Ecotermales La Fortuna - A Dip in Paradise

At the recommendation of a new friend on the La Fortuna visit, Zipy asked Zina and the team to take him to Ecotermales Fortuna Hot Springs. As Zina drove onto the 27 acre property, Zipy was struck by the awe of the gardens beauty and the feeling of serenity even before entering the Visitor Centre to the springs.

When he arrived, Zipy was welcomed by the staff, took pictures, and then Allan, the guest services manager, graciously offered to give the team a tour of the premises. As we were walking towards the pools we passed family room facilities, a Koi pond, and a waterfall. The sounds somewhat prepared us for what was to come, yet not entirely. We passed the towel station, changing rooms, shower facilities, and the lockers. The lockers were well lit and closely supervised not only by human presence but also hidden cameras to ensure guests’ safety. As we were walking down the path, Allan enthusiastically gave us a bit of the history of the property which Zipy found fascinating. In 1956 the owners had noticed a new natural stream on their cattle farm and were elated that the cattle had drinking water on the property. After discovering that the cattle would not drink the water due to its high temperature he felt that the farm was cursed and fenced off the stream. Twelve years later Arenal volcano erupted and the family was forced to move away. When they returned back to the farm, they decided to enjoy the stream  with their friends and family. The lady of the house then wanted to share the treasures with the world, but maintain its natural beauty.

In 1999, she transformed the stream into 13 pools ranging in heat from 41 degrees at the base of the stream to 37 degrees at the bottom. She did all of the work by hand and maintained the integrity of the surrounding tropical rainforest. In 2002 the hot springs were opened to the public.

Allan showed the team the base of the stream. Zipy was thrilled to see it, since this area was blocked off to the public. As we came to the pools, we marveled at the beauty of the area. Since we were there after sunset, the elegant lighting highlighted each pool and the rushing water, waterfalls, and calls of the wildlife amplified the tranquility and balance of this paradise.  Allan stated that there were approximately 150 people in or by the pools at this moment but due to the vastness of the area, the pools were not crowded. Each group or couple had their privacy. Zipy had a chance to take pictures with some of the guests. A lady from Germany was delighted to meet a sloth as was a lady from France. As the tour continued, Allan indicated that the cleaning crew comes in throughout the night to ensure all is sanitized for the following day. No chemicals are used to clean the pool, it has its own PH balance.

There are two bars that are in close proximity to the pools, but waiters are available poolside to make everything comfortable for their guests and to take their orders. The mixologists have worldwide knowledge and will prepare any libations requested. Allan explained that for the guests’ convenience, they can charge their drinks or food to the barcode on their bracelets and later pay at one of the two restaurants or at the check-in desk. As we walked down the walkway toward the grand Sonidos del Agua restaurant, we passed a Nativity scene beautifully placed under a grandfather tree, well-lit for the guests. Next we came to a lagoon. Allan told Zipy that a baby Caiman crocodile, Pancho, travelled from Arenal river and made the lagoon its home and since moving in a few years ago has found a girlfriend, Pancha. Now they both live there. Allan tried calling for the couple but they were not in the area. Although Zipy was disappointed, he headed for the grand restaurant, and soon forgot all about Poncho and Pancha. He was impressed with the beauty of the open air room. Housing 300 people, the buffet stations were strategically located to minimize overcrowding. Allan asked Zipy to come and enjoy a meal. It was delicious! Many of the greens are grown in the organic garden on the premises and you know a sloth sure does love his greens!

After a delicious meal, Zipy walked back through the property, visited the rustic ala carte Los Litos restaurant, took pictures with the staff and was invited to come for a meal next time he visits. Zipy gladly accepted the invitation. Upon exiting through the Visitors’ Center, Zipy met the general manager, David, and took a picture with him before thanking all of the staff and Allan for a wonderful tour of paradise in La Fortuna. He promised to come soon.

Log in to post a comment