One of the biggest appeals of Arenal/La Fortuna is the geothermal hot spring network, heated naturally by Costa Rica’s famous volcano, Volcán Arenal. Although great for day trips, many of the hot springs in the area have overnight lodgings, so you can fully take advantage of your time soaking in the pools. Kimkim has several recommendations for hot spring hotels in La Fortuna, ranging from standard to luxury.
## Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Nestled amidst the verdant embrace of Costa Rica’s rainforest, the **Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa** stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of luxury and nature. The resort meticulously integrates itself into its surrounding environment, celebrating the very essence of Costa Rica’s beauty. This careful integration is a direct result of the vision of a nature-loving architect who took on the task of designing and restoring this magnificent property, returning it to its pristine tropical state. The result is a haven where the natural world and human comfort coexist in perfect balance.
Spanning an impressive 900 acres of lush rainforest, the **Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa** offers an exclusive and intimate experience with a relatively limited number of accommodations. With only 42 rooms scattered throughout the vast property, guests are guaranteed a sense of seclusion and tranquility. Each room is thoughtfully designed to provide breathtaking jungle views, immersing visitors in the vibrant sights and sounds of the surrounding rainforest.
The rooms are warm and inviting, offering a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for guests to unwind after a day of exploring the natural wonders of Costa Rica. While all rooms provide captivating views of the jungle, some also feature private balconies overlooking meticulously manicured tropical gardens. These balconies offer an ideal space to enjoy a morning coffee or an evening cocktail, surrounded by the beauty of nature. For those seeking an enhanced level of luxury, upgraded units feature in-room Jacuzzi tubs, perfect for soaking and relaxation. Select suites elevate the experience further with the inclusion of kitchenettes, comfortable seating areas, and expansive, luxurious bathrooms, providing guests with all the comforts of home while immersed in the heart of the rainforest.
The true allure of the **Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa** lies in its 18 thermal pools, each a unique oasis within the larger paradise. These pools are fed by natural hot springs, offering a soothing and rejuvenating experience for guests. Some of the pools cascade into gentle waterfalls, adding to the serene ambiance. The landscape is adorned with vibrant tropical gardens, creating a visually stunning and immersive environment. Wooden bridges meander through the gardens, providing access to the different pools and adding to the resort’s natural charm. Thatched-roof buildings provide shelter and shade, creating inviting spaces to relax and unwind.
The room price for all guests includes not only access to these incredible hot springs but also admission to the **Shangri-La Gardens**, an exclusive adults-only area dedicated to relaxation and tranquility. Furthermore, guests enjoy a complimentary daily breakfast, providing a delightful start to each day of their stay.
While the thermal pools are conveniently located on the property, a quick shuttle ride, lasting just a couple of minutes, is required to reach them. This efficient service ensures that guests can easily access the pools while minimizing their impact on the natural environment. Although **Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa** welcomes day users to experience the therapeutic waters of its pools, there’s an exclusive area reserved specifically for hotel guests, ensuring a peaceful and private experience for those staying on the property.
Beyond the thermal pools, the **Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa** offers a range of other noteworthy highlights. A full-service spa utilizes locally sourced products for treatments in open-air cabins, allowing guests to connect with the natural world while indulging in pampering and rejuvenation. An organic garden provides fresh, seasonal ingredients for the on-site restaurant, ensuring a farm-to-table dining experience. For an unforgettable culinary experience, guests have the opportunity to reserve a six-course private dining experience surrounded by the rainforest—a truly unique perk perfect for intimate group dinners, special occasions, or even a romantic proposal. The sounds of the rainforest, the gentle breeze, and the exquisite cuisine create an unforgettable ambiance.
## The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
Perfectly capturing the essence of its name, **The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal** is an expansive and luxurious playground nestled in the heart of Costa Rica. This resort boasts an impressive collection of 28 mineral hot springs, providing guests with an unparalleled opportunity to soak in the therapeutic waters and bask in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The resort’s numerous amenities and thoughtfully designed spaces stretch across 165 acres adjacent to the majestic Arenal Volcano, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
**The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal** offers a variety of accommodations to suit every taste and preference. The resort has 74 rooms and 14 different room types on the property, including villas modeled after charming Swiss ski chalets, adding a touch of European flair to the tropical landscape. To facilitate easy navigation across the vast property, villas are equipped with golf carts, allowing guests to explore the resort’s numerous attractions with ease and convenience.
Each room is designed with a rustic-luxe motif, featuring natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and wicker accents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Large marble bathrooms with jetted tubs provide a luxurious space for relaxation and rejuvenation. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of each unit is the spacious furnished outdoor space, offering breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano. On a clear day, the volcano’s majestic presence is a sight to behold, providing a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable vacation.
With its five bars and five restaurants, **The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal** caters to every culinary desire. Guests can choose from a sports bar, a sushi restaurant, and fine dining options, ensuring that every palate is satisfied. You don’t even need to venture off the property, there are so many dining options. The resort’s culinary offerings are designed to complement the overall experience, providing guests with a range of choices to enhance their stay.
Of course, the on-site hot springs are the main attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience the therapeutic waters and stunning views. Multiple pools, ranging in temperature from 83 to 103 °F, cascade down a volcano-facing slope, providing a variety of soaking options to suit every preference.
In addition to the hot springs, **The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal** offers a 14,000-square-foot fitness center, complete with a rock-climbing wall, catering to guests who wish to maintain their fitness regime while on vacation. For those seeking adventure, the resort also offers rafting and inner-tubing excursions on its private stretch of the Class-III Arenal River, providing an exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
The resort boasts horse stables, a wildlife sanctuary showcasing 22 types of animals, and several rainforest trails that lead to hidden hot springs and cascading waterfalls. The spa offers a range of massage and beauty treatments, including a floating water massage, body wraps using therapeutic volcanic clay, and a steam room and sauna, providing guests with a holistic approach to wellness and relaxation.
## Nayara Springs
**Nayara Springs** offers an exclusive and secluded escape for adults seeking a luxurious and intimate retreat surrounded by the beauty of the tropical rainforest. Unlike its larger, family-friendly sister property, Nayara Gardens, **Nayara Springs** is designed to provide an unparalleled level of privacy and tranquility, making it an ideal destination for couples and discerning travelers seeking a romantic getaway.
One of the few drawbacks of **Nayara Springs** is the lack of volcano views, but the unmatched privacy and luxurious amenities more than compensate for this. What you get, though, is the ultimate stay in privacy, allowing you to fully disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved one.
Each of the resort’s villas—16 in total—features a private thermal plunge pool, a rare and coveted amenity among the hot spring hotels in the area. These pools are fed by natural mineral hot springs, providing a soothing and rejuvenating experience right in the privacy of your own villa. The villas are decorated in a romantic, contemporary, and slightly exotic style, featuring indigenous wood and stone, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.
Expect special touches like four-poster beds, indoor-outdoor showers, and big furnished decks leading to the pools, complete with daybeds, dining areas, and hammocks. These thoughtful details enhance the overall experience, providing guests with a luxurious and comfortable space to relax and unwind.
The resort offers several freebies, including complimentary minibar items and free international calls, adding value and convenience to your stay. In addition, the villas are equipped with modern gadgets, such as Bluetooth music players and espresso machines, catering to the needs of tech-savvy travelers.
Guests of **Nayara Springs** also have access to the property next door, providing a range of excellent dining options, including a charming wine bar and coffee shop. The resort also hosts a weekly cocktail party, providing an opportunity for guests to socialize and mingle with other travelers. For a refreshing start to the day, check out the morning yoga classes held in the yoga hut, allowing you to connect with your body and mind in a peaceful and serene setting.
## Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Nestled atop a picturesque hill in the scenic **Palma** area, **Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs** offers a tranquil escape with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Each suite is designed as a private bungalow, providing guests with a secluded and intimate space to relax and unwind. The bungalows feature outdoor spaces, minifridges, air conditioning, and breathtaking volcano views, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
Those who desire a bit more space and luxury might prefer the premium suite, which also has a large deck with outdoor dining and a Jacuzzi bathtub. These upgraded suites provide an enhanced level of comfort and privacy, allowing guests to fully enjoy the beauty of the surrounding natural environment.
In addition to the bright, large, and comfy bungalows, the rest of the property also offers luxurious vibes, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere. The on-site hot springs are a major draw, with two pools, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, and an accessible ramp, catering to guests of all abilities.
The mineral waters in the pools are known to offer several wellness benefits, providing a therapeutic and rejuvenating experience. For extra pampering, guests can check out the on-site spa, offering a range of treatments designed to enhance relaxation and well-being.
The property’s **La Saca Restaurant** offers a unique mix of flavors in its Costa Rican dishes, an extensive wine menu, and some of the best views of Arenal Volcano from the outdoor dining area. This restaurant provides a delightful culinary experience, combining delicious food with stunning scenery.
To switch it up for a meal or two, consider the other restaurant, **Alambique Bistro**, which serves wood-fired pizza and sandwiches. This casual dining option provides a relaxed and informal atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. You’ll find two bars for drinks, both facing the pools and offering a swim-up option, allowing you to enjoy your favorite beverage while soaking in the therapeutic waters.
## Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort & Spa
For those seeking a more lively and dynamic experience, **Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort & Spa** is an excellent choice. Of all the hotels on this list, it is the closest to downtown La Fortuna, providing easy access to the town’s shops, restaurants, and attractions. The resort boasts an impressive collection of 25 mineral pools, each certified by the National Water Laboratory, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety. Each thermal hot spring features a different theme and ranges from 93 to 152ºF, providing a variety of soaking options to suit every preference. The hot springs are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with one pool available 24/7 for hotel guests.
With so many different pools, amenities, play areas, waterslides, colorful lighting, swim-up bars, and expansive grounds, Baldi can feel more like an attraction than a Costa Rican hotel. However, you can still find a pocket of quiet by walking along the winding paths and choosing a pool with a more mellow vibe, allowing you to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing soak.
At **Baldi Hot Springs Hotel Resort and Spa**, you can choose from three categories of rooms, but all feel a little outdated, especially the standard rooms. All rooms have air conditioning, cable TV, and minibars, while deluxe rooms, superior rooms, and suites have outdoor patios or balconies. If your budget allows, we recommend upgrading to a Junior Suite, which is much larger, more comfortable, and will better let you enjoy the essence of the property with a balcony or terrace.
## The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
With 54 rooms, **The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort** is a mid-range accommodation near the **Palma** area, roughly the midpoint between La Fortuna town and the entrance to the national park. The location provides easy access to both the town’s attractions and the natural wonders of the national park. The list of amenities at the resort is long and includes a full-service spa, a sauna with natural thermal water steam, four eateries, and 10 natural and thermal pools, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Keep in mind that the property has an age restriction of 13 years and older, so this might be a good choice if you prefer a quieter experience. The resort’s emphasis on tranquility makes it an ideal destination for couples and those seeking a peaceful escape.
The hot springs cover a good portion of the grounds, so you’ll walk along paths lined with tropical plants to get from pool to pool. You’ll find two warm swimming pools, one cold water pool, and seven other thermal pools, two with waterfalls and one set within the resort’s thermal river. The natural stonework, wooden bridges, and floral gardens pull it all together, creating a visually stunning and immersive environment.
When not enjoying the pools, you can head to the **Loto Spa** for a little pampering or dine at one of the two restaurants. **The Emperador Restaurant** uses local ingredients and has indoor and outdoor seating, while the **Lava Restaurant** is more casual with light meals and live music. You’ll also find two bars (a lobby bar and a swim-up pool bar) for drinks and snacks.
As for the rooms, The Royal Corin offers two types of standard units (queen or king) and two suites, all relatively spacious but simple. Each has air conditioning, minibars, linen bedding, and private balconies with volcano views, while suites add in-room Jacuzzi tubs.
## Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Water Resort
**Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Water Resort** is an excellent option for the budget-minded traveler seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in the heart of Costa Rica. It’s a relatively small property with just 25 rooms—clean and simple with typical amenities like minifridges, air conditioning, and complimentary breakfast. The intimate size of the resort ensures a personalized and attentive experience for every guest. Rooms lack character overall, but you’ll find wooden furniture and marble bathrooms made from local sources, adding a touch of authenticity to the accommodations. If you upgrade to a suite, you can enjoy views of the volcano, private soaking tubs, and/or roof-top patios, providing an enhanced level of comfort and luxury.
But visitors don’t choose Paradise for the decor or rooms—undoubtedly, the highlight of this property is its on-site geothermal pools. You’ll have your choice to relax in one of eight hot springs, with one featuring a swim-up bar and others with a waterfall and submerged stone loungers. The variety of pools ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking to socialize at the swim-up bar or simply relax in the tranquil waters.
Although you may notice slight wear and tear around the pools, guests will still enjoy a relaxing soak surrounded by lush gardens filled with tropical plants and trees. Unlike some other properties in the area, Paradise limits the number of daily users, so the atmosphere remains calm and quiet. This commitment to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere sets Paradise apart from larger and more crowded resorts.
When hungry, you can grab a meal at Paradise’s restaurant, which features open-air dining. This is also where you’ll enjoy your complimentary breakfast in the morning, overlooking the pool and listening to jungle sounds. The restaurant provides a delightful dining experience, allowing you to connect with nature while enjoying delicious food.
## Hotel Kokoro Arenal
Step back in time a bit for a rustic and slightly vintage (albeit a little dated) feel at **Hotel Kokoro Arenal**. This charming hotel offers a unique and nostalgic experience, transporting guests to a simpler time. Standard rooms have wood paneling on the walls and ceilings, a nod to the area’s past, while suites feel like an upgrade with tile flooring and bright, warm colors.
All come with air conditioning, cable TV, private bathrooms, and balconies or terraces, but suites (also referred to as cabins) provide separate seating areas and views of the volcano. The suites provide an enhanced level of comfort and privacy, allowing guests to fully enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the open-air dining area surrounded by jungle greenery. In the afternoon, the eatery transforms into a lounge where you can sip Costa Rican coffee while reading a book, but keep in mind that it doesn’t serve lunch or dinner. The lounge provides a relaxing and inviting space to unwind and connect with nature. You can also relax at the outdoor swimming pool or Kokoro’s own hot springs pool, complete with a waterfall.
**Hotel Kokoro Arenal** is farther from La Fortuna than other recommended boutique accommodations. Having a car is helpful, as you’ll be in the **Palma** area, about 5 miles (8 km) from the town center.
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