When you're visiting Arenal there are incredible choices for your stay - volcano views, local organic ingredients, and the chance to be immersed in nature are all available to you. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, family fun, sumptuous spas, or simply to enjoy the nature - there are incredible options.
Amor Arenal
Amor Arenal is a boutique hotel that bills itself as "Rustic Luxury." It's location in the foothills of the Arenal Volcano on the edge of a forest canyon allows it to be immersed in nature and feel private and secluded, but it's only minutes away from La Fortuna.
Each Casita features open layout rooms, cathedral ceilings, panoramic windows to promote connection to the nature surrounding you, and a suspension lounging deck with a heated whirlpool and Adirondack loungers.
Perfect For:
Couples of all ages
Small groups of friends
Families with older children (13 and up)
What to Expect:
Two great restaurants with organic local ingredients,
Raw hiking trails, natural hot springs, mind/body connection
Nature - Amor Arenal was designed to highlight the surrounding flora and fauna.
What Not to Expect:
Complete seclusion - even though you're in the forest you're still near La Fortuna.
A Party - these resorts are to relax!
Anything catered to young kids (under 13 year olds are not allowed here).
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa offers 900 acres of lush tropical reserve that is home to Costa Rica's largest network of naturally flowing hot springs. It offers guest rooms and suites that range from more basic to higher end. This was the first thermal resort established in the area - the true original. Although the resort is family friendly (and portions are open to those who buy a day pass) they do have an adult only area limited to hotel guests - where you can lie back and enjoy the sounds of the forest.
Perfect For:
Nature loving families
Those looking for hot springs on site
What to Expect:
Award winning spa treatments in outdoor bungalows in the forest
A relaxation and wellness experience
Two restaurants that specialize in Costa Rican cuisine and international food.
What Not to Expect:
Total seclusion - walking around and exploring the property is encouraged.
An adult-only experience - although you can hang out in the adult only hot springs area.
Arenal Kioro
This family friendly hotel is one of the closest to the Arenal Volcano, making for terrific views all around the property. This is a modern hotel with spacious suites and well-kept gardens. Each room has a French balcony or terrace, floor to ceiling windows, and a hot tub. Arenal Kioro has seven on site hot springs by the main pool area, and offers a complimentary shuttle to Titokú Hot Springs - free for hotel guests where you can enjoy 8 additional hot springs.
Perfect For:
Families
Those looking for a lower price point - without sacrificing the volcano view
What to Expect:
Convenient location - close to La Fortuna, activities, and great views
On-site hot springs
Comfortable quarters
What Not to Expect:
High end luxury - this resort is clean, comfortable, and the service is detail oriented, but there are no extravagances.
Nightly entertainment - this is a place to unwind and relax.
The Springs Resort & Spa
The Springs Resort and Spa, located outisde of La Fortuna offers adventure opportunities and relaxation all without leaving the property. This is a family friendly hotel with modern accommodations that range in size. The resort has three mail pool sections - Las Lagunas with terraces, 12 pools, a swim-up bar, and volcano views, Perdido Springs with 7 pools hidden among vegetation and a waterslide, and the Club Rio hot springs - with canyon and rainforest views.
Perfect For:
Families
Groups
Anyone looking for a variety of on-site activities.
What to Expect:
Onsite activities including five cocktail bars and Club Rio - offering kayaking, tubing, horseback riding, hiking trails, nature tours, mountain biking, swimming, hot springs, and fishing.
What Not to Expect:
A small, quiet boutique experience. This is a larger resort with activities, restaurants, and those who pay for day passes.
Adult Only Vibe. This is a family friendly place with lots going on.
Arenal Springs
Not to be confused with The Springs Resort & Spa, Arenal Springs is a more traditional rustic resort and down to earth option for families, couples, and groups looking for a good value. They offer spacious accommodations, on-site hot springs, and plenty of dining as well. The rooms are simple, but you'll have everything you need at this family friendly resort. There are 90 brightly decorated rooms throughout the property all with a terrace and volcano views.
Perfect For:
Families
Solo Travelers
Groups
Those looking for a lower price point option in the area.
What to Expect:
Rustic, down to earth, family friendly Costa Rica ambiance
What Not to Expect:
Higher end luxury
Romantic ambiance
Nayara Resort
Nayara Tented Camp, Nayara Springs, and Nayara Gardens
Nayara resort consists of three separate properties - but they're all connected by trails, and golf carts to go from place to place. The family friendly Nayara Gardens was the first with gorgeous high end accommodations. Nayara Tented Camp is the newest - offering luxury safari tents with hotel amenities. Finally, Nayara Springs offers an adult-only option.
Nayara Gardens: Perfect for Romance, luxury, and sophistication
Nayara Tented Camp: Perfect for couples, families, or small groups who want to be completely immersed in Costa Rican nature - without sacrificing luxury and comfort. This option has a high level of service, in a truly unique setting (and I don't overuse the word "unique" - so you know I mean it). Don't expect a typical resort experience or feel here. This is a boutique property away from large crowds.
Nayara Springs: Perfect for adult only relaxation and getaways - this terrific honeymoon spot offers villas in a tucked away oasis surrounded by tropical gardens. Each villa offers views of Arenal Volcano from a private terrace with plunge pool.There's a spa, air conditioned gym, open air yoga pavilion with daily classes, bird watching tours, a large lap pool, Mediterranean and Italian restaurants, espresso bar, and a piano bar offering live nightly music. Don't expect a party atmosphere or kid-friendly amenities - this is a boutique adult only hotel focused on providing the best experience for adults.
With so many options to choose from it can be difficult to determine which will will be ideal for your family - this is where we come in! Set up a meeting HERE, and we'll chat about what works best for you!
Looking for an overview of why Costa Rica is a great choice as a first destination for taking your family out of the country? Check out our blog: Ready to take your family international? Costa Rica is the perfect first destination.
Wondering what to do in Arenal - or why you should go? Check out our Top 5 Reasons You Should Visit Arenal.
Monteverde is a great add on to a trip to Arenal - check out our blog here: Considering adding Monteverde to your Costa Rican Itinerary? Take a Closer Look
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