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Natural thermal mineral waterfalls and thermal river at Tabacon Thermal Resort
Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Naturally Heated Volcanic Thermal River, Arenal Volcano Views, Adult-Only Shangri-La Gardens & Open-Air Rainforest Spa

Exclusive Signature Amenities

Complimentary with Booking
  • Daily buffet breakfast for two at Los Tucanes Restaurant
  • $75 USD Spa Coupon per room, per stay for open-air bungalow treatments
  • $25 USD Beverage Credit per room, per stay
  • Exclusive access to adult-only Shangri-La Gardens sanctuary
  • Room category upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability
  • Early check-in and late checkout privileges, subject to availability

Nestled at the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica's northern highlands, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is a globally celebrated eco-luxury sanctuary and certified Carbon Neutral retreat. Spanning 900 acres of protected primary rainforest, the resort is renowned worldwide for its 100% naturally flowing thermal mineral river and cascading warm waterfalls, naturally heated by volcanic magma without pumps, filtration, or artificial mechanics.

As a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and holder of the highest 5-leaf rating in Costa Rica's Certification for Sustainable Tourism, Tabacón offers 105 sumptuously appointed rooms and suites tucked into lush biological corridors. Guests live surrounded by vibrant toucans, howler monkeys, orchids, and tropical fauna while enjoying effortless access to Costa Rica's most pristine thermal waters.

Resort guests enjoy unlimited complimentary access to the entire thermal hot springs complex throughout their stay, including early access before day visitors arrive and exclusive admission to the private adult-only Shangri-La Gardens hideaway. Wellness peaks at the world-renowned The Spa at Tabacón, where signature therapies take place in private open-air bungalows immersed in rainforest greenery and soothed by the acoustic rush of volcanic mineral streams.

Costa Rica's Only Naturally Flowing Volcanic Thermal River

Unlike standard heated resort pools, Tabacón's waters originate directly from underground subterranean springs heated by the magma of Arenal Volcano. The water flows naturally through dozens of river pools, cascading waterfalls, and secluded hidden coves at temperatures ranging from 72°F to 105°F.

  • 100% Pure & Natural Direct volcanic origin with no mechanical pumps or chemical re-circulation.
  • Mineral Rich Naturally high in silica, calcium, and lithium for deep therapeutic rejuvenation.
  • Shangri-La Gardens Adults-only sanctuary with cocoon daybeds, bar service, and quiet thermal pools.

Resort Gallery

Experience the cascading thermal waterfalls, Shangri-La Gardens, and volcano suites

Rooms, Suites & Residences

Contemporary eco-luxury sanctuaries crafted with native hardwoods and volcanic stone

Tabacon Suite with In-Room Thermal Jacuzzi Thermal Jacuzzi

Tabacón Suite with Thermal Jacuzzi

🛏 1 King + Sofa Bed 👥 Up to 3 Guests 📐 1,076 sq. ft.

The signature luxury suite offering 1,076 sq. ft. of refined open-plan living and panoramic rainforest canopy views. Features an in-room Jacuzzi fed with pure volcanic thermal water, a separate glass-enclosed hot spring shower, handcrafted local timber furnishings, and a spacious living and dining salon.

Thermal Water Jacuzzi Rainforest Balcony Welcome Wine Nespresso Bar
Two-Bedroom Arenal Suite Family Grand Suite

Two-Bedroom Arenal Suite

🛏 1 King + 2 Full Beds 👥 Up to 6 Guests 📐 2,530 sq. ft.

An opulent 2,530 sq. ft. residence ideal for discerning families and traveling groups. Features an expansive master king bedroom with private rainforest terrace, secondary bedroom with two full beds, full living and dining salon, master bathroom with in-room Jacuzzi, and dedicated concierge assistance.

2 Separate Bedrooms In-Room Jacuzzi Full Dining Salon Personal Concierge
Rainforest Room King Adults Focused

Rainforest Room King

🛏 1 King Bed 👥 Up to 2 Adults 📐 645 sq. ft.

Spanning 645 sq. ft. of indoor-outdoor elegance, this couples sanctuary seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with native Costa Rican stone and timber. Features an expansive private outdoor terrace overlooking the pristine tropical forest, deep soaking tub, and separate glass rainfall shower.

Private Forest Terrace Deep Soaking Tub Rainfall Shower Smart TV
Orchid Room Two Queens Tropical Gardens

Orchid Room Two Queens

🛏 2 Queen Beds 👥 Up to 4 Guests 📐 376 sq. ft.

Encompassing 376 sq. ft. of inviting tropical comfort, Orchid Rooms feature vast open layouts framing colorful botanical gardens. The bathroom boasts an exhilarating open rainforest shower with floors meticulously hand-pieced from local river stones and bathed in natural skylight.

Local Stone Shower Botanical Garden View Artisanal Coffee Plush Linens

Culinary Experiences & Mixology

Modern Costa Rican gastronomy, thermal swim-up cocktails, and open-air waterfall dining

Los Tucanes Restaurant fine dining

Los Tucanes Restaurant

Costa Rican Fine Dining & Wine Cellar

Tabacón's flagship fine-dining venue located next to the resort's thermal pool. Celebrates elevated modern Costa Rican cuisine, prime grilled cuts, fresh Pacific seafood, and an extensive international wine collection with live evening music.

Ave del Paraiso restaurant overlooking main waterfall

Ave del Paraíso

Waterfall View Buffet & A La Carte

An open-air dining pavilion overlooking the rushing thermal springs and main waterfall. Features vibrant a la carte lunches and a celebrated nightly dinner buffet with live carving stations, organic salads, and artisanal desserts.

Agua Ardiente swim-up pool bar

Agua Ardiente Pool Bar

Thermal Swim-Up Bar & Light Bites

The resort's legendary swim-up bar located directly inside the main thermal mineral pool. Enjoy signature tropical cocktails, freshly cracked chilled coconuts, and craft beers while soaking in warm volcanic waters, accompanied by fresh ceviches.

Cana Brava Lobby Bar

Caña Brava Lobby Bar

Guaro Infusions & Volcanic Coffees

An open-air garden gathering lounge specializing in artisanal infusions made with Guaro—Costa Rica's traditional sugar cane spirit. Savor single-origin volcanic pour-overs, tapas, and tropical mixology with frequent wildlife sightings.

The Spa at Tabacón & Shangri-La Gardens

World-class volcanic wellness treatments in open-air rainforest bungalows

Consistently voted among the top destination spas in Latin America, The Spa at Tabacón elevates volcanic wellness to an art form. Individual treatment bungalows are discreetly nestled among private rainforest foliage, each featuring private hot thermal mineral jacuzzis. Treatments harness mineral-rich volcanic clay, organic local coffee scrubs, pure coconut oil, and indigenous herbs.

Directly adjacent, Shangri-La Gardens serves as an exclusive, adults-only sanctuary reserved for hotel guests. Featuring cocoon daybeds, attentive cabana bar service, and six secluded thermal pools shaded by lush tropical canopy, it offers the ultimate haven for peaceful contemplation and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about planning your Tabacón thermal getaway

What makes Tabacón's thermal hot springs unique compared to other hot springs?
Tabacón features the only 100% naturally flowing thermal river in the Arenal region. The springs emerge directly from the base of the Arenal Volcano, heated purely by underground volcanic magma without the use of mechanical pumps, artificial heating, or chemical re-circulation. The water contains high concentrations of silica, calcium, and lithium.
What VIP benefits are included when booking Tabacón with Vincent Vacations?
Guests booking with Vincent Vacations receive complimentary daily buffet breakfast for two at Los Tucanes, a $75 USD Spa Coupon per room per stay, a $25 USD Beverage Credit per room per stay, exclusive access to the adult-only Shangri-La Gardens, room category upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, and early check-in and late checkout privileges.
Are the hot springs accessible to resort guests at all hours?
Resort guests receive unlimited complimentary access to the entire thermal hot springs complex throughout their stay, including early morning access from 8:00 AM before the springs open to day visitors, and exclusive access to the adult-only Shangri-La Gardens hideaway.
How far is Tabacón Thermal Resort from the airports in Costa Rica?
Tabacón is located approximately 2.5 to 3 hours (about 89 miles) from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, and approximately 2.5 hours (about 93 miles) from Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Vincent Vacations arranges private luxury road transfers or direct 20-minute helicopter charters to the Arenal region.
What eco-friendly and sustainability credentials does Tabacón have?
Tabacón is a certified Carbon Neutral resort and holds the highest rating of 5 out of 5 leaves in Costa Rica's Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program. The resort operates on solar energy, protects 900 acres of primary rainforest, and implements extensive reforestation and community education programs.