Resort Comparison Guide

Tabacón Thermal vs Lost Iguana Resort and Spa

Choosing between Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa and Lost Iguana Resort and Spa? This in-depth comparison breaks down location, vibe, rooms, food, nightlife, price & more so you can decide which resort is the best fit for your next getaway.

Aerial view of the thermal pools at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa near Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
All-Ages • Thermal Pools • La Fortuna, Costa Rica

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.

Lost Iguana Resort and Spa rainforest hotel in the Arenal Volcano area of Costa Rica.
Lost Iguana Resort and Spa
Rainforest Setting • Arenal Volcano Area • Resort & Spa

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.

Quick Verdict: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa vs Lost Iguana Resort and Spa

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.

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa vs Lost Iguana Resort and Spa – At a Glance

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 & Suites: Thermal Resort Stay vs Rainforest Setting

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – Room Style

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.

  • Designed for guests of all ages, including families with children
  • The thermal pools are the centerpiece of time spent at the property
  • A good base for couples and groups who want a nature-focused stay

Tabacón is the better pick if you want thermal pools and all-ages facilities in one property.

Lost Iguana Resort and Spa – Room Style

Lost Iguana Resort and Spa offers rooms set within a rainforest setting, suited to guests who want a nature-focused base near Arenal Volcano.

  • Rainforest surroundings for a green, nature-focused stay
  • A spa on property for relaxation between outings
  • Compare current room categories and views before booking

Lost Iguana fits guests who put a rainforest setting and spa time first.

Dining & Drinks: Separately Paid Meals vs Confirm-Before-You-Book

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – Restaurants & Bars

Dining at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is paid separately, because rates do not include meals and drinks.

Expect:

  • Meals and drinks billed on top of your room rate
  • A dining budget to plan alongside your thermal-pool time
  • Flexibility to choose when and how you eat during your stay

Lost Iguana Resort and Spa – Restaurants & Bars

Dining details at Lost Iguana Resort and Spa should be confirmed directly with the resort before you travel, including what your rate covers.

  • Ask about meal options and whether any meals are included
  • Check on-site dining hours and menus at booking
  • Compare total dining costs against Tabacón's separately paid meals

Confirm the meal arrangement for your dates before you finalize your budget.

Pools & Beach: Thermal Pools vs Rainforest Pool Setting

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – Pool & Beach Scene

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.

  • Thermal pools as the signature feature of the property
  • A soak-and-relax focus for guests of all ages
  • Best for travelers who want thermal water time over beach days

Lost Iguana Resort and Spa – Pool & Beach Scene

Lost Iguana Resort and Spa offers pool and outdoor areas within a rainforest setting. The property is inland, with no ocean beach.

  • Rainforest surroundings for a nature-focused pool experience
  • A spa on property for relaxation
  • Best for guests who prefer a rainforest setting over thermal pools

If thermal pools are your priority, Tabacón is the stronger choice. If a rainforest setting and spa come first, Lost Iguana fits better.

Evenings & Downtime: Thermal Soaks vs Rainforest Calm

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – Evenings

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.

  • Soaking in the thermal pools as an evening option
  • An all-ages setting for guests traveling together
  • Plan dining costs into your evening budget

Lost Iguana Resort and Spa – Evenings

Evenings at Lost Iguana Resort and Spa lean toward the rainforest setting and spa. Check current evening offerings with the resort before you travel.

  • Spa time and rainforest surroundings as the main evening focus
  • A nature-focused pace for travelers who want to unwind
  • Confirm evening schedules and options when booking

Choose Tabacón for thermal-pool evenings and Lost Iguana for spa-and-rainforest downtime.

All Ages: Tabacón's All-Ages Facilities vs Lost Iguana Policies

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – All Ages

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is an all-ages resort, and its property record lists facilities for children.

  • Open to guests of all ages
  • Facilities for children listed on the property record
  • A good fit for multi-generational groups and families traveling together

Lost Iguana Resort and Spa – All Ages

Age policies and children's facilities at Lost Iguana Resort and Spa should be confirmed directly with the resort before you book.

  • Ask about the current age policy for your travel dates
  • Check children's facilities and any age restrictions at booking
  • Confirm details that matter most to your group

If traveling with children, confirm the age details for both resorts before choosing.

Price & Value: Which Costa Rica Volcano Resort Feels More Worth It?

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – Value Snapshot

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa offers the most value when you plan to use the thermal pools and all-ages facilities, with dining budgeted separately.

  • Rates do not include meals and drinks, so plan for dining costs
  • Strong value for guests who want thermal pools as the main experience
  • Good fit for all-ages groups who want one resort for everyone

Lost Iguana Resort and Spa – Value Snapshot

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.

  • Compare current quotes for your exact dates
  • Confirm what your rate covers before you book
  • Strong fit for guests who put a rainforest setting first

Who Wins? Best Costa Rica Volcano Resort by Travel Style

Best for Thermal Pool Lovers

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Choose Tabacón if thermal pools are your priority in a resort open to all ages, near Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna.

Best for Rainforest & Spa Time

Lost Iguana Resort and Spa

Choose Lost Iguana for a rainforest setting near Arenal, with a spa on property and a nature-focused base.

Best for All-Ages Groups

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

For groups with children and guests of all ages, Tabacón lists facilities for children and offers thermal pools as a shared experience.

Best for Nature-Focused Couples

Lost Iguana Resort and Spa

For couples who want a rainforest-setting base near Arenal with spa time built into the stay, Lost Iguana is the better match.

Aerial nighttime view of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa illuminated among rainforest
BOOK YOUR STAY NOW

Questions? Contact Us!

  • Agents Available 24/7
  • Lowest Price Guaranteed
  • Complimentary Perks & Upgrades
  • Agents Available 24/7
  • Lowest Price Guaranteed​
  • Complimentary Perks & Upgrades​