Responsive image

Tabacon Springs

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Extensive natural hot springs on site
- Inviting, high-end spa
- Day visitors welcome
- Large resort, great food

Speak to someone who's been there

Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694

Enquire

Overview

Tabacon Springs is a large resort found nestled in the rainforest at the base of the Arenal Volcano in northern Costa Rica. The property has been developed over the years around a series of thermal streams running through the surrounding marshlands which are heated naturally by the volcano. There are a number of different sized pools to bathe in, along with a lovely spa. While many visitors come in on day trips meaning that the hotel can have a rather busy, touristy feel, the hot springs are widely considered the best on offer in Arenal.

The accommodation comprises 103 very smart and comfortable guest rooms and suites. While the décor is modern and pristine, it must be said that rooms are somewhat lacking in individual character. Some rooms have good views but note that most rooms don’t have any outdoor space at all. The majority are standard guest rooms, but six are larger suites aimed at families and larger groups. Children of all ages are welcome, and it’s advisable for families with younger children to request a ground floor room.

The hotel sits on a private reserve that stretches out across some 900 acres. There are five main thermal springs and the highly mineralised water has a refreshingly low sulphur content, which means that it’s free from unpleasant smells. The pools vary in size – some of the larger ones have wonderful views, and there are also some smaller, more secluded spots to bathe in as well. The resort is open daily from 8am to 10pm and it is worth bringing some non-slip water shoes along since it can be a bit slippery at times when walking between the pools.

There are two full service restaurants, both of which offer Costa Rican cuisine and some international options as well. There are also four different bars serving colourful cocktails, refreshing non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks. There’s an extensive on-site spa which offers a wide range of treatments which are carried out in private, open-air bungalows nestled amidst the pretty jungle vegetation. Last but not least, Shangri-La Gardens is a relaxed, open-air lounge area open only to those who are staying at the hotel and who are over the age of 18. There is a butler service here, and plenty of cabanas and peaceful places to retreat to for some valuable down time.

Nearby Alternatives

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 540 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!

    The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.

    I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.

    The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.

    All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).

    From my seven-year-old son:

    I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.

    In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.

    MissingHenry O reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 05 June 2025

  • We just wanted to thank you for an absolutely amazing holiday. Everything went exactly to plan and we were blown away with the quality of the guides, transport and accommodation. The itinerary was perfect for our family with a great mix of guided and free days and the different destinations complemented each other well. We will definitely be using Tourdust again for our next trip! Particular highlights were the Ha Long Bay cruise, Hanoi, and the morning cycle tour in Siam Reap

    MissingJane P reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families on 14 May 2025

  • We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.

    MissingEmma M reviewing Best of Botswana for Families on 18 November 2024

+
See more reviews

Decisions...

Stop searching and speak to someone who knows.

Enquire Now