Book on our site
Up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From75US$ /night
Check-in
10Jan2026Select date
Check-out
11Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

1 Km Al Sur De La Escuela Del Castillo, El Castillo, Costa Rica, 24796
-
Close to the Butterfly Conservatory
Great
8.5
9.1
/10
4.9
4.8
/5

Location

Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga spans 22 hectares of lush rainforest in El Castillo, Costa Rica. The hotel offers stunning views of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the picturesque El Castillo Valley. Surrounded by national parks and protected areas, the property serves as an entry point to explore the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of the region.

Accommodations

The hotel offers a range of accommodations, including cozy casitas and glamping tree houses. Each option provides a comfortable retreat amidst the rainforest, allowing guests to connect with nature while enjoying modern conveniences. Rooms are designed for privacy and comfort, enhancing the overall wellness experience.

Wellness & Spa

Essence Arenal features a dedicated spa and wellness program focused on natural healing. The spa includes amenities like an aroma therapy steam bath, laurel wood finished sauna, and a 36-jet hydro therapy jacuzzi. Guests can also engage in various wellness activities such as yoga sessions and holistic healing treatments, enhancing their relaxation and rejuvenation.

Dining

The on-site restaurant, Essence Arenal, specializes in organic, vegetarian, and vegan cuisine. Meals are prepared with seasonal ingredients sourced from the hotel's own permaculture farm as well as local suppliers. Guests can enjoy a variety of health-focused dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, contributing to their wellness journey.

Unique Experiences

Essence Arenal offers customized wellness and healing retreats tailored to individual needs. Guests can participate in activities like forest hikes, meditation sessions by waterfalls, and workshops on sustainable living and permaculture. This holistic approach empowers visitors to reconnect with themselves and the surrounding nature while exploring their own personal growth.

Highlights

Location: Stunning views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal

Accommodations: Cozy casitas and glamping tree houses

Wellness: Aroma therapy steam bath & hydro therapy jacuzzi

Dining: Organic, vegetarian, and vegan cuisine

Must-do experiences

  • Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall for breathtaking views and a swim.
  • Taste traditional Casado at Soda Tapas for a local meal delight.
  • Visit the indigenous Maleku village to learn about local culture.
  • Stroll through the artisanal market in La Fortuna for unique crafts.
  • Relax with a sunset at Lake Arenal-perfect for scenic photos.
View all

Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room
2 persons
45 m² 
1 Double bed
Two-Bedroom House
2 persons
90 m² 
1 King-size bed
Superior Tent
2 persons
20 m² 
1 Double bed
One-Bedroom House
2 persons
60 m² 
1 Double bed
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage
  • Fireplace
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Yoga class
  • Fishing

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Grocery shopping service
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Dinner
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Sun loungers
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Turkish bath
  • Steam room
  • Jacuzzi
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage
  • Open-air bath
  • Public Bath
  • Pool with view

Room features

  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga, guests can indulge in a delightful culinary experience centered around the warmth of family-friendly dining. The onsite restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere where meals are served amidst the tranquility of nature, complementing the holistic wellness journey of the retreat.

Restaurante #1

Eclectic family-friendly dining with local influences
Ambiance
A cozy and inviting setting that caters to families, creating a warm atmosphere for shared meals and memorable gatherings.
Key Offerings
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring a variety of comforting dishes that celebrate local flavors, providing a perfect backdrop for casual dining experiences.
Reservation
No reservations needed.
Daily from 07:00 to 20:30.

Location

1 Km Al Sur De La Escuela Del Castillo, El Castillo, Costa Rica, 24796
Map view
1 Km Al Sur De La Escuela Del Castillo, El Castillo, Costa Rica, 24796
Nearby
Zoo
Arenal Eco Zoo
530 m
Nature reserve
Butterfly Conservatory
330 m
Gallery
La Gavilana Herbs & Art
150 m
Restaurants
Chilat
10 m
Calle Principal
Phoenix Restaurante
260 m
en la entrada al hotel Nepenthe
El Balcon del Castillo
530 m
400 mts Sur de la Escuela El Castillo
La Ventanita
740 m
300mts. Sur de la Escuela El Castillo
Fusion Grill Restaurant
820 m
El Castillo
Fusion Grill
660 m
Restaurant
Howlers Bar & Grill
2.1 km
El Castillo De La Fortuna
Explore El Castillo
Explore the Essence Around You
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Butterfly Conservatory
Butterfly Conservatory
6 minutes walking
Featuring numerous butterfly species, this conservatory offers a serene environment and educational tours on local ecology.
Arenal Eco Zoo
Arenal Eco Zoo
9 minutes walking
Home to various native animals, this zoo emphasizes conservation and education, making it a perfect family-friendly visit.
Sky Trek Sky Tram
Sky Trek Sky Tram
25 minutes walking
An adventurous tram ride offering spectacular views over the rainforest and Arenal Volcano, with walking trails to explore.
La Fortuna Arenal Volcano Rain Forest Reserve
La Fortuna Arenal Volcano Rain Forest Reserve
40 minutes driving
A stunning natural reserve showcasing Costa Rica's biodiversity, ideal for hiking and wildlife observation amidst rich flora.
Ziplining at Sky Trek
25 minutes walking
Thrilling ziplining experiences across treetops provide an adrenaline rush and panoramic views of Arenal Volcano.
Yoga Classes
1 minute walking
Daily yoga sessions at the hotel focus on relaxation, making it perfect for stress relief after a day of adventures.
Hiking Trails
35 minutes walking
Varied trails near Arenal offer scenic hikes for all levels, showcasing lush landscapes and abundant wildlife to admire.
Chilat
Chilat
1 minute walking
Enjoy flavorful local dishes in a casual setting. Known for their traditional cuisine and welcoming vibe.
Phoenix Restaurante
Phoenix Restaurante
5 minutes walking
A cozy venue serving a mix of Costa Rican and international dishes. Ideal for families with diverse preferences.
El Balcon del Castillo
El Balcon del Castillo
9 minutes walking
Casual dining with stunning views of the volcano, focused on farm-to-table ingredients and unique Costa Rican flavors.
Fusion Grill Restaurant
Fusion Grill Restaurant
13 minutes walking
A blend of local and international cuisine with grilled specialties, perfect for a relaxed meal after a day of activities.
Local Bars
5 minutes driving
The nearby bars offer live music and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day's adventure.
Cultural Events
10 minutes driving
Weekly cultural events showcase traditional music and dance, providing a glimpse into the local heritage and community spirit.
Getting around
City Centre
El Castillo8 min  ·  600 m
Airports
La Fortuna (fon)49 min  ·  32.5 km
Liberia Airport (LIR)187 min  ·  124.1 km
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-20:30
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Spanish
Number of rooms:
21
Former name
essence arenal and spa
FAQs
About Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga
What is the distance from Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga to Aeropuerto de La Fortuna?
Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga is 35 km from Aeropuerto de La Fortuna.
How far is Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga from Arenal Volcano National Park?
The hotel is located 10 km from Arenal Volcano National Park.
What outdoor activities are available at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
Guests can enjoy hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and fishing at the hotel.
What amenities does Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga provide for relaxation?
The hotel features a spa and wellness center, outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, and temazcal treatments.
What dining options are available at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
The hotel has an on-site restaurant offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals made from organic ingredients.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
Check-in time is 14:00 and check-out time is 11:00.
Is there free Wi-Fi at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What types of massages can guests enjoy at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
The hotel offers deep-tissue, Swedish, and Thai massages.
What are the facilities available for children's entertainment at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga provides a children's menu and cots for young guests.
Are there any attractions near Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
Nearby attractions include the Butterfly Conservatory, which is 0.5 km away, and Arenal Eco Zoo.
Is parking available at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
Free self-parking is available on-site for guests.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
10Jan2026Select date
Check-out
11Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Need more options?
Check Top hotels near Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga
Chateau Arenal Hotel & Restaurante El Castillo Nearby photo
Mobile-only price

Chateau Arenal Hotel & Restaurante El Castillo

8.4
Great94 reviews
625m from property
USD 140USD 126
per night
Hotel Nepenthe B&B El Castillo Nature photo
Mobile-only price

Hotel Nepenthe B&B El Castillo

8.9
Great732 reviews
1054m from property
USD 88USD 79
per night
Hotel Arenal Vista Lodge El Castillo Exterior photo
Mobile-only price

Hotel Arenal Vista Lodge El Castillo

8.0
Great222 reviews
1306m from property
USD 103USD 92
per night