and showcases an abundance of fascinating plant species. Additionally, visitors can discover more of the region’s diverse flora and fauna at the resort’s on-site frog pond, caiman pond, and captivating butterfly farm. The naturally occurring hot springs, a true gift of nature, feed into the resort’s inviting swimming pools, where guests can unwind and soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.
**Prime Location:**
Strategically situated on the banks of a pristine river and embraced by the verdant tropical rainforest, Blue River Resort & Hot Springs offers easy access to some of Costa Rica’s most treasured natural attractions. The resort is conveniently located in proximity to Santa Rosa National Park and Guanacaste National Park, both reachable within an hour’s drive. Furthermore, the location provides a perfect launching point for exploring the wonders of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park, a mere 15-minute drive from the hotel.
**Rooms & Bathrooms Details:**
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs features 25 beautifully appointed, air-conditioned lodges, each thoughtfully designed with a rustic charm that seamlessly integrates into the natural surroundings. The rooms offer picturesque garden views, with some even providing tantalizing glimpses of the majestic volcano on clear days. Each room is equipped with a luxurious pillowtop bed, a modern LCD TV, and a private en suite bathroom complete with a refreshing shower. The cottage-style accommodation is both comfortable and spacious, although some may find it slightly basic for a property with a 4-star rating. The rooms are furnished with either one king bed or two queen beds to accommodate various needs, and each includes a front terrace adorned with a relaxing hammock – the perfect spot to unwind during a lazy afternoon.
**Abundant Wildlife Encounters:**
Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the opportunities for wildlife encounters at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs. The hotel boasts a sprawling botanical garden that serves as a home for resident sloths, providing guests with the chance to observe these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. Howler monkeys also occasionally make an appearance, adding to the thrill of wildlife spotting. In addition to the botanical garden, Blue River Resort & Hot Springs features a frog pond teeming with amphibians, a caiman pond housing these fascinating reptiles, horse stables where guests can admire these majestic animals, and a captivating butterfly farm showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors.
**Resort Amenities:**
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs has earned its prestigious 4-star rating thanks to its impressive array of unique amenities. The resort places a strong emphasis on relaxation and wellness, offering guests the chance to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit. Guests can choose from five outdoor swimming pools, including naturally heated hot springs for therapeutic soaking, an exhilarating waterslide for playful fun, and a luxurious spa offering a variety of pampering treatments. In addition to the aquatic amenities, the resort also features a well-equipped fitness center for those seeking to maintain their exercise routine and a natural mud bath near a tranquil creek, providing a unique and invigorating experience.
**Family-Friendly Activities:**
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs is a haven for families, offering a wide range of activities designed to engage children of all ages. From guided nature hikes to educational tours of the botanical gardens, there’s always something to spark curiosity and create lasting memories. Kids will love spotting the various animals that call the resort home, and the thrilling “dino hike” offers an exciting Jurassic Park-like adventure. The resort even has a resident entertainer who delights guests with balloon animals and captivating fire shows in the restaurant and common areas. Families will also appreciate the presence of a natural lagoon, frog and caiman ponds, a butterfly garden, horse stables, and various habitats showcasing donkeys, peacocks, and iguanas.
**Additional Highlights:**
Guests at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs can start their day with a complimentary breakfast, featuring a delicious mix of typical American and Costa Rican cuisine, served daily at the on-site restaurant by the pool. For lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers a la carte menus with a variety of enticing options. Travelers consistently praise the quality and value of the food, making dining at the resort a delightful experience. A full bar in the restaurant also serves a wide selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, ensuring that guests can always find the perfect beverage to complement their meal or simply unwind after a day of adventure.
Hotel Information
4-star Hotel
+506-2-2065000
Rincon de la Vieja
https://www.blueriverresort.com/
Free wifi
Free parking
