Rejuvenating Hot Springs & Volcano Views at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

There’s a reason Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa has long been one of the premier names in Costa Rica‘s Arenal and La Fortuna region, and it comes down to what’s flowing through the property: a 100% natural thermal river heated by the Arenal Volcano nearby. Rather than bubbling up in a handful of pools, the mineral-rich water winds through the rainforest in a series of waterfalls, cascades and inviting thermal baths that meld with the tropical foliage to create the sense of an escape deep in the jungle. And integrated into this remarkable setting, Tabacón represents the best of two worlds, offering walk-out access to one of the country’s most memorable wellness experiences while remaining close to the adventures that have made Arenal such a draw for traveling families.

Review & Highlights of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa for Families

Location

Set amid 570 acres at the volcano’s base, Tabacón is encircled by towering trees, abundant greenery and brilliant flowers like hibiscus and bird-of-paradise, with chirps, chatter and squawks from the resident wildlife echoing all around. Keep an eye out for colorful toucans and hummingbirds as well as monkeys and coatis (small raccoon-like mammals), all frequent visitors.

Although it has a well-earned reputation as one of the area’s top luxury resorts, the atmosphere at Tabacón feels more like a low-key retreat than a grand hotel. Between adventures, you’ll find yourself lingering over coffee on your terrace, soaking in the springs after dinner or listening to the sounds of the rainforest. Yet despite the peaceful setting, waterfalls, hanging bridges, ziplining, wildlife parks and volcano hikes are all just a short drive away.

Accommodations

The decor in resort’s 105 guest rooms and suites feels simple and clean-lined, falling in step with the restful ambiance. Rooms are bedecked with natural woods, handcrafted furnishings, locally inspired artwork and cool tile floors that keep the interiors comfortable in the tropical climate. Generous windows bring the rainforest inside; private balconies and terraces encourage you to take a pause and enjoy the scenery.

Families will likely gravitate toward the Two-Bedroom Arenal Suite, which pairs a primary bedroom with a king bed and balcony with a second bedroom featuring two queen beds and its own small balcony, plus a generous living area and two bathrooms — one en suite to the primary bedroom. Tabacón Suites (the largest single-room category, accommodating two adults and two kids under 12 with one king bed and a pullout sofa) also work well. The entry-level Orchid Rooms offer connecting options, and king configurations includes a sofa bed suitable for one child or an additional adult.

Couples and empty nesters can choose from several adults-only room categories designed to maximize privacy and volcano views. I was particularly taken with the Private Pool Suites facing the volcano — each features a secluded patio with its own plunge pool and an oversize hanging swing bed that frames spectacular vistas of the cone in clear weather. Volcano View Suites also include hanging swings paired with deep outdoor soaking tubs, while Rainforest Rooms are equipped with peaceful terraces overlooking the property’s dense foliage.

Hot Springs

The hot springs are, unsurprisingly, the heart of the resort. Its 23 thermal pools and waterfalls, naturally heated by the volcano and connected by stone pathways and wooden bridges, are reachable by a shuttle that runs from the main lobby on a continual loop. Each has its own personality, from quiet tucked-away pools to larger open-air spaces surrounded by rainforest. Water emerges from the source at roughly 130°F and gradually cools as it flows downward through the grounds, allowing you to choose the temperature that feels most comfortable (a helpful sign posted at each pool tells you how hot it is).

Access to the thermal experience is included for those staying on-property and the springs are open from 8 am to 10 pm. One especially nice perk: From 8 am to 10 am, they’re reserved exclusively for resort guests before day pass visitors arrive. It’s by far the most peaceful time to soak, with fewer people and the sounds of the rainforest taking center stage. Late evenings also feel tranquil, particularly at the cluster of pools and private cabanas that lie within the adults-only section known as Shangri-La Gardens, accessible to resort guests but not day visitors.

Note, kids under 16 need to be accompanied at the springs by an adult.

Other Amenities and Activities

Adventures at Tabacón start right outside your door. The resort’s guided Nature & History Trail winds through a private reserve where naturalists can show you medicinal plants, orchids and the birds you’re hearing but can’t yet name — an ideal activity for your first morning as you settle into rainforest life. The greater Arenal region is often called Costa Rica’s adventure capital, and Tabacón makes an ideal home base for waterfall rappelling, canyoning, whitewater rafting, hanging bridges, horseback riding, ziplining and volcano hikes (likely spying monkeys, sloths and colorful tropical birds along the way). If you’d prefer a culinary experience, the resort hosts cocktail workshops, coffee tastings and hands-on Tico cooking classes.

We can book your stay at Tabacón Thermal Resort with exclusive perks and amenities to pass along!

Send us a request, and we’ll pair you with an expert Travel Advisor who has access to benefits you can’t get on your own, such as complimentary upgrades, breakfast and resort credits, early check-in/late check-out, and more, all at the same rate you’d enjoy if you booked directly.

Get Started

At Tabacón’s onsite spa, built alongside the thermal river, open-air treatment bungalows immerse you in the sounds of rushing water and rainforest fauna. Many of the therapies on the menu incorporate Costa Rican ingredients such as volcanic clay, locally grown coffee, cacao and tropical botanicals: The Coffee & Orange Passion, for instance, pairs a coffee scrub with a honey-oat facial, and the Volcanic Clay Caress works detoxifying volcanic mud into a full-body treatment.

TIP: Spa services are reserved for guests 17 and older, making this a perfect opportunity for parents to trade childcare duties and enjoy a little much-deserved “me” time.

Dining

Dining at Tabacón puts the focus on fresh Costa Rican ingredients while borrowing techniques and flavors from around the world, with enough venues to provide plenty of variety across a multi-night stay. The resort has four bars, including a poolside bar, and two main restaurants. Tucanes is the more refined of the pair, serving a generous breakfast buffet (included in the room rate) along with sophisticated yet approachable dinner fare: Caribbean chowder with clams, catch of the day and kale; grilled octopus with white beans and chorizo; a pavlova with strawberries and passion fruit.

Ave is the more casual, open-air restaurant overlooking the hot springs, serving lunch and dinner with an emphasis on local flavors. Expect multiple ceviches, salads, fresh seafood, hearty meats, sandwiches and pastas, along with plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Don’t miss the casado, Costa Rica’s beloved traditional plate of rice, refried beans, ripe plantains, creole salad, picadillo (Costa Rican hash), tortillas and a fried egg.

At the springs, the swim-up Agua Ardiente bar serves drinks and light bites beside the main pool, and there’s also a bar at Shangri-La that offers an Asian-inflected menu of starters and mains.

For a memorable splurge, reserve the Ephemeral Table, a private nine-course dinner served in an open-air bungalow tucked into the rainforest. Each meal is prepared by one of Tabacón’s chefs and paired with thoughtfully selected wines and beers. Ephemeral Table bookings are offered twice nightly, at 5:30 pm and 8 pm, and last about two hours. It’s a fitting finale to a rewarding day, and another reminder that at Tabacón, the setting elevates nearly every experience.

Families Should Know

• Tabacón is an especially good fit for travelers looking to experience the classic La Fortuna activity circuit, which includes volcano hikes, hanging bridges, wildlife encounters, waterfalls and ziplining.
• Little ones certainly can and do enjoy the thermal pools, but the resort tends to appeal most to school-age kids, tweens and teens, who can appreciate both the adventure activities in this area and the well-earned relaxation of a soak.
• Expect about a 2 1/2-hour drive from either San José or Liberia airports. The local terrain is rugged and the roads are steep and winding, so I strongly recommend arranging a private transfer rather than renting a car.
• While weather in the area can be changeable (you’re in the rainforest), this typically won’t interfere with enjoying the springs. In fact, it drizzled off and on during one of my nighttime dips, and the rain just added to the tropical atmosphere.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly activities and accommodations in Costa Rica on Ciao Bambino

25 tips for visiting Costa Rica with kids

Best itinerary for a Costa Rica family vacation

3 authentic food & cultural experiences in Costa Rica for families

Costa Rica off the beaten path: Our best kept secrets

Photos courtesy of Tabacón Thermal Resort.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.