Essence Arenal Hotel, Spa & Bio Farm

Loved this stay so much!!!! Highly recommend.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.