You’ve heard of the Four Seasons Costa Rica – I mean, Instagram won’t let you forget it. But have you heard of The Springs Resort & Spa Costa Rica? It is in the heart of the La Fortuna rainforest, with unforgettable views of Arenal Volcano throughout the resort. Let me tell you more about the best hidden gem resort in Costa Rica: is it worth it?
If you decie it’s worth it (read on), I can secure exclusive VIP perks for your stay at The Springs Resort & Spa—including amazing room upgrades, complimentary daily breakfast, resort credits, and flexible check-in/out (at no extra cost to you – travel advisors are paid by the hotels). Click here to reach out and request a custom quote (plus itinerary help and activity recs if needed).
The Setting: Thermal Springs at Arenal Volcano
As we sat on our balcony, sipping addictingly smooth Costa Rican coffee, our bodies melting from the thermal springs, we stared out at Arenal Volcano right in front of our eyes…’it doesn’t get any better than this‘…or does it??? See hotel #2 and decide for yourself.
It was as if the hotel picked up the volcano and placed it right in front of our balcony, just for us. because they knew we were coming – ya know, a couple of luxury-hotel-obsessed “nobody’s” lugging their bougie kids to unique, unforgettable resorts like this one.
Just imagine…lush greenery…birds soaring…volcano steam rising. They call the rainy season the “green” season for a reason – just beautiful.
No city noise. No work. No to-do list.
All I could hear was the rainforest. And boy does that have a sound?! Just incredible. My husband described it spot-on as a Jurassic Park scene (without the scary dinosaurs of course).
Now I’ll be honest, I was not as excited to come here as I was the other two hotels. And I attribute that mainly to the website (which since, they’ve revamped…they must have read my survey feedback haha). But when we were greeted by delicious local cocktails and an amazing room with unexpectedly incredible views, I knew we’d chosen right!
The staff treated us like family, like locals, not tourists. They welcomed us with genuine, down to earth smiles, always learning our names and where we came from.
We could really feel the local ‘pura vida’ vibes throughout the resort. Their friendliness and energy were invigorating.
The Room
These pictures actually don’t do it justice. The rooms are even nicer in person.
The Vista room with its high ceilings, tall sliding glass doors, and incredible view make the room feel even larger than it already is. With three beds, you can easily sleep a large family (but it’s just one bathroom, keep in mind!).
The Adventures
With Club Rio right down the hill (and a free bus from the resort), adventures are at your fingertips – river tubing, rock climbing, wildlife sanctuary, and more.
But our favorite adventure here? You guessed it if you know me well – the waterslide! Fly through the jungle on your mat and land in a natural thermal spring pool. How cool is this?!
A hotel with fun amenities is that much more crucial when that afternoon rain hits every day. From pool tables to chess and more, there was plenty to get in a fun family game night or two.
The thermal springs were actually more relaxing than I expected. We typically don’t last long at “the pool”, but here, was different. It was so relaxing. With different little hidden coves, waterfalls, and varying water temperatures, we stayed for hours. Half the time we were gazing at this:
Kid-Friendly Rating
My husband and I actually had a date night—believe it!—while the kids ran off to the supervised playroom where they have video and board games, toys, ping pong, movies and and even popcorn.
For parents with young ones, there was a separate section for toddlers with train sets, dolls, and more. I was surprised how much they had going on in this room. Their website didn’t provide much detail, so we were pleasantly surprised!
With mesmerizing volcano views, a palatial-sized room, on-site mini golf, jungle waterslide, kids play area and family game area, it’s no wonder we didn’t want to leave The Springs Resort & Spa Arenal Volcano.
The Springs Resort & Spa Costa Rica: Is it Worth It?
Yes. Yes. And Yes.
It’s in the heart of adventure.
The people there will give you true Costa Rican “pura vida” vibes. Isn’t that why we fly all that way?
The springs and balcony views will take you to a ‘nirvana’ you’ve never felt.
I strongly believe you can’t go to Costa Rica without staying here, even if just for a few nights.
From the restaurant to your balcony to the thermal springs – that mystical volcano will follow you everywhere. And it never gets old – trust me.
I think anyone, any age would love this hotel, but it stands out as my top pick for families. With all of the adventurous amenities they have to offer, the entire family will love it.
Add on my complimentary VIP perks and it’s more than worth it.
Pro Tips for Visiting The Springs Resort & Spa Costa Rica (at Arenal):
Pro Tip #1: Skip the sushi and go straight for the mahi tacos. Be sure to order them “blackened” – worlds apart from the regular style.
Pro Tip #2: Sit at the outdoor bar restaurant while the kids get their fill on the waterslide. Add a mojito or two while you’re at it – why not?
Pro Tip #3: Get an early start on your days and then plan to relax at the hotel in the late afternoon when the rain tends to hit. Check out more tips in my luxury Costa Rica itinerary.
The Springs Resort & Spa Costa Rica…what a refreshing escape from the mundanity of daily life back home. The mainstreams hotels just can’t offer this local pura vida vibe – It blew us away – I thought we had already hit the pinnacle of hotels on this trip…
…but then we headed to Nayara. You have to read that post.
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