Clients

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

TABACÓN GRAND SPA THERMAL RESORT
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Arenal, Costa Rica – Tabacón Resort is the result of the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of visionary Costa Rican architect Jaime Mikowski Gudes. In the late 1980's, Mikowski traveled throughout Costa Rica in search of a hot mineral springs property to develop a resort destination focused on health, wellness and nature. In 1990, he signed an offer to purchase the existing Balneario Tabacón, a local swimming hole, from the Cedeno Family of San Carlos.

During the next two years, Mikowski studied the setting and conceived of a hot springs resort utilizing the beautiful Tabacón River and its waterfalls and small natural pools. He also viewed the lush plantings around the thermal springs as the beginning of a beautifully tended ten-acre botanical garden, all reflecting the diversity of the ground's flowers and plants. In April 1993, Tabacón Hot Springs opened to the public as a day tour destination featuring five swimming pools, a restaurant and a small spa with two treatment rooms. From 1993 to 1997, the resort grew as a popular destination for both groups visiting from San Jose and the beaches as well as guests of hotels in the Fortuna/Arenal region.

In late 1997, Tabacón opened its first guest rooms and the spa was expanded to six treatment rooms. In addition, three smaller pools and a second bar were added in the gardens. A few months after opening, the hotel's 42 guest rooms averaged 98% occupancy with rates growing at 10% annually.

From 1998 to 2000, the resort had upgrades in the pool area, lockers, restaurant and spa. Seven treatment rooms were added on a separate spa wing along with a yoga studio. By the end of 2000, 32 additional guest rooms and eight junior suites opened, along with a hot springs pool and outdoor Jacuzzi and a restaurant for use of hotel guests. Occupancy levels remained at 95% annually.

From 2001 to 2004, Tabacón Resort underwent additional renovations that included the El Palenque bar in the gardens at the hot springs and the swimming pool areas. Outdoor bungalows were added to the main spa. By the end of 2004, 26 more guest rooms were added, along with a new hotel lobby, gift shop, lobby bar and business center. At 108 rooms, occupancy still averaged 95% annually, and rates had doubled from opening day in 1998.

In early 2006, the management team changed the resort's strategic direction, completely repositioning the resort as a luxury property and launching a program to enter the luxury travel market. Significant upgrades were made to the guest rooms, restaurant facilities and most importantly, to the spa. The spa operation was revamped to focus on the destination’s singular outdoor/natural experience. Now under the auspices of a new facility named the Grand Spa — which replaced the previous Iskandria Spa — all spa treatments were moved to 11 outdoor bungalows and two open-air treatment areas. The reception area and relaxation area were designed to reflect many styles from Latin America. A Temazcal pre-Hispanic ritual and fitness center were added. Reflecting the new direction for the entire property, the name of the resort was officially changed to Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort. Later that year, more deluxe guestrooms were added, and honeymoon suites featuring floor-to-ceiling rooms, Jacuzzis, canopy beds, and amazing views of the rainforest and volcano were added in 2008 and 2009.

Five-star rating was achieved in July 2006 and membership into Leading Hotels of the World was awarded in November. In April 2007 membership into Leading Spas of the World was awarded. In May 2007, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort was selected to be included among the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens' collection of recommended resorts and spas and, in September 2007. The Grand Spa was named one of the "world’s best eco spas" by MSNBC.com in 2008. A repeat favorite among readers in the Luxury SpaFinder Awards, and Spa Magazine awards, the resort was recently included in the 2009 World's Best Awards from Travel + Leisure as one of the top spa resorts in Latin America, and has received the prestigious Readers' Choice Award from Luxist.com as well as being named finalist in the Condé Nast Johansens Luxury Guide Awards in 2010.

Today Tabacón owns more than 740 acres of land in the Arenal Volcano Region. The main resort area includes 114 guest rooms, the acclaimed hot springs with 12 natural pools and lagoons, seven swimming pools of various sizes and depths, two restaurants with seating capacity of 90 and 170 respectively, three private dining bungalows, four bars, and the dramatic Grand Spa. The Spa includes 11 open-air treatment bungalows, all with Jacuzzis; a Vichy shower room; a Central American art-filled relaxation and waiting room; two open-air manicure/pedicure stations; an open-air Yoga Studio, a pool for Watsu, a private outdoor relaxation area, and a three-unit Temazcal Center. There are also three gift shops, a meeting room with seating for 60, and a new fitness center.

The resort has a strong commitment to sustainability and was certified carbon neutral in 2009. It has earned accolades worldwide for its local eco-sensitive programs and its "green" outreach within the La Fortuna/Arenal community. Starting in 2010, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort will offer Ayurvedic wellness and health programs combining weight management with exercise, lifestyle and holistic practices.

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
Facebook
Twitter