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Reviews of Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga

1 Km al Sur de la Escuela del Castillo, 24796 El Castillo de La Fortuna, Costa Rica

#6 of 9 hotels in El Castillo de La Fortuna

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 202 hotel reviews

8.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.4

  • Comfort

    8.5

  • Location

    8.8

  • Facilities

    8.0

  • Staff

    9.3

  • Value for money

    8.3

  • Free Wifi

    8.9

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: March 31, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The Casita could be equiped better, the sleeping room was smelling moldy.

    The whole Resort invites for walks through the Djungle, very good breakfast and vegetarian Lunch and Dinner, very nice staff and owner! Wonderful view from the casita and the bed into the jungle.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 22, 2025

    9.0
    Great stay at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Quadruple Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The rooms were not the best, a bit run down but clean nonetheless. The rest of the amenities and the nature make up for it. I also got dirty vibes from the pool and didn’t go in. Not sure if it is cleaned properly/maintained. During the night tour we saw frogs in there. Also, be prepared that this is about 30-40 minutes away from La Fortuna downtown. You can book a shuttle into the city from the hotel but it might be pricey if you are going alone more than once. You can find other people who are staying there to split the shuttle with. They also open up a tab for people who don’t book through the retreat websites which could have miscalculations so be sure to keep track of what you are purchasing there so the numbers align.

    I loved this place! Great hospitality. Loved all the nature closeby. I also loved the cozy/family vibe with the kitchen/food they would make. Every meal was delicious! Especially the set-menu dinners. The yoga was great and so were the on-site services.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 21, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • One-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Electricity system was not stable

    Beautiful nature

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: March 12, 2025

    8.0
    Great value for money, lovely hosts who go out of their way to accommodate. I think some rooms are better than others so
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Food was uneven- we had the best salad of my life , and delicious breakfasts, but another Japanese style meal was less successful. Evening meal is a fixed price 3 courses which is sometimes too much if one has had a big lunch, though they kindly made us a salad one night when we didn’t want the full deal.

    Amazing location on a forested hill with spectacular view of the volcano. It was so convenient to stay somewhere that offered so many options for services and activities. Our room Was basic but clean and comfortable. We enjoyed the spa circuit. Loved the covered sitting areas for daytime lounging/reading. Bird and night Tours with Aurelio were the highlight. His knowledge was extraordinary, and his passion for systems ecology infectious.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 8, 2025

    9.0
    The real essence of pura vida living.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Quadruple Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It is not right in on the action of a town so you have a little drive to get to most excursion.

    I loved that it was more than just a place to stay, it was an experience in and of itself. Set on 26 acres it had its own hiking trails, restaurant (100% recomendó), and vibe. Also the staff was so friendly and accommodating that even when our trip was delayed they were flexible in adapting our reservations. They even have a toucan that was hanging out around the office. We stayed in the glamping tents which were perfectly clean and comfortable . An amazing view of the lake and the volcano.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 5, 2025

    9.0
    Amazing location and great vibe outside of town!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The coffee was a bit pricey. Room was fine but a bit worn. It was a little far to get to activities but honestly we didn’t mind because I’d gave a more peaceful atmosphere. Might be hard to get around without a rental car tho.

    Breakfast was great, the food was awesome and vegetarian. We loved our time and enjoyed walking on the beautiful grounds and doing the spa circuit. This is a really special place and wayyy better than saying in La Fortuna (too busy). Loved the amenities and all the tours and daily yoga! We both got massages or reiki which was great. Felt like a yoga retreat but without the steep prices.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 4, 2025

    9.0
    Stunningly beautiful!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Such a beautiful place! Amazing views, wildlife and wellness offerings. Truly a sanctuary.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: February 25, 2025

    8.0
    A special little gem with great activities, gorgeous views, good veggie food and friendly staff
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    This hotel is a little gem with its stunning views, private rainforest, viewpoint...etc. We loved stepping out of our room and seeing hummingbirds and toucans all around. The staff was extremely sweet and helpful, and the food was great quality. We really appreciated their veggie policy given how meat-heavy Costa Rican meals usually are. They also offer plenty of activities on site: the night jungle tour with Aurelio was a huge highlight of our stay in Costa Rica - this guy is so knowledgeable and so passionate, an absolute pleasure to listen to! Another great activity was the morning yoga in a beautiful setting. There was generally a great vibe with guests, staff and volunteers connecting. The room itself wasn't our best: it was teeny-tiny, nothing to hang our clothes, and the light was so faint that we could barely find our stuff in our suitcases! But all the positives make up for this small inconvenience.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 18, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It is a steep walk from the main reception area to some of the housing which is challenging if you are older as we are or if it’s raining. Took the shuttle but would have liked the shuttle to run more frequently

    Staff were friendly, warm and helpful. We felt cared for. Food was delicious and healthy. There are a variety of activities offered on site. We did the cacao tour and had fabulous massages. Enjoyed morning yoga.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 14, 2025

    8.0
    Staff was kind, property was beautiful
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Rude the receptionist was an angel, he went above and beyond to be sure our stay was comfortable and perfect. We upgraded from the tents to the cabins with no problem. The communal areas, trails, and services were amazing. Highly recommend getting a massage from Annie and a craniosacral session from Kai. The people were so kind and welcoming! Truly felt like home. The sunsets and views of Arenal were hard to beat! We had a lovely stay here! Thank you, staff!!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 11, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Clean, seclusion, in natural setting

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: January 27, 2025

    9.0
    Unique.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Beautiful setting. Excellent food. wonderful staff.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 15, 2025

    9.0
    Cozy stay with great food!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Tent
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Everything was good.

    The restaurant was superb. Manfred was our main waiter and he was a delight. He was one of the reasons why we came back to eat. The food was wonderful. We liked the superior tent is never leaked although it rained a lot.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 5, 2025

    9.0
    A great place to calm down!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    For us the breakfast was a bit to simple for a high price.

    It’s a great hotel to calm in El arsenal environment. They have a great concept (yoga sessions, spa and a vegan restaurant) and an amazing view on the volcano! We enjoyed the hotel room as well as the spa and the dinner! Even we did not have a car there is a shuttle service as some of the rooms are located a bit far from the reception and the way is a bit steep. Please don’t expect a luxury place. We highly recommend this place!

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 27, 2024

    8.0
    Good if you know what you want
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Accessibility within the property isn't good. This wasn't made clear when booking the muddy and slippery paths and steps were it navigable for me. I had to ask for a different room and my ability to to use various facilities within were restricted by the same reason

    Location and views were amazing. Staff were great..Food was very good too.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 25, 2024

    9.0
    Lovely hotel with great food and amazing views.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior Quadruple Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Beautiful location and amazing views. Lovely vegetarian food. Some of the best we had in Costa Rica.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 14, 2024

    9.0
    Lovely stay at a unique location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Really unique, amazing location. The staff is very friendly and they offer very interesting and fun tours on the property. We were able to spot many different animals, even around our cabin. Also the massages, spa and yoga are great add-ons. We really enjoyed our stay!

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 13, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Quadruple Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It would have been nice if there was a lamp in our room, not just an overhead light.

    Beautiful views and wonderful staff. It felt like the property was trying to be as sustainable as possible. The yoga in the morning was brilliant. The little pool was big enough for us all to have a dip with the kids. Brilliant Kombucha at the restaurant and healthy drinks. The nighttime jungle tour was superb. The guide Arewel really taught you about the importance of nature.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 1, 2024

    9.0
    A true gem especially for solo women adventurers
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I didn't visit the farm since the property is too steep to walk easily.

    Terrific breakfast. Homey atmosphere to gather with fellow guests for meals. Warm hearted and helpful staff. Perfect location to explore Arsenal.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 15, 2024

    9.0
    Beautiful grounds and amazing food!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • One-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 5 nights

    Very steep road inside the property. Kitchen amenities were very basic and limited (knife very dull).

    The food was amazing and the staff very friendly! Did the cacao tour and learned so much!

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: August 28, 2024

    9.0
    Staff very nice, clean room, good experience.
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Quadruple Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    you need to go outside to access to the shower and the toilet. Not easy when it’s raining.

    The place, beautiful view on the volcano and the lake. We observed lot of birds early in the morning.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: August 15, 2024

    8.0
    It is absolutely worth staying at this facility, we had a very good time
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Although it was indicated on the website that yoga was available every day, when we asked to participate, the teacher was not available The shower in our room was not working properly

    Location: surrounded by nature, away from the chaotic La Fortuna staff: kind and always available

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: August 12, 2024

    7.0
    Good para vivir la vida pura vida en Costa Rica but be careful with the Price of the activities for us it’s expensive
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The Price of the activies can be less expensive

    Bed, location, meal

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: August 8, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Couple
    • Superior Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Amazing location. Super attentive staff.

    Stayed in August 2024

Showing 1 - 25

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