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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, a tropical paradise of nature, adventure and relaxation, 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
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ADDRESS
11 km. West of La Fortuna, Arenal Area
Alajuela, 0
Costa Rica
Phone: 00800 2888 8882
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About this Brand
See All Leading Spas of the World Properties
Awards & Accolades
2011 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:
- 2011 Readers Choice Awards - Mineral or Thermal Springs
2010 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:
- Favorite Spa in Central America
- Best for Affordability
- Best Environmental Classes
- Best for Mineral or Thermal Springs
2008 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:
- Best for Mineral Springs
2007 Readers' Choice Awards Winner for:
- Best for Mineral Springs
Services View Treatments 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.
Hair/Nail Services
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Manicures
Pedicures
Waxing
Massages
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Aromatherapy
Ayurvedic
Back Massage
Couples
Deep Tissue
Four Hands
Hot Stone
Reflexology
Swedish
Thai
Fitness & Activities
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Yoga Classes
Water Treatments
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Watsu
Facilities & Amenities
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Concierge
Food/Beverage Available
Locker Room
Retail Store
Robes Provided
Showers
Swimming Pool
Toiletries Available
Whirlpool, Jacuzzi
Facials
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Custom
Exfoliating
Men's
Body Wraps
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Mud
Preventive
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Other Traditional Wellness Treatments
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
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Incredible experienceBy 129j | October 24, 2011
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121 of 217 People Found This Review Helpful
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Tranquility in the jungleBy lauriep | August 4, 2011
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149 of 266 People Found This Review Helpful
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ParadiseBy JaclynB | October 26, 2010
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271 of 528 People Found This Review Helpful
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Wonderful!By DianeK | February 25, 2010
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428 of 833 People Found This Review Helpful
Location & Hours
Business Address
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Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
11 km. West of La Fortuna, Arenal Area
Alajuela, 0
Costa Rica
Phone: 00800 2888 8882
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.
Facilities & Amenities
Facilities
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Showers
Changing/Locker Rooms
Retail Shop
Jacuzzi
Toiletries Available
Amenities
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Changing/Locker Rooms
Concierge
Robes Provided
Retail Shop
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.
Food Options
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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.
Facilities & Amenities
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Changing/Locker Rooms
Showers
Concierge
Changing/Locker Rooms
Retail Shop
Robes Provided
Jacuzzi
Toiletries Available
Retail Shop
