Guide to Arenal’s Most Romantic Hot Springs

After 15+ years of guiding couples through Costa Rica’s stunning Arenal region, we at Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Tours have witnessed countless romantic moments unfold in the area’s world-famous hot springs. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, seeking a peaceful retreat, or simply want to reconnect with your partner, choosing the right hot springs experience can make all the difference.

Today, we’re sharing insider knowledge from locals, frequent visitors, and our own expert guides to help you find the perfect thermal paradise for your romantic getaway.

Understanding Your Hot Springs Options

Arenal offers several distinct hot springs experiences, each with its own personality. The key is matching the venue to your vision of relaxation. Let’s break down the best options for couples seeking peace, romance, and genuine relaxation.

Tabacon: The Luxurious Classic

Tabacon consistently ranks as the top choice for couples seeking a premium, romantic experience.

What Makes Tabacon Special

Tabacon is where natural beauty meets refined luxury. Natural hot springs cascade through lush tropical gardens, creating an environment that feels both wild and wonderfully curated. The property features multiple pools at varying temperatures, a swim-up bar, and stunning views of Arenal Volcano.

The Hotel Guest Advantage (And Why Day Passes Still Work)

Here’s what many visitors don’t realize: Tabacon has two distinct areas. The upper section, Shangri-La, is exclusively for hotel guests and offers:

• Hotter water temperatures
• Private cabanas (first-come basis)
• A dedicated bar
• Noticeably fewer children
• A more secluded, intimate atmosphere

But here’s the good news for day visitors: The day pass areas are still luxurious and worth every penny. Recent visitors who purchased day passes report spending 8+ hours enjoying the facilities without feeling like “second-class citizens.” The main hot springs area for day guests is extensive, beautiful, and provides plenty of opportunities for romantic moments.

Practical Tabacon Tips

• Timing matters: Visit on a weekday if possible. Weekends bring larger crowds, especially families.
• Day pass pricing: Expect around $80-85 for a full day pass with re-entry privileges.
• Food situation: You can eat at the swim-up bar (which offers both bar menu and restaurant menu options) without a meal package. The food is decent but pricey for what you get. Drinks are typical resort quality. The breakfast and restaurant at the hotel receive better reviews if you want a sit-down meal.
• Pro timing tip from our guides: Book a spa treatment for around 4 PM. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Arenal, and experiencing a massage during a tropical storm, then emerging to enjoy the hot springs at night, is absolutely magical.
• Location note: Tabacon is about 10-15 minutes from La Fortuna restaurants, so factor this in if you want dining options beyond the resort.
• Eco Termales: The Intimate Natural Choice

The Verdict: For couples who prioritize natural settings over resort amenities, Eco Termales is the hidden gem locals recommend.

Why Locals Choose Eco Termales

When Lake Arenal residents bring their own visitors, many choose Eco Termales. Here’s why:

• More natural and intimate: Unlike the manicured resort feel of Tabacon, Eco Termales offers a more organic, jungle-immersed experience.
• Less touristy atmosphere: Smaller capacity means fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.
• Exceptional for evening visits: The night time slot is particularly romantic. The darkness, soft lighting, and jungle sounds create an incredibly atmospheric experience.
• Good drinks in a pretty setting: While not as extensive as Tabacon’s options, the beverage service fits perfectly with the intimate vibe.

Who Should Choose Eco Termales

This is your spot if you:

• Want to avoid the “resort” feeling
• Prefer natural, less manicured environments
• Value intimacy over extensive amenities
• Are looking for a more affordable romantic option
• Want an experience that feels more like a secret locals’ spot

Baldi Hot Springs

Best for those who want variety and don’t mind a livelier atmosphere.

The Baldi Advantage

Baldi is massive, featuring 20+ pools of varying temperatures and sizes. This abundance means:

• You can usually find quiet pools even on busy days
• Multiple bars throughout the property
• Excellent food quality (better reviews than Tabacon’s dining)
• Day passes available with meal packages
• No reservations needed (buy tickets same-day)
• World-renowned resort option if you decide to stay overnight
• Full spa services available

The Trade-Off

Baldi’s size and family-friendly nature mean it’s generally busier and more energetic than Tabacon or Eco Termales. However, the sheer number of pools gives you opportunities to find your own peaceful corner.

Paradise Hot Springs: The Under-the-Radar Option

The Insider Tip: Don’t judge this one by its entrance.

Despite having a “dinky-looking gate,” Paradise Hot Springs offers a romantic, often empty experience, especially on weeknights. It’s the definition of an under-the-radar gem that hasn’t been discovered by the masses yet.

Hotel Silencio del Campo: The Rustic Romantic Alternative

For couples who prefer cozy and homey over luxury resort vibes.

Understanding the Appeal

Think “farm stay with hot springs” rather than “luxury spa resort.” Silencio del Campo offers:

• More rustic, authentic Costa Rican atmosphere
• Significantly lower prices than Tabacon
• A homey, intimate feel
• Perfect for couples who value character over polish

The Decision

If you’re choosing between Tabacon’s lux hotel experience and Silencio’s rustic charm, consider: Do you want polished perfection or authentic coziness? Both are romantic in different ways.

Making Your Decision: A Quick Guide

Choose Tabacon if:

• You want the classic, luxurious experience
• You’re celebrating a special occasion
• Beautiful, manicured gardens appeal to you
• You don’t mind paying premium prices
• A swim-up bar sounds perfect

Choose Eco Termales if:

• You prefer natural, intimate settings
• You want a more authentic, less touristy experience
• Evening/night visits appeal to you
• Budget is a consideration
• You value what locals recommend

Choose Baldi if:

• You want maximum variety
• Better food quality matters to you
• You like having lots of options
• You prefer flexibility (no reservations needed)
• You want to explore and discover different pools

Choose Paradise or Silencio del Campo if:

• You’re seeking hidden gems
• You want to avoid crowds entirely
• Budget is important
• You value rustic charm over luxury

Insider Tips from Our 15+ Years of Experience

Timing Your Visit

Weekdays over weekends: This cannot be stressed enough. Weekend crowds, especially at Tabacon and Baldi, include many families with children.

Evening sessions: Most hot springs offer evening or night passes at reduced rates. The atmosphere is inherently more romantic after dark, and you’ll encounter fewer families.

Shoulder season advantage: Visit during non-peak times (avoiding December-April peak season and major holidays) for the most peaceful experience.

What to Bring

• Waterproof phone case for photos
• Hair ties if you have long hair
• Light, packable towel (most places provide them, but having your own is convenient)
• Flip flops that can get wet
• A dry bag for valuables
• Modest swimwear (Costa Rica is generally conservative)

What Not to Worry About

• Bringing your own food/drinks (not typically allowed)
• Fancy swimwear (the minerals can discolor fabrics anyway)
• Perfect weather (rain during your hot springs experience is actually magical)

The Real Secret: It’s Not Just About the Hot Springs

After years of helping couples plan their Arenal experiences, we’ve learned something important: the magic isn’t just in which hot springs you choose—it’s in how you approach the entire day.

The best experiences happen when couples:

• Arrive early to claim prime spots
• Leave phones in lockers (or at least put them away)
• Move between pools instead of staying put
• Take time to simply float and talk
• Stay through sunset into evening
• Book a massage or spa treatment
• Don’t rush

Let Us Create Your Perfect Romantic Escape

While this guide helps you understand your options, planning the perfect romantic day involves more than just choosing a hot springs venue. At Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Tours, we design comprehensive romantic experiences that combine the best hot springs with:

• Seamless transportation from your accommodation
• Perfectly timed reservations to avoid crowds
• Couples massage packages at optimal times
• Romantic dinner arrangements at nearby restaurants
• Surprise additions you might not have thought of

Our expert guides know these properties intimately—which pools are most secluded, when the lighting is most romantic, how to time your visit with sunset, and how to avoid the crowds. We’ve been creating these perfect moments since 2008, and we’ve refined the art of romantic hot springs experiences.

Beyond the Hot Springs: Complete Romance Packages

Consider pairing your hot springs day with:

• Private waterfall tours in the morning
• Sunset champagne overlooking Arenal Volcano
• Couples’ chocolate tasting at local plantations
• Romantic dinners at hidden gem restaurants we’ve discovered over the years
• Private photography sessions to capture your moments

The Bottom Line

For most couples seeking genuine romance and relaxation, Tabacon on a weekday or Eco Termales in the evening will deliver the experience you’re dreaming of. Both offer that perfect combination of natural beauty, thermal bliss, and romantic atmosphere.

But honestly? With the right timing and approach, any of Arenal’s hot springs can provide the peaceful, romantic escape you need. The key is understanding what you value most and planning accordingly.

Ready to plan your perfect romantic hot springs experience? Contact us today. Let our 15+ years of expertise take the stress out of planning, so you can focus on what matters: reconnecting with your partner in one of the world’s most beautiful natural settings.

After all, we’ve been helping couples create unforgettable memories in Arenal since 2008—we know exactly how to make your romantic getaway absolutely perfect.