If you are planning a trip to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa should be at the top of your list. Nestled by the Arenal Volcano, this property offers a unique blend of luxury and beautiful nature. We recently spent four nights here as part of our trip to Costa Rica with the kids and we absolutely loved this property.
In this Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa review, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about this iconic resort, from the logistics of getting there to the booking strategy for using your Hilton points.
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How to book the Tabacon Resort with points
Tabacon Resort in Costa Rica is a part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and was previously associated with Hyatt, but it has since transitioned to the Hilton portfolio.
We booked 4 nights using Hilton points at a rate of 80,000 Hilton points per night (unfortunately, with all the recent Hilton devaluations, it is currently 105k Hilton points per night). Considering the cash rates were between $700–$800 per night, we found the points redemption to be a great value.
💡 Good to Know: If you have the flexibility in your schedule, I highly recommend staying for at least 5 consecutive nights on award stays. Hilton offers the 5th night free, which would have made our stay even more cost-effective. We opted for four nights because we chose to stay near the Liberia airport on our final night to make our 7:40 AM flight easier. But you should definitely prioritize that 5th night if your flight schedule allows!
You can read more about How to Book a Hotel with Hilton Points: Step-by-Step Guide here.
How to get to Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
To start, it is important to understand the geography. Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is tucked deep in the rainforest near La Fortuna, creating that secluded, quiet atmosphere we loved, but it does take some effort to get there.
We drove from the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, which was about a 3-hour journey, and it’s roughly 2.5 hours from the Liberia (LIR) airport. If you are coming from San Jose (SJO), expect a similar drive of about 3 hours. Since there is essentially no public transportation in this area, I strongly recommend renting a car if you want the freedom to explore the surrounding towns.
If you prefer not to navigate the winding mountain roads yourself, you can easily book a shuttle to Tabacon Resort:
- Private Shuttle: This is the best move for families. It’s a door-to-door service that usually runs around $200–$250 for the vehicle. They work on your schedule, so there’s no stress if your flight is delayed.
- Shared Shuttle: If you’re looking to save on transportation costs, shared shuttles are around $60 per person.
Check-in and Orchid 2 Queen Room at Tabacon Resort
Now, we booked an Orchid 2 Queen room (36 sqm (387 sq ft) at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, which sleeps a family of 4.
Note that at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, kids 7 and under stay free, ages 8–11 are $35 + 13% tax, and ages 12+ are $65 + 13% tax. Thus, we were additionally charged $39 per night for our 11-year-old, while our 5-year-old stayed free. Please factor this into your total cost at this Arenal family hotel.
Once we got to the room, we also asked about a rollaway for our youngest. Staff mentioned it would be a tight fit, but they were happy to bring one up. It ended up being a smaller rollaway that fit perfectly next to the coffee/tea station, so the girls didn’t have to share a bed (and fight).
Design-wise, the Orchid 2 Queen has a clean, modern look with colorful touches and large windows facing the jungle. It includes all the basics you’d expect: air conditioning, a TV, a coffee and tea maker, a desk, complimentary WiFi, an in-room safe, and a bathroom with a rainforest shower and natural skylight.
We were in Building 2 without a direct Arenal Volcano view, but the lush greenery outside still felt peaceful and tropical.
Parking at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is easy, with both complimentary self-parking and valet parking available on-site, making it a convenient option for families driving to this Arenal hot springs resort.
Dining options at Tabacon Resort, Costa Rica
When it comes to food, you have a few dining choices at Tabacon Resort, including the Los Tucanes restaurant, Ave Restaurant, and casual dining at the pool area.
Breakfast at Tabacon Resort
Even with our Hilton Gold status (which came just by holding a Hilton or American Express credit card), we enjoyed a complimentary breakfast at Tabacon Resort, served at Los Tucanes each morning. The buffet was impressive, featuring a massive variety of fresh fruits, local dishes, and a made-to-order egg, pancake/crepe station manned by two very friendly gentlemen.
Just so you know, the thermal pool area and one of the restaurants, Ave Restaurant, are located a short 2-minute drive away from the main hotel buildings. The resort runs a shuttle constantly, usually arriving every 5 to 10 minutes, so you never have to wait long to get around.
Lunch at Tabacon Resort
After a morning in the hot springs, it’s easy to stay on-site for lunch or dinner. Ave Restaurant, set right by the river at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, serves Costa Rican dishes with an international twist (we only tried it for dinner).
Agua Ardiente Pool Bar at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is a swim-up bar right in the hot springs area, so you can grab a bite without leaving the water (or dine at the adjacent seating area).
Dinner at Tabacon Resort
We tried both restaurants, but we found ourselves preferring Los Tucanes restaurant for the overall quality and ambiance.
The Tabacon Thermal Pools
At Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, the hot springs are the main event. This isn’t just a typical hot springs resort, it’s a natural thermal river flowing from Arenal Volcano, with 23 pools spread across lush rainforest.
It is a massive, sprawling complex of hot springs cascading through the rainforest, and the water flows naturally (not reheated or recycled). There are endless nooks and crannies to explore, including an adult-only relaxing area and a pool with a swim-up bar.
- The Water: The water at the Tabacon Thermal pools is consistently around 100 F degrees, which is perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking or driving.
- Practical Tips: The ground can be uneven and rocky in some spots, so I strongly recommend bringing water shoes.
- They provide lockers and showers for convenience and are open until 10 pm!
- Guest Perks: Entry is completely free for resort guests, whereas the day pass for outside visitors is $115.
- Must-Try: You can order drinks directly to the thermal pools; the drinks served inside fresh pineapples were an absolute hit with our kids!
Area attractions and activities near Tabacon resort, Costa Rica
While the resort is an oasis, there is a town, La Fortuna, very close by that is worth driving to if you want more dining or shopping options. However, we spent most of our time exploring the natural wonders.
We spent a day hiking the Arenal Volcano National Park, went on a night walk, and did a sloth tour. We saw an incredible amount of wildlife, making these tours well worth the time.
💡 Note on weather at the Arenal Volcano: Unfortunately, in our 5 days there, it did rain a lot, and we could not see the top of the volcano as it was perpetually cloudy. It is just the luck of the draw in the rainforest!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Tabacon Resort have a kids club?
While the resort is family-friendly with amenities for kids, they don’t have a traditional structured kids club. We found that the thermal pools kept our children entertained enough!
Can I get a day pass to Tabacón Resort?
The day pass at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa starts at $115 per adult and includes full-day access to the thermal hot springs, pools, and thermal river. Your visit also includes use of lockers, towels, changing rooms, WiFi, gardens and walking paths, plus complimentary parking.
Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and guests can arrive anytime after opening and stay until closing. Food, drinks, and spa treatments are not included and are available for an extra cost.
Do I need to bring water shoes for the pools?
Yes, I highly recommend them. Because the thermal pools are integrated into the natural landscape, the riverbed can be rocky.
Can I book the Tabacon Resort with points?
Yes, the resort is part of the Hilton portfolio. We booked our stay for 80,000 Hilton points per night (currently 115k per night), which saved us significantly compared to the $700+ cash rate.
How to get to Tabacón from Liberia Airport
From Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, the drive to Tabacón Resort takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The most common option is renting a car or booking a private shuttle. The route is straightforward along well-paved roads, and you’ll pass through scenic countryside before arriving in the Arenal Volcano region.
Bottom Line
All things considered, staying at Tabacon Resort was a highlight of our trip. It is a beautiful property that balances luxury with the rugged beauty of the Costa Rican rainforest. While the rooms aren’t massive, the access to the world-class thermal pools, the convenience of the shuttle, and the ease of booking with Hilton points make it a fantastic choice for families.
