Visitors to Costa Rica’s Arenal region often talk about the volcano, the rainforest and the hot springs. Fewer discuss the very human need to decompress after a long-haul flight or the yearning to be truly immersed in a landscape that still feels untamed.
Perched on a ridge about a kilometre above the Arenal Valley, The Springs Resort & Spa offers a rare combination of wilderness and polish. Its 165‑acre estate incorporates cascades of mineral‑rich thermal waters and views across the cone of the Arenal volcano.
Instead of the hype often associated with “must‑visit” spots, this property invites quiet contemplation: lava‑heated pools, teak‑panelled rooms and a sanctuary‑style spa provide spaces to slow down and reconnect. By design, everything feels deliberate – from the way staff whisk guests around by golf cart to the way every room frames the volcano – yet nothing feels forced.
This article aims to explore what makes The Springs unique, beyond Instagram‑friendly pools, and who will genuinely appreciate its ethos.
A Volcanic Hot Springs
Built on a mountain ridge about six kilometres north of Arenal Volcano, the resort sits safely outside the government’s danger zone but enjoys sweeping views of the cone and lush valley. At this altitude the breezes are constant; hammocks on each balcony sway gently while the volcano looms in the background. The design blends rustic materials – teak, bamboo and river stone – with contemporary comforts. Rooms are large, with high ceilings, pillow‑top beds, marble bathrooms and whirlpool bathtubs. Terraces come with hammocks and day beds, making it tempting to spend a morning watching clouds swirl around the peak. The 14,000 square‑foot Sanctuary Spa occupies an entire level of the reception building and signals the resort’s commitment to wellbeing. Outside, landscaped paths wind through 28 hot‑spring pools spread over more than four acres, some fringed by jungle while others feature swim‑up bars; each is fed by artesian thermal waters emerging from deep within the earth.
Spa treatments and unique offerings
The spa menu is extensive. Massages, facials and manicures are available, but highlights include body wraps using volcanic clay harvested on the property and four‑hand massages performed by two therapists at once. Treatments take place either in the main spa or in a secluded Las Hojas Spa Bungalow, a river‑canyon retreat reached via 100 steps through rainforest. Water is central to the experience: the mineral‑rich pools are drained and refilled nightly, and guests can alternate between different temperatures without any sulphur smell. For guests preferring more active wellness, the gym features cardio equipment facing the volcano, and the Club Rio Adventure Centre on‑site offers river tubing, kayaking, rock climbing and horseback riding.
Ideal traveller types
Despite its upscale positioning, The Springs caters to a surprising range of travellers. Families will appreciate the game room, mini‑golf course, playgrounds and a children’s pool with a waterslide, as well as daily wildlife experiences at the resort’s rescue centre where guides introduce pumas, margays and jaguars.
Couples and honeymooners can escape to secluded pools and private spa cabanas; rooms such as the Alta Vista suite include jacuzzi tubs on the terrace. Wellness seekers will value the mineral‑rich water, diverse treatment menu and yoga‑friendly platforms. Adventure junkies can sign up for tubing, rock climbing or horseback tours via Club Rio. The resort is equally suited to multigenerational holidays and milestone celebrations – a versatility reflected in its mix of 75 rooms, suites and villas.
Stand‑out differentiators
Several features set The Springs apart from other La Fortuna resorts. First, its scale: 26–28 hot‑spring pools (sources vary) cascade down the hillside, offering secluded spots and lively swim‑up bars.
Second, its 14,000 sq ft spa is one of the largest in the country, with volcanic‑clay treatments and a hidden bungalow by the river.
Third, the Club Rio Adventure Center packs a rock‑climbing wall, kayaking, tubing and horseback riding into one programme.
There’s also a wildlife rescue preserve with jungle cats and other animals and guests can buy day passes if staying elsewhere. Dining is varied: five restaurants serve everything from sushi and wood‑fired pizza to fine‑dining at Las Ventanas, and there are several bars including a swim‑up option. Attentive service is another hallmark; reviewers frequently mention staff learning guests’ names and transporting them by golf cart across the hilly property.
Finally, the location – a 20‑minute drive from La Fortuna but over two hours from the nearest international airport – encourages guests to stay put and immerse themselves in nature.
Essential Information
| Feature | Details |
| Location | La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica – 9 km west and 3.5 km north of La Fortuna town. |
| Official website | thespringscostarica.com |
| Price range | Standard rooms from around US $338–374 per night; suites US $432–1,040 (plus 13 % tax). Day‑pass packages for non‑residents cost from $60 per person for two days. |
| Best time to visit | Dry season (December–April) offers clear skies and dramatic volcano views. (costarica.org) but higher rates and crowds; green season (May–November) brings lush foliage and lower prices with daily showers. |
| Booking insights | Book early for Christmas and Easter; mid‑week stays in May or June can deliver better value. The resort is roughly a 3‑hour drive from San José or Liberia airports, so consider private transfers. For day passes, book the Club Rio Adventure Package to combine tubing or climbing with spa access. |
Review Round‑up: What Guests Are Saying
The Springs consistently earns glowing feedback on review sites. Guests praise the spectacular volcano views, immaculate rooms and manicured grounds. A reviewer on Booking.com described the property as “gorgeous…staff was amazing…so many hot springs around the property” and loved the free shuttle to Club Rio for tubing and horseback riding. Families note that the pools and waterslides keep children entertained while adults enjoy quiet corners; another guest wrote that their eight‑year‑old loved the game room and that they could always find a hot spring to themselves.
Service receives special mention. Multiple reviewers highlight staff remembering names and providing golf‑cart rides, with one calling it “one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at” because employees were “attentive, friendly and always ready to help”. The Club Rio animal sanctuary, where visitors can feed wildcats and watch river otters, is also a highlight.
Constructive comments focus mainly on cost and food. Some guests note that dining is pricey and that outside restaurants in La Fortuna offer more authentic cuisine. Others felt the fine‑dining restaurant didn’t quite justify its price. A few mention the long, winding drive from the airport and the fact that the resort is “expensive” but ultimately worth it for the experience.
Overall, reviewers agree that The Springs delivers on its promise of luxury and adventure: one guest summarised it as “truly a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience”.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many hot‑spring pools does The Springs have? The resort’s hillside features 26–28 distinct hot‑spring pools across more than four acres. Each pool is drained and refilled daily, and temperatures vary from cool plunges to steamy mineral baths.
- What makes the Sanctuary Spa special? Occupying 14,000 square feet, the spa uses artesian mineral water from the property and offers treatments like volcanic‑clay body wraps and four‑hand massages. For complete privacy, guests can book the Las Hojas Spa Bungalow set beside a river canyon.
- Is the resort family friendly? Yes. There is a game room, mini‑golf, playgrounds and a children’s pool with a waterslide. Families can also visit the wildlife rescue preserve and enjoy adventure activities at the Club Rio centre.
- How far is The Springs from San José or Liberia airports? The drive is roughly three hours from either international airport. The resort can arrange private transfers; some guests also arrive via helicopter on the on‑site pad.
- Are day passes available? Yes. Non‑guests can purchase a two‑day pass (from about $60 per person) that includes access to the hot springs, the wildlife rescue preserve and selected Club Rio activities.
- When is the best time to visit? December–April (dry season) offers sunny days and clear volcano views. The green season (May–November) is quieter and less expensive but comes with daily rainfall.
