Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Costa Rica / La Fortuna / Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica · Tabacón · High Luxury
Arenal's magma heats a free-flowing thermal river that runs untreated through Tabacon's rainforest gardens, forming waterfalls and pools from about 72 to 100 F: Costa Rica's original thermal-river resort, not a pumped spa circuit. Architect Jaime Mikowski began the project in 1991; the springs opened in April 1993 and hotel rooms followed in 1997. One hundred five rooms, adults-only Shangri-La Gardens, and Small Luxury Hotels membership.
- 105 rooms
- Opened 1993
- Neighborhood: La Palma
- Architect: Jaime Mikowski
About Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
- The Tabacon River is heated by Arenal's magma and flows untreated through the gardens, forming waterfalls and pools from about 72 to 100 F.
- Costa Rican architect Jaime Mikowski founded the project in 1991. The thermal destination opened in April 1993; hotel rooms followed in late 1997.
- Shangri-La Gardens is the adults-only thermal hideaway, with private cabanas and its own bar, separate from the family springs.
- Agua Ardiente, the original swim-up bar, sits in the thermal pools. Open-air spa bungalows sit in the rainforest.
- One hundred five rooms sit beside the springs at the base of 5,000-foot Arenal Volcano, just outside La Fortuna.
History
Founded by architect Jaime Mikowski in 1991, the resort opened as a thermal destination in April 1993 and inaugurated its hotel rooms in late 1997. It is celebrated as the original thermal river resort in the region, utilizing naturally flowing volcanic water without mechanical heating or chemical treatment. Today, it remains a leader in sustainable luxury and wellness, harmonizing high-end hospitality with the preservation of the surrounding rainforest.
Restaurants and bars
- Tucanes Restaurant — Restaurant · Costa Rican flavors with international techniques
- Ave Restaurant — Restaurant · Costa Rican tradition with light international touch
- Agua Ardiente Pool Bar — Poolside
- Shangri-La Gardens Bar — Restaurant · Thai ceviche, spring rolls, fresh tuna salad, wraps, bowls
- Caña Brava — Restaurant · tapas and meals
- Bosque Bar — Bar · gourmet bites
Experiences
- Natural thermal river and Shangri-La Gardens — Unlimited thermal river access with pools and waterfalls at 22–38°C, plus entry to adults-only Shangri-La Gardens.
- Tabacón Spa — Open-air rainforest bungalow spa with signature rituals and couples' journeys, for guests and Day Pass visitors by reservation.
- Rainforest adventures around Arenal Volcano — Zip lining, white water rafting, horseback riding and rappelling around Arenal Volcano in the La Fortuna area.
- Dining at Tucanes, Ave, Agua Ardiente Pool Bar, Shangri-La Gardens Bar, Caña Brava and Bosque Bar — Restaurants and bars from Costa Rican-inspired tasting menus at Tucanes to a swim-up bar in the thermal springs.
- Complimentary yoga sessions — Yoga sessions in the open-air rainforest pavilion, subject to availability.
- Plant a Tree activity — Guest tree-planting activity listed among the complimentary guest services.
Amenities
- Unlimited access to natural thermal springs and waterfalls heated by Arenal Volcano
- Exclusive adults-only Shangri-La Gardens with private cabanas and bar service
- Full-service spa featuring open-air treatment bungalows set in the rainforest
- Multiple gourmet dining options including Los Tucanes and Ave del Paraíso
- Complimentary yoga sessions in an open-air rainforest pavilion
- Eco-friendly fitness center and lush botanical gardens for exploration
- Pool
- Sauna
- Hot tub
Open Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
More hotels in La Fortuna
- Nayara Gardens — Nayara Resorts · Grand Luxury
- Nayara Tented Camp — Nayara Resorts · Grand Luxury
- Amor Arenal — Independent · Core Luxury
- Nayara Springs — Nayara Resorts · Apex Luxury
- Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs — Independent · Near Luxury
- Lost Iguana Resort & Spa — Independent · Near Luxury