Best for travelers who want a thermal-pool resort near Arenal Volcano, open to guests of all ages, with a rainforest setting and spa services. Meals and drinks are not included in the rate.
Resort Comparison Guide
Best for travelers who want a thermal-pool resort near Arenal Volcano, open to guests of all ages, with a rainforest setting and spa services. Meals and drinks are not included in the rate.
Better for travelers who want a rainforest-setting resort near Arenal Volcano, with a spa on property and a more nature-focused base for exploring the region.
If you want a thermal-pool resort open to guests of all ages near Arenal Volcano, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is usually the stronger pick. Its thermal pools are the main draw, and the property lists facilities for children. Keep in mind that meals and drinks are not included in the rate.
If your priority is a rainforest-setting resort with a spa on property and a nature-focused base, Lost Iguana Resort and Spa is the better fit for the way you want to spend your time in the Arenal area.
Bottom line: choose Tabacón for thermal pools and all-ages facilities, and choose Lost Iguana for a rainforest setting and spa-focused stay. Confirm current amenities, age policies, and dining arrangements with each resort before you book.
| Category | Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa | Lost Iguana Resort and Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Vibe |
All-ages thermal-pool resort in La Fortuna with a rainforest setting and a nature-focused pace.
Best for Thermal Pools
|
Rainforest-setting resort and spa near Arenal Volcano, suited to guests who want nature and spa time.
Best for Rainforest Stays
|
| Location | La Fortuna, Costa Rica, in the Arenal Volcano area. | Arenal Volcano area of Costa Rica, in the La Fortuna region. |
| Rooms & Suites | Room options within an all-ages property; check current room types and views when booking. | Rooms set within a rainforest setting; check current room categories when booking. |
| Dining | Meals and drinks are not included in the rate, so dining is paid separately. | Confirm current dining arrangements directly with the resort before booking. |
| Pools & Beach | Thermal pools are the centerpiece of the stay. The property is inland, with no ocean beach. | Pool and outdoor areas in a rainforest setting. The property is inland, with no ocean beach. |
| All Ages | Open to all ages, with facilities for children listed on the property record. | Check age policies and children's facilities directly with the resort. |
| Price & Value | Rates exclude meals and drinks, so budget for dining separately. Value comes from the thermal pools and volcano setting. | Value depends on current rates, room type, and dates. Compare quotes before deciding. |
Rooms at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa suit an all-ages stay, with the thermal pools and volcano setting as the main draw. Check current room categories at booking.
Tabacón is the better pick if you want thermal pools and all-ages facilities in one property.
Lost Iguana Resort and Spa offers rooms set within a rainforest setting, suited to guests who want a nature-focused base near Arenal Volcano.
Lost Iguana fits guests who put a rainforest setting and spa time first.
Dining at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is paid separately, because rates do not include meals and drinks.
Expect:
Dining details at Lost Iguana Resort and Spa should be confirmed directly with the resort before you travel, including what your rate covers.
Confirm the meal arrangement for your dates before you finalize your budget.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is built around its thermal pools, which are the main attraction for guests. The property is inland, so there is no ocean beach.
Lost Iguana Resort and Spa offers pool and outdoor areas within a rainforest setting. The property is inland, with no ocean beach.
If thermal pools are your priority, Tabacón is the stronger choice. If a rainforest setting and spa come first, Lost Iguana fits better.
Evenings at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa center on the thermal pools, with dining booked separately since meals and drinks are not included in the rate.
Evenings at Lost Iguana Resort and Spa lean toward the rainforest setting and spa. Check current evening offerings with the resort before you travel.
Choose Tabacón for thermal-pool evenings and Lost Iguana for spa-and-rainforest downtime.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is an all-ages resort, and its property record lists facilities for children.
Age policies and children's facilities at Lost Iguana Resort and Spa should be confirmed directly with the resort before you book.
If traveling with children, confirm the age details for both resorts before choosing.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa offers the most value when you plan to use the thermal pools and all-ages facilities, with dining budgeted separately.
Lost Iguana Resort and Spa is worth comparing if you want a rainforest setting and spa near Arenal Volcano. Value depends on the rate, room type, and dates you choose.
Choose Tabacón if thermal pools are your priority in a resort open to all ages, near Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna.
Choose Lost Iguana for a rainforest setting near Arenal, with a spa on property and a nature-focused base.
For groups with children and guests of all ages, Tabacón lists facilities for children and offers thermal pools as a shared experience.
For couples who want a rainforest-setting base near Arenal with spa time built into the stay, Lost Iguana is the better match.

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