Highlights
- Extensive natural hot springs on site
- Inviting, high-end spa
- Day visitors welcome
- Large resort, great food
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
Enquire
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.
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.
Henry 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
Jane 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.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
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.
Henry 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
Jane 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.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 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: Desert Camp, Mountains & Souks
on 10 January 2024
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
