Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs was just awarded the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice award, which recognizes properties who persistently exceed their guests’ expectations. Even during this challenging year, Arenal Manoa excelled in customer service and delivered memorable experiences for their visitors. Here are just a few of the reasons why this property is so special.

Its majestic Arenal Volcano with its impressive shape towers over the town of La Fortuna, located in the Northern Central part of the country. The Arenal Volcano, which is part of the Tilarán mountain range, as well as a second volcano, known as Cerro Chato, which has a lagoon in its crater, are part of the national park bearing its name. The famous Arenal has been dormant years now, and visitors to the park can enjoy birding and observing other fauna, such as capuchin monkeys, deer, coati, and snakes. Beautiful verdant fauna includes orchids, bromeliads, heliconias and ferns. There are exciting activities in the surrounding areas such as biking, hanging bridges, tubing down the river, relaxing in hot springs, ATV adventures, horseback riding and much more.

The dictionary defines wellness two ways: The state of being healthy in body and mind, and an approach to healthcare that focuses on prevention versus disease treatment. Nature, being active, fresh air, the benefits of the hot springs and nutritious locally harvested food all contribute a general sense of well-being. Book a spa treatment, sign up for a yoga class, and immerse in the mineral rich thermal springs at Arenal Manoa Resort to take your connection to self up a notch.

Learn more from our article about Mental and Physical Wellness and how healing hot springs really are in a variety of ways.

Costa Rica is one of the top ten bird watching hotspots in the world; home to 920 bird species and where you can see up to 150 species in just one day, depending on location and season. The Arenal – La Fortuna area is a birding hotspot which combines Caribbean lowland rainforests with the forests of the Caribbean foothills. A one-day trip from Arenal Manoa heading north will take you to the Caño Negro National Park, in the Northern Plains, where some of the endemic species you may observe are: The Black and Yellow Tanager, the Snowy Cotinga and the Stripe-Breasted Wren. 

No need to go too far from property though. Sit at your terrace or at any of our open-air restaurants and pools and observe local and migrating species while enjoying the grounds. 

The Arenal River is born on the slopes of the Arenal Volcano, meandering until it reaches the San Carlos River. Its waters are used to create the most important dam and hydroelectric complex in Costa Rica. Boat and fish on the Arenal Lake, or tube down the river, one of the most popular and refreshing activities in the area.

Río Celeste, located in the Northern Lowlands, can be visited as a one-day tour from Arenal Manoa. It just might be the most famous river in Costa Rica because of its unbelievable beauty. Its turquoise waters look unreal in photographs, and the reality is even more spectacular. Visit the Volcán Tenorio National Park, and explore the trails inside, traversing the lush cloud forest. The hike will lead you to the place where two rivers meet creating the river’s coloring, a lagoon, and a spectacular light blue waterfall. 

The resort´s ample grounds (13 acres), are immersed in a family-owned ranch of 140 acres. When you´re back from exploring and experiencing all the area´s adventures, sights, and sounds, you return to your hideaway: Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs. A dip in the hot springs, a tropical cocktail at the pool bar, and back to your private guest room with a view of the volcano.

Is this a workcation? Get a bit of work done before dinner. Strict health & safety protocol are practiced throught the property. Our handicap accessible and private duplex style guestrooms feature large sliding doors, and easy logistics for exploring on site or in the neighboring area before your return home, all make for the ideal base from which to explore Costa Rica.

The staff at Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs is committed to providing a memorable and worry-free stay, where you can be as adventurous or as relaxed as you like.

You don't have to take our word for it; here are few reviews and testimonials to peruse.

Accessible Travel - Hot Springs Arenal Manoa

In 2020, Lonely Planet named Costa Rica as one of the most accessible destinations. At Arenal Manoa Hotel Resort & Hot Springs, our grounds are easy to navigate, and we have designed facilities which include ramps to enjoy the pools. We especially recommend you try the hot springs pool for added wellness.

Our expansive property can be explored with ease, and there are spots where you can immerse yourself in nature without leaving the resort. Additionally, the surrounding Arenal / La Fortuna area provides activities for all abilities for you to create unforgettable experiences and join in on the fun and adrenaline. 

Hot Springs, Spa Treatments and Nature: Mental and Physical Wellness at Arenal Manoa

By far the most active tourist destination in Costa Rica, the Arenal – La Fortuna area offers a limitless number of activities to experience including Hot Springs.

Outdoor Outfitters provide options for bird watching, hiking, white water rafting, zip-lining, rappelling, cave explorations and more at this “adventure capital” of the country. 

These days, apart from getting your heart pumping, many are appreciating nature and the health benefits of immersing in it even more. This was my objective when visiting Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel and Hot Springs .

After isolating for weeks, I needed to breathe, and I looked for a place in nature, where I could dip into thermal volcanic water, walk along trails, and do some yoga.

Health and safety guidelines are very important to me, and when I saw the layout of the property, the space between the suites, the open areas, and their video regarding protocol, I was sold.

A scenic drive from San José brought me to La Fortuna right after lunchtime, about a 3.5-hour drive. Right away I was struck by how large Arenal Manoa is, as they explained where the different dining venues, hot springs and trails were located.

The protocol was flawless, and in a few minutes, I was in front of my Suite. I perused the Spa menu and chose a body treatment and a massage and booked it for the next day.

Then I ventured out poolside to have a lunchtime snack by main the pool (not to be confused with the hot springs pool), where I ordered a Piña Colada and a Shrimp Quesadilla at the "Uyuyui" Bar.

Arenal Manoa has its own hot springs pools, which is a real luxury to have right on site, a large one for adults, another one for the kids and a jacuzzi.

The afternoon was lovely and since I was already in my swimsuit I went down to explore. I dipped into the warm water, feeling the stress and anxiety of the past few weeks easing away.

The volcanic minerals soothe the skin, promote blood circulation, relieve pain, and as I experienced later as I fell into a lovely afternoon nap, promote relaxation and sleep. 

The next morning, I looked for a spot to meditate and do a bit of yoga before breakfast. The colossal Arenal Volcano looms over you everywhere you go, the fact that it´s been dormant for a decade does not diminish its magnificence.

Disconnecting from the phone, out in nature, present with your surroundings, your awareness is tenfold. As I sat there, beautiful tropical birds fluttered nearby, I could feel the breeze, observe the volcano and the low clouds that ebbed and flowed like water on its base. 

Finally, it was time for my spa visit, which began with a volcanic mud body wrap, to detoxify and smooth the skin. As if that wasn’t enough, I followed it with a relaxing hot stones massage. The therapist was lovely, and the aromas of all the natural ingredients permeated the treatment room. 

As I headed back to the city early the next day, feeling as if I could fill the entirety of my lungs with air, savoring the effects of my tranquil stay, I made my mind up to come back again in a few weeks, this time for an adrenaline filled trip.

Here is Arenal Manoa's latest video... 
La Fortuna Awaits You!