Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa is the hotel that put Arenal’s hot springs on the map, and staying here means the famous thermal river is on your doorstep rather than a day-trip destination. The resort lies on the flank of Arenal Volcano, roughly twenty minutes’ drive west of La Fortuna on the road toward Lake Arenal, in a setting of rainforest gardens and cooling mist. A river warmed by the volcano runs through the property, and the grounds have been shaped into cascades, waterfalls and natural-looking pools at different temperatures, so you can move from a gently warm soak to a properly hot one as the evening cools. Guests generally enjoy earlier access to the springs than day visitors, which means a quiet soak at the start of the day before the crowds arrive, and many stay on long after dark when the gardens are lit. Besides the springs, the resort offers a full spa, several places to eat and drink, and rooms and suites with views toward the forest and the volcano. It is the splurge for travellers who want hot springs to be the centrepiece of their trip, and it suits couples particularly well.
Location and getting around
The resort is on the main road west of La Fortuna, about twenty minutes by car or taxi, and close enough to reach Arenal Volcano National Park, the hanging bridges and the town’s restaurants without a long drive. Parking is available for guests, and tour operators can collect you from the property. Because the resort is outside town, many guests plan to eat on site in the evening, so check the dining options and opening times when you reserve.
The rooms
The accommodation ranges from comfortable rooms to suites and larger villa-style options, with different categories offering garden, forest or volcano views. If the view of the cone matters to you, ask for the best volcano-facing category available, and ask whether your rate includes breakfast. Rooms are quiet, with the soundtrack mostly provided by frogs, birds and the river.
Who it suits
Couples on a honeymoon or anniversary, travellers who rank hot springs above everything else, and anyone who wants to wake up and soak before breakfast. Families are welcome, but note that some areas have age rules, so check which pools children can use. The adults-only gardens are reserved for hotel guests, which is a real perk for couples seeking privacy.
Good to know
Day visitors share the springs in the afternoon and evening, so early morning and late night are quieter for guests. Bring water shoes for the river rocks, and keep silver jewellery in your room, since the minerals can tarnish it. Spa treatments are best booked in advance, especially in the dry season.
Why stay here
- ✓Volcano-heated thermal river
- ✓Landscaped hot spring pools
- ✓Full-service spa
- ✓Guest-only garden area
- ✓Early access to the springs
- ✓On-site restaurants and bars
- ✓Volcano and forest views
- ✓Tour desk and pickups
Good questions
Do hotel guests get access to the hot springs?+
Yes, guests can use the thermal river and pools, and generally get earlier access than day visitors, so mornings are quieter.
How far is Tabacón from La Fortuna?+
It is about a twenty-minute drive west of La Fortuna on the road toward Lake Arenal, so a car, taxi or hotel shuttle works well.
Is Tabacón suitable for children?+
Children are welcome, but there are age and safety rules for some pools and the waterfall, and some gardens are adults-only. Ask the resort which areas children can use.
