Highlights
- Large, mid-range hotel with good facilities
- Man-made hot springs
- All rooms have volcano views
- Great variety of water and land activities
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Arenal Springs is a large, mid-range hotel perched on a mountain ridge just six kilometres away from the towering Arenal volcano in northern Costa Rica. What this somewhat sprawling property may lack in authentic charm, it makes up for with really good facilities. The extensive on-site network of man-made thermal springs is a particular draw, along with the lovely tropical gardens which boast some fantastic birdlife. There’s also a huge variety of water and land-based activities to choose from in the area.
The 90 rooms comprise Junior and Master Suites. The Junior Suites are fitted out with a range of natural materials and feature a number of artworks by various local artists. They are quite simple in their design with basic facilities on offer and either one king or two queen-sized beds. The seven Master Suites are considerably larger in size, sleeping four to ten people. They come with a living area, a walk-in wardrobe and a wider range of amenities. While the décor in general may be somewhat dated, all rooms are pristine and offer plenty of space along with a private terrace area complete with uninterrupted views of the volcano. Families are welcome and there are various options for interconnecting rooms and the provision of additional beds. Note that the power generators do generally create a bit of a background noise.
The hotel’s pretty grounds feature over two dozen manmade hot spring pools spread across four acres. These pools are open daily from 8am to 10pm and when they close for the evening, they’re completely drained and refilled in order to keep them clean and prevent the growth of algae. The hot springs system is very well designed, with lots of vegetation and natural features used to make them look as authentic as possible. There are also no fewer than three freshwater swimming pools, with some special swimming areas just for children. Wheelchair access is provided throughout the hotel.
The activities on offer are broadly divided into four categories. There are ‘Adventure Tours’ for adrenaline junkies and those who enjoy physically challenging activities, ‘Wildlife Tours’ aimed at those looking to discover more about the local nature, ‘Hiking Tours’ that are ideal for those who will appreciate the breath-taking scenic views and ‘Water Tours’ out on the Arenal River. Some of the many options include zip lining, canyoning, birdwatching walks, volcano hikes and a boat tour to a nearby wildlife refuge centre.
When not out and about, there are plenty of on-site amenities to make use of. There’s a well-equipped gym along with an outdoor gazebo where complimentary early morning yoga classes are held daily. For those looking to completely unwind amidst the tropical surroundings, there’s the Natria Spa, which comprises three private, open-air bungalows and offers a good range of treatments. There’s also a shop selling sundries and souvenirs, along with three restaurants and several bars, one of which is a swim-up bar.
I would like to say a massive thank you for organising our Vietnam trip. The itinerary and execution were superb, as was the attention to detail. I would also like to thank the agent who was on the end of my whats app chat (I have no idea who they were!) – always available, always quick to respond, and kept me updated regarding times etc. Also, the guides Dan (north) and Tien (mid) were just excellent, and we really enjoyed their company. The lady (whose name I have forgotten) who was our additional guide for the DMZ day was exceedingly good and made that day very special.
fiona g
reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families
on 15 April 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
I would like to say a massive thank you for organising our Vietnam trip. The itinerary and execution were superb, as was the attention to detail. I would also like to thank the agent who was on the end of my whats app chat (I have no idea who they were!) – always available, always quick to respond, and kept me updated regarding times etc. Also, the guides Dan (north) and Tien (mid) were just excellent, and we really enjoyed their company. The lady (whose name I have forgotten) who was our additional guide for the DMZ day was exceedingly good and made that day very special.
fiona g
reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families
on 15 April 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B
reviewing Best of South Africa for Families
on 01 March 2024
We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.
Claudia L
reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday
on 11 January 2024
We had a brilliant trip!
An amazing experience for parents, children and grandparents alike.
We are already planning a trip to Vietnam next year
Kate B
reviewing Morocco Family Holiday: Kasbahs, Mountains & Souks
on 10 January 2024
Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again
Godfrey R
reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana
on 25 September 2023
We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil
Philip R
reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach
on 01 September 2023
It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve
Stephen H
reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari
on 01 September 2023
Hi Lisa, Holiday has been a huge success and we have thoroughly enjoyed it all, such a wonderful experience. Many thanks for all your help. Best wishes, Leona
Leona L
reviewing Family Holiday: Inca Trail and Amazon
on 18 August 2023
Hi Lisa, We loved Costa Rica. The transfers worked amazingly well, Franx from Costa Rica Trails regularly checked that we were happy with everything and made sure we knew the transfer plans, the hotels were all very different. I wish we'd had an extra night in the Grano de Oro to give us a day in San Jose, it was a stunning hotel and felt wasted for the under 12 hours we were there. I very much got the feeling that the Evergreen Lodge was geared towards just a 2 night stay, which resulted in an awkward/funny moment in the 3rd evening when they presented us with specially prepared fish meals for the 4 of us "as we'd already had the 2 nights of the fixed menu and it was cycling round again" The Arenal Observatory Lodge was the star of the show, we absolutely loved it and would have gladly spent longer there time/budget allowing. The staff were brilliant throughout, the setting was breathtaking, the wildlife and walks were amazing and lots to do in the local area. The Gilded Iguana was the nicest hotel by a mile for facilities/appearance (fantastic service too) but Nosara was a little bit of a shock for us two oldies. Took us half a day to click into the feel of the place. Very Americanised, a little more lively than I was expecting. But grew to love it. We wouldn't rush back but the kids would, it was their highlight of the trip. As I said at the start, an amazing trip with lots of variety and superbly well organised. Thanks Stuart
Stuart H
reviewing Costa Rica Adventure For Families
on 11 August 2023
Hi Lisa, We are waiting to board our flight to London but just wanted to say that we have had the most incredible holiday. Costa Rica is such a special place and we have loved the wildlife, outdoor adventures and especially the people. We were a little apprehensive before we arrived especially about travelling through the country but Tourdust made everything so easy and all the transfers were seamless. Thank you so much for all your help planning our trip of a lifetime and bearing with us as we deferred it time and again through the Covid years. Just need to save some pennies and then we’ll be in touch about our next trip!
Kind regards, Orla
Orla B
reviewing Costa Rica Highlights for Families
on 31 July 2023
Hi
Well overall it was an amazing trip and we really appreciated the guidance on places to go. On the ground, Victor was very helpful and we liked the mix of places.
The two stand out places and accommodations were Arenal Observatory Lodge and El Remanso - the latter being perfect in so many ways. The day trip to Cocovardo National Park was outstanding.
We enjoyed Tortuguero too - basic accommodation but excellent location and the guide there was outstanding.
Monte Verde was ok - average food, average place to stay.
With hindsight we’d skip Uvita altogether and go to Drakes Bay where snorkelling seems more accessible.Overall an excellent holiday, which went very smoothly and a good mix of things to do.
Thank you.
Francesca
Francesca L
reviewing Costa Rica Wildlife Holiday
on 30 August 2022
