Tabacón Thermal Resort Spa
Eco-luxury rainforest immersion. Contemporary tropical interiors with locally crafted cedar furniture and Costa Rican artisan touches. Feels lush and wild without sacrificing comfort. Adults-only sections for those who want to escape the family pool scene, but genuinely welcoming to families too.
Hotel guests get exclusive access to the thermal springs from 8–10am before day-pass visitors arrive. Use this window — the pools are empty and magical in the early morning mist.
Why It Matters
Home to the only naturally occurring thermal river directly fed by Arenal Volcano in the entire region — untreated, unaltered volcanic mineral water that flows freely through the property. It's also carbon neutral, holds a 5-leaf Costa Rica Sustainable Tourism rating, has 836 solar panels on-site, and is a founding member of the SLH Considerate Collection. Travel + Leisure World's Best 2024 winner.
The only purely natural thermal river in the Arenal region runs straight through this 900-acre rainforest property. Arenal Volcano heats the water underground — it emerges mineral-rich, winding through lush tropical gardens into 18+ pools ranging from a cool 72°F to a steamy 100°F. But Tabacón is more than hot springs. It's 105 rooms of contemporary tropical design, two full restaurants, three bars, an award-winning open-air spa, and one of Central America's most credible sustainability programs.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Orchid Room King Bed
The entry-level room, though 'entry-level' here still means a stone-floored rainforest shower lit by natural skylights. Modern interiors with vibrant Costa Rican décor, unobstructed garden or forest views, and a plush king bed. A sofa bed is included for a third guest. Good for couples or solo travelers who plan to spend most of their time in the springs.
King · 35 sqmOrchid Room Two Queen Beds
Same layout and nature-forward design as the Orchid King, but configured with two queen beds — making it the practical pick for families or friends traveling together. Garden and tropical views, naturally lit stone-floor shower, and connecting room options for larger groups.
Two Queens · 35 sqmPrivate Pool Suite
Adults-only and the resort's most private accommodation short of the two-bedroom suite. The private plunge pool is fed by Tabacón's actual thermal mineral water — naturally heated, continuously renewed. Dual rain shower inside, terrace facing the rainforest. This is the one to book for honeymoons if the budget allows.
King · 70 sqmRainforest Room
Adults-only and notably larger than the Orchid rooms. Handcrafted Costa Rican furniture, a proper bathtub alongside a separate glass-enclosed shower, and an expansive private terrace with panoramic jungle views. Four of these exist on property — early booking is genuinely necessary.
King · 62 sqmTabacón Suite
The largest single-room category on property. A king bed plus sofa bed, expansive seating and dining areas, and an in-room Jacuzzi with a separate glass-enclosed hot spring shower. First-floor units have terraces; second-floor units have balconies. Both face the rainforest. The bathroom TV is a nice touch for longer stays.
King · 100 sqmTwo-Bedroom Arenal Suite
The top family or group option. Master bedroom has a king bed and private terrace; second bedroom has two queens. The master bathroom features an in-room Jacuzzi and separate glass-enclosed shower — the second bathroom is a full lavatory. A large living and dining area ties everything together. Walk-in closet, 55" Smart TV in the living room, 42" TV in the secondary room, and a 26" in the master bathroom.
King + Two QueensVolcano View Suite
Adults-only and geared toward romance. A deep soaking bathtub, dual rain shower, and a private balcony opening onto rainforest sounds and volcano views. Mornings with coffee on that terrace set a hard benchmark for the rest of your trip.
King · 70 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
6 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Arranged through local ethical tour partners, the area's zipline tours typically cover treetop cables with Arenal Volcano views. Logistics coordinated by the resort concierge.
Guided horseback excursions through the Arenal landscape, arranged via the concierge with a local partner.
Rappelling down volcanic waterfalls in the rainforest, organized through local tour partners. A strong highlight in this region.
The Arenal area has strong rafting options. The resort partners with local, ethical operators and can coordinate pick-up from the property.
Hands-on cultural classes arranged with local Costa Rican producers. Part of the resort's commitment to authentic community engagement.
A day spent with the Maleku people — Costa Rica's smallest indigenous community. Highly unusual and meaningful experience arranged through the resort's community partnership program.
A private 6-course chef's menu served by candlelight in an open-air rainforest bungalow. One of the most in-demand experiences at the resort — book before you arrive.
A nearby (6 miles) attraction that Tabacón guests regularly visit — suspension bridges through old-growth forest with volcano views. Concierge can arrange transport.
The centerpiece of a stay here. 18+ pools fed by the only natural thermal river directly sourced from Arenal Volcano in the region — untreated, unaltered, continuously renewed mineral water ranging from 72°F to 100°F. Hotel guests get unlimited access during their stay, including exclusive 8–10am access before day-pass visitors arrive.
An adults-only (18+) hotel-guest exclusive hideaway with 6 additional thermal pools, cabanas, lounge beds built into warm water, and a premium food and cocktail bar. Significantly quieter and more private than the main springs.
A guided nature walk through Tabacón's private rainforest reserve led by on-site naturalists. Covers medicinal plants, orchids, exotic birds, and the resort's biodiversity conservation work. Reserve in advance via the concierge.
Open-air yoga sessions guided by certified instructors on the spa's dedicated yoga deck, surrounded by rainforest.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
5 wheelchair-accessible guest rooms with widened doorways, lowered controls, grab bars, emergency phone. Step-free pathways throughout the property, including thermal pool access.
Meeting rooms accommodating up to 60 attendees.
Complimentary WiFi throughout all rooms and public areas.
Breakfast buffet at Tucanes Restaurant is included in the room rate for hotel guests.
Non-alcoholic welcome cocktail upon check-in for all hotel guests.
Full concierge for activity bookings, tours, and restaurant reservations. Can arrange airport transfers and regional excursions.
Mini-bar in all rooms and suites.
Standard nightly turndown with bathrobes and slippers in all rooms.
Breakfast room service from 6:30am–10am; all-day room service menu available from 10am–9:30pm.
Complimentary valet parking for all hotel guests. Parking lot is located off the main resort grounds to minimize vehicle noise and environmental impact.
18+ pools and cascading waterfalls fed by the only naturally occurring thermal river directly sourced from Arenal Volcano. Temperatures range from 72°F (22°C) to 100°F (38°C). Untreated and unaltered volcanic mineral water.
Adults-only (18+) thermal garden exclusively for hotel guests. Six additional pools, lounge beds built into warm water, cabanas, and a premium bar.
Gift shop on property.
836 on-site solar panels generating clean, renewable energy for the resort.
Pioneer installation as part of the La Fortuna Electric Route, supporting electric vehicle travel in Costa Rica.
Complimentary continuous shuttle between the main hotel building and the thermal springs area.
BUILD YOUR TABACÓN THERMAL RESORT SPA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning