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About Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

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.

Location

Address

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

Costa Rica

Call: 1 877-885-2513

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Highlights

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

About this Brand

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Awards & Accolades

2011 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:

2011 Readers Choice Awards - Mineral or Thermal Springs

2010 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:

Best Environmental Classes
Best for Affordability
Best for Mineral or Thermal Springs
Favorite Spa in Central America

2008 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:

Best for Mineral Springs

2007 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:

  • Best for Mineral Springs

    • ServicesView business treatment menu >>

    The Grand Spa is set amid the waterfalls and steaming pools of Tabacón's thermal area. There are 11 open-air private bungalows (each with its own Jacuzzi) surrounded by dense, lush tropical gardens. The remaining rooms feature peaceful garden views. The Temazcal Center offers sweat rituals (led by a shaman) several times per day (special appointments can be requested).

    Signature hydrotherapy and volcanic mud treatments offer exotic, earthy pampering. Watsu massage was initially invented to be administered in a mineral pool, and the knowledgeable therapists here are true to the origins of this distinctively healing blend of Shiatsu and water-bound, dance-like movement. The Volcanic Body Wrap uses mud from the nearby Arenal Volcano, which is rich in detoxifying and nourishing minerals. Volcanic mud is also incorporated into facial treatments, which include the 75-minute Balancing, Born-Again, Timeless, and For Gentlemen rituals. Guests can also indulge in a variety of exfoliation treatments featuring such ingredients as chocolate, passion fruit, papaya and coffee. As well guests can unwind with either Porethec and Echen Ulhaton Balneotherapy treatments or experience the Temazcal.

    The signature Tabacón Massage involves the application of moisturizing volcanic mud said to detoxify skin and improve blood circulation. Other massage modalities available include Thai, Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, and four hands.

    Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the 55-square-meter exercise center. A swimming pool on the hotel grounds containing cold mineral spring water is available for guest use in addition to the thermal pools.

    Treatment OfferingsView business treatment menu

    • Massages
    • Aromatherapy
    • Ayurvedic
    • Back Massage
    • Couples
    • Deep Tissue
    • Four Hands
    • Hot Stone
    • Reflexology
    • Swedish
    • Thai
    • Facials
    • Custom
    • Exfoliating
    • Men's
    • Body Wraps
    • Mud
    • Hair/Nail Services
    • Manicures
    • Pedicures
    • Waxing
    • Water Treatments
    • Watsu
    Rooms & Dining

    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.

    Offerings

    • Rooms
    • 114Rooms
    • Food Options
    • Serves Alcohol
    • Vegetarian
    Activities

    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.

    Offerings

    • 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

    Reviews

    Showing 1-4 of 4 reviews
    Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
    5.0 out of 5
    Overall rating based on4 Reviews
    4of4 (100%)
    Customers would visit this business again
    Review this Business
    Incredible experience
    40 of 63 People Found This Review Helpful
    5.0 out of 5
    By129j | October 24, 2011
    This stunningly beautiful spa-resort is of outstanding quality. I received a scrub and a massage in one of the private open-air huts; Between the treatments I was guided to rinse off in a private, completely secluded miniature stream and a pond, set in a lush tropical canopy. Overall experience is absolutely undeniably the greatest there is to have! The professionalism of the staff, a broad range of services and paradise-like environment makes this spa one of the very best establishments in the spa industry.
    Would you visit again? Yes
    Service Quality5 out of 5
    Service Variety4 out of 5
    Spa Facilities5 out of 5
    Fitness Facilities4 out of 5
    Tranquility in the jungle
    69 of 124 People Found This Review Helpful
    5.0 out of 5
    Bylauriep | August 4, 2011
    This was the first spa I ever went to...and boy did I start at the top! Outdoor massages, with water running under the open air thatched huts surrounded by jungle foliage and bird, were amazing. The sweat lodge experience was safe and spiritual. Staff are excellent and professional. The environment is serene and unlike any spa I have ever been to. It's a long journey to get to this hotel and spa....but worth the effort for a unique experience.
    Would you visit again? Yes
    Service Quality5 out of 5
    Service Variety5 out of 5
    Spa Facilities5 out of 5
    Fitness Facilities3 out of 5
    Paradise
    201 of 394 People Found This Review Helpful
    5.0 out of 5
    ByJaclynB | October 26, 2010
    Idyllic atmosphere and the most relaxed I have ever been. I highly recommend this spa experience.
    Would you visit again? Yes
    Service Quality5 out of 5
    Service Variety5 out of 5
    Spa Facilities5 out of 5
    Fitness Facilities0 out of 5
    Wonderful!
    356 of 692 People Found This Review Helpful
    5.0 out of 5
    ByDianeK | 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 Quality5 out of 5
    Service Variety5 out of 5
    Spa Facilities5 out of 5
    Fitness Facilities0 out of 5
    Showing 1-4 of 4 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.

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    Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

    by unknown from unknown | February 8, 2012
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    Location

    Travel Information

      • 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.

    Address & Contact Info

    For more information call 1 877-885-2513 or visit www.lhwspas.com/find…