Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Good food quality
Beautiful surroundings
Cons:
Remote location
Cleanliness concerns
High prices

Categories

Cleanliness
7.65
Some reviews indicated issues with room cleanliness and maintenance.
Service
9.15
Guests praised the staff for their friendliness and excellent service.
Location
8.15
The location is beautiful but can be remote and hard to access.
Room Quality
8.15
Rooms were described as minimalist and could have better sound insulation.
Amenities
8.65
Wellbeing facilities such as spa services were highlighted positively.
Value for Money
7.65
Some guests felt the prices were too high for the quality received.
Food and Beverage
9.15
The food was well-received, especially the fresh, locally sourced meals.
Overall Experience
8.65
The overall experience was very positive with some caveats regarding location and cleanliness.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-11 09:57

Property Description

Surrounded by Nature
Experience the tranquility at Essence Arenal, an ecological hotel nestled in the Tropical Forest with stunning views of Lake Arenal and the majestic Arenal Volcano.

Wellness Center and Eco-Friendly Amenities
Indulge in our wellness center and enjoy a variety of services including yoga classes, spa circuit, and therapeutic massages. Explore our organic farm, relax by the outdoor pool fed by a natural spring, and unwind in the lush gardens.

Farm-to-Table Dining and Cultural Experiences
Savor delicious meals at Essence Restaurant, offering organic, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Immerse yourself in local culture with cocoa tours, bird watching, and various themed activities.

Escape to Essence Arenal for an unforgettable eco-friendly retreat. Book now to experience nature at its finest.

Important information:

Breakfast is only included in reservations made from July 12th, 2025 to October 18th, 2025.

There is an additional charge to use the spa/wellness centre:

Adult: 20 USD, per hour/per day.

Child: aged 7 – 12 years: 15 USD, per hour/per day.

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 861 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.65
Service: 9.15
Location: 8.15
Room Quality: 8.15
Amenities: 8.65
Value for Money: 7.65
Food and Beverage: 9.15
Overall Experience: 8.65
R
Raul family_with_children es
4
2026-08-27 via Nuitee
F
Florent couple fr
8
2026-08-27 via Nuitee
B
Bastien solo_traveller fr
10
2026-08-26 via Nuitee
C
coast motor solo_traveller us
8
2026-08-25 via Nuitee
P
Pierina couple us
3
Pros:

The staff was really healthful , Fabian y Jesus are excellent employees, food was healthy but everything is overpriced, in the website they have low prices than booking but they won’t take us, no AC no mini fridge, no dryer, no worthy for the money they charged, even the breakfast are overpriced

Cons:

Hot tub restrictions, sauna restrictions, pool too small, is not convenient, hills and road are narrows

2026-08-20 via Nuitee
O
Oriane couple fr
8
Un bon acceuil par le personnel, très serviable. La vue est magnifique sur le lac.
Pros:

L’accueil et la vue depuis le logement

2026-08-19 via Nuitee
S
Sandrine family_with_children fr
10
Une belle expérience immergée dans la jungle avec le confort d’un spa
Pros:

Nous avons apprécié l’excellent emplacement avec une vue splendide sur le lac Arenal et le volcan. Dormir en tente au milieu des bambous fut une très bonne expérience. Le spa est très sympa. Nous avons pris une excursion nocturne avec Aurélien qui est un excellent guide avec une approche passionnée et bienveillante de la faune et la flore de la jungle. Il nous a appris plein de choses, a transmis sa passion et nous a permis d’observer des mygales, grenouilles,oiseaux… Le restaurant est vraiment délicieux et le personnel sympathique.

2026-08-17 via Nuitee
M
Magnone couple uy
9
Pros:

El entorno maravilloso

2026-08-17 via Nuitee
S
Solis solo_traveller cr
7
Pros:

La cabaña estaba bonita.

Cons:

El camino, la ubicacion fue muy dificil de encontrar la cabaña
NOS PERDIMOS.

2026-08-16 via Nuitee
M
Matthieu solo_traveller fr
10
Pros:

Emplacement magnifique au milieu de la forêt

2026-08-12 via Nuitee
P
Pascale family_with_children fr
10
Luxe, calme, détente et vue imprenable sur le volcan.
Pros:

Vue imprenable sur le volcan. Jaccuzi et spa très agréables. Personnel aux petits soins. Visite nocturne avec Aurelio vraiment géniale.

Cons:

Trop pressants pour le menu au restaurant. Piscine très éloignée de l’accueil et très petite.

2026-08-12 via Nuitee
P
Patrice solo_traveller fr
8
escape from the crowd staying at la Fortuna, and enjoy the beauty, wildlife and sounds of the forest
Pros:

in the heart of the forest, with a view on the Arenal Volcano, surrounded by wildlife and tropical floral. We've been waken up by howling monkeys every morning !
a lot of emphasis on ecology and sustainability - 100% solar powered equipments, excellent fresh and drinkable water by the tap

Cons:

pretty old furniture, but it hasn't affected our experience

2026-08-09 via Nuitee
A
Anne solo_traveller us
9
Soul-revitalizing
Pros:

The vegan options were always unique and freshly delicious, with a new menu everyday. The holistic massage helped unwind tension in my legs I had been having a long time. I was supported by the staff there when I got some sad news. The spa circuit was top notch. With beautiful views. So very peaceful. Excellent yoga class with Gaby. I felt very relaxed to do some songwriting and watercolor painting there. Thank you, miss you guys❣️ Hope to come back for longer and do the sweat lodge and more of the plethora of other services next time!

2026-08-07 via Nuitee
S
Silvia couple it
7
2026-08-07 via Nuitee
G
Giovanni Bresciani solo_traveller ch
7
2026-08-06 via Nuitee
S
SEBASTIEN family_with_children ca
10
2026-08-04 via Nuitee
J
Jacobus couple nl
10
Pareltje qua locatie en een heel mooi complex!
Pros:

Vriendelijke host en een mooie locatie!

2026-07-21 via Nuitee
K
kira solo_traveller us
9
Pros:

Comfortable and clean resort with amazing staff. Very warm and peaceful ambience with healthy fresh food.
Wonderful choice if you are looking for the tranquility and peace.

2026-07-20 via Nuitee
B
BRUNO REMO couple ch
9
Pros:

Yoga

Cons:

Purtroppo tempo pessimo

2026-07-19 via Nuitee
L
Lonni Rørdam family_with_children dk
9
Dejlig behageligt ophold. God service, flotte omgivelser og god mad
Pros:

Det var meget afslappet. Vi havde et hus på farmen og der var meget stille og roligt. Vi var også til yoga en morgen, som var virkelig dejligt og nød også vores daglige spa med den meget flotte udsigt. Maden var også lækker og personalet var meget imødekommende

Cons:

Vi troede morgenmaden var inkluderet i prisen, men der er den ikke. Det var nok mest vores egen fejl. Men til gengæld var morgenmaden virkelig god

2026-07-15 via Nuitee