Ok,

Price really isn't an issue. We plan to go at night though, so I'm not sure if that makes a difference with the crowding. We will be there next week (which I hera is low season, but who knows?). Which of these two do you recommed? What are the pros and cons of each? I hear the Tabacon gardens are gorgeous, and worth a look. But, I also read a person say the springs are so hot you can't swim in them. That they could only swim in the main pool. What's the point then? Is this true? How's the view of the volcano at each one? Our plan is to go somewhere, soak, have a couple of drinks, maybe watch the volcano if it's clear, relax. Enjoy the beauty. What do you recommend. I was leaning towards Tabacon for the more luxurious romantic feel, but if it will be so crowded that people are on top of eachother that kills the mood. I don't mind socializing a bit with other couples though. Plus, if it's true we can't get in the springs and only the main pool, then that sort of kills it for us too. Any advice? We want a luscious, beautiful, romantic place, don't mind people, just not one on top of the other. Want to feel like paradise, enjoy the therapy of the hot springs...etc I think Tabacon sounds like our place, but question whether we'll actually be able to get in and how crowded it will be. I hear Eco is far less crowded, has great food, but how is the atmosphere there? Paradise? Does it feel like you're pampering yourself or just like one big communal bath?

Thanks!

Check out this trip report "Trip Report April 16 – 23. Arenal to Osa / Bosque del Cabo".

The poster just went to both.

I haven't been to either but in talking to folks that have been to both this is what I get. For the wow factor and complete gorgeous setting, Tabacon is it. For more seclusion and intimacy Eco is it. I have been told you can find your own nook at Tabacon, too, though.

Sounds like you would enjoy Tabacon over Eco Termales. I dont think Eco has a volcano view. You would not have the spring break teenagers that joined us so crowds should not be a problem. Definetly go at night. I went to both and I would go to both again just would not have had the buffet at Tabacon. Although we did meet people that liked it. Some pools at Tabacon were hotter than Eco Termales and got uncomfortable to me rather quickly. We didnt go saok in all the pools at Tabacon like the big waterfall because of the corwds. I wished we had know what they told us at Eco the night after we were at Tabacon. After 20 minutes in the hot springs, cool yourself down by going under a cold shower.(which is right by the pools) I didnt see a cold shower at Tabacon but they did have a cold pool. Eco has two large pools and two smaller pools with waterfalls that will give you intimacy.

Can't comment on Eco Termales, but wanted to say, while yes parts of Tabacon were really crowded at night we were able to find a few little corners tucked away with not many people in them. At there very very back of the hot springs there is a cute little bar and a nice area that not many people were at, at all. Besides Hubby and me and our best friends there were only 2 other couples around and a few people out of the spings at the bar. Where as some of the pools closer to the entrance were overflowing with people. This pool in the back also was warm, but not HOT HOT HOT. and was comfy to sit around/floating around with drinks in our hands. They also have drink specials in the evenings... 2 for one drinks.

Good Luck with your desicion!

Thanks! Sounds like that's where we'll go. I'll look for that cute bar at the end! Thanks!!!

We have been to both Eco Termales and Tabacon. For us, Eco Termales was much more enjoyable than Tabacon. It does depend on what you like, however. Although you can't see the volcano from Eco Termales, we quite honestly didn't look at it from Tabacon either. Tabacon was extremely crowded--filled to capacity with more people waiting to come in as people left--including the bar area, pool area, waterfall area, etc. We did walk to the farther away pools, most of which were also crowded. When we went to Eco Termales, we were the only ones at the entire facility. At Tabacon, the lines just to get a locker key were over 20 minutes long. No wait at Eco Termales. The facilities aren't as large at Eco Termales, and there is no large swimming pool with slide like at Tabacon, but the quiet atmosphere at Eco Termales was much more preferable to us. We are headed back to Costa Rica in 2 weeks with 8 Boy Scouts in tow, and we are taking the to Eco Termales, NOT Tabacon.

We too went to Eco Termales but not Tabacon. We had a fabulous dinner and although there was a large high school group from Canada (where we are from), we were able to find a niche away for romantic feel. There were never line-ups either at the lockers or bar. We really enjoyed the experience and are very glad we did not have to contend with huge crowds. I would definitely recommend Eco-Termales.

It was recommended that I visit Tabacon, but it seems like Eco-Termales is a better bet. Do you think Tabacon will be busy the last week of June?

Thanks.

Haven't been to Eco Termales, but we have enjoyed Tabacon each time we've been to the Arenal area, once in July and once the day after Christmas. Never has it been crowded--in the least. But that is just our experience. It is beautiful there, and we particularly enjoy soaking in the warm temps. Hottest is about 102.

The swim up bar is a nice area also, but was under construction about a month ago. You should check on that.

We went both day and night. Night was fun, but you get a better sense of the beauty of your surroundings in the daytime. There is a very nice spa on the property. Although we've seen the volcano at times, it has never been visible while we were inside Tabacon. If it were, it would be quite magnificent towering over the hot springs area (which, by the way, is considered in an unsafe area should a serious eruption occur).

I've heard you need a reservation for Ecotermales. Is this true? If so, how do you make one? I've been to Tabacon, so I figure this time I'd try to stay somewhere else and visit Ecotermales. Any reccomendations between staying at Los Lagos, Lost Iguana or Paraiso Arenal?

Ecotermales, Doña Mireya 479-9819