Jungle Resort with Mineral Pools Overlooking Arenal Volcano

Although it recently became inactive, Arenal Volcano still dominates the northwestern Costa Rican landscape, rising nearly 5,500 feet above the surrounding jungle in a nearly symmetrical peak. Just across the valley, The Springs Resort & Spa sits atop a neighboring ridge, framing breathtaking views of the famous mountain. The paradisiacal resort echoes the surrounding landscape with colorful bromeliads, tiered waterfalls, and 18 lagoon-style pools. All in all, the setting is so romantic that it was chosen for a group date night on the 2011 season of ABC's The Bachelor, and CNN named The Springs Resort & Spa as one of Seven Resorts with Spectacular Views.

The vast property’s main building feels like a cross between a castle and a zen temple, surrounded by enough swimming pools to constitute a water park. Many of these pools are fed by mineral hot springs thought to have therapeutic benefits. To continue the rejuvenating process, pay a visit to the 14,000-square-foot spa, where staff uses volcanic clays and rainforest botanical extracts.

Everywhere you go, you'll notice spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. One of the best perspectives is from the Las Ventanas restaurant—its name means "the windows”—which is enclosed by wall-to-wall plate glass, tilted outward for a dizzying panorama. Experience similarly dramatic views from your room. Alta Vista rooms frame the peak through a triple-arched window, and the Villa Calatea and Presidential suite complement the view with a private plunge pool surrounded by sun decks, hammocks, and stained-glass windows of jungle animals.

You can get up close to real wildlife at the onsite preserve, home to ocelots, capuchin monkeys, and sloths. The preserve is part of the Club Rio Outdoor Center along the Arenal riverfront, where guests can reserve tubing, kayaking, and horseback-riding trips (extra fees apply), or take a morning bird-watching tour to try and spot Costa Rica’s Passerini’s tanagers and chestnut-mandibled toucans.

La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Rainforest Wildlife and Volcanic-Heated Springs

Since 2010, the Arenal Volcano has been in a resting phase, leaving most of Arenal Volcano National Park's rainforests and hardened magma fields open to exploration. Howler monkeys and scarlet macaws perch in the rainforest canopy while tapirs poke around the forest floor.

Hot springs can be found throughout the slopes, heated by volcanic vents deep underground and reaching temperatures up to 100 degrees. Nowadays, many hot springs have transformed into tourist draws, as developers have added stone borders, swim-up bars, and water slides. It's worth dipping into the springs surrounding the Arenal River to feel the trippy sensation of warm currents meeting cool ones underwater.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.