Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica’s lush rainforest lies Tabacon Hot Springs, a natural oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. Known for its pristine thermal waters, cascading waterfalls, and stunning tropical gardens, Tabacon is a world-renowned destination for travelers seeking an authentic Costa Rican experience.
Whether you’re looking to unwind after a day of exploring the nearby Arenal Volcano, or simply escape from the stresses of everyday life, Tabacon Hot Springs is the perfect place to relax, recharge, and connect with nature.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Tabacon Hot Springs, its history, and the many attractions and activities that make it one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica.
Tabacon Hotel Overview
- The hotel is home to several hot springs, fed by the Arenal volcano’s geothermal activity.
- Located on 350 hectares (864 acres) of private land close to the town of La Fortuna
- It has a wide range of accommodations, including standard rooms, suites, and bungalows with modern amenities.
- The hot springs are open to hotel guests 24 hours a day and are known for their healing properties.
- The hotel also has a full-service spa
- The hotel offers guided nature walks, bird-watching, and wildlife viewing.
- The hotel is also located near the Arenal Volcano National Park.
- Won countless awards over the years for Luxury, Travelers choice and Spas
The Hot Springs
Pictures do not do justice for the experience at Tabacon, while there are many hot springs in the Arenal region of Costa Rica, Tabacon creates a luxury experience worth the mountain drive.
Fed by the Arenal volcano’s geothermal activity, the springs are rich in minerals and are known for their healing properties. The lodge offers several pools of varying temperatures, allowing guests to find the perfect temperature to suit their preferences. The hot springs are open to hotel guests 24 hours a day, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
The hot springs are set in a lush, tropical garden, surrounded by lush vegetation, providing a serene and natural environment. The lodge also offers private hot spring pools for those who prefer a more intimate and secluded experience. The hot springs are also illuminated at night, providing an enchanting ambiance and the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs under the stars.
The hot springs at Tabacon Lodge are not only a source of relaxation, but also a great way to connect with nature. The hot springs are surrounded by the Arenal volcano, providing a stunning backdrop and an opportunity to experience the raw power of nature.
The waters range from 77 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit and the water is never re-circulator or re-heated but freshly heated from the Arenal Volcano and mineralized underground.
Tabacon Hotel Amenities
Accommodations
The resort offers a variety of rooms and suites, decorated in a traditional Costa Rican style and equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. Some of the rooms also have private terraces with views of the volcano.
Spa
The resort has a full-service spa, which offers a wide range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. The spa is located in the heart of the hot springs and offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Activities
The resort offers a variety of activities for guests, including guided nature walks, bird-watching, and wildlife viewing. The resort is also located near the Arenal Volcano National Park, which offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the volcano.
Dining
The resort has several dining options, including a fine-dining restaurant, a casual restaurant, and a poolside bar. The restaurants serve a mix of international and Costa Rican cuisine.
Packages
The resort offers several packages to suit different needs, such as romantic getaways, honeymoon packages, family packages and more. Some packages include spa treatments, hot springs access, meals, and activities.
Overall, Tabacon Hot Springs Resort offers a wide range of amenities and packages for guests to choose from, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation in Costa Rica.
The Local Flora and Fauna
Tabacon Lodge is located in the Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is a mix of primary and secondary rainforest, and as such, it has a rich variety of tropical plants and trees. Some of the common trees and plants found in the park include the guanacaste tree, the banana tree, the heliconia, and the ginger. There are also several species of orchids and bromeliads that can be found in the area.
The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, parrots, and other tropical birds. Additionally, there are a variety of reptiles and amphibians such as the red-eyed tree frog, the green iguana, and the basilisk lizard. It’s also a great place to see many species of butterflies and insects. Mammals such as the agouti, the coati, and the peccary can also be found in the park.
Keep in mind that some of the animals are harder to spot than others, and that you should always respect the wildlife and their natural habitats.
The Food
One of the most important parts of traveling is experience the taste of local cuisine. At Tabacon they offer a “Culinary Experience” that you won’t find at any other resort. When you enter the restaurants you can smell the complex ingredients of each meal, as the top chefs use local ingredients to take your taste buds on another journey.
It is also extremely important to stay hydrated during your time at the hot springs, make sure to drink plenty of water and then take advantage of the four bars Tabacon has to offer with Tropical drinks perfect for the Arenal region.
While there are two amazing full-service restaurants, if you are looking for something a little more private, couples can indulge in an intimate dining experience at the Ephemeral Table. A six-course meal with a dedicated chef and candlelight setting in a bungalow.
This is a unique private dining experience that is two hours long and situated in the heart of the jungle.
Giving Back to the Environment
While visiting Costa Rica you will notice an environment friendly country. Costa Rica’s electricity was generated by renewable energy for 300 days in 2017, beating out its previous record in 2015 of 299 days. Tabacon is committed to promote awareness and education in sustainability within the hotel and the community.
The Sustainability Plan of Tabacon focuses on seven areas while protecting flora and fauna, archaeological heritage and a reduction of energy consumption.
The plan also reduces energy consumption and waste. While it is difficult to run a large and luxurious resort, Tabacon keeps its guest educated and aware of the conservation of natural areas and how it contributes fighting climate change.
Where is Tabacon Located?
Situated in the jungle of Arenal it is a mountainous jungle drive to Tabacon but worth the trip. Whether you are coming from the area of San Jose or Liberia be prepared to take a 3 hour drive from the Airport to Tabacon.
To drive to Tabacon Springs in Costa Rica from the capital city of San Jose, take Route 1 (also known as the Inter-American Highway) heading north. After approximately 80 miles (130 kilometers) you will reach the town of La Fortuna.
From there, follow the signs to Arenal Volcano National Park and Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. The drive should take around 3 hours. Be aware that the roads can be winding and mountainous, so drive carefully.
Take a break on your way to Tabacon to talk to the locals and hear about their experience with different eruptions and photos of the volcano.
If you are driving from San Jose, you will go through La Fortuna make sure to stop at the amazing town and walk around. La fortune used to be called El Borio, but the name was changed after the eruption in 1968 to La Fortuna which mean Fortune because the town was untouched during the eruption.
Both roads offer beautiful sights and a mountainous terrain, if you are unsure of the drive to Tabacon, the resort can help offer assistance in private transportation from Airports and hotels in Costa Rica.
Leave it the professionals to drive while you take in the amazing atmosphere and get a beautiful photographic tour.
When to Visit
Arenal volcano can be quite foggy most days, while this would not impact your stay at Tabacon it is a majestic bonus to view the Volcano.
The rainy season for the Arenal region is December through April, during the rainy season it may only rain half the day, or just one hour in the afternoon. The season creates a foggy cloud that limits your experience of the beauty of the Volcano and its natural surroundings.
Any time is a great time to visit Tabacon, May through October is usually clear and gives you a chance to view the volcano. Costa Rica has experienced a change in weather in the past couple years. While this has not effected the Tabacon area, if you are trying to plan a visit to view the area try avoid the rainy season.
Let’s Go
Tabacon Hot Springs is a great destination for those looking for a relaxing and luxurious vacation in Costa Rica. The hotel’s location, within the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, makes it an ideal spot for travelers looking to experience the natural hot springs and the beauty of the Arenal volcano.
It’s also important to note that the Arenal volcano is an active volcano and can have sudden eruptions, so it’s important to check the latest information from the Costa Rican government before planning a visit.