Essence Arenal Hotel, Spa & Bio Farm
Eco lodge on 22 hectares of rainforest near El Castillo, with Arenal views, a permaculture farm and a spa
About this stay
The bio farm framing and yoga classes place this property in the same wellness territory as the more expensive eco-lodges on this list, but at a noticeably lower price point, its own listing flags basic rooms rather than styled suites. A spa and volcano views are named amenities alongside a pool and hot tub, an unusually full set of facilities for this price tier, and the on-site restaurant is one minute's walk from the rooms. Free Wi-Fi and parking are standard, and the airport shuttle covers the three-hour-plus run from San Jose. This is a property built for travelers who want the wellness and volcano-view experience without paying resort rates, accepting simpler rooms in exchange.
- 1 km south of El Castillo, 200 m from the Butterfly Conservatory
- 22 hectares of rainforest with trails
- Views over Arenal Volcano, the lake and the El Castillo valley
- Farm-to-table restaurant: organic, vegetarian and vegan
- Pool, hot tub, holistic spa and a glamping treehouse
- 9.4 guest score from 324 reviews
Our take
Essence Arenal sits 1 km south of El Castillo, 200 m from the Butterfly Conservatory, on 22 hectares of rainforest that look over Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal and the El Castillo valley. It runs as an eco lodge built around a permaculture farm: the restaurant cooks organic, vegetarian and vegan dishes from it, and there is a cacao tour, trails on the property, a pool and a holistic spa. Rooms are simple, and there is also a glamping treehouse. I would book it for couples and families who want the quiet south shore of the lake and a wellness rhythm; it is the wrong base if you want La Fortuna's restaurants on foot. Guests rate it 9.4 across 324 reviews.
- ✓The Butterfly Conservatory is 200 m away on foot, so you can visit it without moving the car from the lodge.
- ✓Book the cacao tour on the property's permaculture farm, then eat its produce at the restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- ✓Ask for a room or the glamping treehouse facing the volcano, and keep in mind that cloud often hides the summit of Arenal.
- ✓Staff speak English, French, Spanish and German, which helps when booking spa treatments in your own language.
Why we love it
- Spa and bio farm at a budget price
- Yoga classes included
- Volcano views
- Pool and hot tub
Why guests love itEssence Arenal suits families who like nature with a purpose: children can walk the trails of the 22-hectare property, see the permaculture farm and join the cacao tour, and the Butterfly Conservatory is 200 m away. There is a pool, a hot tub and a restaurant serving three meals with organic, vegetarian and vegan dishes, so it is worth checking the menu if your children are picky eaters. Rooms are basic, the glamping treehouse is an adventure that comes with jungle insects and humidity, and El Castillo is a quiet village without La Fortuna's choice of restaurants. Parking and Wi-Fi are free and an airport shuttle is offered. Guests rate it 9.4 from 324 reviews.