The Best Spa & Wellness Retreats in Costa Rica

A thermal healing retreat nestled in the foothills of a volcano in the Arenal Volcano National Park, the Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa and Resort delivers a unique wellness journey in the most natural of surroundings. Rest weary limbs in the mineral-rich outdoor springs, following the water circuit through natural hot pools, thermal Jacuzzis and even waterfalls for a full balneotherapy experience. Continue with a treatment at the resort’s spa, or opt for a different form of relaxation at the fifth-floor Lava Bar, complete with panoramic volcanic vistas.

An eco-glam resort for wellness fans looking for a sustainable retreat, Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa delivers “green luxury” in the heart of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Vibrant landscaped grounds hide a free-form pool and hot thermal springs, warmed by the nearby volcano. Tropical flowers and two streams running through the gardens create an Eden-like feel. Suites are stylish, spacious and come with stunning views of the volcano.

Built by Jaime Mikowski, a renowned Costa Rican architect whose dream was to create a spa centered around nature, the Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa focuses on its natural hot springs, which flow through the estate. Top it off with a signature Tabacón massage, using volcanic clay and medicinal thermo-mineral water, and a cocktail at the open-air, adults-only Shangri-La Gardens, served by butlers.

Steps from the sandy beaches of Playa Biesanz and the jungle of the Manuel Antonio National Park, the Issimo Suites Boutique Hotel and Spa is ideally located for wellness warriors looking for an adventure-filled getaway. After discovering the pristine beaches and nearby rainforest wildlife, choose from a range of massages – a particular specialty of the hotel spa – to decompress and unwind. For an extra-special stay, request the Royal Suite, complete with a private pool, a Jacuzzi and ocean views.

In the dreamlike landscape of the cloud forest of Monteverde, this small luxury hotel is a spa destination for true nature lovers. After a specially curated coffee tour or night-time wildlife excursion, relax at the Naroa Spa, where treatments use ingredients harvested from the hotel’s surroundings and are carried out by highly trained local therapists.

Each villa at the Alma del Pacifico Beach Hotel and Spa reflects the vibrancy of Costa Rica’s rich culture and landscape, complete with original paintings and mosaics. You’ll find a wellness sanctuary at the spa, where four treatment rooms (designed using Feng Shui principles) await you. Opt for the Costa Rican Coffee & Spices Scrub for a treatment that immerses you in the aroma of this rainforest country, followed by a healing facial. It even offers gentlemen’s facials, too.

As its name suggests, El Silencio is a peaceful mountain oasis near the Poás Volcano, offering blissful seclusion from the outside world. Indulge in a couple’s massage in the Conical Room (designed to harness the cloud-forest energy) or a meditation session for two, followed by yoga on the deck. Venture beyond the hotel’s grounds to discover Bajos del Toro, a charming rural town, or go horseback riding through the hummingbird gardens before sampling local coffee at the Espíritu Santo Coffee Hacienda.

Los Altos de Eros Boutique Hotel and Spa is a heavenly place to stay or just come for a spa day. The small, luxury property is elevated in the hills behind Tamarindo, and you’ll have vast views of the forest below and the Pacific Ocean beyond. It’s breezy, quiet, secluded and romantic. Treat yourself to the spa day package, which includes three treatments of your choice, followed by a dip in the Indonesian soaking tub and a gourmet lunch. All of the food is super fresh – from grass-fed beef to organic vegetables. This is Costa Rica, after all.

The Springs Resort and Spa is one of the most romantic hotels in La Fortuna, perfect for couples and honeymooners. Spend your days sipping craft cocktails in a pool with a swim-up bar, unwinding in one of the multiple natural hot springs or eating at Ginger Sushi or the fine-dining restaurant, Las Ventanas. Don’t forget to take a trip to the nearby rainforest waterfalls. The Sanctuary Spa at the Springs is world-class, offering many different types of treatments that incorporate the natural elements of Costa Rica, including volcanic clay, coffee, coconut, papaya and cacao.

The Harmony Hotel in Nosara lies right across the small dirt street from the world-class surf break Playa Guiones. Surfers and beach lovers can roll off the beach into the hotel restaurant for organic sushi or Giovanni’s truck-style scampi, washed down with a pineapple, basil and ginger smoothie. The hotel is highly committed to eco-friendly practices; book into the spa with its long list of earth-friendly treatments to soothe those tense shoulders or try a yoga lesson in the open-air studio.

The Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo lies in northern Guanacaste. This luxury resort has three private beaches, a variety of dining options and a treehouse spa called the Onda. There are many treatments using native techniques to connect you with the natural environment, with the Chorotegan Jewel Package being a popular option. It incorporates indigenous ingredients within the corn body scrub, volcanic hot-stone massage, facial and scalp massage using warm coconut oil. Sit back and enjoy the view of the ocean afterward, with birdsong and breaking waves as your soundtrack.

Nayara Springs is an adult-only, luxury boutique hotel on the fringes of the Arenal Volcano National Park. It’s easy to see why this award-winning resort is one of the top hotels in Central America. Surrounded by pristine rainforest, each villa has a private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs. You’ll also have a private garden, an outdoor dual rain shower and a personal host. If you can tear yourself away from your room, head to the spa for a massage on the open deck, surrounded by scented candles and the sounds of the rainforest. Chocolate, coffee and sea salt are key natural ingredients in many of its treatments. Finish with a session in the sauna, Jacuzzi and outdoor shower.

Kurà Boutique Hotel is an adult-only resort on a private ridge behind the Marino Ballena National Park on the Pacific coast. This luxurious, eco-friendly hotel offers beautifully expansive panoramic views of the park and the Pacific Ocean from the infinity pool. It would make an ideal honeymoon and romantic destination. After horseback riding on the beach, pay a visit to the Spa Shà for a deep-tissue couple’s massage with your other half, followed by wine and a fruit platter to enjoy on the deck.

For the full revitalizing and relaxing experience, book a stay at Asclepios in El Cacao, Alajuela. This wellness hotel is home to dozens of holistic therapists offering everything from shiatsu massages and reiki healing to naturopath consultations and yoga sessions. Meals are packed with healthy nutrients, including local fruit, vegetables, fish and grains. It does have a minimum stay of one week, but the recommendation is a three-week program for anti-stress, weight control and ancient movement therapy.