Editor Pick
Tabacon Hot Springs Resort
- April 8, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Suavevida from Wenatchee, Washington
After flying into to Costa Rica and staying overnight at Hampton Inn, we headed off to the Arenal area by rental car. We had downloaded directions with a map before we left, and the roads were not too bad. Be aware that it takes time to get used to the feel of kilometers per mile. Because of this, tourists are at higher risk of getting a ticket because they go too fast. We got a little lost in La Fortuna, but managed to find the signs for Tabacon Hot Springs and made it the rest of the way without incident.
A 2-night stay is required, and superior standard rooms were $175. The rooms had two full-size beds and a balcony, but no view of the volcano (you can request this). Everything can be charged to your room for convenience.
Once we settled into our room, we walked over to the reception desk and signed up for a night tour of the Hanging Bridges and the rain forest. Our guide, Manuel, picked us up in the lobby, and, surprisingly, we were the only ones going, so it was like a private tour. He pointed out several species of birds as we drove in, while it was still light. Then we turned on our flashlights and began to slowly look around us for signs of wildlife. It was a very different feeling to be in the jungle at night because it was dark and your senses were heightened—it was a more intimate experience. We saw a number of insects, including various spiders and cockroaches, as well as numerous frogs and a eyelash palm pit viper. I would really suggest you eat something before going on this tour, because after about 2 hours of this, we sort of ran out of steam. Fortunately, we had made a reservation at the hotel restaurant and headed there directly after the tour. The food and service were great; tip is included, but you tip more if something was exceptional.
The next day we walked a short distance to the hot springs, which were nicely laid out, with numerous different natural pools of different temperatures, including a cold pool. They do provide a map at the reception desk that I recommend you take with you so that you can figure out the lay of the land. There is a restaurant there where you can have lunch, with a pool in front that sports a water slide. They provide towels and lockers as part of your package (those who are not staying at Tabacon have to pay a fee if they visit). Staying well hydrated is an important part of having a good experience here. In all, Tabacon was in my opinion the best accommodations of the vacation; my wife enjoyed it but found it rather tame. She commented that she typically avoided such accommodations because it isolated her from the culture and did not provide her with the experience of immersion she enjoyed.
From journal Triple Threat: Costa Rica in 3 Parts