Is Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs Worth It? Full Review and FAQs

Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforests, volcano views, and natural hot springs. And there may be no better place to experience all three than at Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs. On our recent trip to La Fortuna, we stayed there for three nights and quickly realized why it’s such a highly-rated choice among travelers looking to unwind while also having an opportunity for adventure.

Set on a working dairy farm with views of Arenal Volcano from nearly every angle, Arenal Manoa offers a relaxed yet upscale experience that blends expected hotel comforts with nature. Whether we were soaking in the hot springs at sunset or sipping Costa Rican coffee at the open-air breakfast buffet, this resort provided the perfect base for exploring the La Fortuna area.

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, I highly recommend checking out my 7-day itinerary for La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. It includes our full trip route, activities, and helpful planning tips.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs, from the rooms and amenities to what makes it special, as well as a few things to know before you book.

Location & Getting There

Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs is nestled on the outskirts of La Fortuna, in Costa Rica’s verdant northern region, offering easy access to the Arenal Volcano and surrounding natural attractions.

• Proximity to Airports: It’s approximately a 3-hour drive (120 miles / ~195 km) from San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), and about 2.5 hours from Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR).
• Distance to Downtown La Fortuna: Just a 10-minute drive, so close enough to pop into town for a meal or excursion, yet far enough for peace and quiet.

Many travelers opt to rent a car in Costa Rica for the freedom to explore at their own pace, especially if you’re planning outings to places like Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall, or the hanging bridges. At Arenal Manoa, there’s ample onsite parking in a secure lot, included with your stay.

That said, I personally prefer to skip driving in foreign countries, especially where roads can be unpredictable or poorly marked. Instead, I arranged a private transfer through the resort, which arrived right at the airport and dropped me off at the front with zero stress. For excursions, we booked with tour companies that offered hotel pick-up and dropoff. 

Public transportation is technically an option, with buses running between San José and La Fortuna, then local shuttles or taxis to the resort, but they’re often indirect, infrequent, and not ideal unless you’re on a tight budget.

First Impressions & Check-In

We knew we were in for something special the moment we arrived at Arenal Manoa when two sloths were casually hanging out in the trees right near the resort entrance, really setting the tone for the wildlife-filled stay ahead of us.

Check-in was fast, smooth, and welcoming. The front desk staff were friendly and efficient, and they did a great job explaining the resort layout, dining options, and where to find the hot springs and pools. It was a stress-free arrival, and within minutes we were off to our room, already feeling relaxed and ready to explore. 

Once inside our room, we were greeted with a thoughtful welcome plate of sweet Costa Rican treats, including chocolates, meringues, and coconut balls.

Resort Layout

Arenal Manoa is spread out across beautifully landscaped grounds with paved walking paths that wind through gardens, ponds, and open grassy areas. I loved that you’re always surrounded by nature! We were able to spot so much wildlife literally right outside our door.

The suites are housed in semi-detached bungalows, each with its own private entrance and patio facing the volcano. Rooms are grouped into clusters, but spaced out enough to feel private.

At the center of the resort, you’ll find the main pool, hot springs area, and a restaurant with volcano views, while a second pool and restaurant are located closer to the spa.

Despite the spacious layout, everything is walkable, and the resort also offers complimentary golf cart service if you’d prefer a lift between areas.

The Rooms

All accommodations at Arenal Manoa are suite-style and housed in side-by-side, duplex-style buildings. So you’re technically sharing a building with one other suite, but with private entrances and patios. It feels quiet and secluded, almost like you have your own little villa in the rainforest!

There are several room categories to choose from, depending on your preferences and budget. No matter which suite you book, you can expect a peaceful, rainforest-inspired setting, ultra-clean rooms, and views that constantly remind you you’re in one of the most beautiful corners of Costa Rica. Waking up to birds chirping and stepping onto your patio to see the Arenal Volcano never got old. Here are the suite options you can choose from:

• Junior Suites – These are the standard rooms (and where we stayed), but they hardly feel basic. They’re spacious, comfortable, and include a sitting area, large bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a private patio with a perfect view of the Arenal Volcano. We loved the big windows and how it felt like we were fully immersed in nature.
  
• Junior Plus Suites – Similar to the Junior Suites but with a bit more space and upgraded furnishings. Some also offer more expansive views or are located closer to the hot springs.
  
• Superior Suites – These suites offer more upscale touches like modern décor, additional living space, and larger bathrooms, which is great for couples or small families looking for a little extra room.
  
• Premium Suites – Ideal for those wanting a more luxurious experience, with enhanced amenities, high-end finishes, and panoramic volcano views from the patio or oversized windows.
  
• Chato Suites – The top-tier option at Arenal Manoa, these private suites come with their own plunge pool and premium privacy, making them perfect for honeymooners or anyone celebrating something special.
  

Views & Grounds

One of the most unique features of Arenal Manoa is how the entire property is integrated into the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re walking to breakfast or relaxing in the hot springs, the views of the Arenal Volcano are absolutely breathtaking.

The resort grounds are lush and well maintained, with tropical plants, flowers, and palms lining every path. You’ll spot plenty of birds, butterflies, and even the occasional iguana or sloth making an appearance.

Despite being a resort, it really feels like you’re in the middle of the rainforest—because you are! The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the sounds of nature, makes it feel more like a secluded retreat than a hotel. 

Dining

Arenal Manoa has a few onsite dining options, with the main one being La Saca restaurant. This is where the daily breakfast buffet is served, and it was a highlight for us each morning. The spread included fresh tropical fruits, Costa Rican staples like gallo pinto, eggs made to order, pancakes, pastries, and great coffee. There’s plenty of seating in the open-air dining space, and the view of Arenal Volcano during breakfast is hard to beat.

We also had dinner at La Saca one evening and was pleasantly surprised by the quality. The menu includes a mix of local and international dishes, and everything we ordered, from the seafood to the cocktails, was fresh and well-prepared. It’s a great option if you don’t feel like heading into town after a long day of activities or soaking in the springs.

The resort also has a sushi bar and a woodfire pizzeria that are open during select hours. For late-night eats, the resort offers room service with a special menu.

Service & Staff

The service at Arenal Manoa was consistently warm, professional, and helpful from start to finish. The staff made everything feel easy, from check-in to restaurant service.

One of the best services we took advantage of was having the resport arrange private transfers from the airport and to our next destination in Costa Rica. Our first driver, who works directly with the resort, picked us up at the airport and made the ride feel like an unofficial tour. He shared great recommendations for things to do and places to eat in La Fortuna.

Since the resort is fairly spread out, we appreciated that a staff member with a golf cart was just a phone call away anytime we needed a lift from one end of the property to the other.

Everyone we interacted with went out of their way to make us feel welcome, and it really added to the overall experience.

Natural Hot Springs

Costa Rica’s hot springs are one of the country’s most sought-after natural attractions, and they exist thanks to geothermal activity from the Arenal Volcano. As rainwater seeps into the ground, it’s heated by magma and rises back to the surface, rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and silica. These mineral waters are believed to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension, and benefit the skin.

At Arenal Manoa, the natural hot spring pools are a feature that you won’t find at every accommodation in the area. The resort has several beautifully landscaped pools with varying temperatures, and they’re designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding rainforest. Palm trees, tropical plants, and natural stone accents give the entire area a peaceful feel.

During our stay, the hot springs were never crowded. There were so many to choose from that we often found ourselves soaking alone. Whether we went for a morning dip or a post-adventure sunset soak, it was easily one of our favorite parts of the experience.

Pro Tip: Bring a bug repellent clip-on or bracelet. Being in the rainforest means mosquitoes are part of the deal, especially around dusk near the hot springs and outdoor dining areas. It’s an easy way to stay bite-free without having to reapply spray constantly.

Final Thoughts

Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs offers a peaceful stay with easy access to one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations. Between the volcano views, natural hot springs, and friendly service, it’s a great choice for anyone wanting to experience the best of La Fortuna. Whether you’re in Costa Rica to relax or explore, this resort provides a solid home base for your trip.

FAQ Section

Is Arenal Manoa worth it?

Yes! If you’re looking for a peaceful resort with stunning volcano views, natural hot springs, and excellent service, it’s definitely worth the stay.

How far is it from downtown La Fortuna?

The resort is about a 10-minute drive (roughly 3 miles or 5 kilometers) from downtown La Fortuna, making it easy to explore the town’s restaurants and shops.

Does it have a shuttle service?

Arenal Manoa doesn’t offer a regular shuttle, but the staff can arrange private transfers to and from the airport or downtown La Fortuna.

Who is it for?

This resort is ideal for couples, families, and anyone seeking a quiet, nature-focused retreat with easy access to attractions around La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano.

Would I return?

Absolutely! I enjoyed my stay so much that I would gladly come back for another visit. I would love to maybe stay in one of their Chato Suites next time. 

Is breakfast included?

Yes, a daily buffet breakfast with a mix of local and international options is included in your stay.

When is the best time to visit?

The dry season from December to April is the most popular for sunny weather, but the rainy season also has its charm with fewer crowds and lush greenery. I was there in February and experienced great weather. 

What is there to do nearby?

Nearby activities include hiking volcano trails, visiting waterfalls, exploring hot springs, ziplining through the canopy, walking hanging bridges, and enjoying the shops and restaurants in La Fortuna. Check out Viator for great tour options!

Top Tours in La Fortuna

Shop My Costa Rica Essentials

Pin this for later!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!