Hello -

I am not planning on staying at Tabacon, but I may want to visit the hot springs there. Any recommendations for other hot springs instead of these which get mixed reviews. Anyone have any idea on what to budget for spa services either at Tabacon or elsewhere in the area?

the spa services may be a bit pricey. But defintely spend the ~$29 for the day rate just to experience the 24 pools of vaying temps and exotic grounds. Don't know of other spa services in the area

Ah sclubb, you misunderstand! The Tabacon Hot Springs nearly always get GREAT reviews! It is the Tabacon Hotel and Restaurant that sometimes get the bad reviews. There are other, less expensive hot springs options in the area (Los Lagos, I think), but Tabacon Hot Springs is truly beautiful!

As for the spa at Tabacon, haven't used it, but heard it is very good. You can check the website--Iskandria Spa, I think it is called. There is also spa services at Arenal Paraiso, although Tabacon is reputed to be the best. In Costa Rica, it usually costs between $30 and $70 for a one hour massage. Tabacon would be at the upper end of this! Check it out online if possible!

sclubb,
Check out this site for prices:

http://www.arenal.net/tabacon/hot-springs.htm

Thanks shillmac. Have you ever been to the Tabacon springs in the evening? I saw on another post that the price becomes $19 pp from 7-10pm or something like that. Thinking it would be a wonderful way to start our first night after a long flight & drive.

Also - thanks for the info on my other post about the canopy tours in the Tamarindo area. I think you may have convinced us to skip Monteverde since we would only be going the 1 night. Do you think I am really missing out? Do you think Arenal & Tamarindo are enough for a first time traveler? Keep in mind I travel a lot & don't like to return to the same place since I feel there is so much out there to see - so chances are slim that I will get back to Costa Rica. Am I seeing enough with just those two areas?

I am still going to check out the Witch's canopy tour you mentioned near Papagayo - I am not opposed to driving up that way for it if it is one of the better ones - that way I can check out some of the hotels in that area.

I appreciate all of your help!

Sclubb,
The hot springs ARE less expensive at night, and yes, you should check that out! Beautiful at night--also in the day when you can see all of the green! We either got lucky in December or this is the way it works--not sure, but we paid the $29 early in the day, left early afternoon to go do other things and returned in the evening without having to pay again. We were still wearing our wristbands.

This other question is pretty tough! You will see some nice areas of Costa Rica in these two places. We like the Tamarindo area, but if you aren't planning on going back, I would hate for you to miss Manuel Antonio. Nearly everyone advises Arenal and Manuel Antonio for the ultimate in a short term vacation. We like the whole darned place and everywhere in it! There is so much to see and do. Arenal and the Pacific coast are two very enjoyable areas--and different--but no way will you have experienced any more than just a small taste! This country is very diverse. There are umpteen "areas" that would tell an different story, each as interesting as the other. How do you get a feel for all of that in one visit? You can't, so I think your goal is to just enjoy the areas you will be in!

You know, I haven't been to Monteverde (still on our list after many visits--that's how much there is to do there!), but we have talked to many who have. Some folks call it a "don't miss", but many others on this board would definitely rate Arenal higher as far as a must see. Not necessarily the volcano itself, but the area. The travel time in getting there always seems to be the main drawback for those with only one week. It's much cooler, more rainy (it's the cloud forest after all). Again, a different story. I hope you have a great trip! Happy to help in any way. . .

Thanks again. I will have some decisions to make pretty quickly. If we decide to go to MA instead of Tamarindo - would you say to do 3 nts in Arenal & 4 in MA or 2 nts Arenal, 5nts MA? Also - any hotel in particular you recommend in MA?

One other thing - shillmac - do you know if Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo may have more or less rain than the other during early July? That may help me make a decision.

We liked both the Monteverde and Arenal areas, but Monteverde was our favorite. Just something about the atmosphere there, and we are cool weather people.

Yes, you might have a little more rain in the afternoon at MA, but not necessarily. I'd still choose it over Tamarindo simply because this is your first visit, and as much as I like the Tamarindo area, you can't beat an Arenal/Manuel Antonio combination ANY time. Personally, I think 3 nights Arenal and 4 MA is best, but either would work well. We only stayed at MA 2 nights, and thought we had a wonderful time!