You've probably seen the photos. That massive, tiered pool complex with the steam rising off the water and the Arenal Volcano sitting right there in the background like a movie set. It looks perfect. It looks like the kind of place where you never have to reach for your wallet. But here is the thing about The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal all inclusive options: they aren't what you think they are.
Honestly, most people show up expecting a Caribbean-style "wristband" resort where the cheap tequila flows and the buffet never ends. If that’s what you want, you’re going to be disappointed. Or maybe just surprised.
Costa Rica doesn’t really "do" all-inclusive in the way Mexico or the Dominican Republic does. At The Springs, luxury is the priority, not volume. You aren't just paying for a room; you're paying for a 165-acre estate that basically functions as a private national park. It’s a lot to take in.
Is there actually an all-inclusive plan?
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way first. If you go to their website, you won’t see a big "ALL INCLUSIVE" button. It’s just not their vibe. However, they do offer specific meal plans and packages that essentially create a The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal all inclusive experience.
You can opt for full-board plans. This covers your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But it’s a la carte. You’re eating high-end steak and fresh-caught sea bass, not hovering over a lukewarm tray of scrambled eggs.
The distinction matters.
When you book a package here, you’re usually getting more than just food. You’re getting access to Club Rio. That’s their "adventure center" located down by the river. It’s where the tubing, kayaking, and horse riding happen. If you don't book the right package, you're going to feel like you're being "nickeled and dimed" because every little activity has a price tag.
Why the location changes everything
The resort isn't in the town of La Fortuna. It’s about 20 minutes away, perched high on a ridge. This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you have the best view of the volcano in the entire country. No exaggeration. Even the showers have views. On the other hand, once you’re there, you’re kind of there.
Driving back and forth to town for dinner is a pain. The road is windy. It’s dark at night. This is why most people end up looking for the The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal all inclusive setup. It just makes sense to keep your dining on-site.
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The Hot Springs Reality Check
People come for the water.
There are two main areas: Las Lagunas and Perdido Springs. Las Lagunas is right under the main building. It’s social. There’s a swim-up bar. It’s where you go to see and be seen. Perdido Springs is different. It’s a trail system through the jungle with hidden pools.
The water is 100% natural. It’s not heated by a boiler in the basement. It’s geothermal. This means the mineral content is high, which is great for your skin but can be weird for your swimwear. Don't wear a white bikini. Seriously. The minerals can stain it a weird rust color.
What most travel blogs won't tell you
The resort is steep. Very steep.
If you have mobility issues, this place is a challenge. They have vans that zip around to pick you up, but you’ll be waiting for them. If you’re fit, it’s a great workout. If you aren't, or if you have kids in strollers, it’s a bit of a logistical nightmare.
Also, the wildlife is real. This isn't a manicured Disney version of the jungle. You will see coatis (they look like long-nosed raccoons) trying to steal your fries at the pool. You’ll hear howler monkeys at 5:00 AM. It’s loud. It’s wild. That’s the point.
Eating at The Springs: Beyond the Buffet Mentality
Since we're talking about a The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal all inclusive style stay, we have to talk about the food quality.
They have several restaurants. Las Ventanas is the "fancy" one. It’s fine dining. Think linen tablecloths and a massive wine cellar. Then you have Tres Cascadas, which is more relaxed. Ginger Sushi is surprisingly good for being in the middle of a rainforest.
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- Breakfast: Usually included in most rates anyway. It’s a massive spread.
- Lunch: Usually eaten poolside or down at Club Rio.
- Dinner: This is where the meal plan pays off. The steakhouse-style entrees can easily run $40-$60 USD per person without a plan.
The "all-inclusive" packages usually exclude top-shelf liquor. If you want that 25-year-old rum, you’re paying extra. But for standard cocktails and local beers like Imperial or Pilsen? You're usually covered.
Club Rio: The "Secret" Value Add
If you’re looking at The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal all inclusive options, look for the "Multi-Adventure" packages. This is where the real value hides.
Club Rio is located on the property, but way down at the bottom of the canyon along the Arenal River. It’s basically an adventure park. Most guests just go down for a few hours, but if you have the right package, you can spend all day there.
They have a cat sanctuary. These aren't house cats; we’re talking pumas and ocelots that were rescued from the illegal pet trade. They can't be released into the wild, so they live here. It’s educational and honestly a bit heartbreaking, but the resort does a lot of conservation work that most people just gloss over.
The Tubing Experience
Don't expect a lazy river. This is a real river. There are rocks. There are small rapids. It’s fun, but it’s bumpy. If you’re looking for a relaxing float, stick to the hot springs. If you want to feel your heart rate spike while wearing a life jacket, do the tubing.
Is it worth the price tag?
Let's be real. This place is expensive. You can find "all-inclusive" hotels in Guanacaste for half the price. But you’re not comparing apples to apples.
You go to The Springs because you want to be inside the landscape. You go because you want to see the volcano from your bed. You go because the service is top-tier.
The nuance here is that the The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal all inclusive experience is about convenience and luxury, not about "getting a deal." If you’re trying to save money, this isn't the hotel for you. If you want a seamless experience where you don't have to worry about the bill every time you order a Tico Sour, then the meal plans are worth every penny.
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Common Misconceptions
- "It's right next to the volcano." It's close, but you can't hike the volcano from the hotel. You still have to drive to the National Park entrance if you want to walk on the old lava flows.
- "The water is too hot." They have pools of all temperatures. Some are basically cold plunges, others are like a hot bath. You find your sweet spot.
- "It's kid-friendly." Yes and no. There are great slides and the kids love the animals, but the "vibe" is very romantic. If your kids are "screamers," you might feel some side-eye from the honeymooners.
Practical Steps for Booking
If you’re serious about booking a The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal all inclusive style trip, don't just book the first room you see on a travel site.
First, check the "Promotions" tab on their official site. They often have "Green Season" (rainy season) specials that include the meal plans for free if you stay more than three nights. May through November is when you’ll get the best bang for your buck.
Second, look at the room types. The "Alta Vista" rooms are the standard, but they are still incredible. You don't necessarily need a suite to feel like royalty here. Every room has a private terrace and that iconic view.
Third, book your spa treatments in advance. The spa is world-class, but it fills up. The clay wraps use volcanic mud, which sounds gimmicky but actually feels amazing after a day of hiking.
A Note on the "All Inclusive" Alcohol
Costa Rica has high taxes on imported booze. This means even in an all-inclusive setting, the wine selection might be limited to a few house labels (usually from Chile or Argentina). If you are a wine snob, be prepared to pay extra for the good stuff from the cellar. It's just the way the country works.
What to Pack (The Non-Generic Version)
- Two Swimsuits: Because things don't dry quickly in the rainforest. Putting on a cold, damp swimsuit is a special kind of misery.
- Water Shoes: Not just for the river, but for walking between the hot springs. The stones can get hot and slippery.
- Bug Spray (with DEET): The "natural" stuff won't stop the mosquitoes here. They are professionals.
- Binoculars: For the birds. You’ll see toucans from your balcony if you’re looking.
The The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal all inclusive experience is a bucket-list item for a reason. It’s a massive, sprawling, slightly chaotic, and deeply beautiful place. It’s not a budget getaway. It’s an investment in a very specific kind of mountain luxury.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
To get the most out of your stay and ensure you aren't surprised by the "not-quite-all-inclusive" nature of the resort, follow these steps:
- Email the concierge directly before you book. Ask for the current "Full Board" supplement price. Sometimes it’s cheaper to add it after booking the room than to buy a pre-set package.
- Check the "Club Rio" schedule. If you want to do the tubing or the climbing wall, these activities often have set times. Don't show up at 3:00 PM expecting a full day of gear.
- Download the resort map. Seriously, the place is a labyrinth. Having a digital copy on your phone will save you from getting lost between Perdido Springs and your room.
- Request a room on a higher floor. While all rooms have views, the higher you are, the less likely you are to have your volcano view partially obscured by the lush jungle canopy.
- Plan for the rain. It’s the rainforest. It will rain. Bring a lightweight, breathable rain shell so you can still enjoy the hot springs while it pours—honestly, being in a 100-degree pool while cold rain hits your face is the best part of the trip.