Geothermal river resort
A stay here is shaped by Arenal Volcano, whose underground heat warms a natural river flowing directly through the rainforest estate.
“The 103-room property began in 1991 with the vision of architect Jaime Mikowski who wanted to harness a portion of the Tabacón River for the purpose of wellness.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
The naturally heated Tabacón River feeds over twenty terraced mineral soaking pools.
Notable
Spa treatments incorporate volcanic Arenal clay and locally harvested Costa Rican coffee.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
it’s refreshing to discover a five-star that coexists so peacefully with its natural setting.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Arenal Volcano looms directly above the reserve, and the town of La Fortuna is a twenty-minute drive east.
The rooms
Rooms have Pacific cedar furnishings and stone floors, while selected suites open onto terraces with private thermal plunge pools.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Warm thermal water fills the main pool, where a thatched palapa shelters a swim-up bar.
The thermal river
Thermal waterfalls tumble over dark volcanic rocks into terraced pools, with temperatures ranging from 72°F to 105°F.
The spa
Treatment bungalows sit in the open air beneath thatched roofs, each fitted with a thermal jacuzzi and rain shower.
The hydrotherapy pool
A hydrotherapy plunge pool sits beneath woven bamboo ceilings, flanked by stone columns and cushioned loungers.
At the table
Tucanes serves regional Costa Rican dinners in an open-air pavilion, and cocktail bars open straight onto the rainforest.
this 900-acre tropical reserve was a labor of love for owner and architect Jaime Mikowski, who spent years planting acres of native plants and coaxing the land’s natural mineral springs into a river
How it began
Architect Jaime Mikowski bought cleared cattle pasture in the 1980s, reforesting the land to harness the volcano’s natural thermal flow.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.