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Tabacón Grand Thermal Resort, La Fortuna/Arenal, Costa Rica

IN THE HEART OF COSTA RICA'S RAINFOREST, THE GRAND SPA AT TABACÓN DRAWS ON ANCIENT RITUALS AND CONTEMPORARY LUXURIES
Tabacón Introduces World's Only Huey Temazcal Aahuatlan Ritual Embedded in the Energy of an Active Volcanic Environment plus Extensive Nutrition and Wellness Programs

Arenal, Costa Rica – Opened in 2006, replacing the previous Iskandria Spa, The Grand Spa at Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is Costa Rica's premier spa as well as a member of the prestigious Leading Spas of the World. Under the direction of accomplished hotelier Uwe F.J. Wagner, the spa design together with the recent resort renovation were guided by a commitment to showcase and preserve Tabacón's singular and seductive location.

Sitting at the base of the Arenal Volcano and surrounded by mineral-rich thermal springs and exotic gardens, the setting for Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is, quite simply, unlike any other — a setting of such lush tropical beauty that it exudes an unmistakable sensuality and sparks a primal response among guests. This magical place has been elevated to the five-star stratosphere through the addition of The Grand Spa, a separate area for Temazcal, and an open-air Yoga Studio surrounded by the rainforest. The 35,000 square meter Spa and its beautiful design, coupled with makeovers of the fine-dining, open-air Los Tucanes restaurant and the guest rooms, have garnered the resort coveted membership in Leading Hotels of the World and designation as a Leading Spa of the World, the only one in Central America. The resort was recently named the "Best International Spa" in the Luxist Reader's Choice awards, "One of the 10 Best Eco-Spas in the World" by Concierge.com and "Best in Central America" by Spa Magazine and Travel + Leisure. Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is a recommended resort and spa in the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens guide, the only such resort in Central America, and was a finalist in the CNJ Guide awards for "Most Excellent Spa in Mexico and Central America."

"The Grand Spa at Tabacón is the largest spa facility in Costa Rica and, certainly, the most reflective of Costa Rica's abundant and extraordinary natural resources. Through masterful design and an inherently stunning landscape, every aspect immerses the guest in the surrounding nature," said Wagner, who signed on as a management consultant in 2005 and now, as managing general director, oversees both the resort and spa. Not surprisingly, it was under Wagner's direction that Tabacón became certified as a 100% carbon neutral resort by the government of Costa Rica in 2009 and earned Certification for Sustainable Tourism from the Costa Rican Tourism Board. The resort is also the first hotel in the world to receive the Seven Stars and Stripes "green certificate."

Most of the decoration at the Tabacón Grand Spa is Asian and Central American, with artwork and materials from Thailand, India and China used in harmony with elegantly placed lighting, local woods and regional design elements. At the very heart of the Spa is the three-unit Temazcal, the traditional Mexican sweat bath developed in Mesoamerica, an area that presently includes Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Representing a return to the healing practices of indigenous medicine, Temazcal is a native purifying and detoxifying ritual performed in a sweat lodge. Tabacón's Huey Temazcal Aahuatlan is the first of its kind in Costa Rica and the only one in the world embedded in the energy of an active volcanic environment. Beneficial both spiritually and physically, the Temazcal practice flushes toxins from the body while heightening awareness through hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, chanting, visualization, prayer, and meditation exercises.

"Our extraordinary natural environment has long inspired a sense of reflection and renewal," said Wagner. "Tabacón's Temazcal takes this rejuvenation to an entirely new level. Temazcal is performed in only a handful of places in the world and we can think of no better setting than the surrounding rainforest, hot springs, and Arenal National Park. It is a ritual of great strength and mysticism that transforms the body and soul through a life-changing experience."

The staff of nutritionists and highly trained professional therapists at Tabacón's Grand Spa oversee a strikingly diverse range of individualized services and treatments, exercise plans and nutrition/weight management programs which utilize Ayurveda philosophies and indigenous products like coffee, sugar, coconut, and volcanic mud, and utensils and tools from native tribes such as the Malekus. A 26-page Grand Spa brochure is testament to the size and scope of the staff's wide-ranging experience. Seven-day, 10-day, 14-day and 21-day nutrition/lifestyle programs — overseen by a full-time nutritionist working in concert with the Spa and resort chefs — are offered, the only such programs in Central America.

Seizing the energy centers of earth, water, fire and air, Tabacón Grand Spa pairs these elements in a framework of mystical harmony to guide each guest in a journey through the energetic centers of their own body, to stimulate awakening and renewal.

The location of the Grand Spa is a natural energy center, which concentrates all four elements in their essence. To reach each spa bungalow, a guest must travel through winding paths that lead to the adventure of discovering not only the mysteries within the sensual setting, but also within their own body, a key spa philosophy.

At The Grand Spa at Tabacón, every spa treatment is preceded by the resort's signature spa ritual promoting a state of total relaxation prior to massage and body treatments. The ritual includes the completion of a medical questionnaire and initial conversation; enjoyment of a selection of teas, fruits, nuts and sorbets to nourish and relax the body; and an opportunity to unwind in the central, art-filled relaxation area with its mineral water Jacuzzi. Concluding this "opening ceremony" is The Quartz Ritual, a calming experience which includes a cleansing foot bath and massage.

Treatments are given in single-person, "couples," or "family" open-air bungalows to the accompaniment of birds, rushing hot springs, and sometimes even the hiccup of the Arenal Volcano. The Grand Spa offers a range of specialized treatments, many of which incorporate indigenous volcanic mud and volcanic stones. Tabacón's array of massages includes Thai, Shirodhara, Watsu, Four Hands, Deep-Tissue, Swedish and Aromatherapy. The signature Tabacón massage begins with a series of bends and stretches to regulate the body's flow of vital energy, concluding with volcanic mud vigorously massaged into the body. The Hot Stone massage combines warmed volcanic stones with eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary oils. Also available are a wide range of facials, body treatments, manicures, pedicures and balneotherapy treatments, including a nourishing Aqua Wrap utilizing local seaweed, an indigenous volcanic mud wrap, and a fragrant chocolate wrap.

Water is an essential component of the spa experience here. Treatments occur in 11 private bungalows, all equipped with a private Jacuzzi for pre- or post-treatment hydrotherapy sessions. An integral part of many of the body treatments and of the Temazcal, the property’s thermo-mineral rivers, running at a soothing temperature range from 27° C to 42° C (about 80° F to 107°F), flow through exotic tropical gardens and form natural waterfalls and river pools. Spa guests have the use of a private section of river pools, separate from the resort. Another water-based treatment, Watsu, is carried out in pools using volcano-heated, mineral-rich waters, to relax and detoxify. Treatments using muds such as the Volcanic Mud Wrap take full advantage of the resort’s distinctive location near the Arenal volcano, finishing with a rinse in one of the volcano-fed thermal rivers.

The Yoga Studio offers several classes each day for individuals and couples. While Hatha is the predominant type of yoga practiced, teachers can customize classes according to the practices and levels of students incorporating Vinyasa, Iyengar, and Ashtanga postures as well. A meditation class is also offered. For additional exercise and stretching, a well-equipped fitness center for hotel guests only features a comprehensive selection of LifeCycle cardio equipment, circuit training machines, free weights, gym mats and exercise balls. The gym is currently being expanded and will also include sauna, steam, and private locker rooms.

Focusing on exclusivity, education and pampering, the Grand Spa offers treatments and wellness programs specifically designed for women, men, children and couples.

Additionally, spa packages, appropriately named Earth, Wind, Fire and Aqua, are available and last from two to three hours. Capturing the very essence of the Tabacón experience, the Fire package features a Hot Stone massage, a Volcanic Mud Wrap, and Echen Ulhaton Balneotherapy which blend milk and marine proteins.

About Tabacón Grand Thermal Resort

Certified a carbon neutral resort as of May 2009, newly awarded Luxury Eco Certification (second resort in the world) and the first hotel in the world to receive the Seven Stars and Stripes Green World Award, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is at the forefront of Costa Rica’s sustainability efforts. Acclaimed as one of the "world’s best spa resorts" and "spas" by Travel + Leisure, Luxist, Spa Magazine and Luxury SpaFinder; and one of the "world’s top eco-spas" by Concierge.com, Tabacón features a three-unit Temazcal, 11 outdoor treatments bungalows, and a menu of indigenous treatments including volcanic mud wraps and Watsu in an outdoor thermal pool. Other highlights within Tabacón’s rainforest setting are 12 natural hot spring pools, natural waterfalls, lagoons, thermal river pools and exotic gardens. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Tabacón’s Grand Spa is also a member of the Leading Spas of the World and Healing Hotels of the World.

The 114-room resort is surrounded by the energy of the live Arenal volcano. New this year, Tabacón also offers an education-rich wellness vacation program where guests can consult with a nutritionist and spa expert to develop a healthy living plan and assist with weight management. Tabacón has updated accommodations and swimming pool areas. Its restaurants serve an enticing mix of Ayurvedic, Costa Rican and Mexican cuisine. The signature Gala Dinner is served in a private rainforest bungalow with a private chef and server. Nearby activities include nature tours, hanging bridges, ziplining, canyoning, and hiking to the volcano.

www.tabacon.com 
011–506–2519–1999
or toll-free
1–877–277–8291
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