The Springs Resort and Spa in Costa Rica: A Tropical Paradise Tucked Inside a Rainforest

When we hear of tropical locations, images of white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters are often the first things that come to mind. But the tropics offer so much more than sun, sand, and sea, some of which we got to experience during my birthday trip at the springs resort and spa in Costa Rica.

We discovered a tropical paradise hidden in the magical rainforests of Arenal—The Springs Resort and Spa Hotel. The spring resort and spa five-star resort gave us one of the most luxurious vacations we’ve ever had. The 165-acre property has a beautiful mix of modern and natural decor.

A Luxurious Resort with the Most Spectacular Views

The springs resort and spa in Costa Rica is situated on a hilly terrain surrounded by lush rainforests. It faces the striking Arenal Volcano and has an amazing view of the valley below. Natural hot springs flow throughout the surrounding areas, and the Rio Arenal flows just a couple of miles below. If you’ve watched The Bachelor, you’ve most likely seen this captivating resort in one of their episodes.

The resort itself looks as stunning as its surrounding. The rooms incorporate a lot of natural materials, giving them a rustic feel. You’ll see wooden floors and ceilings and plenty of bamboo and wicker accents. All bathrooms look elegant in marble and high-quality fixtures. The pools are landscaped within the rainforest, so they blend seamlessly with the natural setting. The natural springs from the Volcano flows into the many pools so the temperature is always around or above 100 degrees.

Posh Amenities and Modern facilities

Although secluded and hidden within a rainforest, The Springs has all the conveniences you’ll find in the city. There’s a high-speed internet connection, cable TV, stereo surround systems, and a fully-equipped fitness center.

Every room has its own smart TV, which you can connect to your Apple TV or use to stream Netflix and other streaming platforms. You can also go old-school and use the DVD player to watch videos. The Costa Rica spring resort gives guests access to a DVD library with over 400 movies. Connect your MP3 device or your Spotify/Apple playlist to the stereo system and enjoy music.

All rooms also have their own private terrace and/or balcony, so you can enjoy the sights of Arenal whichever room you book. Every bathroom has a jetted tub for a relaxing soak after a day of adventure. Hammocks and rocking chairs add a rustic vibe that completes the relaxing tropical atmosphere.

The resort offers several room categories from guest rooms and family suites to townhouse suites and estate villas. The smallest guest rooms can hardly be called “small” with 720 square feet of space. The posh Honeymoon Vista has its own garden terrace and a hot spring jacuzzi perfect for those intimate moments. The penthouse Aracari Suite offers the best panoramic views of Arenal. For families and groups of friends, there are two-level suites, townhouse-style suites, and bungalows. There are also villas that have their own kitchenettes.

For a high-end experience, book Falcon’s Nest and feel like a celebrity. With five bedrooms, six baths, a kitchenette, and living room, the Falcon’s Nest definitely has plenty of space for everyone.

The ultimate Springs vacation would have to be at the estate compound of the Villa Palacio. You’ll feel like royalty here with its private 50-ft-wide pool, 12-person infinity jacuzzi, basketball court, and enormous garden. You’ll also have access to golf carts that seat six people.

Spots to Eat at

The resort’s restaurants and bars offer different ways for guests to enjoy Costa Rican cuisine. For home-style cooking and local snacks, head to Treetops Grill. Aside from grilling high-quality meat cuts, this poolside restaurant also offers tacos, quesadillas, burgers, and more. For café-style meals, Tres Cascadas is the place to go. Here, you can enjoy a Latin breakfast buffet while enjoying the fresh morning breeze on the open-air terrace. For fine dining, book a table at the Las Ventanas. Celebrate your special occasion with elegant dishes that blend international culinary trends with local cuisine. Complete your dinner with a nice glass of wine.

If you’re looking for unique dining experiences, try Ginger Sushi and the La Laguna Bar. Ginger Sushi offers a fusion of tastes from around the globe. Make sure to try their traditional Japanese sushi with a touch of Costa Rican flavors. At the La Laguna Bar, you can enjoy dining at the swim-up pool bar. Enjoy your drinks while relaxing in the lagoon pool’s water. This was one of our favorite places to eat, drink and relax during our stay.

Amazing Experiences for Everyone

One of the things that sets the Springs apart from other resorts in the area is the number of on-site activities. The spring resort Costa Rica offers a variety of things to do that guest won’t really need to go outside of the resort.

Relax and rejuvenate in hot spring pools with temperatures ranging from 83 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The pools are set in different environments, each having a distinct ambiance. Some have waterfalls that can be used for hydromassages, and others are covered in quiet forests for peaceful relaxation. Take your kids to the Perdido Springs where they can enjoy the monkey water slide. The water for the thermal pools comes from natural springs and has low sulfur content, so they’re safe and clean.

For full relaxation, choose from the various treatments offered by the Spa. Let trained professionals pamper you with body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures, and full-body massages using premium beauty products and the latest technology. If you have kids with you, get to enjoy your me-time or couples-time without worry through the resort’s babysitting service. You can also leave your kids at the game room managed by the resort staff.

Enjoy some fun at Club Rio. You’ll get your dose of adventure within the resort grounds. Go river tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, or rock climbing. Meet wildlife up close at the Animal Sanctuary.

Other Places to See in Costa Rica

For those staying on long vacations, off-site activities around Arenal can be booked through the resort concierge. You can go for a volcano hike, waterfall swim, coffee-cocoa tour, and other activities. If you want to explore Costa Rica on your own, here are some places worth visiting.

• Kalambu Hot Springs: Just 4 miles away from The Springs, this water park offers lots of fun for the entire family. Splash in pools, slide down spiraling tubes, and enjoy different hydrothermal attractions.
• Baldi Hot Springs: A 10-minute drive from The springs resort and spa in Costa Rica. This thermal spring has one of the purest waters in the world, so it’s worth the day trip. The water flows from the base of the volcano through 25 different thermal pools. Soak in any of them and let all your stress flow away. The Hot Springs even offers a kid’s water park and adult slides so the whole family can have fun. You can even enjoy a drink at one of their many bars located in and around the hotel and hot springs.
• Arenal Volcano: Drive half an hour from the resort to the National Park, and spend a day hiking across old lava flows. Go canyoning toward the La Fortuna Waterfall and cross the Arenal Hanging Bridges.
• Venado Caves: Go caving and discover the beauty hidden 8,850 feet into the earth. Walk through the underground river and cool down on waterfalls.

What We Loved about The Springs

Aside from the beautiful scenery, we love the impeccable service provided by their friendly professional staff. All hotel staff were amiable, and we felt well-taken care of during our stay. The property is well-maintained, and the rooms are kept clean at all times. The resort is also very family-friendly, and kids can roam around safely.

We didn’t really enjoy the long bumpy ride to and from the hotel, but with the number of activities the hotel provides, there really wasn’t any need to go elsewhere during our stay. Overall, my birthday trip at The springs resort and spa Costa Rica was well-worth splurging on.

Are you planning to trip there? Maybe you’ve already tripped! Get in touch with me right away and tell me about your experience!