Arriving at Tabacón feels like you have discovered a secret wooded paradise. A pleasant and plentiful staff greet you at the door in classy green Hawaiian shirts (yes they pull this off) and hand you a fresh juice and cold towel. The main reception area, which boasts a small bar, gift shop and tour desk is a mixture of dark wooden posts and beams with mossy lime colored walls that set the theme for this luxury rain forest retreat.
As one of the “leading hotels of the world,” Tabacón is a five star resort that lives up to its famous name. The resort is physically located into two parts: the main hotel area where guests sleep and dine at the Ave del Paraíso Restaurant and the hot springs and spa area where guests bathe in the thermal pools, dine at the more informal Los Tucanes Restaurant and indulge at the awe inspiring Grand Spa. Transportation is provided to shuttle guests back and forth between the two locations, which are within a short walking distance.
While the views of Volcano Arenal at Tabacón aren’t the best, the overall class and quality of the hotel is where guests can expect to find value. Food here is top of the line, as Tabacón’s executive chef has been trained all over the world and provides an international cuisine bar none. Internet is available upon request at a charge per hour or day. An excellent gym is free to use. All rooms feature: Air conditioning, Cable TV, Phone, Safe deposit box, Coffee maker, Hair dryer, Mini-bar, DVD Player, Alarm-clock, Umbrella, Ironing board with iron, Bathrobes, Slippers, Vanity Kit, Shaver Kit and sewing Kit.
My favorite part of the hotel by far is the hot springs and Grand Spa. Tabacón is great for families looking to have a different and unforgettable vacation experience or for couples. The setting is very romantic and the hotel does its best to offer services that would even make strangers fall in love. Private romantic candlelight dinners are available upon request at open-air bungalows; this includes a personal chef and is perfect for engagements, honeymoons or a romantic dinner for the one you love. To top it off, the Grand Spa offers a couples massage also in open-air rooms that look out into the trees. The dual massage service is concluded with glasses of champagne and the private use of a Jacuzzi.
