Essence Arenal Hotel, Spa & Bio Farm - El Castillo

2-star eco-wellness retreat with organic farm and Arenal Volcano views in El Castillo

Accommodations & Grounds

Essence Arenal Hotel, Spa & Bio Farm offers glamping tree house accommodations and rooms with private bathrooms, all set on 22 hectares of tropical forest with trails. The property includes a spring-fed outdoor swimming pool, gardens, and a volleyball court, with views of Lake Arenal and Cerro Chato. Guests can choose between rooms near the restaurant and spa or quieter casitas on the farm, with shuttle service provided for the steep hills.

Dining

The Essence Restaurant serves vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free breakfasts, à la carte lunches, and themed dinners, with ingredients sourced from the on-site organic farm or local producers. The chef, Gabriel, offers cooking classes that teach techniques using farm-fresh produce. Specialty drinks include a cocoa smoothie made from cacao grown on the property.

Wellness & Spa

The spa circuit includes a hydrotherapy jacuzzi, Turkish bath, and sauna, all with views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Guests can book massages with Daniella or Alejandro, Reiki sessions, ionic detox treatments, and a traditional Temazcal ceremony. Daily yoga classes are held in an open-air shala overlooking the volcano, led by instructors Aurelio and Stephanie.

Activities & Tours

On-site guided tours include a cacao tour that shows the chocolate-making process from tree to bar, a night walk to spot red-eyed tree frogs and tarantulas, and a bird-watching tour. The property also offers hiking trails, canoeing, horse riding, and fishing. Aurelio, the naturalist guide, leads all tours and is known for his extensive knowledge of local ecology.

Location & Practical Information

Essence Arenal is located 10 km from Arenal Volcano National Park and 12 km from the region's hot springs. The hotel provides a shuttle service to nearby attractions, and the front desk can arrange transportation from Juan Santamaría International Airport, which is a 3-hour drive. Pet-friendly rooms and family accommodations are available, with kids' meals offered in the restaurant.

• Location: 10 km from Arenal Volcano National Park
• Dining: Organic farm-to-table restaurant with vegetarian/vegan cuisine
• Wellness: Spa circuit with hydrotherapy jacuzzi, Turkish bath, and sauna
• Rooms: Glamping tree houses and private casitas with volcano/lake views
• Activities: Cacao tour, night walk, bird-watching tour, and yoga classes
• Pet policy: Pet-friendly accommodations available
• Eco: Solar-powered, off-grid eco-lodge with organic farm