Costa Rica summons visions of a tropical getaway surrounded by lush greenery and ocean views. When it comes to La Fortuna, in particular, you can add mineral hot springs to that therapeutic mix.
The Arenal Volcano, which sits upon a foundation of ash and lava, has made the area a literal hot spot of geothermal activity. As a result, you’ll find several bubbling hot springs in the area, the water within a source of healing trace minerals.
Many travelers visit Arenal Volcano National Park to discover the best hot springs on offer, but one of the greatest ways to enjoy this wonderful natural phenomenon is by staying at a local hotel with on-site hot springs.
Luckily, there’s an abundance of Arenal hotels that have their own hot springs. Many of them are world-class resorts ideal for family vacations, honeymoon destinations, and hot spring holidays.
Below I’ve listed the top Arenal hotels with hot springs to help you choose the best accommodation for you.
The Top 9 Arenal Hotels With Hot Springs
1. Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
An oasis reminiscent of paradise, Arenal Springs Resort & Spa is one of the top hotels in La Fortuna. The hotel offers a range of suites to suit every taste, all of them nestled beneath palm trees and tropical vegetation near the base of the soaring Arenal Volcano.
The pools at the resort are made of limestone and designed to look like natural rivers snaking through the rainforest. While they may be man-made, they are fed by the local hot spring water, which is abundant in chloride, calcium, and magnesium.
Naturally heated, the hot springs at the resort also boast lavish extras, including a wet bar, bar stools made of rocks, waterfalls, and a bubbling hot tub. There are three freshwater pools in total, each open until 10 p.m.
Additionally, there are three restaurants and a coffee shop on the grounds, plus a wellness spa where you can get a range of treatments, including chocolate massages and rejuvenating facials.
2. Volcano Lodge & Thermal Experience
Aptly named after the volcano which La Fortuna has to thank for its hot springs, Volcano Lodge & Thermal Experience is another great choice if you’re looking for accommodation with hot springs on the grounds. The resort sits close to the base of the volcano and offers fantastic views, while still being only a short distance from La Fortuna.
Surrounded by tropical gardens, the thermal pools at Volcano Lodge are truly to die for. There are two main hot springs available to hotel guests—one near the cold-water swimming pool, and another with mood lighting and a swim-up bar. These feed a number of pools where guests can choose to hang out for the day.
The hot springs at Volcano Lodge aren’t open to the general public, but you can have an even more private soaking experience by reserving a Thermal Superior Room or Junior Suite, which both offer private plunge pools filled with natural mineral water.
3. The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal is one of the area’s most luxurious hotels, perfect for those on a honeymoon, celebrating a special occasion, or looking for a romantic, indulgent getaway.
The five-star resort has everything you could want on a lavish vacation, including five world-class dining establishments, 165 acres of stunning grounds, a full-service wellness spa, and of course, natural thermal hot springs.
The hot springs at the resort are maintained at a variety of temperatures, from 83 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. They are surrounded by waterfalls, rainforest, and spectacular views of the volcano while being drained and refilled every day to keep up cleanliness standards.
Some of the pools at the resort feature murkier water than others, and this comes down to volcanic activity and changing temperatures between the pools.
When you’re finished exploring the hot springs, you can move on to the Sanctuary Spa for the full relaxation experience. There are several body experiences and packages available that will ensure you get the chance to unwind before you return home.
4. Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs
For top views of the Arenal Volcano, it doesn’t get better than Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs. The resort features a selection of luxurious suites fronted by spacious porches with vistas of the volcano, along with modern décor and lavish amenities.
Aside from the phenomenal views, one of the main drawing points of the resort is the hot spring and the surrounding ponds, which have healing benefits thanks to the natural thermal water within.
There are two hot springs on the grounds, in addition to a relaxing hot tub. With amenities like a swim-up bar serving a range of tropical cocktails, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.
With deposits of minerals such as sulfate and magnesium, the thermal springs at Arenal Manoa can help with trauma recovery, rheumatoid-related illnesses, skin problems, stress, and tight muscles. The resort also boasts a spa providing a range of massages, body wraps, facials, and nail services.
5. Hotel Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for a hot springs getaway in La Fortuna without an exorbitant price tag, the three-star Hotel Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa is well worth visiting. Tucked away among the tropical vegetation with great views of the volcano, the resort offers private hot springs for guests.
There are 11 pools on the property, all with thermal mineral water and at varying degrees. The nearby waterfalls allow for relaxing hydromassages, while the water is rich in calcium, chloride, sulfate, iron, and magnesium.
This is also a great resort for the adventurous at heart, as they offer more fast-paced jungle activities like horseback riding and canopy tours.
6. Nayara Springs
Called the “best hotel spa in the world” by Condé Nast Traveller and the “number one luxury hotel in the world” by TripAdvisor, Nayara Springs is the ultimate lavish Costa Rican experience.
With its own sloth sanctuary, this adults-only rainforest escape is ideal for those looking for a private rejuvenating getaway.
Guests can access secluded pools when they reserve the Springs Villas, which come complete with a private garden featuring dual outdoor rain showers and private plunge springs. The mineral-rich water makes for a completely relaxing experience.
After, be sure to check out the open-air spa which is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation to give the feel of total isolation. The couple’s experiences at the spa also make this a wonderful choice for romantic holidays or honeymoons.
7. Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa
Whether you stay at Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa or just enter with a day pass, this place offers some of the best hot springs in the area. Here, you’ll find 25 thermal pools to soak in, all of them filled with natural mineral water that is healing for the mind, body, and soul.
Baldi Hot Springs may be the right choice for you if you’re traveling with kids, as it offers a children’s pool with water slides and a game park, in addition to adult pools that are designed for relaxation.
For those looking to take their relaxation a step further, the Aqua Luxury Thermal Spa on the grounds is a world-class wellness destination. With everything from massages to body wraps on offer, the spa will help you recharge before you join the real world again
8. The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
A place “where nature and luxury come together,” the Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort is an exclusive wellness destination in La Fortuna. It offers mesmerizing views of the volcano and surrounding greenery, along with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.
You’ll find two warm-water swimming pools on the property, plus two hot pools that are maintained at around 93 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
There’s also a cold-water swimming pool, a thermal steam garden sauna, four garden thermal water Jacuzzis, two garden thermal water pools with waterfalls, a small thermal water river, and a wet bar. All thermal water at the resort is natural and abundant in salts and minerals such as calcium, carbon, and chloride.
The resort is also home to two highly-rated restaurants: Lava and Emperador. Additionally, there’s the lobby bar and the Basalto pool bar for those who want to socialize and enjoy a tropical cocktail.
9. Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
Only 10 minutes from La Fortuna, Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa provides a green luxury hotel in a rainforest setting. The resort is set out across 27 acres and bordered by the tranquil Kioro and La Palma streams. It features over 50 spacious suites that are designed for families and couples.
All guests at the hotel have access to the private natural hot springs, but there is also a free shuttle bus service that runs between the hotel and the impressive Titokú Hot Springs to the southwest of the hotel.
There are several different hot springs, all at varying temperatures, and there are also bathrooms and lockers on-site for your convenience.
The Neidin Spa is one of Arenal Kioro’s greatest assets. It’s open every day from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. and provides a comprehensive list of treatments, ranging from massages to bath rituals.
Final Thoughts on Arenal Hotels With Hot Springs
As you can see, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a hotel with hot springs in Arenal. All of the above hotels are great choices, but if you’re still not sure which one is right for you, the best options for each travel style are:
- Best Romantic Hotel with Hot Springs in Arenal: The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
- Best Luxury Hotel with Hot Springs in Arenal: Nayara Springs
- Best Family Hotel with Hot Springs in Arenal: Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa
- Best Boutique Hotel with Hot Springs in Arenal: Hotel Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa
