Essence Arenal Hotel, Spa & Bio Farm
1 night
Rooms and Guests
1 room, 2 adults, 0 children
All Properties in San Ramon
Essence Arenal Hotel, Spa & Bio Farm
Lodge
Renovated in 2024
1 km al sur of the school El Castillo, 200 meters next to the Butterfly Conservatory, San Ramon, Alajuela 24796, Costa Rica
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Highlights
Delicious breakfast
Lots to do
Newly renovated
Free parkingAmenities
Private parkingFree
Fitness Room
Currency Exchange
Luggage StorageFree
Priority airport pick-up
Wi-Fi in Public AreasFree
Horse Riding
Hiking
All Amenities
Property Description
Located in Peñas Blancas, Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga is in the mountains, a 1-minute drive from Lake Arenal and 8 minutes from Costa Rica Sky Adventures. This hostal is 5.2 mi (8.3 km) from Arenal Volcano and 7.1 mi (11.4 km) from Tabacon Hot Springs.
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8.7/10
Very GoodCleanliness8.7
Amenities8.7
Location8.7
Service8.7
All 45 Reviews
Surroundings
Airport: Fortuna Airport
(32.2 km)
Landmarks: Pura Vista Glamping
(<100m)
Landmarks: Gavilana Permaculture
(<100m)
Landmarks: Butterfly Conservatory
(350m)
Landmarks: Quebrada Tigra
(880m)
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Overview
Rooms
Guest Reviews
Services & Amenities
Policies
13
Superior Double Room
1 double bed
Has window
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Private Bathroom
Private Toilet
Daily Housekeeping
Curtain
Check Availability
11
Casitas Nomadas
1 bedroom: 1 double bed | 1 living room
Has window
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Private Bathroom
Volcano View
Private Toilet
Daily Housekeeping
Check Availability
6
Superior Quadruple Room With Private Bathroom
1 bunk bed and 1 double bed
Has window
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Private Bathroom
Volcano View
Private Toilet
Daily Housekeeping
Check Availability
8
Casa Bella Vista
1 bedroom: 1 double bed | 1 living room: 2 bunk beds
Has window
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Private Bathroom
Refrigerator
Volcano View
Private Toilet
Check Availability
8
Double Glamping Tent
1 double bed
Fixed window
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Daily Housekeeping
Curtain
Bedding: Blanket Or Quilt
Towel
Check Availability
11
Triple Room With Shared Bathroom
1 bunk bed
Has window
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Daily Housekeeping
Curtain
Bedding: Blanket Or Quilt
Shared Bathroom
Check Availability
1
Quadruple Glamping Tent
1 bunk bed and 1 double bed
Has window
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Daily Housekeeping
Curtain
Bedding: Blanket Or Quilt
Towel
Check Availability
3
Standard Quadruple Room With Shared Bathroom
2 bunk beds
Window faces hallway
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Daily Housekeeping
Curtain
Bedding: Blanket Or Quilt
Shared Bathroom
Check Availability
6
Pool House
2 bedrooms: 1 bunk bed and 1 king bed | 1 living room
Has window
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Private Bathroom
Refrigerator
Volcano View
Private Toilet
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Hide Room Types
Guest Reviews
8.7/10
Very Good
45 reviews
Verified Reviews- Cleanliness8.7
- Amenities8.7
- Location8.7
- Service8.7
Average for similar properties in San Ramon
AI Summary
Guests praise the accommodation's cleanliness and comfort, along with its friendly staff. The property features amenities such as a hot tub, pool, and spa, with nearby activities like horseback riding and zipline.
Guest User
April 28, 2025
I loved my stay at Essence Arenal! It's such a beautiful location, and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The yoga 🧘♀️ was a wonderful start to each day, and I also took part in the afternoon yin sessions. The treatments were very good. Don't miss the cacao and night tours. Overall I thought my stay was great value, especially compared with many of the other options in Costa Rica (especially anything with 'retreat' in the name). I stayed in one of the tents which I found to be really special. The dawn chorus of birds and howler monkeys was lovely to wake up to.
Guest User
February 26, 2025
I can’t say enough great things about this place. The staff is the best, so friendly and caring. Always wanting to make sure you are having the best time. What a treat! Away from the hustle and bustle. The meals are 10/10. I will be coming back with my children. Great spot for solo traveling and families.
Guest User
February 3, 2025
My daughter and I headed to the Arenal Volcano are for 5 nights in January. I selected Essence Arenal Hotel because it offered yoga on site as well as other spa services/activities and its location near Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, and other adventure activities which were on our list of things to do in the area. Essence EXCEEDED my expectations! I don't even know where to begin... the beauty, food, service??? All of it! The surrounding beauty will immerse you in the rainforest eco system. The food is not to be missed. We ate every breakfast and dinner on site and completely enjoyed every bite. The restuarant should be a destination in and of itself. We attended yoga twice (loved it) and had massages (delightful!) A highlight of our trip was the nighttime wildlife tour with Aurelio was a once in a lifetime experience. I have to recognize this amazing staff who made every touchpoint memorable especially our friend, Manfred in the restaurant. A warm thanks to Johelin who helped coordinate before arrival, Nicola who greeted us upon arrival, Alejando and Kay for their yogic guidance, Chritina and Alejandro for relaxing massages, Rudda and Jairo for their on point service. I know there are many others working behind the scenes to make this resort a destination like no other. WE WILL BE BACK!
Voyage66146577140
January 25, 2025
What an amazing place and one that we would recommend if you are a digital nomad, earthy and spiritual with a hint of liking great organic food. Their food mainly comes from their own eco farm and fresh fruit in the morning is to die for. It’s all vegan and vegetarian and they have theme nights related to the food of the day. The three tours run by Aurelio are really exceptional delivered with passion and enthusiasm. The bird, wildlife and cacau are the three tours. He has learnt so much from his professor and the indigenous people of Costa Rica. The tours show how interconnected life is with nature and how we have abused it as well. It’s an inspiration and mind changing. There’s also a real social connection with people that come here who have the same core values. Yoga, Spa, massage, Reiki, great food and sharing of stories and experience. We had some spontaneous hot springs sessions at 5.30am with two people who were staying there We didn’t really want to leave, it started as a three day stay and we kept adding more until we were here for 6 days. It’s a special place I’ve posted four photos, three dishes and the canvas tent that has a balcony over looking the bamboo forest.
Guest User
January 18, 2025
From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and at home. Staff are exceptional - very helpful and well informed. The vegetarian food served is delicious and imaginative, grown on their farm. Beautiful surroundings and places to walk and relax with yoga, massage and a spa. Excellent, informative and thought provoking tours on site. It seems to attract very nice guests and meal times were a great opportunity to talk together. We felt very relaxed and were sorry to leave
Sandra P
July 8, 2024
Essence Arenal provided a fantastic experience for me during my solo long weekend getaway to relax and recharge. I tried every activity available and enjoyed each one immensely. The staff were incredibly kind and pleasant, the food was fantastic, and the location is stunningly gorgeous. I absolutely recommend Essence Arenal.
Guest User
January 6, 2025
I went to Essence Arenal not really sure what to expect. What I received was amazing service, great experiences and a very restful stay! From the check in with Nichola, to Yoga with Alejandro and the Cacao Tour and Night time Jungle walk with Aurelio, it was awesome. I can’t say enough about Aurelio’s knowledge and passion for what he does. He is a true gem and big asset for the resort. I highly recommend doing all of the experiences, especially if you have an interest in learning about the ecology of the area.
Guest User
January 3, 2025
This was my second stay at Essence Arenal. It is a wonderful center with absolutely lovely grounds, caring and attentive staff and excellent vegetarian food. They offer 1-2 yoga sessions a day, options for massage and other healing therapies, tours and a laid back spa and overall comfortable atmosphere. The rooms are basic and the tent rooms lovely. Ideal for individuals/couples who are not seeking a luxury setting. The one downside was the sound proofing between some rooms is quite poor. While the grounds are substantial and include beautiful trails across the property, the number of guests are kept small enough that the staff get to know each guest and provide a strong sense of welcome. There are opportunities for guests to get to know one another (if desired) so it is also good for a lone traveler who wishes some companionship. The town of El Castillo is laid back, small and with a few restaurants and small food markets. It is somewhat out of the way and without the touristy vibe that is increasingly present in many other Costa Rica communities. The area is absolutely stunning.
Services & Amenities
Most Popular Amenities
Private parking
Free
Fitness Room
Currency Exchange
Luggage Storage
Free
Priority airport pick-up
Additional charge
Wi-Fi in Public Areas
Free
Horse Riding
Off-site
Hiking
Hot Spring
Free
Sauna
Additional charge
Spa
Additional charge
Massage Room
Airport shuttle drop-off
Additional charge
Restaurant
Café
Taxi booking service
Car Rental
Fitness Room
Hot Spring
Spa
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
No additional info available
More Amenities
Internet
Wi-Fi in Public Areas
Free
Outdoor swimming pool
Pool lounge
No restrictions
Opening times
Business hours
Parking
Private (exclusively for guests) is available On-site parking. Reservation not needed.
Private parking
Free
Transportation
Taxi booking service
Priority airport pick-up
Additional charge
Airport shuttle pick-up
Additional charge
Car Rental
Airport shuttle drop-off
Additional charge
Front Desk Services
Currency Exchange
Luggage Storage
Free
Front Desk with Limited Hours
Host Welcome Service
Languages Spoken
English
Spanish
Food & Drink
Café
Health & Wellness
Fitness Room
Massage Room
Sauna
Additional charge
Spa
Additional charge
Hiking
Hot Spring
Free
Horse Riding
Off-site
Yoga Session
Turkish Bath/ Hammam
Kayaking
Off-site
Ziplining
Off-site
Water Sport Equipment
Off-site
Public Bath
Free
Activities
Close to Animals
Eco Tours
Public Areas
No Smoking in Public Areas
Picnic Area
Garden
Cleaning Services
Laundry Service (On-Site)
Additional charge
Clothes Dryer
Facilities for Children
Children's Meals Available
Safety & Security
First-Aid Kit
Fire Extinguisher
Property Policies
Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in: 13:00–20:30
Check-out: 07:00–11:00
Front desk hours: [Mon-Sun]07:00–21:00
The property will provide check-in details after booking
If you will arrive outside of check-in hours, contact the property 1 day in advance by email/phone
Child Policies
Children of all ages are welcome at this property.
Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
Cots and Extra Beds
Extra bed and crib policies may vary according to room type. Please refer to the room type details for more information.
Breakfast
Opening hours[Mon - Sun] 07:00-09:00 Open
| Age | Fee |
|---|---|
Adult | Contact property |
Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.
Pets
Pets are not allowed
Service Animals
Service animals are not allowed
Age Requirements
The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old
Paying at the Hotel
- Cash
Legal Information
This property is managed by a professional host. Professional hosts are parties that act for purposes relating to their trade, business, or profession and are regarded as traders under EU law.
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Property Description
- Opened: 2008
- Renovated: 2024
- Number of Rooms: 23
Located in Peñas Blancas, Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga is in the mountains, a 1-minute drive from Lake Arenal and 8 minutes from Costa Rica Sky Adventures. This hostal is 5.2 mi (8.3 km) from Arenal Volcano and 7.1 mi (11.4 km) from Tabacon Hot Springs.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages or enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool. Additional amenities at this hostal include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a picnic area.
Satisfy your appetite for lunch or dinner at No aplica, a restaurant which specializes in vegetarian cuisine, or stay in and take advantage of the room service. Full breakfasts are available daily from 7 AM to 9 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Make yourself at home in one of the 15 guestrooms.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages or enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool. Additional amenities at this hostal include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a picnic area.
Satisfy your appetite for lunch or dinner at No aplica, a restaurant which specializes in vegetarian cuisine, or stay in and take advantage of the room service. Full breakfasts are available daily from 7 AM to 9 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Make yourself at home in one of the 15 guestrooms.