Still Holding on to Summer? Here’s the Perfect Last-Minute Wellness Getaway You Didn’t Know You Needed
Looking for an autumn wellness getaway? Consider a trip to the center of Costa Rica, where geothermal activity heats natural hot springs, toucans croak at dusk, and rice and beans are enjoyed for breakfast.
Fall is the best time to travel to Central America because of the moderate temperatures and to avoid the high-season crowds. I recently had a chance to visit the centrally located town of La Fortuna and stayed at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa.
Tabacón Thermal Resort: A Wellness Oasis
The hot spring oasis turns 30 this year and has focused on wellness and sustainability since its inception. If you’ve seen idyllic photos on social media of viajeras relaxing in a tiered hot spring — this is the place.
Located in the rainforest on over 900 acres of a lush tropical reserve, the resort was created to preserve the natural thermal river. Tabacón is a pinnacle of wellness and is a phenomenal place to recharge, rejuvenate, and connect with nature.
Luxury Meets Nature: A Hot Spring Haven
Rooms start at $375 a night in the fall, including breakfast or a $75 spa credit per night. The suite where I stayed had a private hot mineral plunge pool with undisrupted views of the majestic volcano. I dipped each morning and night after the resort’s main hot springs had closed. While it was hard to pull myself away from my exclusive haven — I was eager to experience the resort’s series of over 20 hot springs of varying temperatures and to enjoy the benefits of balneotherapy.
The Best Way to Enjoy Tabacón’s Hot Springs
Tabacón’s hot springs are naturally heated by the Arenal volcano’s geothermal activity and are Arenal’s largest network of naturally flowing hot springs. The springs can be visited with a day pass and get busy during the day, but certain springs and waterfalls are reserved only for hotel guests. The best plan of attack is to visit the public spaces early in the morning before the crowds arrive and then move over to the private area in mid-day.
Ultimate Relaxation: Spa Treatments and Yoga in the Rainforest
Or better yet, book a massage at The Spa at Tabacón. I enjoyed the new hot volcanic mud massage in an open-air rainforest bungalow, which was heavenly. No wellness vacay is complete without yoga, and Tabacón offers candlelight yoga in the evening at the spa in an open-air yoga studio.
Health Benefits of Soaking in Mineral Springs
Soaking in mineral springs in the middle of a rainforest is a beautiful, relaxing experience, but it also has major health benefits. When I was at Tabacón, I was dealing with an eczema flare-up. After three days of soaking in the hot springs, the eczema drastically improved.
Mineralized water is known for its various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. I especially loved soaking at night under the stars with a craft cocktail in hand and enjoying the sounds of the rainforest.
Eco-Friendly Travel: Supporting Sustainability at Tabacón
Your stay at Tabacón also helps preserve Costa Rica’s precious environment. The resort has been plastic-free since 2017 and is a carbon-neutral, solar-powered property. During your stay, you can plant a tree on the property to help minimize the carbon footprint of your travels. Over 3,000 trees have been planted by visitors — including one by Will Smith!
