Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort (Alajuela, Costa Rica)

Nestled at the base of the active Arenal Volcano, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is one of Costa Rica's best known hot springs destinations. The property is situated eight miles northwest of the tourism-heavy town of La Fortuna in the northern plains of the country. Constructed with environmental preservation in mind, the resort's facilities are integrated with the lush rainforest and enhanced with colorful tropical gardens. At the hot springs area, just a brief walk from the resort proper, the Grand Spa offers 11 treatment rooms, many of which are open bungalows surrounded by verdant foliage that shelters twittering tropical birds.

Spa guests enjoy free access to the hot springs from early morning until late at night. Thermal pools contain mineral-rich water that has been warmed in the veins of the Arenal Volcano to temperatures of up to 102° F (38.8° C). Exposure to thermal springs has been associated with health benefits ranging from weight loss to pain reduction. Luxury vacationers also come to this tropical haven to enjoy garden and volcano views. The rumble of a small eruption is frequently heard here, as is the chattering of a lively population of howler monkeys.

Address

11 km. West of La Fortuna, Arenal Area
Alajuela,
Costa Rica

Call: 1 877-885-2513

See Larger Map

Get Directions

Spa Type
Affordable Spa
Day Spa
Eco-Spa
Luxury Spa
Resort/Hotel Spa
Thermal Waters Spa

See More Brand Properties

2009 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:

Best for Mineral Springs

2008 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:

Best for Mineral Springs

2007 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:

Best for Mineral Springs

$400-499/night average

Rankings based on the average cost of a vacation package during high season, per person, double occupancy, per night, including three meals and one spa treatment daily.

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort has 114 guest rooms including Junior Suites and Deluxe rooms. All of the resort's spacious accommodations feature wooden furniture created by local craftsmen, king- or queen-sized beds, and a private balcony or terrace with garden or volcano views. To these amenities, Junior Suites and the Honeymoon Suite add living rooms and private whirlpools.

The resort offers exotic cuisine prepared with internationally inspired zest at both of its on-site restaurants. Los Tucanes, the resort's fine dining restaurant, serves gourmet Costa Rican and international delicacies for breakfast and dinner daily in an intimate, relaxed setting where live music underscores lively conversation. The breakfast buffet combines tropical and American-style fare with freshly squeezed juices and flavorful Costa Rican coffee. Located in the hot springs and garden area, Ave del Paraiso is open for à la carte lunches and buffet-style dinners. Buffet selections include a variety of local ingredients such as yucca (cassava), hearts of palm, and pejibaye. Both restaurants provide multiple vegetarian options at every meal, in addition to Ayurvedic and Tandoor menus.

A swim-up bar enables bathers in the hotel pool to enjoy tropical cocktails and snacks without leaving the water.

Rooms
114 Rooms

Food Options
Serves Alcohol
Vegetarian

Most guests of Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort come to enjoy the singular natural setting, which includes rainforest scenery, close-up views of the nearby Arenal Volcano, and a variety of mineral pools containing hot spring water. Access to the hot springs is complimentary for overnight resort guests. Seven thermal pools varying in temperature (the hottest is 102° F) and depth offer relaxation in eco-friendly surroundings featuring indigenous flowers and dense foliage. Bathers tend to congregate around the springs' rushing waterfalls, which provide soothing natural hydro-massage.

Those inclined to rouse themselves from the mineral pools may take advantage of a variety of guided tours that introduce visitors to the Costa Rican landscape. Nature-lovers and adventure junkies alike can arrange excursions that suit their tastes, including white water rafting. A popular half-day option is a trip on foot to the enormous La Fortuna Waterfall and its adjacent natural whirlpool, which is ideal for a cool swim.

Hiking trails leading to a mirador (look-out point) allow visitors to safely view the Arenal Volcano (weather permitting) and its constantly flowing lava. The town of La Fortuna is of interest for its authentic rural architecture and atmosphere as well as quaint Costa Rican restaurants.

Fitness & Activities
Hiking
Yoga Classes

Facilities & Amenities
Concierge
Food/Beverage Available
Locker Room
Retail Store
Robes Provided
Showers
Swimming Pool
Toiletries Available
Wedding/Event Space
Whirlpool, Jacuzzi

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort

5.0 out of 5

Overall rating based on 1 Reviews

1 of 1 (100 %)
Customers would visit this spa again

Review this Spa

Wonderful!

126 of 229 People Found This Review Helpful

5.0 out of 5

By DianeK | February 25, 2010

The number one best spa treatment of my life. All others are measured by my experience at Tabacon. First, the resort is amazing. The entire atmosphere is about service and casual elegance. The hot springs (heated by the volcano) are a treat in themselves (admittance comes with the price of your room). My spa treatment (a facial and massage) took place in an open (but extremely private) hut in the rain forest. The sounds of the hot springs running and soft jungle sounds in the background. An extremely competent technician (Monica). The treatment itself expertly executed. Heaven.

Would you visit again? Yes

Service Quality 5 out of 5

Service Variety 5 out of 5

Spa Facilities 5 out of 5

Fitness Facilities 0 out of 5

Did you find this review helpful?

YES NO

Is this your spa? Respond to this review

Showing 1-1 of 1 reviews

Reviews contained within this site are the subjective opinions of the reviewer; they do not reflect or represent the opinion or position of SpaFinder, Inc., SpaFinder Europe Ltd., SpaFinder Japan, or any other SpaFinder entity (collectively, "SpaFinder Companies"). No SpaFinder Company, nor any other person or party involved in providing review content, shall be responsible or incur any liability for any claim or damage of any type under any theory alleged to have resulted, or resulting from, any review contained within this site, or any other SpaFinder Company site.

Thank you for taking the time to share your spa experience. Your review will be an invaluable resource for other spa-goers. Reviews that are specific and balanced, taking into account the positive along with criticism tend to be the most helpful to other spa-goers.

Rate this Spa

* Overall rating

Service Quality

Service Variety

Spa Facilities

Fitness Facilities

* I would visit this spa again? Yes No

Enter your Review

* Review Title

* Response Text characters remaining

or Cancel

Ratings Legend

Excellent
Good
Average
Fair
Poor

Review Guidelines

To create a great review and see it on SpaFinder.com:

Keep it short and be specific
Avoid...

Inappropriate language, slurs, and attitude
Inappropriate personal comments about spa personnel
Information about other spas and websites
Personal information—we want to protect your privacy
Information that changes, such as price and promotional details

Have something else to say? Contact Customer Service (Your comment will be sent privately to our staff.)
See Online Review Guidelines

See a review example

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort

by unknown from unknown | September 2, 2010

Service Quality

Service Variety

Spa Facilities

Fitness Facilities

I would visit this spa again?

By submitting a review you agree to our Terms & Conditions

or Cancel

Located approximately three hours from Juan SantaMaria International Airport by car. Transfer can be arranged with Tabacón's reservations department.
The Grand Spa is appropriate for guests aged 12 and up.
The rainy season in northwest Costa Rica occurs from May through November. Guests staying at Tabacon during these months should bring a waterproof jacket and rain gear.

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort
11 km. West of La Fortuna, Arenal Area
Alajuela,
Costa Rica
Phone: 1 877-885-2513
Visit Website
Send Email
Get Directions

Save 30% on Accommodations and Get a Free 30-Minute Spa Service!

Booking Dates: Jan 01, 2010 - Dec 31, 2010
Stay Dates: Jan 01, 2010 - Dec 31, 2010

This Leading Spas' special offer invites guests to enjoy a 30% discount off of room accommodations, as well as one 30-minute spa service per room, per stay.

Special Offer: 30% savings

Package Includes:

30% discount off room accommodations (three-night minimum in Superior Room, based on double occupancy)
One 30-minute back massage per person, per stay
One Temazcal spa ritual
Welcome drink
Buffet breakfast
Unlimited access to mineral hot springs
Taxes included

Blackout dates may apply. This offer is subject to availability. Age restrictions may apply at various destinations. Guests are asked to book with promo code: L43.

Call 1 877-885-2513 for more information or to book your stay.

Call 1 877-885-2513 for more information or to book your stay.
Mention SpaFinder When Booking
This Spa Accepts SpaFinder Gift Certificates

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort Deal Days Offers

Get These Deals

Mention SpaFinder Deal Days when Booking
SpaFinder Gift Cards & Certificates may not be used for this heavily discounted special promotion

About Deal Days

SpaFinder Deal Days, The Wellness Week™ is the biggest nationwide savings event on spa & wellness. From September 20-26th enjoy fabulous spa treatments, fitness and wellness classes for either the low price of $50 or for 50% off of retail prices. Save on yoga, Pilates, nutrition, salon and spa services in your neighborhood during this exciting wellness event!

Learn more

About Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Treatment Menu View spa treatment menu

Treatment Offerings View spa treatment menu

Rooms & Dining

Activities

Spa Reviews

Location

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort Deals

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort Deal Days Offers

Get These Deals

About Deal Days