The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal, Costa Rica

The Springs Resort & Spa is located just under 3 hours from either of Costa Rica’s international airports (SJO and LIR). It is situated about 10 minutes from the town of La Fortuna. This area of the country is one of the most spectacular destinations in the world due to an abundance of natural beauty, diversity of wildlife, lush vegetation of the rainforest and magical volcano rising above it all. It makes for the perfect complement to a trip that also includes a beach stay on the Central/Southern Pacific coast or in Guanacaste.

The attention to detail at The Springs is incredible. Every need and want has been anticipated and their genuinely friendly staff are ready to assist any time day or night. A few of the special touches that really caught my eye include self-service laundry and shoe dryers, a golf cart ride that can be requested at any moment (although the walk is not long, this is a nice feature if staying in the Aracari building) and the option of ordering food from any of the restaurants no matter where you are sitting - especially luxurious while sitting at the swim-up bar in the main pool (which has a temperature of a perfect 88 degrees). I loved the decor, which prominently features Costa Rican hardwoods throughout and design elements that pay homage to the history and landscape of the region. Additional touches such as whole cacao pods, mangosteen and other exotic, seasonal, locally-grown fruits at the breakfast buffet provide a special opportunity to experience the bounty of this tropical paradise.

One of the most amazing things about The Springs Resort is the variety of travelers that it perfectly suits. It is incredibly family friendly. Most kids will not stop talking about it for many months afterwards! At the same time, it is a magical place to stay for a romantic getaway such as a honeymoon, anniversary or other special occasion. There are lots of secluded areas for couples, and the rooms themselves are designed to be very private, some even with their own jacuzzi tub on the deck. There are 28 hot springs pools, ranging in temperature, size and style, and one can almost always find unoccupied pools.

Besides the ability to cater to both families and couples, as well, I found The Springs to be perfect for either adventure or wellness and relaxation or a blend of both (which is my personal travel style). The on-site Club Rio adventure center has tons of fun activity options including river tubing and a rock-climbing wall. There are also wonderful hiking trails and a collection of hot springs at the Club Rio area that feel like they came right off the screen of an Indiana Jones movie! We watched river tubers floating while we soaked in the springs. Later that afternoon, we were able to witness the daily wild cat feeding at the on-site animal sanctuary and learn about the animals that live there from a knowledgeable guide. The resort is also perfectly situated to access all the best off-site activities, from waterfall rappelling to a volcano hike to a coffee/chocolate tour and beyond.

Options for wellness and relaxation at The Springs are also plentiful. For one, the pools (which are drained and refilled each night) are fed with water that has some of the highest mineral content of any spring in the area. Coming from deep within the earth, the water is naturally high in healing compounds such as bicarbonate, calcium and iron, with a multitude of physical and mental benefits, without any sulfur smell that can often be found in other hot springs areas. The aptly named Sanctuary Spa is truly world-class, with highly-skilled therapists and a steam room and sauna in both the women’s and men’s areas. I treated myself to a Volcanic Clay Body Wrap with clay harvested from the property, and my husband got the Four Hands Massage, both were unforgettable. The resort also has a wonderful, well-equipped gym with a volcano-view cardio room, open 24 hours. It was really nice to be able to get a workout in to round out the wellness experience.

I recommend The Springs Resort & Spa to my clients who are looking for a destination that is luxurious yet unpretentious and family-friendly but also excellent for a romantic couple's getaway. It is wonderful for groups as well, with several large villa options, and perfect for hosting weddings and other destination events. Reach out to me to take advantage of the exclusive perks I am able to offer for your stay. I will share my knowledge as an expert who has been on site and understands the details of the varied room categories and layout of the resort. As a Costa Rica specialist, I can also help with other trip components such as transportation and excursions. Treat yourself to the complete ‘Pura Vida’ experience by visiting The Springs. Whether this is your first time to the country or you are a repeat visitor, you will have the experience of a lifetime.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Costa Rica. In need of further inspiration? Check out Lauren Keeton’s guide, Spring Break in Costa Rica.