Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
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.

Reservations made after October 18th, 2025 include 1 free hour of spa access per day (Hot Tub, Turkish Bath, and Finnish Sauna).
Children from 0 to 8 years old do not have access to this benefit.

The free spa benefit is available daily from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
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.

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

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 5 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 834 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
A
Adrien • family_with_children • ch
9
Un bel hôtel, avec de belles infrastructures wellness et un bon rapport qualité/prix
Pros:

La vue sur le lac Arenal. Le spa et l’ambiance générale du lieu.

Cons:

Les petites maisons sont assez confortables mais pas très propres.
Il faut presque se déplacer en voiture pour aller à la réception tellement le domaine est grand.
Le repas du soir ne vaut pas le coup. Mais comme l’hôtel est assez éloigné, nous n’avons pas eu envie de nous déplacer.

2026-04-15 • via Nuitee
B
Ben • couple • de
8
2026-04-13 • via Nuitee
E
ERIC • extended_group • fr
8
Séjour satisfaisant en pleine nature
Pros:

Emplacement avec un magnifique point de vue
Calme
Environnement naturel
Jacuzzi
Qualité petit déjeuner et dîner

Cons:

Isolation phonique salle d'eau
Petit déjeuner à régler en supplément
Rapport qualité prix

2026-04-13 • via Nuitee
P
Peter • family_with_children • ch
9
Pros:

Super Trails rund um die Lodge. Yogakurse am Morgen sind top! Spa mit schöner Aussicht.

Cons:

Küche sehr spartanisch eingerichtet und kein wirklicher Esstisch.

2026-04-10 • via Nuitee
M
mirian • family_with_children • gb
7
Pros:

Very nice place in the middle of nature. Really enjoyed yoga!

Cons:

In the room you could hear everything from the next door room, there was no privacy and one of the nights we had some neighbour playing music while we were trying to sleep

2026-04-09 • via Nuitee
E
Evelyne • extended_group • fr
8
Très bon séjour suffisant pour 3 nuits à la fortuna avec un bon rapport qualité prix et une déconnexion totale
Pros:

La vue sur le volcan et le lac était incroyable
Accessibilité au spa avec jacuzzi hamam sauna et yoga

Cons:

Chambre petite pour 3 personnes et draps tachés

2026-04-08 • via Nuitee
O
Owen • couple • ca
7
Good to detach & unwind
Pros:

It's a lovely spot, hidden away from a lot of the busier towns. Great to have yoga on site

Cons:

The valley between accommodation and reception/outside world is daunting on foot or in a car, especially after rain.

2026-04-07 • via Nuitee
L
Līga • family_with_children • lv
4
Vēlējāmies glamping pieredzi, bet diemžēl telšu stāvoklis ir ārkārtīgi slikts.
Pros:

Skaista atrašanās vieta, ar skatu uz Arenal ezeru.

Cons:

Nakšņošana teltīs ir neadekvāti dārga pret to reālo stāvokli. Diemžēl jāatzīst, ka tās ir vecas, nokalpojušas un nekādā veidā nerada labu glamping pieredzi diemžēl.

2026-04-07 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • couple • ca
9
Great location and facilities in Arenal, especially for the yoga and vegetarian food.
Pros:

The site - wilderness, animals, walking trails. Food was amazing. The yoga was great. Night tour with Aurelio was great, as was massage with Daniela. Personal touch by the staff - they remember our food and drink preferences.

Cons:

The road through the site is very steep, recommend 4x4 to access parts of the site. A system to avoid face to face traffic on the hill would be good. Rooms need more hooks and storage.

2026-04-07 • via Nuitee
R
Rami_Sharon • family_with_children • il
8
2026-04-07 • via Nuitee
A
Alvarado • family_with_children • cr
8
Nice place
Pros:

I liked the location—far away from the overcrowded 'resorts' but close enough to the places worth visiting. The view of the Arenal Volcano and the lake is amazing. The organic and environmentally friendly concept is what makes this place different. I also liked the spa, the Turkish bath, and the Swedish sauna.

Cons:

The cabins need soundproofing; you can hear literally everything in the next room. Additionally, they need a fan, as the wind is not enough to combat the heat. I would also suggest adding some meat to the menu. You definitely need a car, or you should be prepared to climb one or two very steep hills on foot

2026-04-06 • via Nuitee
L
leti • couple • fr
10
Pros:

Merci beaucoup

2026-04-01 • via Nuitee
D
Dennis Wheeler • extended_group • ca
10
Peaceful beautiful location near Arenal - perfect.
Pros:

Beautiful immaculate grounds, incredibly peaceful. Staff were unfailingly helpful. Property includes incredible jungle trails, and trail to a beautiful view of Arenal lake and volcano. Lovely pool and facilities. Highly recommend the jungle night walk - extremely informative, superb guide. Two of the family had massages, also recommended. Great location.

2026-03-24 • via Nuitee
E
Estelle • family_with_children • ca
9
2026-03-17 • via Nuitee
E
Etchegorry • solo_traveller • ar
10
Pros:

Me parecio excelente el menú del restaurante, hermosa clase de yoga y muy bello todo!

Cons:

Pondría transporte del hotel para traslados internos. Realmente me parecio peligroso ir y venir en mi auto.

2026-03-16 • via Nuitee
C
Christina • couple • de
3
Keine Empfehlung!
Pros:

Die freundlichen Mitarbeiter und das gute, vegetarische und frische Abendessen und das Ökologische Konzept, die Yogastunde

Cons:

Leider haben wir uns in unserem Häuschen gar nicht wohlgefühlt! Wir haben gleich um einen Wechsel gebeten, das ging leider nicht.
Es war alles sehr in die Jahre gekommen, nicht wirklich sauber (nach Hinweis auch nicht), Schimmel an den Wänden, dunkel, teilweise eklig … die Außenschiebetüren gingen nicht zu schließen (auch hier haben wir nachgefragt, hat nichts gebracht), es standen 2 alte Plastikstühle vor der Tür, daneben türmten sich die Ameisenhügel am Haus, der Pool war unbenutzbar (eine kleine Wanne mit milchigem Wasser), und ich könnte noch viel mehr aufschreiben….wir waren ehrlicherweise froh, dass wir nur 2 Nächte gebucht hatten!

2026-03-16 • via Nuitee
J
Jessica • couple • ca
7
2026-03-11 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa • family_with_children • fr
10
Pros:

Chambre super propre et très confortable, facile d'accès, superbe vue depuis la terrasse, la propriété est immense et splendide, l'accueil à été parfait, tout à été super!

2026-03-08 • via Nuitee
I
Inès • solo_traveller • fr
9
Incroyable adresse
Pros:

The location, the view, the atmosphere, the friendly staff, the food, the accommodation

2026-03-07 • via Nuitee
S
Stefani • couple • ca
9
2026-03-07 • via Nuitee