You’ve probably seen the photos. That iconic view of the Arenal Volcano framed perfectly by a steaming turquoise pool, usually with a tropical drink precariously balanced on a stone ledge. It looks like a postcard. But honestly, when you’re looking at spending five hundred to over a thousand dollars a night at The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal, you want to know if it actually feels like a sanctuary or if you’re just paying for a movie set.
Costa Rica is full of "luxury" eco-lodges. Some are just glorified tents with high-thread-count sheets. This place is different. It’s massive. It’s bold. It’s basically a high-end village carved into a mountain. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to disappear into the raw, rugged jungle with nothing but a mosquito net and a prayer, you might find The Springs a bit... much. But if you want to soak in hot springs while watching toucans fly over a volcano, it’s hard to beat.
The Hot Springs Reality Check
Let’s talk about the water. Everyone comes for the water. The resort has 28 thermal pools. That’s a lot. They aren't all in one spot, which is a massive plus because it keeps the crowds from feeling like a public pool on a Saturday in July.
You have two main areas: Las Lagunas and Perdido Springs. Las Lagunas is right under the main building. It’s convenient. It’s polished. It’s where you go if you want to be close to the bar. But Perdido Springs? That’s the secret sauce. It’s a maze of jungle trails and interconnected pools. It feels much more private. The water temperatures range from about 83°F to 104°F. Basically, you can find a pool that matches your specific level of "I want to boil" or "I just want a warm bath."
One thing people get wrong: they think the water is just heated by some big boiler in the basement. It isn't. The water is naturally heated by the geothermal energy from the Arenal Volcano. The resort uses a sophisticated gravity-fed system to move the water through the pools. It’s constantly refreshing itself. It’s clean. It doesn’t smell like a locker room.
Rooms That Actually Face the Volcano
I’ve stayed in places where "Volcano View" means you can see a sliver of gray if you lean off your balcony at a 45-degree angle. Not here. Because of how the property is tiered on a ridge, every single room at The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal has a direct view of the volcano.
The architecture is heavy on wood and stone. It feels masculine and sturdy. You’ve got vaulted ceilings and huge bathrooms with multi-head showers. The "Guest Rooms" are bigger than most city apartments. If you step up to the villas, like the Palm Bungalow or the Falcon's Nest, you're looking at private plunge pools and enough space to host a small wedding.
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Is it "authentic" Costa Rican style? Well, it’s "Luxury Costa Rican." It’s polished. You won’t find rough edges. If you’re looking for a rustic cabin, this isn’t it. This is marble and custom-carved furniture.
Club Rio: The Adrenaline Side
Most people don't realize that the resort owns a massive chunk of land down by the Arenal River. They call it Club Rio. You take a shuttle down the mountain—which is a ride in itself—and suddenly you’re in an adventure park.
- River Tubing: This isn't a lazy river. It’s the Arenal River. It’s bumpy. You’ll get wet. You’ll probably scream a little.
- Animal Sanctuary: This is a big deal. The resort works with the MINAE (Ministry of Environment and Energy) to rehabilitate cats that can't be released into the wild. We're talking pumas, jaguars, and ocelots. It’s educational, not a zoo.
- Kayaking: Great for a workout, but honestly, the tubing is more fun.
- Horseback Riding: The trails go through the forest and offer some perspectives of the volcano you can't get from the lobby.
It’s worth mentioning that Club Rio offers day passes to people not staying at the hotel. This means the river area can get busier than the upper resort during the day. If you want peace, stay up by the Perdido Springs in the afternoon.
The Food Situation (And Why it Matters)
Eating at a remote resort can be a trap. You’re a captive audience. At The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal, they have five restaurants.
Las Ventanas is the "fancy" one. It’s fine dining. The views are incredible, but you’ll pay US prices. If you want something more low-key, Treetops Grill is decent for a burger or some tacos by the pool.
Pro tip: Don’t eat every meal on-site if you have a rental car. The town of La Fortuna is about 20 minutes away. It’s a bit of a drive, especially on the winding resort road, but you can find amazing "Sodas" (local Tico restaurants) where you can get a massive casado for a fraction of the resort price. That said, after a long day of hiking the lava fields, sometimes you just want to sit in your robe and order room service. The room service menu is surprisingly extensive.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
People see "Arenal" and think they are right next to the town. You aren't. The Springs is located about 4-5 miles off the main road, up a long, winding, and somewhat bumpy driveway.
You need a 4x4 if you’re driving yourself. Seriously. Don't try it in a tiny sedan. The seclusion is the whole point—it’s quiet and you feel like you’re in the middle of a rainforest—but it means you aren't "popping into town" for a quick coffee. You’re committed to being there.
The Weather Factor
It’s the rainforest. It rains. Often. Don't let a cloudy day ruin your trip. In fact, the hot springs are better in the rain. There is something incredibly therapeutic about sitting in 100-degree mineral water while a cool tropical downpour hits your face.
The volcano is also shy. It’s often shrouded in clouds. You might go three days without seeing the peak, and then suddenly, at 5:00 AM, the clouds part and there it is—perfect and imposing. It’s a game of patience.
Is the Spa Actually Worth It?
The Sanctuary Spa is huge. They use volcanic clay and coffee in a lot of their treatments. It’s high-end, but let’s be real: you’re already in a giant natural spa with the hot springs.
If you’re going to splurge, go for a massage that incorporates the sounds of the jungle. They have open-air treatment rooms. Hearing the birds and the wind while getting a deep-tissue massage is a level of relaxation that’s hard to replicate in a windowless room in a city hotel.
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Logistics and Practical Advice
If you're planning a trip to The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal, keep these things in mind:
- The Multi-Day Pass: If you can’t afford to stay there, they sell two-day passes for the hot springs and Club Rio. It’s around $100-$120 depending on the season. It’s the best way to experience the property without the $700 room bill.
- Transportation: Use the hotel shuttle or hire a private driver from SJO (San Jose) or LIR (Liberia). The drive from San Jose is about 3 to 3.5 hours. It’s beautiful but exhausting if you aren't used to mountain roads.
- The "Kim Kardashian" Factor: Yes, the Kardashians stayed here. Yes, it’s been on TV. That means it attracts a certain crowd. It’s a "see and be seen" place in the main lobby, but once you get into the gardens and the lower pools, that vibe disappears.
- Footwear: Bring water shoes. The bottom of the natural pools can be slippery or rocky. Your flip-flops will just float away if you aren't careful.
A Balanced View: The Downsides
It isn't perfect. Nothing is. The resort is big. If you have mobility issues, getting around can be a challenge. They have golf carts to whisk you around, but you’ll still be doing a lot of walking on uneven ground.
Also, the prices. Everything has an extra tax (13% VAT) and a service charge (10%) added. Those $18 cocktails become $22 real fast. It’s a luxury experience with luxury pricing. If you’re on a tight budget, the "nickel and diming" for every little activity might grate on your nerves.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you decide to pull the trigger on a stay, do these three things to get your money's worth:
- Hit the Perdido Springs at Night. Most people go after breakfast or lunch. Go at 9:00 PM. The lighting is moody, the jungle sounds are louder, and you’ll likely have a pool entirely to yourself.
- Book the Animal Sanctuary Tour Early. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable about Costa Rican wildlife. It’s better to do this on your first day so you know what you’re looking at for the rest of the trip.
- Check the Volcano Activity. While Arenal hasn't had a major eruption since 2010, it is still an active volcano. Ask the staff about recent sightings of steam or "gas" vents. They know the mountain better than anyone.
Stay at least three nights. Anything less and you're just rushing through a property that is designed for lingering. You need one day for the hot springs, one day for the river adventures, and one day to just sit on your balcony and stare at the volcano until you forget what your email inbox looks like.
Pack more sunscreen than you think you need. Even when it’s cloudy, the UV at this altitude and latitude is no joke. And bring a waterproof case for your phone—you’re going to want those pool shots, but dropping your phone in a 104-degree mineral bath is a quick way to end the vacation vibes.