Indulge in Pure Bliss: Tabacon Resort, Costa Rica – Where Luxury Meets Nature for an Unforgettable Retreat
Seated at the Liberia airport in Costa Rica, I find myself overwhelmed with immense gratitude and appreciation for the weekend that just passed. This trip served as a vivid reminder of the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica, making it one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever visited. It reinforced the idea that life can be truly majestic and magical when you step outside the boundaries of the United States.
“Pura Vida!” is the ubiquitous slogan echoing everywhere upon your arrival in Costa Rica, translating to “pure life.” I prefer to interpret it as the “good life” because that’s the positive energy emanating from everyone who welcomes me. The locals use “Pura vida” as an affectionate greeting or farewell, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
My initial visit was in 2016 when I opted to rent a car and explore the coastal areas, immersing myself in the wonders of nature. We seized every opportunity, embarking on volcano hikes, chasing waterfalls, indulging in rainforest tours, and visiting sloth sanctuaries. Making the most of our limited time, we even opted for hostel accommodations to be budget-conscious.
All this to say, we treated ourselves by staying the last night at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. This upscale resort is situated at the foothills of the renowned Arenal Volcano, acclaimed as one of the country’s premier destinations. Additionally, its reputation is heightened by the fact that it has accommodated prominent individuals such as the Kardashians, underscoring its distinction and desirability.
That moment of entering the hot springs was so euphoric that it held me over for seven years until I was finally able to return in 2024. Not sure if it was the fact that the hostel had no hot water for showers that made the hot springs feel that much more orgasmic, but I’d never felt bliss like that before. These hot springs contain mineral water from the volcano! And I knew I’d make it my mission to come back.
Fast forward to today, Tabacon Resort takes over 900 acres of beautiful, lush tropical reserve, home to Costa Rica’s largest network of naturally flowing hot springs. With 2024 well underway, as well as my 33rd birthday, I wanted to escape Los Angeles to get my mental health right. And these hot springs provided the exact mental reset I needed.
Arriving at Tabacon Resort, we were treated with the utmost kindness and customer service. You’re first greeted with a cold towel, and even offered a glass of tropical juice. After checking in with the front desk, you’re given the room key in the form of a wristband — completely waterproof and sized perfectly so it won’t fall off your wrist. The convenience of not having to carry a card around was not overlooked!
Upon arriving into our room (the only room available was the Honeymoon Suite), I was floored by the interior detail. One huge king size bed, his and her showers, and even a hammock and bathtub on the balcony! I’d never seen a bathtub on a balcony before, and the view of pure greenery made it that much more impactful.
They even delivered a small chocolate cupcake for my birthday! The cherry on top had to be my visit to the spa. I booked a deep tissue massage which took place outdoors inside a bungalow, with the sounds of the hot springs water crashing against the rocks and wildlife surrounding you.
And while those 80 minutes of pure bliss and relaxation flew by, it was the delivery of fresh fruit, nuts, and a smoothie immediately following that elevated my mood even further. They don’t do that in the States!
Saturday was our excursion day, going canyoning and white water rafting. Coming back home and ordering room service was one of the best decisions we could make. The best part is, they had vegan options. I’m still thinking about that Vegan Rice Pasta & Quinoa Croquettes! Most of the time, room service takes forever to arrive. This arrived within 10 to 15 minutes of ordering, and the service was spectacular. It was also extremely cost-effective, $43 for two people. With 10% gratuity included!
Sunday was an entire day spent at the hot springs. The hot springs portion is separate from the resort where people reside, and a personal shuttle takes you up the road to and from each way. One of the highlights is how vast the space is, with endless options for maneuvering from hot spring to hot spring. There’s even an infinity pool with a bar attached, and each hot spring is labeled with a sign indicating the temperature of the water.
The feeling of entering the hot spring is something I can’t articulate into words. The serene tranquility and relaxation as a result is something I can’t find in the States, and it was everything my mental health needed to be able to tackle this new year. I found myself perched on the rocks for hours on end contemplating my entire life and existence, simultaneously reminded of how beautiful the universe truly is.
Everywhere you look, there’s tropical trees everywhere, and breathing in the fresh oxygen naturally reminded me to take deep breaths whenever my anxiety, stress, or worries start to peak in. It also reminded me to take breaks from technology whenever possible. My work consists of me being engulfed on my computer or iPhone, but Tabacon serves as the perfect reminder to live in the present moment and appreciate the beauty in front you.
And while the stay at Tabacon Resort is far from cheap, I’m just incredibly grateful and appreciative of being able to travel internationally and experience the beauty of Costa Rica once again. I worked my ass off for this trip, and I’ll continue to work my ass off to be able to come back. The hot springs, the greenery, and the sound of nature taking its course will forever hold a special place in my heart.
For those interested in visiting Costa Rica, please do yourself a favor and stay at Tabacon Resort.
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