La Fortuna in Costa Rica is a town centered around the imposing Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. 
However, I didn’t know until we arrived there that the Tabacon Thermal Springs would be our favorite natural feature of our Costa Rican vacation. Although we stayed at another property chosen for specific environs, I would stay at Tabacon Resort if I ever go back to Costa Rica. Luckily, you can get a day pass like we did to enjoy the resort, the springs and the Shangrila Gardens. La Fortuna is a perfect combination of play and relaxation, earthiness and luxury. You will literally frolic there. Each hot springs pool is like having your own hot tub….especially if you’re in Costa Rica during the shoulder season with no crowds.
Soak in each thermal spring “pool” or pond and stroll through the many trails of abundant and thick foliage. Vines and florals there are inexplicable and only outdone by plants that actually resemble jewelry!
It is jaw-dropping how lush of a pocket of earth Costa Rica is and how you become a part of the environment. Enjoy the sheer relaxation, play in waterfalls and bob along the pool floor with a tropical drink inside of a pineapple. Hedonism!
In the distance is a volcano which seems like a fake backdrop. The resort is so perfectly situated in front of the view and obviously a receptacle for the volcano’s natural effect on the springs’ temperature. A hot spring is formed when magma heats the water, which then rises back up to the surface through cracks in the earth’s crust. Those cracks are also called vents.
The surging thermal waters coming from the volcano funneled into lushness of tropical trees, plants, vines, and pockets of earth. La Fortuna welcomes it and channels its power. You’ll have the pools all to yourselves and walk through the Shangrila Gardens, drink piña coladas out of pineapples and recline in a relaxation stupor in chaise lounges. Each thermal pool surrounded by massive leaves off trees and plants is nature’s hot tub perfection. You’ll feel so healthy bobbing through the pool after treating your bodies to the intense and soothing heat of the thermal water. A water slide will bring out the youth in you. The meals in La Fortuna are very delicious and inexpensive so that will be an unexpected treat. Definitely look up Tabacon Resort for the accommodations.
for detailed stories about Costa Rican adventure and excursions, read Vagabonderie.