Quick note: This is a first-person story told for fun, based on real hotel details and guest reports. Think of it like you’re walking with me.
The check-in mood
La Fortuna feels warm and green, like a wet garden that never ends. Arenal Volcano sits there, moody and quiet. I rolled my bag past bromeliads and little ants doing big work. And yes, the air smells like rain and guava. I thought the fancy stuff would feel stiff. It didn’t. It felt soft, like a hug. If you want the blow-by-blow diary with every rate and room quirk, you can skim my full La Fortuna 5-star hotel deep dive for more notes.
Nayara Springs — adults-only magic with a secret pool
I walked into my villa and stopped. Ahead of booking, I had browsed the Nayara Springs guest reviews, and everything they raved about clicked the moment I opened the door. The bed was big and crisp. The patio opened to trees. A sloth dozed like a sleepy pillow way up high. And the plunge pool? It’s fed by hot spring water. Not a gimmick. Real mineral water, warm and silky.
Morning came with birds that sound like squeaky toys. A tray showed up: fresh fruit, gallo pinto, hot coffee. I ate in a robe with steam floating off the pool. The outdoor shower had black stone and green leaves. Housekeeping did a quiet turn-down and left chocolate by the bed. Cute and dangerous.
Staff talked like friends, not scripts. They set me up for a night walk. I saw tiny frogs that could star in a cartoon. Was it pricey? Yep. Did I blush when I signed the folio? Also yes. But the calm felt rare. Adults-only helps.
Good fit: couples, honeymooners, introverts who like nice snacks.
For even more inspiration on planning a spontaneous romantic escape, check out One Night Affair—the site curates last-minute luxury deals and clever tips for turning a single night away into a memory that lasts much longer.
Tabacón Thermal Resort — the hot river dream
Here’s the thing: the star is not the room. Before my trip, pages of Tabacón Thermal Resort feedback had already hyped the steaming river for me. The star is the river. A real hot spring river runs through the gardens. Pools keep shifting, like a warm maze. I went in late afternoon, then again at night. The steam, the rocks, the hush—yeah, it hits.
If you’re 18+, there’s Shangri-La Gardens. It’s quieter. More daybed, less splash. I kept my water shoes on because the rocks get slick. The shuttle between hotel and springs is fast. Staff hand you towels like it’s a game show.
Food is good but a bit high. Drinks add up fast. I didn’t mind, but I noticed. Rooms are modern, clean, and fine. But you come for the hot river. Simple as that.
Good fit: spa lovers, hot spring fans, folks who want lush and easy.
The Springs Resort & Spa — big views, big fun
I thought bigger would feel cold. It didn’t. It felt like a theme park but classy. The view of Arenal is front-row good. Pools curve all over, with different temps. Perdido Springs hides down a path with warm water and a cheeky swing bar. I felt like a kid, but with room service.
Club Rio sits below by the river. I signed up for tubing and a visit to the animal area. Staff kept safety tight but chill. Golf carts buzz around like bees, so getting across the huge grounds stayed easy.
Rooms are large. Balconies aim at the volcano like a postcard. Food leans pricey. Portions are fair. I liked the ceviche. F&B runs smooth, even when it rains sideways.
Good fit: families, groups, do-everything travelers.
Amor Arenal — cozy wood and wild greens
This one feels romantic but not fussy. Think warm wood, a big deck, and a plunge pool that stares into deep green. I heard rain on the roof at night. It felt safe and a little wild. Showers have big rain heads. You won’t want to leave them.
Trails cut through the forest down to a creek. Breakfast is included and hearty. The menu nods to local farms, which tasted like real care. The gym even has a jungle view. I worked out for eight minutes. That counts, right?
Good fit: couples, solo chill seekers, design lovers who also wear hiking boots.
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa — space, views, and hot tubs
The suite was huge. Think family-level space. I had a whirlpool tub near a window that framed the volcano like a movie. The vibe feels classic, not flashy. Clean lines. Big beds. Warm staff.
Perk: access to Titokú hot springs. Smaller than the big names, but mellow and easy to enjoy. I went at dusk. Bats zipped by, minding their own business.
Good fit: families, value-focused travelers who still want “wow” views.
What surprised me
- Wildlife isn’t a show. It’s daily life. I saw toucans before coffee.
- Nights get quiet. You hear frogs and rain. It helps you sleep.
- Everyone says “pura vida,” and it doesn’t feel fake. It just fits.
What I wish I knew
- Book spa slots early. Prime times go fast.
- Bring water shoes, a light rain jacket, and quick-dry clothes.
- Bugs love ankles. Pack repellent and after-bite.
- Green season (May–Nov) has afternoon rain and better rates. Dry season costs more but gives clearer volcano views.
Who should stay where?
- Romance and hush: Nayara Springs or Amor Arenal
- Pools and action: The Springs Resort & Spa
- Hot spring heaven: Tabacón Thermal Resort
- Big rooms on a budget (still luxe): Arenal Kioro
Money talk (quick and honest)
Rates move a lot with seasons and holidays. I’ve seen nights from the mid-hundreds up past four figures for top rooms. Food and spa can double your spend if you go big. It’s worth checking packages that bundle breakfast, hot springs, or Club Rio. If you want to preview current deals and bundled packages, check out the offers on Fortune Hotel’s official site before you lock in dates. For comparison, my stay at the iconic Waldorf in London ran almost the same once I factored in dining and spa time—see the numbers in this candid review of the Waldorf Hotel London.
Tiny gripes you might care about
- Food and drinks at resorts can feel steep. Town has cheaper eats.
- Rain shows up, then stops, then shows up again. Roll with it.
- Some resorts are spread out. If you hate walking, ask for a room near the main pool, or use carts.
By the way, if you prefer a city stay where the neighborhood is the main amenity, you might vibe with my stay at Great Fortune Hotel Istanbul—small room, huge location, and a totally different take on luxury.
If your travels eventually swing back to the U.S. and you’re curious about a quick, buzzy stop in Georgia, the historic hub of Lawrenceville has an underrated nightlife scene that pairs surprisingly well with boutique overnights. Before you settle on where to crash, scroll through the local intel gathered on Backpage Lawrenceville—you’ll find late-night lounge recommendations, pop-up event alerts, and wallet-friendly room leads that seldom surface on the big booking engines.
Packing short list
- Water shoes or grippy sandals
- Light rain jacket
- Quick-dry shorts and a backup swimsuit
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Small dry bag for phones
Final word
I came for fancy. I stayed for calm. La Fortuna luxury feels soft, green, and warm to the bones. If you want hush, pick a tucked-away villa with a hot pool. If you want splash and views, go big with a resort that runs on smiles and steam. Either way, the volcano keeps watch, and you’ll sleep like rain on leaves. Pura vida.