My Elevator Pitch
“Don’t settle for hot springs. Bask in a whole hot river! Tabacón is the only place that melds manicured grounds, world-class service, and Costa Rica’s largest network of naturally flowing thermal mineral springs. You’ll pay a bit more for the privilege of enjoying this natural wonder, but a privilege it is.”
My Photos
My Report
There’s only one time in my life when I’ve been content to sit and do nothing for more than a few minutes, and that’s at Tabacón‘s hot springs. The massive complex of manicured pools and streams running right through the property is just that magical.
Arenal Volcano erupted last century and turned a river hot. Then Tabacón turned that miracle of nature into a luxury resort. There are other spots where you can access the hot river, but none as opulent or luxurious as at Tabacón.
The property is split in two, with a luxury hotel — complete with high-end service and modern accommodations — in one part, and the hot-spring (hot-river!) spa in the other. Though it’s only a short walk from the hotel proper to the spa, there is a shuttle bus. The spa is open to the public (for a price) as well as to hotel guests (included in the price of a room), but hotel guests also have time just for them. I found the spa to be busy but not unduly crowded. And it’s huge. You can usually find a private corner.
The hotel itself is uber-fancy. That’s not really my thing (I prefer the character of Si Como No, in another part of Costa Rica), but they sure do it right. And did I mention the hot springs?
By the way, if you ask the pool-bar staff at the spa to make an egg cream, they’ll do it, but you’ll have to explain how. The Spanish words you want are soda (“soda water”), sirope de chocolate (“chocolate syrup”), leche (“milk”), and, importantly, juntos (“together”). Yum.
Links
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa (should offer a discount)
More destinations.