Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa (Costa Rica)

Costa Rica
Rooms
105
Floors
2
Pools
2
Restaurants
2
Location
  • Jungle

key features

Delicious Food

Delicious Food

Eco-Friendly

Eco-Friendly

Excellent Location

Excellent Location

Great Pool

Great Pool

Luxury Choice

Luxury Choice

Stay here for

A family-friendly retreat at the base of Arenal Volcano, with hot springs on site.

Family suites start at $800

why we like it
for families

Location and
Activities

Tour of Amenities

Best Rooms
for Families

Traveler Reviews

Other Hotels
and resources

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Why we like it for families

  • The Hotsprings: This is what makes Tabacón legendary and why we recommend it to families. The hot springs are right on site here, and resort guests get exclusive access from 8-10 AM—the best time to enjoy them with kids and without the crowds. Hunting for “secret” pools, hiding behind waterfalls, and inventing games to fit the unique surroundings make them a delightful way to start each day in Arenal.  
  • The Vibe: Tabacón is luxurious enough for parents craving an adult escape, yet genuinely welcoming kids. While the resort does have a romantic feel and plenty of honeymooners, families aren’t an afterthought. The staff go out of their way to make children feel at home, and the lush grounds, with their winding paths and hidden gardens, become a built-in playground. Even the small details—like child-size robes and slippers in your room—show that families aren’t just tolerated here, they’re embraced.
  • The Food: You won’t struggle with picky eaters here. Everyone will enjoy the impressive breakfast buffet. For dinner, Los Tucanes has sophisticated options for parents alongside approachable Costa Rican flavors and a kids menu. There are also flexible dining times and room service.
  • The Beds (and Rooms): After a day of hiking, zip-lining, or soaking in hot springs, a comfortable bed is a must—and Tabacón delivers. We don’t love the entry level rooms, but the two bedroom suites are a dream, and the volcano views unbeatable. 
  • The Location: Tabacón puts you right in the heart of Arenal, minutes from the region’s best adventures. Within a 30-minute radius: ziplining, wildlife spotting, hanging bridges, horseback riding, and lake excursions. 
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Location and Activities

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is a little over 3 hours from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José or Liberia International Airport (LIR) – equal distance from both. The roads are winding, but the journey to Arenal is worth it for adventure seeking families. Most families rent a car or arrange a private transfer to get here, and we can recommend a good lunch spot on the way. 

Tabacón is centrally located for some of Costa Rica’s best adventures—La Fortuna Waterfall, Mistico Hanging Bridges, and Arenal Volcano National Park are all a short drive away. Whether you want to hike, zip-line, horseback ride, or spot sloths in the wild, this area has what kids’ dreams are made of.

Tour of Amenities

Dining

  • 2+ Restaurants
  • Breakfast Included
  • High-Chairs
  • Kids Menu
  • Restaurant On-Site
  • Room Service

Rooms

  • Air Conditioning
  • Bathtubs
  • Cribs
  • Fridge
  • Laundry
  • Rollaway Beds
  • Terrace/Balcony

For Kids

  • Animals
  • Babysitting
  • Good Pool for Littles
Pool at Martinhal Sagres in Portugal

Activities

  • Adventure Sports
  • Fitness Center
  • Hiking
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Arriving at Tabacón, you’re instantly transported into a rainforest paradise. Lush gardens, winding stone paths, and the sound of rushing hot springs set the tone.   Make sure to get up early for a stroll to see and hear all the birds!  
  • The resort is beautifully integrated into its surroundings—no high-rise buildings, just low-lying structures tucked into nature. The atmosphere is luxurious yet relaxed.
  • From the moment you pull up, the experience feels seamless. Valet service, a refreshing fruit cocktail, and cool, scented towels greet you at check-in. The staff is warm and attentive, making you feel like a VIP from the start.  This is definitely a more luxury-level stay than many of the other more rustic, small hotels in the area. 
  • Rooms at Tabacón are designed for rest and relaxation, with an airy, spa-like aesthetic. Natural wood accents, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private balconies keep you connected to the rainforest surroundings. Although families can stay in the Orchid Room, they don’t have balconies and feel a little basic, and the suites are the much better choice for families. 
  • In a place like Costa Rica, we never recommend just eating at the resort – La Fortuna has too many local spots are worth exploring. But we love when breakfast is included and the breakfast here is exceptional. 
  • You’ll likely end up eating at the hotel for dinner at least one night after a day of exploring, and Los Tucanes is a refined, yet, laid-back open air restaurant with volcano views and an approachable menu. 
  • To elevate your dining experience, use the babysitting services and opt for a chef table 6-course private dining experience with a wine & beer pairing in an outdoor bungalow in the middle of the rainforest. 
  • While there’s no kids’ club, Tabacón offers family-friendly activities like a tree planting  and sustainability experience, and a Tico Chef cooking class – it’s all ages and you can get the low-down on Costa Rican cuisine. 
  • The hot springs are connected to the hotel; a short 2 minute shuttle ride away. Most travelers to La Fortuna have to work the hot springs into an excursion, but having them on property means you can start and end the day in thermal waters, which really are best enjoyed in short bites. 
  • Tabacón’s open-air spa is a treat. You may get some afternoon showers in the rainforest, and getting a massage in the rain under a bungalow in the trees is something we hope every parent can experience.  
  • The menu is extensive, but a few that have our attention are the Volcanic Clay Caress (clay wrap, facial, and massage) or the Coffee Orange Parfait (exfoliation, massage, and mini facial).
  • There’s an on-site fitness center that is well-equipped for those who want to keep up with workouts, and there’s also yoga in the gardens for a more relaxed wellness experience.

Best Rooms for Families

The hotel has 2 categories of rooms, ranging from standard rooms to suites but these ones have the best room configurations for families.
Tabacon Suite

Tabacon Suite

  • Best for families of 3-4
  • Junior suite with king bed 
  • Semi-separate living room with pull-out
  • Bathroom with jacuzzi tub and separate shower
  • Terrace or balcony with rainforest views
View on Hotel Website
Two Bedroom Arenal Suite

Two Bedroom Arenal Suite

  • Best for families of 3-4
  • Master bedroom with king bed
  • Second bedroom with two queens
  • Separate living room with couch (no pull-out)
  • Separate dining space (no kitchen)
  • Bathroom with jacuzzi tub and separate shower
  • Second bathroom with shower
  • Terrace with rainforest view
View on Hotel Website

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Traveler Reviews

12/10 Recommend this family friendly, unique thermal experience
This place was absolutely spectacular. From the rooms, to the dining, to the incredible thermal pools, do yourself a favor and book here immediately. We have a 6 and 8 year old and every part of the experience was so family friendly. Our kids made friends at the thermal pools every single day and had the time of their lives. The food was fantastic. 12/10 recommend experiencing this amazing place.

Reviewed by Alexis C, Nov 2024, via TripAdvisor

Our family will remember for years to come…
Wow – just absolutely fantastic. My family and I will be talking about our experience at the Tabacon for years to come. The setting in the middle of nature was dreamy, the hot springs were stunning and spacious and the service was perfection. Our kids raved about the breakfast each morning with fresh waffles, fruit, and anything you can imagine (and they are so picky). This is really the only resort we will stay with if we return to La Fortuna.

Reviewed by Alexis C, Nov 2024, via TripAdvisor

Other Hotels and Resources

Want to see more of what Costa Rica has to offer? Dive into our complete Costa Rica Collection for more family-friendly hotels in Costa Rica and must-do activities.

If you’re still in the ‘Hmm, which island?’ phase, our ‘Find Your Caribbean Island‘ page is designed to help busy parents like you sift through the noise and pick the perfect family getaway.