Your Insider Guide to Costa Rica’s Most Spectacular Hot Springs Resort
If you’re searching for the ultimate hot springs experience in Costa Rica, The Springs Resort and Spa in La Fortuna should be right at the top of your list. Nestled in lush rainforest beneath the Arenal Volcano, it’s one of those rare places that truly lives up to the hype — combining five-star luxury with natural wonder in every direction.
We visited The Springs on a 2 Day Pass, and while it was an incredible experience, if (or rather when) we return, we’ll be staying overnight — without a doubt. Spending 2 full days here is amazing; waking up to those volcano views would be unforgettable.
This guide — part of our Nomadical Travel Costa Rica Collection — walks you through what to expect, how to make the most of your visit, and why this resort deserves a proper stay on your itinerary.
First Impressions: Arriving at The Springs
Driving up to The Springs feels like entering another world. The grand entrance, open-air lobby, and jaw-dropping view of **Arenal Volcano** instantly set the tone — elegant, tranquil, and perfectly in tune with its surroundings.
Even with a day pass, you feel part of the resort’s atmosphere: the service is warm, the grounds immaculate, and the sense of space and calm is rare in such a popular area. But what you really start to sense is what you’re missing by leaving at sunset.
Exploring the Hot Springs
The Springs Resort features **over 25 individual pools**, each naturally heated by the volcano and set across multiple levels. No two feel the same — some are warm and shallow, others hot and secluded, framed by lush greenery and distant volcano views.
Highlights include:
- Upper-Level Pools: Swim-up bars, panoramic views, and the best sunset spot in La Fortuna.
- Lower-Level Pools: Surrounded by jungle, ideal for a quieter, more natural experience.
- Palo Verde Springs: A hidden cluster further down the property, peaceful and perfect for couples.
Every pool is drained and refilled with fresh spring water, maintaining crystal clarity and the natural mineral benefits that make these springs so special.
Dining & Adventure
The resort’s **five restaurants** mean you’re never short of choice. We stopped for lunch at the **Treetops Grill**, perched high above the forest, and it was easily one of the best meals we had in Costa Rica — relaxed but refined, with flawless views.
Beyond the pools, Club Rio offers tubing, kayaking, and a small wildlife area home to rescued sloths and toucans. It’s the kind of resort where you could happily spend three days and still feel like you haven’t seen it all.
Day Pass vs. Overnight Stay — Our Honest Take
The **Day Pass** is a brilliant option if you’re based elsewhere in La Fortuna or want a taste of luxury without committing to a full stay. It’s priced around **$45 per person**, giving you full access to the pools, restaurants, and facilities.
But — and it’s a big but — after visiting, we both agreed that an overnight stay transforms the experience completely. You’d get to enjoy the pools at dawn and dusk (when they’re almost empty), dine without watching the clock, and truly soak up the serenity once the day visitors have left.
If we were to go back — and we absolutely will — we’d stay without hesitation. The rooms, the views, and the sense of calm are on another level.
Comparing Hot Springs in La Fortuna
La Fortuna has plenty of thermal spas, but The Springs stands out for sheer quality and setting. Here’s how it compares:
- Termalitas del Arenal: Local and rustic, great value (~$10).
- Baldi Hot Springs: Busy, fun, family-friendly (~$40).
- Paradise Hot Springs: Polished but compact (~$50).
- Tabacón Grand Spa: Stunning but pricey (~$77+).
- The Springs Resort: The sweet spot — private, luxurious, and genuinely worth the stay (~$110 + 13% VAT for a 2 day pass) which works out just £48 a day per person, higher for rooms but well worth it).
If you’re looking for a place that feels both exclusive and authentic, The Springs delivers better value and fewer crowds than anywhere else.
Planning Your Visit
To make the most of your time here:
- Arrive early — the morning light over Arenal Volcano is magical.
- Take your time exploring all the springs, each one feels different.
- Have lunch at Treetops or sushi at Las Ventanas.
- Stay for sunset drinks — or better yet, stay the night.
How to Add The Springs to Your Costa Rica Itinerary
We include **The Springs Resort and Spa** in many of our Nomadical Travel itineraries — especially for couples, honeymooners, and those who want luxury with a touch of adventure.
Our Costa Rica routes often combine La Fortuna with the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Rio Celeste, or the Pacific coast, creating a journey that flows from rainforest to beach — always with handpicked boutique stays and trusted on-the-ground partners.
Plan Your Costa Rica Escape with Nomadical Travel
Thinking about visiting The Springs Resort or planning a wider Costa Rica trip? We can help.
Nomadical Travel curates cinematic, experience-led journeys through Costa Rica — from volcanic hot springs to tropical beaches and cloud forest retreats.
Get your free Costa Rica Travel Guide or enquire about your bespoke itinerary:
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