Tabacon Hot Springs
Quick Facts
- Location : 10 miles west of La Fortuna
- Pools : 1 hot and 2 cold rivers with more than 20 thermal pools
- Water source : 1 hot spring and 2 mineral springs
- Temperature range : 77-122 degrees
- Hours : Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
- Towel : $20 deposit
- Lockers : Lockers: $50 dollar deposit
- Entrance fee : $85 per person
- Telephone : 2519-1999
The mineral waters at Tabacon Hot Springs originate near the base of the Arenal Volcano and flow through a thermal river over waterfalls into more than 20 different thermal pools. They're the only natural pools of any nearby hot springs and you'll feel it as you soak in thermal waters among volcanic rocks leftover from Arenal's eruptions. Tabacon's home to 2 restaurants, 3 bars and the Grand Spa – considered part of the Leading Spas in the World since 2007.
read more closePools
Two main branches of the thermal river flow through Tabacon's tropical gardens featuring a number of different pools and waterfalls for guests to soak in. A third cold, mineral water river flows from the rainforest into Tabacon; mixing with the thermal rivers in pools ranging from 77 degrees to a cool 122 degrees. The hottest pools are near the top of the property above a series of cascades where the water naturally cools off. The waterfall across from the changing rooms has seats for a relaxing hydro-massage – or for hiding out and watching the water from inside the fall.
At the Shangri-La Gardens, guests over 18 can enjoy the comfort of a private relaxation area. A series of six pools infused wind through its gardens. Furnished with bowl-shaped wicker couches, love seats and tables, Shagri-la offers intimate spaces for reading or chatting with friends over a drink from the nearby bar.
Food, Drinks & Service
Near the bottom of the river beside Tabacon's entrance, you'll find the swimming pool and wet bar. Cocktails run $10-$11 dollars, besides the standard margaritas and piña coladas, they've got beer for about $6.
The dinner buffet at Tabacon is the best of nearby resorts with nightly themes using colorful presentations. The Italian buffet is a huge spread that includes a salad and fruit bar, pizza, chicken, beef, pasta, roasted potatoes, lasagna and vegetables. For dessert, the buffet has little cups of panna cotta, strawberry shortcake and tiramisu served with coffee and tea.
The Grand spa has 11 private bungalows, each with its own Jacuzzi, plus a private waiting area where guests can sip on fresh, organic juices, relax in the Jacuzzi-pool or recline on deckchairs. The spa offers a variety of services from mani/pedis to facials and massages. Its specialties are the volcanic mud wraps and coconut/coffee exfoliation treatments.