Welcome to Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga – El Castillo

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From75US$ /night
Check-in
23Mar2026Select date
Check-out
24Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

1 Km Al Sur De La Escuela Del Castillo, El Castillo, Costa Rica, 24796
-
Near the Butterfly Conservatory
Great
8.5
9.2
/10
4.8
4.7
/5

Location

Essence Arenal is situated on 22 hectares with stunning views of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and El Castillo Valley. The property is surrounded by lush rainforest, making it an oasis for nature lovers. Nearby attractions include Arenal National Park and Monte Verde for outdoor adventure seekers.

Wellness Retreats

The hotel offers a comprehensive Wellness & Healing Retreat program tailored to guests seeking self-discovery and relaxation. Participants can enhance their yoga practice, engage in workshops on holistic healing, and partake in detoxifying mud treatments. Sessions are scheduled to help guests reconnect with their mind and body amidst nature.

Dining

Essence Arenal Restaurant emphasizes organic, vegetarian, and vegan cuisine crafted from fresh ingredients sourced from the hotel's own bio farm. The menu features seasonal dishes, ensuring guests enjoy nutritious meals during their stay. Each meal is paired with refreshing natural juices for an enhanced dining experience.

Spa and Wellness

The hotel's spa offers an array of treatments designed for rejuvenation and relaxation, focusing on natural healing. Amenities include an aroma therapy steam bath, laurel wood finished sauna, and a hydrotherapy jacuzzi with 36 jets. These facilities are easily accessible, providing guests with opportunities to restore their well-being during their stay.

Activities and Adventures

Guests can explore hiking trails within the property, connecting with nature while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Organized guided nature walks and birdwatching tours are available to enhance exploration of the tropical rainforest. The hotel promotes an immersive experience through various activities that celebrate the local ecosystem.

Highlights

Location: 22 hectares with stunning views of Arenal Volcano

Dining: Organic cuisine from the hotel's bio farm

Wellness: Full spa treatments and healing retreats

Activities: Hiking trails and guided nature walks

Must-do experiences

  • Take a guided night hike at Arenal Volcano for stunning views.
  • Enjoy the local casado dish at Restaurante El Castillo.
  • Visit the La Fortuna Waterfall for a refreshing swim.
  • Explore the organic market in La Fortuna every Saturday morning.
  • Relax with a traditional sodas meal at Sodas Javi nearby.
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Select your room type

Choose from doubles, suites, or family rooms, many with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and promotional rates
Double Room
2 persons
485 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Two-Bedroom House
2 persons
970 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Superior Tent
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
One-Bedroom House
2 persons
650 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
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Facilities

Boutique hotels design their amenities with your relaxation and unique travel experiences in mind
Facilities: Great
8.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage
  • Fireplace
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Yoga class
  • Fishing

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Grocery shopping service
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Dinner
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Sun loungers
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Turkish bath
  • Steam room
  • Jacuzzi
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage
  • Open-air bath
  • Public Bath
  • Pool with view

Room features

  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
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Dining Onsite

At Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga, dining is a delightful experience that embraces local flavors and a family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can unwind in a cozy setting while indulging in a range of meals throughout the day, from hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners.

Restaurante #1

Local and international favorites
Ambiance
Inviting and family-friendly environment ideal for gatherings or intimate meals
Key Offerings
Enjoy a warm breakfast to start the day, a variety of lunch options, and comforting dinners, all crafted to nourish and satisfy
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily from 07:00 to 20:30

Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga Location

1 Km Al Sur De La Escuela Del Castillo, El Castillo, Costa Rica, 24796
Map view
1 Km Al Sur De La Escuela Del Castillo, El Castillo, Costa Rica, 24796
Nearby
Zoo
Arenal Eco Zoo
1800 ft
Nature reserve
Butterfly Conservatory
1100 ft
Gallery
La Gavilana Herbs & Art
500 ft
Restaurants
Chilat
100 ft
Calle Principal
Phoenix Restaurante
900 ft
en la entrada al hotel Nepenthe
El Balcon del Castillo
1800 ft
400 mts Sur de la Escuela El Castillo
La Ventanita
2500 ft
300mts. Sur de la Escuela El Castillo
Fusion Grill Restaurant
2700 ft
El Castillo
Fusion Grill
2200 ft
Restaurant
Howlers Bar & Grill
1.3 mi
El Castillo De La Fortuna
Explore El Castillo
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Arenal Eco Zoo
Arenal Eco Zoo
9 minutes' walk
A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring many native species and educational tours for families and nature lovers.
Butterfly Conservatory
Butterfly Conservatory
6 minutes' walk
A vibrant display of butterflies from around the world, alongside beautiful gardens and informative guided tours.
La Fortuna Arenal Volcano Rain Forest Reserve
La Fortuna Arenal Volcano Rain Forest Reserve
12 minutes' drive
Home to diverse flora and fauna with panoramic views of Arenal Volcano, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Sky Trek Sky Tram
Sky Trek Sky Tram
11 minutes' drive
A thrilling aerial tram ride offering magnificent views of the Arenal area, along with access to exhilarating zip line courses.
Wildlife Tours
9 minutes' walk
Guided tours through the lush rainforest, ideal for spotting diverse wildlife and learning about the ecosystem.
Zip Lining at Sky Trek
11 minutes' drive
An adrenaline-pumping zip line experience that provides breathtaking views and a rush of excitement high above the forest.
Yoga and Wellness Sessions
1 minute' walk
On-site yoga classes emphasizing relaxation and mindfulness in a tranquil environment tailored for all skill levels.
Hiking in La Fortuna
12 minutes' drive
Scenic hiking trails suitable for all levels, revealing stunning waterfalls and views of the Arenal Volcano.
Chilat
Chilat
1 minute' walk
Featuring authentic Costa Rican dishes in a casual setting with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Phoenix Restaurante
Phoenix Restaurante
5 minutes' walk
An inviting atmosphere serving a mix of traditional and international cuisine, popular for its signature burgers.
El Balcon del Castillo
El Balcon del Castillo
9 minutes' walk
Offers stunning views of Arenal Volcano and a menu of local dishes crafted from farm-fresh ingredients.
La Ventanita
La Ventanita
12 minutes' walk
A cozy spot known for its fresh ceviche and a range of vegetarian options, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Local Live Music
5 minutes' walk
Various bars nearby offer live music events, showcasing local talent and creating a vibrant night scene.
Arenal Observatory Lodge
12 minutes' drive
Features educational presentations and excellent views of the volcano, ideal for a family night out.
La Fortuna Night Market
12 minutes' drive
A lively atmosphere with local crafts, food stalls, and entertainment, perfect for immersing in Costa Rican culture.
El Castillo Bar
9 minutes' walk
A friendly bar with a relaxed vibe, offers craft cocktails and often hosts pub quizzes and trivia nights.
Getting around
City Centre
El Castillo8 min  ·  2000 ft
Airports
La Fortuna (fon)49 min  ·  20.2 mi
Liberia Airport (LIR)187 min  ·  77.1 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-20:30
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Spanish
Number of rooms:
21
Former name
essence arenal and spa

Reviews and Ratings

Real comments from travelers who have already stayed
Review score
Based on 347 verified reviews
8.6/10
Great
91%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.0/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Comfort
8.7/10
Facilities
8.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
8.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
9.3/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Breathtaking views
Friendly staff
Well-maintained grounds
Cons
Sketchy road
Guest reviews
based on 641 reviews
8.5/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga
What are the check-in and check-out times at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga from Aeropuerto de La Fortuna?
The hotel is located 35 km from Aeropuerto de La Fortuna.
Are there any dining options available at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
The hotel features an onsite restaurant that offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals made with local products.
What amenities can guests expect in the rooms at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
Rooms include a private bathroom with free toiletries, a wardrobe, and stunning views of the mountains and lake.
What recreational activities does Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga offer?
Guests can enjoy hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and yoga classes.
Is parking available at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
Free private parking is available on-site without reservation needed.
What wellness services does Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga provide?
The hotel offers a range of spa services including massages, a jacuzzi, a steam room, and a sauna.
What is the distance to nearby attractions from Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
The Butterfly Conservatory is located 0.5 km away, and Arenal Volcano National Park is 10 km from the hotel.
What languages can the staff at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga speak?
The staff speaks multiple languages to assist guests from diverse backgrounds.
Does Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga offer airport shuttle services?
Paid airport shuttle services are available for guests.
What are the breakfast options at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?
A breakfast option is available for an additional charge of 15 USD.

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