Hot Springs, Spa Treatments and Nature: Mental and Physical Wellness at Arenal Manoa
~by Katie WiddowsonHot 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.
"The protocol was flawless, and in a few minutes, I was in front of my Suite."
My Expectations
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.
Nature Immersion and the Manoa Spa
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!
