Barbara Greenfield Discovers Costa Rica's Jungle Luxury at Arenal
At a Glance
During my stay at The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal, I discovered how luxury and raw jungle immersion can coexist. Waking to howler monkeys with the volcano as my backdrop, I explored private hot springs, Club Rio's riverfront activities, and wildlife sanctuaries. The property feels built into the landscape rather than placed within it, offering the kind of connected, immersive experience that transforms how I recommend nature-based luxury destinations to clients.
I needed to experience The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal for myself. As a travel advisor, I can read every brochure and study every photo, but there's something irreplaceable about standing on your own two feet in a destination, breathing the air, hearing the sounds, and feeling the energy of a place. Costa Rica had been on my list for this exact reason. I wanted to understand what makes a property truly special, not just luxurious on paper, but transformative in practice.
What I found exceeded every expectation I carried with me on that flight.
Waking Up Inside a Living Jungle
My first morning set the tone for the entire trip. I stepped onto my outdoor patio as mist rolled across the volcano, and the sounds hit me before anything else. Howler monkeys echoing through the canopy. Birds calling in the distance. The occasional flash of a toucan against the green. I remember standing there thinking it felt surreal, like being inside Jurassic Park or Avatar. That raw jungle energy surrounded every moment of my stay, and it never became background noise. It remained thrilling, present, alive.
What surprised me most was how the resort married genuine luxury with this wild, immersive setting. You expect nature when you travel to Costa Rica, but you don't necessarily expect this level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The rooms, the villas, even the furniture (which I learned is made on site) all feel intentional. This isn't a resort that was dropped into the jungle. It feels built into it, like the landscape and the architecture are having a conversation.
More Than a Place to Relax
Before my visit, I assumed I'd spend most of my time at the hot springs, unwinding and watching the volcano. And yes, the hot springs are spectacular. But here's my insider tip: the property has multiple springs scattered throughout, and some are much more private and tucked away than the main pools. Those quiet, secluded spots became my favorites, where I could soak in warm mineral water with the jungle humming around me.
But what I didn't anticipate was how much there is to actually do without ever leaving the property. Club Rio, the resort's private riverfront area, offers tubing, kayaking, and horseback riding along the river. It's easy to focus on the main resort and overlook this entirely, but skipping it would mean missing a huge part of what makes The Springs so special. Add in the wildlife sanctuary and the spa, and you're looking at days of exploration and engagement, not just passive relaxation.
This is a place where you move. The property is large and hilly, and getting around involves some walking, golf carts, or shuttle rides. I loved that about it. Every turn revealed something new. But it's important information for the right client.
Who This Is For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)
I'll be much more specific now when I recommend this property. This is perfect for upscale, active travelers who want both adventure and luxury woven together. Couples seeking romance with a sense of exploration. Families who want their kids engaged and amazed. Anyone who craves feeling connected to nature in an elevated way will fall in love here.
It's probably not the right fit for someone dreaming of a flat, walkable, beach resort where everything is steps from their lounger. If mobility is a concern, or if you want that classic all inclusive ease, I'd steer you somewhere else.
This trip reinforced something I've been noticing across destinations: the most memorable properties are those that fully integrate their surroundings. Luxury alone isn't enough anymore. What stays with travelers, what they talk about for years, is feeling genuinely transported. The Springs does that masterfully.
I returned home with more than just photos and memories. I came back with the confidence to guide my clients through every detail of this experience, from what to pack for the terrain to which hot springs to seek out at sunset. That's why I travel. And that's exactly why I can't wait to send the right clients to Arenal.