Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa - Where Volcanic Waters Meet Tropical Paradise

About Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is one of Central America's most iconic luxury properties, nestled at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Since its opening, this extraordinary five-star resort has captivated travelers from around the world with its unparalleled combination of natural thermal waters, lush tropical gardens, and world-class hospitality. The resort's signature hot springs are fed directly by underground rivers heated by Arenal's volcanic activity, creating a network of cascading pools and waterfalls that wind through meticulously landscaped gardens filled with exotic orchids, heliconias, and towering tropical trees.

What sets Tabacón apart from every other hot springs destination in Costa Rica — and arguably the world — is the authenticity and grandeur of its thermal experience. Unlike artificially heated pools, every drop of water flowing through the resort's springs is naturally heated deep within the earth by volcanic geothermal energy. The thermal river that runs through the property reaches temperatures ranging from 27°C to 42°C (80°F to 107°F), allowing guests to find their perfect temperature as they move from pool to pool. The experience of soaking in mineral-rich waters beneath a canopy of tropical foliage, with the towering silhouette of Arenal Volcano rising above, is nothing short of magical — especially under the stars at night.

Beyond the hot springs, Tabacón delivers an all-encompassing luxury experience that rivals the finest resorts anywhere in the tropics. The Grand Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments incorporating volcanic mud, local botanicals, and indigenous healing traditions. Multiple restaurants showcase the best of Costa Rican and international cuisine, with ingredients sourced from local farms and the resort's own gardens. Whether you're seeking a romantic honeymoon escape, a rejuvenating wellness retreat, or an adventure-filled family vacation with easy access to Arenal's incredible outdoor activities, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa delivers an experience that will remain etched in your memory for a lifetime.

Location

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa enjoys a privileged location on the northern slopes of the Arenal Volcano, just 13 kilometers (8 miles) northwest of the charming town of La Fortuna de San Carlos. The resort sits along the main road connecting La Fortuna to Lake Arenal, surrounded by dense tropical rainforest and with dramatic volcano views from throughout the property. The town of La Fortuna serves as the adventure capital of Costa Rica, offering easy access to dozens of tours, activities, and natural attractions. Despite its jungle setting, the resort is remarkably accessible, with well-maintained roads connecting it to major transportation hubs.

The nearest international airport is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) to the southeast. The drive from San José takes roughly 3 to 3.5 hours via the scenic route through the Central Valley and San Ramón. Alternatively, guests can fly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanajuato, which is about 185 kilometers (115 miles) to the west — a drive of approximately 3.5 hours. For those who prefer to skip the drive entirely, small domestic airlines operate daily flights from San José to La Fortuna's local airstrip, reducing travel time to just 30 minutes in the air. The resort's concierge team can arrange private transfers, shared shuttles, or rental car coordination from any airport, making arrival smooth and stress-free.

Rooms and Accommodations

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa offers a thoughtfully curated collection of rooms, suites, and exclusive retreats, each designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty of the Arenal rainforest while delivering five-star comfort and modern amenities.

Superior Rooms

The Superior Rooms provide an elegant base for exploring everything Tabacón has to offer. These spacious rooms feature plush king or double beds with premium linens, marble-finished bathrooms with rain showers, and private balconies or terraces overlooking the tropical gardens. Each room is appointed with air conditioning, a minibar, flat-screen TV, in-room safe, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The natural color palette and locally crafted furnishings create a warm, inviting atmosphere that complements the jungle setting just outside your window. Superior Rooms offer direct access to the resort's pathways, making it easy to slip into the hot springs at any hour.

Arenal Rooms

For guests who want to wake up to the sight of Costa Rica's most famous volcano, the Arenal Rooms deliver unforgettable views. These premium rooms are positioned to maximize volcano vistas from both the room interior and the private balcony. In addition to all the amenities found in the Superior category, Arenal Rooms include upgraded bath amenities, a sitting area, and turndown service with nightly treats. On clear mornings, guests are treated to a sunrise that paints the volcanic cone in shades of gold and amber — a sight that alone justifies the stay.

Suites

Tabacón's Suites represent the pinnacle of comfort and space for couples and families alike. Each suite features a separate living area with comfortable seating, a bedroom with a king-size bed and premium bedding, a spacious bathroom with both a soaking tub and a walk-in rain shower, and a generous private terrace with garden or volcano views. Select suites include outdoor Jacuzzis, dining areas, and direct access to secluded sections of the thermal river. Butler service, welcome champagne, and exclusive in-room dining menus elevate the suite experience to true five-star territory.

Rainforest Bungalows

For the ultimate Tabacón experience, the Rainforest Bungalows offer unmatched privacy and exclusivity. These standalone structures are tucked into the most secluded corners of the property, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and accessible via private garden pathways. Each bungalow features an expansive bedroom, a luxurious bathroom with an outdoor shower surrounded by tropical plants, a private plunge pool or direct access to a private section of the thermal river, and a wraparound deck perfect for morning yoga or evening cocktails. Personalized butler service, a fully stocked minibar refreshed daily, and exclusive access to the resort's VIP thermal areas make the Rainforest Bungalows the ultimate indulgence for discerning travelers.

Things to Do

Soak in the Natural Hot Springs

The crown jewel of Tabacón is, without question, its magnificent network of natural hot springs. Guests have access to over a dozen pools and thermal features, ranging from cool-water swimming pools to steaming volcanic pools perfect for deep relaxation. The thermal river is the most unique feature — a natural waterway heated by volcanic activity that flows through the property, creating waterfalls, pools, and gentle currents where you can float and soak for hours. A swim-up bar situated within the hot springs allows you to enjoy tropical cocktails without ever leaving the warm embrace of the mineral-rich waters.

Grand Spa Treatments

The Grand Spa at Tabacón is a world-class wellness destination in its own right. Spread across a tranquil complex of treatment rooms, relaxation areas, and hydrotherapy circuits, the spa offers everything from traditional Swedish and deep-tissue massages to signature treatments using volcanic mud, local coffee scrubs, and indigenous herbal remedies. The volcanic body wrap, which uses mineral-rich clay sourced from the Arenal region, is a guest favorite that leaves skin glowing and muscles deeply relaxed. Couples' treatments, prenatal packages, and multi-day wellness programs are also available.

Arenal Volcano Hiking

The Arenal Volcano National Park is just minutes from the resort, offering some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Costa Rica. Well-maintained paths wind through primary and secondary rainforest, crossing old lava flows from the volcano's active period and passing by stunning viewpoints. The park is teeming with wildlife — howler monkeys, toucans, coatis, and dozens of species of butterflies are commonly spotted along the trails. Guided naturalist hikes can be arranged through the resort's tour desk, with knowledgeable local guides who bring the forest to life with their expertise.

La Fortuna Waterfall

One of the most photographed natural attractions in Costa Rica, the La Fortuna Waterfall plunges approximately 70 meters (230 feet) into a pristine turquoise pool surrounded by lush jungle. The waterfall is located just a short drive from Tabacón, and visiting it involves a scenic descent down approximately 500 steps through the rainforest — a workout that's immediately rewarded by the breathtaking sight and the refreshing swim at the base. The resort can arrange guided tours or private transportation to make the visit seamless.

Lake Arenal Activities

Lake Arenal, Costa Rica's largest lake, is just a short drive from Tabacón and offers a wealth of water-based activities. Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing are popular options, and the lake's consistent winds make it one of the top windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations in Central America. Scenic boat tours provide a unique perspective of the Arenal Volcano reflected in the lake's calm waters, and lakeside restaurants offer fresh tilapia caught from the lake itself.

Hanging Bridges and Canopy Tours

The Arenal region is famous for its hanging bridges — suspended walkways that carry visitors through the forest canopy at heights of up to 60 meters (200 feet) above the ground. These bridges offer a bird's-eye view of the rainforest ecosystem, revealing layers of life that are invisible from the ground. For thrill-seekers, zipline canopy tours send you soaring above the treetops at exhilarating speeds, with some lines stretching over a kilometer in length. Both experiences can be easily arranged through Tabacón's adventure desk.

Dining

Los Tucanes Restaurant

The resort's signature dining venue, Los Tucanes, offers an elevated culinary experience that celebrates the rich flavors of Costa Rica and Latin America. The menu features beautifully presented dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including sustainably caught seafood, grass-fed beef, and organic produce from nearby farms. Standout dishes include the corvina ceviche with tropical fruit, slow-roasted pork with coffee glaze, and the decadent chocolate lava cake made with cacao from the Talamanca region. The elegant dining room opens onto a terrace with volcano views, making dinner here a feast for all the senses.

Ave del Paraíso

For a more casual dining experience, Ave del Paraíso serves international and Costa Rican cuisine in a relaxed, open-air setting surrounded by the resort's tropical gardens. The breakfast buffet is legendary — an abundant spread of tropical fruits, fresh-baked pastries, traditional gallo pinto, eggs prepared to order, and freshly squeezed juices. At lunch and dinner, the menu offers everything from gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas to fresh salads and traditional casados (the classic Costa Rican lunch plate). It's the perfect spot for families and those who want excellent food in a laid-back atmosphere.

Tikal Bar & Hot Springs Bar

No visit to Tabacón is complete without a cocktail at one of its bars. The Tikal Bar, located near the main pool area, serves an impressive selection of tropical cocktails, local craft beers, and fine wines. But the real star is the Hot Springs Bar — a swim-up bar nestled within the thermal pools where you can order a piña colada, a signature volcanic margarita, or a refreshing imperial beer without ever leaving the warm water. Sipping a cocktail in a naturally heated pool beneath a canopy of stars, with the sounds of the jungle all around you, is one of those quintessential Costa Rica moments.

Why Stay at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

• Unrivaled natural hot springs — The most spectacular thermal springs experience in Costa Rica, with naturally heated pools, waterfalls, and a thermal river flowing through breathtaking tropical gardens.
• World-class spa and wellness — The Grand Spa offers transformative treatments using volcanic mud, local botanicals, and indigenous techniques in a serene rainforest setting.
• Iconic volcano setting — Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in Central America, with views from rooms, restaurants, and pools.
• Gateway to adventure — Unbeatable access to Arenal's best activities including hiking, waterfall visits, hanging bridges, zip lines, and Lake Arenal water sports.
• Exceptional dining and service — From fine dining at Los Tucanes to cocktails at the swim-up hot springs bar, every culinary moment is crafted with care and complemented by warm, attentive Costa Rican hospitality.

Explore more Costa Rica hotel options in our Top 10 Hotels in Costa Rica guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the hot springs natural or artificially heated?

The hot springs at Tabacón are 100% naturally heated by underground volcanic geothermal activity from Arenal Volcano. No artificial heating is used. The thermal waters are rich in minerals including calcium, magnesium, and silica, which are believed to have therapeutic properties for skin and muscle health. Water temperatures vary by pool, ranging from approximately 27°C to 42°C (80°F to 107°F).

What is the best time of year to visit Tabacón?

Tabacón can be enjoyed year-round thanks to its tropical climate and the fact that hot springs are naturally warm regardless of the weather. The dry season from December through April offers the most consistently sunny weather and the best volcano views. However, the green season (May through November) brings lush, vibrant vegetation, fewer crowds, and lower rates — and the hot springs are arguably even more enjoyable when enjoyed during a warm tropical rain.

Is Tabacón suitable for families with children?

Yes, Tabacón welcomes families and offers pools and areas suitable for children. However, some of the hotter thermal pools are recommended for adults only due to water temperature. The resort provides family-friendly dining options, and the concierge can arrange age-appropriate adventure tours in the Arenal area. Children must be supervised at all times in the hot springs areas.

How far is Tabacón from San José?

Tabacón is located approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) from San José, with a drive time of about 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. The route passes through beautiful Costa Rican countryside including the Central Valley and the San Ramón mountains. Private transfers and shared shuttles can be arranged through the resort. Alternatively, a 30-minute domestic flight from San José to La Fortuna is available through local airlines.

Do I need a reservation for the hot springs, or can day visitors access them?

Hotel guests have unlimited complimentary access to the hot springs throughout their stay, with no reservation needed. Day passes are available for non-guests, but availability is limited and advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak season (December–April) and holidays. Hotel guests enjoy priority access and extended hours, including exclusive nighttime access to certain thermal areas.