Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is in the interior of Costa Rica, where active travelersflock to the Arenal National Park for both its volcano-warmed thermal watersand adventure, including aerial tram rides, zip line canopy descents, HangingBridges treks, plus hiking, horseback riding, kayaking and ATV rentals. Easilyaccessible via a half-hour flight from SanJose by way of NatureAir (506-299-6000), the three-hour drive is worth it toarrive at the extraordinary, eco-spa experience at Tabacón's recentlyreconstructed and reopened spa.Tabacón—a word that names a plant and a river, as well asthe hotel, resort and spa complex—is a member of The Leading Hotels of theWorld. This winter, its spa was recognized with membership in Leading Spas ofthe World, the only one in Central America. Agated entry leads to the 114-room boutique hotel, where accommodations aregrouped in a cluster of buildings: one is adjacent to the lobby area, whileanother (the 300 building) offers the only living room/bedroom/private Jacuzziand garden suite (#300) and is closer to the pool and Los Tucanes Restaurant.Deluxe accommodations are in the newer two-story 700 building, wherewindow-walls lead to a balcony or terrace from both the bedroom and oversizedbathroom (and a picture window, when uncovered, faces the glass-mosaic tiledtub). For reservations, call 877-277-8291; Sales Director Zuley Herrera can bereached at zherrera@tabacon.comor 506-460-2020.A picture-perfect river—complete with hot springs andwaterfalls—flows through the adjacent thermal resort, offering about twentymineral pools, plus swimming pools, a bar and a restaurant (Ave del Paraiso)for both hotel guests (who enjoy unlimited access) and day guests (who pay a$55 daily entrance fee).The expansive Tabacón Grand Spa, which features mineralpools, is completely private to guests with spa appointments. Under thedirection of Director General Uwe Wagner, who can be reached at 506-460-2020 ordirector@tabacón.com,the sprawling spa has been completely reconstructed using predominatelyindigenous products, such as roofs lined with local caña brava (it looks likebamboo), lighting within volcanic rocks and limestone bathroom accessories.The open-to-nature spa experience is very personal: A valetescorts guests from the reception area to the locker room, to the multi-levellounge (with its curved walls, arches, hot tub) and to meet the therapists.They guide clients along curved slate paths to one of eleven thatched roofpavilions, each with its own Jacuzzi tub and its own verdant, secluded spot. Itfeatures back-to-basics elements such as volcanic mud, which is washed offunder a waterfall; clever design, such as a sloping spiral leading into theWatsu pool next to its waterfall; and indigenous rituals, such as a foot bathin a hollowed-out wooden bowl. A Yoga pavilion and a shaman who performs theancient Temazcal ritual and Native American weddings add authenticity.By Irvina LewTravel Agent Central