Sponsored Listings:
A spa experience is one thing, but a misty, aquatic playground of pampering is entirely something else.
Steam rises from the labyrinth of streams that churn down cascading pathways at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, near La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Day adventurists run ragged lounge on daybeds sipping cocktails, while honeymooners tuck themselves into discreet jungle corners. The resort is a steamy maze of natural thermal hot springs, peppered with pockets of lounge areas for relaxation. It’s difficult to worry about anything beyond which thermal pool to soak in next.
Tabacon is a carbon-neutral hotel with 103 ecofriendly guestrooms and suites located by Arenal Volcano National Park. The 900-acre luxury spa property has the region’s largest and only 100% natural network of thermal mineral springs in the area.
Through the property’s Tabacon Green Program, the resort promotes responsible environmental practices via initiatives that include electricity and water conservation, integral waste management and environmental education.
In addition to its environmentally conscious approach, the resort has a pronounced luxury-spa personality, as well. The spa setting is the focal point of the resort, bringing the relaxation experience outdoors with open-air bungalows tucked in the gardens, with the tropical rain forest, hot springs and omnipresent, mist-capped volcano in the background.
The Tabacon spa experience begins with the natural hydrotherapy of the hot springs and waterfalls, naturally heated and fed by the Arenal volcano.
The spring waters are steeped with minerals said to possess healing properties.
In the spa relaxation area is a coed hot tub and rest area. The open-air bungalows come in various sizes, some designed for one person and others for couples. Each bungalow has an open-air hot tub with water from the thermal mineral spring.
The resort has completed its second phase of renovations for its guestrooms. The first phase was completed in December 2014.
As part of the ongoing project, 24 of the resort’s Superior Rooms have been converted to Orchid Rooms. Each Orchid Room measures 376 square feet and has one king or two queen beds, bathrooms with a skylight, rainfall showerheads and a separate living area with a sofa and garden views.
The renovation project will continue with an objective of upgrading the 19 remaining Superior Rooms to Orchid Rooms by December.
The resort’s variety of restaurants and bars gives travelers a taste of Costa Rica, as well.
The breakfast buffet is served at Los Tucanes, with multiple stations, a tropical juice bar and local specialties such as gallo pinto (rice and beans), tamales and sweet plantains.
For lunch there’s the Cana Brava Lobby Bar for light tapas and sandwiches or an a la carte menu at Ave del Paraiso. Poolside service and snacks at the Arenal Wet Bar are also available.
Dinner is served at Ave del Paraiso, as well, or in Los Tucanes, but guests seeking a more intimate dining experience might want to opt for the exclusive Gala Dinner in a private bungalow.
The resort can arrange a candlelit dinner for two, hidden in the middle of the rain forest. Sit at a petal-strewn table, where your private server and chef cook a preselected menu. The gourmet, four-course menu includes wine and an aperitif, as well.
Source: travelweekly.com
