Agua Ardiente Pool Bar, Courtesy of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Agua Ardiente Pool Bar, Courtesy of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Kimkim favorite

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, Arenal/La Fortuna

Luxury resort set in a lush jungle with access to some of the best hot springs in Costa Rica. 

Overview

You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, a luxury resort in La Fortuna. All 42 rooms feature natural tones, wooden accents, and views of the rainforest. Your room rate includes access to the thermal pools (a quick shuttle ride away) with a small area and pools explicitly reserved for resort guests. Enjoy daily breakfast near the onsite pool or reserve a 6-course private dining experience surrounded by the rainforest.

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, January 2022 (Learn more)

Pros

  • As a luxury property with a relaxed and romantic setting, Tabacon is perfect for couples, friends, or small groups.
  • Although day visitors are welcome into the thermal pools, a private adults-only area of the hot springs is reserved for resort guests.
  • The hot springs at Tabacon are unique, appearing more like a natural river than separate swimming pools, as with other properties.
  • You'll find plenty of food variety, including a beautiful restaurant at the hot springs with private dining available at an additional cost.
  • In addition to the thermal pools, the hotel itself features an outdoor pool and hot tub area with cozy cabanas for guests.
  • Guests requiring mobility support can enjoy the accessible main hot springs pool with a ramp.
  • Rooms include warm wooden features, and all have rainforest views.
  • Enjoy spa services for an additional fee, including body wraps, massages, and other treatments using natural materials, such as volcanic mud.

Cons

  • As the property is on the main road, some rooms may experience noise. 
  • You must take a shuttle from the hotel to the hot springs (complimentary).
  • The property isn't walkable to the town or restaurants, and you need a car or taxi for self-guided offsite explorations.

Authenticity

Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa does a great job blending into its surrounding environment and highlighting the essence of the Costa Rican jungle, which makes sense considering a nature-loving architect created the luxury property and restored its natural, tropical origins. This small resort with just 42 rooms sits on 900 acres and offers views of the rainforest.

Location

Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa is just off Route 142, about 7 miles (11 km) west of La Fortuna and slightly north of the Arenal Volcano National Park. So although getting to town requires a 20-minute drive, you'll be closer to the national park's entrance. Note that the hotel and thermal pool are about 500 meters apart, so you'll need to take a quick shuttle to get between the two areas.

Rooms & Bathrooms

You'll have your choice of five different room types: two superior room options and three suites. All are warm and inviting, with tile floors and small pops of colors, while some feature balconies overlooking tropical gardens. Upgraded units have in-room Jacuzzi tubs, and some suites include kitchenettes, seating areas, and multiple rooms. The bathrooms in the suites are huge, adding to the property's luxurious vibe. The room price for all guests includes entrance to the hot springs, access to the Shangri-La Gardens (adults-only), and daily breakfast.

Wildlife

Surrounded by rainforest, Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa offers you easy opportunities to see local wildlife, despite being just off a busy highway. Travelers have spotted iguanas, coatis, and a wide range of brightly-colored birds, often from the comfort of their private terraces or balconies that look out at the surrounding rainforest. 

Amenities

The main highlight of Tabacon is, of course, its beautiful thermal pools, complete with waterfalls, tropical gardens, wooden bridges, and thatched-roof buildings. You'll have access to 18 pools open to hotel guests from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Spa treatments are available in outdoor bungalows, and the spa area includes a mineral spring water Jacuzzi and an outdoor hydromassage pool. Tabacon Gym is in the hotel's main building and has a wide range of fitness equipment available. There are accessible rooms for travelers with limited mobility, and one of the pools has a specially designed wheelchair ramp, a feature that is quite rare to find in the area. 

Family-Friendliness

Tabacon is a good choice for families, though certain areas, such as the Shangri-La Gardens and spa, are reserved for adults. Cribs, highchairs, and rollaway beds are all available, allowing you to mix and match to meet your family's needs. Several larger suites are ideal for families, and kids can access a children's pool with a water slide. If you want to sneak away to one of the adult-only areas, paid babysitting is available. 

Other Highlights

Since it's a long drive to town, you'll want to take advantage of one of the two beautiful restaurants (reservations necessary). Travelers have been impressed with the resort's ability to accommodate dietary restrictions, something that comes in handy given the lack of other dining options nearby. You can also book a private dining experience for an additional fee—a unique perk in the area and great for small group dinners, special occasions, or even a romantic proposal. Four bars supplement the restaurants, ideal for relaxing with a drink or grabbing a quick snack. Before you leave, check out the resort's gift shop for a chance to grab a memento of your trip. 

Sustainability

Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa has numerous sustainability initiatives, including (but not limited to) water conservation and environmental education programs, water treatment facilities, the use of local and regional producers, an on-site organic garden for food sourcing, a clean energy project, solar panel installation, natural geothermal heating for the pools, and a "plant a tree" program to help reach carbon neutrality.

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4.5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 2479-2000
Hotel address icon 13 km oeste del centro de La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Free parking
Free wifi

Traveler Reviews

20 total ratings, 16 with reviews
4.9 out of 5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.9
Location
4.7
Staff
4.9
Cleanliness & Comfort
5.0
neil
neil p.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024
The hotel is luxurious and the on-site hot thermal springs are amazing both night and day. Lots of animals to observe around the grounds. The only downside is the cost of F&B. All the hotel cafes and restaurants were expensive, with little choice under $30 for a main course (plus sides/starters/deserts drinks) -so a family of four were spending $200 every night . However, food was excelllent and breakfast was fabulous and included of course. Read more

The hotel is luxurious and the on-site hot thermal springs are amazing both night and day. Lots of animals to observe around the grounds. The only downside is the cost of F&B. All the hotel cafes and restaurants were expensive, with little choice under $30 for a main course (plus sides/starters/deserts drinks) -so a family of four were spending $200 every night . However, food was excelllent and breakfast was fabulous and included of course.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
Tyler
Tyler S.
Mexico | Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024
The rooms are really large. The breakfast was very good. The hot springs blew our minds. The only down side of this hotel is it's a $40 round trip taxi ride to get into town if you want to eat somewhere besides the hotel. Read more

The rooms are really large. The breakfast was very good. The hot springs blew our minds. The only down side of this hotel is it's a $40 round trip taxi ride to get into town if you want to eat somewhere besides the hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Charming, clean, quaint.
Location
The proximity to the hot springs was so nice. Difficult to get into La Fortuna to dine elsewhere.
Staff
Everyone was very kind and our service was exceptional
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds are very comfortable and larger than most king beds.
Stayed in January 2024
Alicia
Alicia O.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 15, 2023
This is one of our favorite resorts we have ever stayed in! The staff was so genuinely sweet and helpful, the grounds were absolutely gorgeous and the room was new, beautiful and clean! We also had two of the best restaurant servers we have ever had in our lives! We also had a fabulous experience in the spa! It rained a ton while we were there and it only added to the fun of the experience! Read more

This is one of our favorite resorts we have ever stayed in! The staff was so genuinely sweet and helpful, the grounds were absolutely gorgeous and the room was new, beautiful and clean! We also had two of the best restaurant servers we have ever had in our lives! We also had a fabulous experience in the spa! It rained a ton while we were there and it only added to the fun of the experience!

Authenticity & Character
The people were so helpful, sweet, authentic and lovely!
Location
The hot springs make this location so amazing! I have never seen such an amazing garden and pool setting!
Staff
Davie was our waiter and he was one of the best we have ever had in our lives!
Cleanliness & Comfort
We loved the beds, pillows and the all extras like the beautiful razors and toothbrushes!
Stayed in October 2023
Jessica
Jessica M.
Watertown, WI | Reviewed on Aug 27, 2023
The hotel and hot springs are nothing short of stunning. The grounds are beautiful. The walk to the pool, main building and hot springs are easy and so pleasant. The fact that the hot springs open to hotel guests two hours before the general opening allowed us to visit feeling like we had the place to ourselves. The secluded areas with cabanas and the plethora of flora makes it seem like you’re in a magic rainforest setting. Read more

The hotel and hot springs are nothing short of stunning. The grounds are beautiful. The walk to the pool, main building and hot springs are easy and so pleasant. The fact that the hot springs open to hotel guests two hours before the general opening allowed us to visit feeling like we had the place to ourselves. The secluded areas with cabanas and the plethora of flora makes it seem like you’re in a magic rainforest setting.

Authenticity & Character
Location
You can definitely spend several days here without having to leave the facility; however, if you’re interested in going to La Fortuna, you’ll need a car or an Uber. It’s about a 15 minute drive.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2023
C
carolyn w.
Lancaster, CA | Reviewed on Jun 28, 2023
Very accommodating to our special needs diets (vegan, no gluten) Read more

Very accommodating to our special needs diets (vegan, no gluten)

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2023
Steven
Steven B.
Fort Lauderdale, FL | Reviewed on Feb 27, 2023
5 star hotel all the way. Wonderful breakfast buffet and of course those amazing thermal springs! Read more

5 star hotel all the way. Wonderful breakfast buffet and of course those amazing thermal springs!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2023
Deb
Deb T.
Pittsburgh, PA | Reviewed on Feb 24, 2023
This was the most beautiful hotel we've ever stayed at. We LOVED the hot springs and enjoyed the entire atmosphere of the hotel. The friendliness, helpfulness and service was exceptional. Food was very good. Room very comfortable. Shuttle service to the hot springs runs every few minutes and makes everything very accessible.
We stayed for 4 nights and very glad we did! Because of the clouds, the volcano was only visible on our last morning, but what an amazing view we had!
Read more

This was the most beautiful hotel we've ever stayed at. We LOVED the hot springs and enjoyed the entire atmosphere of the hotel. The friendliness, helpfulness and service was exceptional. Food was very good. Room very comfortable. Shuttle service to the hot springs runs every few minutes and makes everything very accessible.
We stayed for 4 nights and very glad we did! Because of the clouds, the volcano was only visible on our last morning, but what an amazing view we had!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2023
Balazs
Balazs L.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Oct 17, 2022
This is a small paradise in Costa Rica. I know this luxury hotel may be intimidating at first, however, we had a wonderful time while we stayed there. Everybody is working on that you will feel relaxed and happy. The resort is beautiful, there is really no better word for like paradise. Just go there, you will not regret it. Read more

This is a small paradise in Costa Rica. I know this luxury hotel may be intimidating at first, however, we had a wonderful time while we stayed there. Everybody is working on that you will feel relaxed and happy. The resort is beautiful, there is really no better word for like paradise. Just go there, you will not regret it.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A small wonder of the world. In the middle of a rainforest, with a view to a smoking volcano, while simmering in a crystal clear river which is never too cold or too warm, sipping your perfect cocktails. A small paradise.
Staff
I have never experienced a hotel which had friendlier staff than Tabacón. I would even like to mention Diego, the chef who was responsible for our breakfasts and always took the extra mile so that we were satisfied with everything. Additionally, Diane was like an extra sun who brightened our days with her cheerfulness and kindness whenever we met her.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless and perfect. I would recommend room 109, as that has the best view of the volcano in my opinion.
Stayed in September 2022
Blair
Blair H.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Aug 30, 2022
Simply beautiful. This is an elegant hotel. The hot spring fed pools were amazing. The restaurants were delicious. The views and location could not be beat. Read more

Simply beautiful. This is an elegant hotel. The hot spring fed pools were amazing. The restaurants were delicious. The views and location could not be beat.

Authenticity & Character
Very simple and zen like. Lovely taste.
Location
View of the volcano!
Staff
So polite and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfection.
Stayed in August 2022
Julie
Julie G.
Lake Butler, FL | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2022
First class all the way. Loved the modern feel of the rooms, the hot springs were the best, and the restaurants simply delicious! Small and inviting, you feel like you’re in your own corner of the jungle. Read more

First class all the way. Loved the modern feel of the rooms, the hot springs were the best, and the restaurants simply delicious! Small and inviting, you feel like you’re in your own corner of the jungle.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2022