Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa

Our stay at Tabacón was absolutely incredible. The service was amazing from start to finish — every staff member was friendly, attentive, and made us feel truly welcome. The grounds are beautiful and perfectly maintained, surrounded by nature everywhere you look. The hot springs were the highlight of the trip and easily the best we’ve ever experienced. Relaxing in the thermal rivers and pools felt like paradise. The food was also delicious, with great quality and presentation at every meal. We were also surprised and impressed that they prepare your room for the night each evening, which added such a thoughtful touch to the experience. Yes, it’s an expensive place, but honestly it was completely worth it for the experience, atmosphere, and level of service. A truly unforgettable stay in Costa Rica.

The hot springs at Tabacón absolutely exceeded our expectations. There are dozens of pools to choose from, but we found ourselves spending most of our time in the Shangri-La Gardens, which are reserved for hotel guests 18+ only. It was such an incredibly relaxing environment — easy to get a day bed, peaceful atmosphere, and truly top-notch service throughout our stay. We spent hours relaxing there enjoying snacks like chips & guac and hummus, along with delicious drinks (including fun drinks served in a pineapple and fresh coconut water straight from a coconut). One of the coolest parts was seeing spider monkeys in the trees and even a few toucans nearby while soaking in the springs. Of the two restaurants, Ave was probably our favorite. The complimentary chips and bean dip were honestly to die for, and the drinks were excellent. Huge shoutout to Alejandro for the amazing service! Tucanes was incredible for breakfast and they really put on an amazing spread. We also had dinner there one night and Rodrigo provided wonderful service. The desserts were top notch; highly recommend the matcha tiramisu and gelato sampler. Our room was very comfortable with a great bed, and the entire property smelled amazing. We loved seeing parrots and toucans wandering around the grounds. The highlight of the trip was definitely the hot springs and the exceptional service. The food was good overall, though a bit overpriced (which is somewhat expected at a luxury resort). Overall, we had an amazing experience and would absolutely return.

We stayed at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa during our time in Fortuna, Costa Rica, and it is truly a luxurious and memorable resort. The only reason this experience stops short of five stars is the travel time from San José Airport. The journey takes about 2½ hours by car or taxi, which can feel long—especially after flying. That said, once you arrive, the experience quickly makes the trip worth it. The staff are exceptionally friendly, personable, and attentive—always ready to help with anything you might need. The food options are varied and thoughtfully curated, offering plenty of choices, and daily breakfast is included, which is a major plus and absolutely delicious. The room itself is beautifully decorated, and the bed, pillows, and duvet are incredibly soft and comfortable—perfect for rest after a day of exploring. Navigating the resort is easy, with everything walkable from your room to the restaurants or the front area where you can catch a shuttle to the geothermal hot springs. This resort is one of the best in the area and is conveniently located near several excursions, all just a short distance away. My recommendation: pack your patience for the drive from San José, because once you arrive, the experience is well worth it.

The property is beautiful, and everyone who works here is ver nice. Brayan the bartender was especially welcoming. But, many things need fixing. The thermal springs complex is very nice, although cover from rain on the cabana lounges seems like something they should have thought of. They booked out the entire restaurant for a group of 50 for dinner, saving no tables for other guests to reserve. The shower/tub water was luke warm, and staff tried to say it is because it's hot springs water. Only when I explained that the people in the neighbouring room said their water is very hot did staff agree to investigate. Plus the leaking sink that housekeeping should have notified the facilities staff about. The lobby coffee bar doesn't open until 8, but many people go on excursions earlier There are many other small things, and they all add up. There are other/better options in the area where you can spend your money.

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is simply extraordinary — but what truly elevates it above every other resort I've stayed at is the staff. From the moment we arrived, every single team member went out of their way to make us feel welcome. They remembered our names, anticipated our needs, and genuinely seemed to care about making our stay special. In a world where hospitality can sometimes feel transactional, the warmth here felt completely authentic. Of course, the setting doesn't hurt either — soaking in natural volcanic hot springs with the Arenal Volcano looming in the backdrop, surrounded by lush rainforest, is something straight out of a dream. But it's the people who made it unforgettable. If you're looking for a resort in Costa Rica where you'll be treated like family while surrounded by one of the most stunning natural landscapes on earth, look no further. We're already planning our return trip. Pura vida! 🌿