www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Will be in CR next week and will be doing a day trip with a friend. Planing on the Calypso Cruise but if the weather is still very wet we figure hot springs would be better. What tours or spas have any of y'all taken and how did you like them. I also drink constantly so a pool after the hat tubs with a swim-up bar would be a plus. Any info is appreciated.

IMO, Tabacon Hot Springs is the best of the Arenal hot springs. Years back, I took the one-day tour. I enjoyed myself, but as others have said, the one-day tour makes for a long day; so it's better to do an overnighter. Be advised that a stay at Tabacon is not cheap. A less expensive version would be to visit Baldi Hot Springs and stay at one of the nearby motel/cabins.

_________________
Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

I agree, Tabacon is hands down the best.

_________________
______________________
Go Dolphins!!!

I spent the night at the Springs Spa and Resort in August - Great views, 20 pools/springs , good food, spa etc.

http://springscostarica.com/

peace,

Don Rico

OK, unless someone else comes up with something better I will tell her the suggestions.
Thanks for the info

Wow, I've never seen Springs Spa and Resort... it looks like it could give Tabacon a run for its money. The two-day pass is priced very reasonably, too. Is this a new place? It's been over 3 years since my last trip to La Fortuna.

_________________
Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

Personally, I like Baldi Hot Springs more than Tabacon. I've been to both and the Tabacon employees always seem to have an "attitude" towards gringo's. Plus it's more expensive than Baldi. If memory serves, Baldi has a total of 23 different thermal pools, spas - all different sizes and temperatures. Plus they've got 2 or 3 different swim-up bars. Regardless of which one you go to, you'll have a good time. And remember.... YMMV.

MG

_________________
You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

I think we got a discounted rate of $20 at Baldi when we bought the tickets at our motel. We originally planned on going to Tabacon for the day, but I think Tabacon didn't even have any $45/day tickets available when we made the inquiry. So, yes, I can understand how Tabacon may have developed an attitude. We had fun at Baldi with its 20+ thermal pools, but had our hearts set on Tabacon.

_________________
Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

Don, does this place have any problem if the gringo brings his novia????

_________________
Jaco is called little USA by all ticos

I brought two! So I would say no - and they were two of the finest ass chicas on the planet.

Peace,

DR

I have heard great things about Baldi as well!! Got the same impression from my friend - high quality, better attitude.

Does anyone have a link for Baldi???

This a pretty good general-area Website with specific info though La Fortuna-centric so it doesn't mention The Springs Resort and Spa: http://www.arenal.net/baldi-hot-springs.htm
Here's the Baldi Website: http://www.baldicostarica.com/

Here's some stuff on Tabacon: http://www.tabacon.com/

Here's info on a variety of CR hot springs: http://www.anywherecostarica.com/tours/hot-springs
BTW, they mention Eco Thermales which is across the road from Tabacon--more modest and no onsite hotel (La Fortuna's about 7 miles away):
http://www.anywherecostarica.com/destin ... o-termales

CORRECTION: It was brought to my attention that I'd made an error above, that the hot springs across from Tabacon was actually Las Fuentes and that Eco Thermales was much closer to La Fortuna. My bad. Here's more on Las Fuentes (according to this Las Fuentes was closed for renovation--check first before traveling):
http://www.bikearenal.com/hotsprings/in ... m=&ucat=2&

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

From all I have heard, you cannot get hurt with any of the places mentioned - springs, tabacon, or Baldi as long as they are within budget. Having tried the springs, I will probably try Baldi next and the Tabacon. Unfortunately it may take me a year to get there two more times!!!

Peace,

DR