The Disney of Costa Rica? A Family Stay at the Springs Resort & Spa

About halfway through our first day, I turned to my family and said, "This place reminds me of Disney." They looked at me like I was crazy, but the comparison stuck with me for the rest of the trip. It wasn't because the resort looked anything like Disney. It was because of the attention to detail. Everywhere I looked, there was another thoughtful decision. The architecture frames Arenal Volcano instead of competing with it. The landscaping makes a large resort feel intimate. Walking paths constantly reveal new views, quiet corners, and hidden hot springs. It all felt incredibly intentional.

As a travel advisor, I think that's what separates The Springs from many other luxury resorts in Costa Rica. The obvious highlights are all here: beautiful rooms, excellent dining, dozens of hot springs, and Club Rio, which easily deserves a full day of its own. But it's the smaller details that elevate the experience. The staff recognized our Fora Reserve benefits immediately at check-in, service felt genuinely warm throughout our stay, and even operational touches, like color-coded wristbands for honeymooners and anniversary trips, showed how much thought had gone into the guest experience. Nothing felt like it had been added just to check a box.

I'd recommend The Springs to couples, families, and even multi-generational groups because it does an unusually good job of balancing luxury with activities for every age. My kids loved the game room and Club Rio just as much as they loved the hot springs, while the adults appreciated that the resort never felt crowded despite its size. My biggest piece of advice is to resist the temptation to fill every day with excursions around La Fortuna. The Springs isn't just a place to sleep between adventures—it's one of the reasons to visit the area in the first place.

• Plan for at least four nights. We originally planned to use The Springs as a base for exploring La Fortuna, but quickly realized the resort itself is a destination.

• Don't overbook excursions. Leave time to wander the property, try different hot springs, and simply enjoy the resort. Some of our favorite moments came when we had nothing scheduled.

• Set aside a full day for Club Rio. Between tubing, horseback riding, the wildlife sanctuary, riverside hot springs, and trails, it's much more than just an excursion meeting point.

• Don't dismiss the original room categories. We stayed in a Vista Room in one of the original buildings and loved both the location and volcano views. The newer rooms are great for larger families, but the originals are still an excellent option.

• A great fit for families, not just couples. While often marketed as a romantic resort, I think The Springs is one of Costa Rica's best luxury family resorts. The game room, Club Rio, and the variety of pools kept our kids entertained without taking away from the luxury experience.

• The resort is built into a hillside. That's part of what creates the incredible views and secluded feel, but it also means you'll be walking quite a bit and climbing a lot of stairs. If mobility is a concern, I'd recommend discussing room location before booking.

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