Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – La Fortuna, Costa Rica

One of the most luxurious hot springs in Costa Rica’s renowned Arenal region is the Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa. It’s located just ten kilometers west of the small, charming town of La Fortuna.

Sitting at the base of one of the country’s most famous features, the Arenal Volcano, the hot springs at Tabacón are naturally formed and rich in minerals. The water flowing in the springs is mostly sourced from rainwater and it contains 3% of magma.

With top-notch facilities and a state-of-the-art spa, Tabacón has become the most well-known hot springs resort in Costa Rica.

Mineral Hot Spring Pools

Tropical Pool Garden, Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, Costa Rica — Tropical gardens at the Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa in Costa Rica. Photo: pulaw

There are multiple hot spring pools at the Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa that are settled into calming landscapes of gentle waterfalls and lush, tropical foliage. Designed to invoke the feelings of being in a secluded lagoon, Tabacón’s hot springs feature both natural and man-made pools.

All of the spring water that flows through Tabacón is sourced from the Tabacón River that flows from the Arenal Volcano. Guests at the Tabacón Resort and Spa can relax in man-made pools or the shallow river, which has been kept in its natural state.

There are slippery rocks along the riverbank and it has a stony bottom. Guests are encouraged to wear water shoes when bathing in the river.

Hot Spring Waterfall, Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, Costa Rica — Cascading thermal spring at the Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa in Costa Rica. Photo: Erin G

Temperatures in the various pools around Tabacón range from 77°F (25°C) to 122°F (50°C). There is also a cold section of the river where guests can cool off between the hot pools.

The Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa is friendly to all ages. However, the Shangri-La Garden is open only to guests who are 18 years or older. Designed to be a hideaway for adults only, the Shangri-La Garden also has the hottest pool temperatures because it is located closer to the base of the Arenal volcano.

The Spa at Tabacón

Tabacon Thermal Resort Spa Massage Tables — Massage tables at the Spa at Tabacon.

In addition to the multiple hot spring pools, guests at Tabacón may book a luxurious spa experience through the resort. The Spa at Tabacón offers a diverse menu of treatments including skin exfoliators, volcanic mud baths, facials, yoga sessions, and meditation classes to name a few.

Reservations are required for any spa experience and guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to their treatment session. All guests of The Spa at Tabacón must be 12 years or older.

Accommodations

Tabacon Thermal Resort Hotel Rooms Costa Rica — Hotel rooms at Tabacon Thermal Resort.

Offering a full resort experience to guests, Tabacón provides on-site accommodation options to those who wish to stay overnight. There are 105 guest rooms at Tabacón and all are designed to be eco-friendly. All of the rooms at the hotel will have a view of the rainforest, garden, or Arenal Volcano.

Guests will have the option of staying in a Senator, Tabacón, or Honeymoon Suite. There are also Rainforest and Orchid rooms available, which have kid-friendly options.

There are no off-site accommodation options for guests at Tabacón. For those who would like to enjoy Tabacón’s hot springs without booking an overnight reservation, the resort does sell day passes with meal options.

Check prices, availability or book Tabacon Thermal Resort

Dining

Tabacon Thermal Resort Los Tucanes Restaurant — Los Tucanes restaurant at Tabacon Thermal Resort.

The two on-site restaurants are called Tucanes and Ave. There are also four bars scattered throughout the property called the Shangri-La Gardens Bar (adults only), Agua Ardiente Pool Bar, Caña Brava, and the Bosque Bar.

For a private dining experience, guests can book the Ephemeral Table, which features a 6-course menu served around a chef’s table.

Getting There

Tabacon Thermal Resort Arenal Volcano Costa Rica — Arenal Volcano seen from the Tabacon Thermal Resort.

The Tabacón Resort and Spa is located 8 miles (13 km) to the northwest of La Fortuna, Costa Rica. La Fortuna is a small town in Costa Rica that is 98 miles (158.9km) northwest of San José, the country’s capital.

The town sits beneath the Arenal Volcano and it is close to the national park. Flowing from the volcano and through town is the Tabacón River.

To get to the Tabacón Resort and Spa from the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José:
Drive north on the Inter-American Highway to San Ramon.
Exit at San Ramon and drive through the town.
Continue on the road past Los Angeles, Balsa, Bajo Los Rodríguez, Santa Clara, Javillos, and El Tanque.
Once you arrive in La Fortuna, stay on the main street, which will take you to Arenal Volcano National Park.
Continue on the road for 8 miles (13km) until you reach the Tabacón Resort and Spa.