I had a trip to Costa Rica for work, and so i was determined to tack on a couple of personal days and experience a spa. I was on a short timeline for a spa visit, and wanted something very unique to Costa Rica, so rather than opt for the beaches and any of the resorts there – and believe me, I looked at them (#nexttime) – I opted for the rainforest. This place maximized my checklist: Spa – check; volcano -check; rainforest -check; hot springs-check. In addition, I had the recommendation from a colleague that I should go there for the absolutely stunning paradise that it is. So off I went.
Tabacon is located at the base of the arena volcano, surrounded by a tropical rainforest. The spa itself is located in the Thermal Hot Springs, which is located about 300 meters (2/10ths of a mile) from the actual resort. There is a shuttle or a quick walk back and forth.
Upon checking in at the front desk, you will be presented first for payment of your services. Gratuity is not automatically included. After handling the business part of the transaction, you are free to relax. A valet will escort you back to the locker rooms. From there you can wait for your appointment in a very comfy lounge area. It has a plunge pool in the center, and plenty of lounge chairs that wrap around in a spiral which allows for a maximum number of guests to relax while still feeling somewhat secluded.
While waiting, you are presented with a smoothie, in a departure from the usual teas and spa water. Similarly too, after your treatment, you are given another smoothie. Keep in mind these are small portions.
The valet will come get you at your appointed time and escort you to your therapist. The Therapist will then walk you through a pathway throughout the spa property outdoors in the rainforest and hot springs. You will arrive at an open air bungalow. This is absolutely the best part of the Grand Spa!
The therapist asked if i wanted to listen to music or to the sounds of nature. Nature of Course! There are “Rainforest” settings on sound machines, and music for purchase… The rushing water of the springs, and the birds and other critters – it occurred to me this is the real thing!
Here you are having a treatment outside in the middle of the rainforest! This is really what you are here to experience.
The therapists and all the staff there are very friendly. They were even able to accommodate a last minute appoint for me the next day. And in fact one of the Receptionists at the front desk, remembered when I checked in that my initial request wasn’t available at the time, and they had a last minute change and could accommodate that particular treatment. ahh, as they say in Costa Rica — Pura Vida!
If you are in Costa Rica, then the Grand Spa at Tabacon should be on your list!
February 2017
Rating: 
Tip: I didn’t have a chance to experience it, but there is a pedicure chair in an ideal spot to just enjoy the scenery!
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