Costa Rica has nearly 200 volcanic formations, including the active volcanoes of Arenal, Poás, Rincón de la Vieja, Irazú and Turrialba. That underground thermal activity warms subterranean waters to provide plenty of natural hot springs, which are cool enough for you to bathe in. Sound dreamy? Here are the top stays in Costa Rica with natural hot springs – all bookable on Culture Trip.
Feeling inspired? You can soak in hot springs and visit an array of Costa Rica’s most alluring destinations by joining Culture Trip’s specially curated nine-day Costa Rica adventure, led by our local insider.
The Royal Corin is tucked among the dense rainforest at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. Rooms, which have a terrace or a balcony, come with a view of the peak or hot spring pools. You’ll want to head to the volcanic steam sauna, which has cracks in the floor so you can hear and smell the boiling spring below. Need more? The Eco Termales hot springs are just a 10-minute walk away.
After a long day hiking through the Arenal National Park, make your way to the eight outdoor hot spring pools and jacuzzis at Paradise. Each has its own benefits, targeting the neck, back, shoulders and feet with hydromassage. Temperatures range from a steamy 104F (40C) in the jacuzzi to 81F (27C) in the cool-down pools. Inside the hotel, spacious suites offer a good night’s sleep with blackout curtains and 300-thread-count sheets.
Backed by jungled mountains, Dreams Las Mareas sits on Playa El Jobo, a sandy shore on the northwest Pacific coast. The all-inclusive resort offers excursions to the Vandara hot springs and the waterfalls of Rincón de la Vieja, as well as ziplining through the Diamante Eco Adventure Park and horse riding across the rugged Guanacaste coast.
The Rio Celeste, a teal river under the Tenorio Volcano, runs through this palm-roofed resort in northern Costa Rica. Each of the 26 private casitas has an outdoor shower and a patio, offering views of the forest or garden below. Choose how you want to see the nearby Rio Celeste hot springs; the resort offers hiking, tubing, horse riding and rafting excursions along the river. Alternatively, rent a bicycle from the front desk and explore solo.
Architect Jaime Mikowski’s touch can be seen throughout the Tabacón, from the minimalistic blonde-wood furniture in every suite to the sprawling adults-only Shangri-La Gardens, an open-air rainforest lounge. Go for a dip in the winding river springs, part of the Tabacón Hot Springs, or check into the spa for a treatment. Perhaps a volcanic mud wrap or orange-coffee exfoliation?
Jenn Parker contributed additional reporting to this article.
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