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Reviews of Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga

1 Km al Sur de la Escuela del Castillo, 24796 El Castillo de La Fortuna, Costa Rica

#4 of 7 hotels in El Castillo de La Fortuna

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 181 hotel reviews

8.3

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.2

  • Comfort

    8.2

  • Location

    8.7

  • Facilities

    7.8

  • Staff

    9.2

  • Value for money

    8.2

  • Free WiFi

    8.3

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: April 22, 2024

    9.0
    Beautiful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Quadruple Room
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The road between the main area & the back garden/yoga shala area has a steep blind one lane hairpin turn that has to be gunned to get up. There should be a fish bowl mirror there. Our cabin didn’t have hot water. It wasn’t resolved the first time we mentioned it. It was resolved the second time, the day before we left (day 4), and we were apologized to with a small gift at checkout for the inconvenience. The rooms could benefit by fans and screens on the sliding doors so the sliders can be left open w/out letting insects in. I would’ve liked more of the food ingredients to have been sourced from their own garden and no need for fruit clearly not from CR/in season to be served.

    The nature! Amazing mature forest & jungle + great views of Arenal Volcano. The food was delicious. Staff was friendly. Everything was reasonably priced. The guide for the night tour & cacao tour was AMAZING!

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 19, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Quadruple Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It would be nice if sometimes dinners included non-vegan dishes. Otherwise, everything was great.

    Location is great! Amazing views. Beautiful trails. Staff is extremely attentive and helpful. Good food. Hotel offers a variety of relaxing spa procedures and unique tours with their own guide.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 16, 2024

    7.0
    Great location and surroundings. Staff and rooms could be better
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Triple Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We did chose the basic room so we weren’t expecting it to be glamorous but what we didn’t realise was that the one toilet and one shower was also shared with the restaurant. On our last night the lock on our door broke with us inside the room meaning the staff had to break the door open from the outside which left us with no lock on the door for the night and the next day. We’re aware the broken door is not necessarily their fault but they offered no solution or even an apology. We felt like they were annoyed at us for the door breaking when this was due to a faulty lock. Unfortunately this soured our experience a little.

    The surroundings to the accommodation are extremely beautiful. We really enjoyed taking a daily walk in the jungle spotting monkeys and other wildlife. There is a yoga deck and a shared kitchen as well as a beautiful, well looked after allotment.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 14, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • One-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Amazing place. Tucans in the tree right next to our little bungalow which had a wonderful view on Arenal volcano. What more do I need to say? Michelle gave wonderful yoga in the morning. No better way to start the day.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 14, 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Stayed in the tents, ok for a night's stay, shared bathrooms were clean.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: April 14, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Tent
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    WiFi does not reach the tents

    Tents are good for one night

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: April 9, 2024

    7.0
    Stunning location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Tent
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The tent doors would not close properly and the showers were cold

    The natural, eco friendly feel about the place. Stunning setting! Loved being woken up at dawn by the howler monkeys.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 9, 2024

    9.0
    Beautiful Place
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • One-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Steep path

    Everything

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 2, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Little house we were in was old and a bit dingy. Screen doors didn't close properly and interesting bugs came to visit. No air flow so very hot ! No ceiling fans. Little kitchen was very poorly equipped. Linens and towels old and tattered. No plug for kitchen sink. Hard to do dishes! But....all these were quickly forgotten when you looked out a window or sat outside watching the birds with volcano in background! Howler monkeys came to say goodbye on our last morning!

    Heavenly location! Staff were so sweet! Had the best massage in years! Food was delicious.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: March 26, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior Tent
    • Stayed 1 night

    The cost to get there and back - the shuttle and taxis are overpriced for that area

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 19, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Quadruple Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The setting was fantastic, the staff lovely and very helpful. They assisted us in reaching the location when our car got into trouble!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 2, 2024

    9.0
    A beautiful property surrounded by rainforest and overlooking Arenal volcano.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • One-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 3 nights

    We encountered a rather unpleasant experience with the receptionist on duty upon our arrival. Despite having pre-requested additional care for my mother through messages and emails, our concerns went unaddressed. Upon arrival, the receptionist was dismissive and impolite, suggesting we cancel our reservation (despite it being late at night after a five-hour drive) and find accommodation elsewhere. She then made a call to someone and in Spanish, I heard her mock our request and called us 'crazy' for expecting assistance for the 4 days we were booked. Fortunately, we persisted in seeking assistance from someone else. After contacting the manager, albeit with resistance from Wendy to let us speak directly with the manager, our situation improved significantly. Despite the receptionist's acknowledgment to the manager of her regrettable behavior, she never extended an apology or made any efforts to assist us during our four-day stay. The manager proved to be exceptionally accommodating and supportive, allowing us to enjoy a delightful stay. And although the initial reception left a sour taste, Jairo was able to turn that around and we enjoyed our stay immensely at that beautiful property.

    The property was extremely beautiful - set in the middle of the rainforest and overlooking Arenal volcano. One doesn't need to leave the property to enjoy their time - there's a nice pool, beautiful yoga shala, temazcal hut, nature walks, restaurant. The manager of the property was INCREDIBLY helpful and went above and beyond to make our stay pleasant. I appreciated Jairo's care and consideration.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: February 27, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior Tent
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    please stop showing the marketing video on a large screen in the restaurant, this was very distracting and not compatible with the rest of the environment. please provide soap/ shampoo or at least let guests know in advance that they must bring their own.

    beautiful surroundings, great tour offerings, especially the birdwatching. wonderful location away from the tourist hub.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 7, 2024

    7.0
    Great place to stay with wonderful nature & amazing views, but only if you have a car.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • One-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    If you don’t have a car, you are truly isolated of the city and other active areas. You are completely dependent on the Hotel.

    Incredible views and beautiful nature all around.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: January 26, 2024

    9.0
    Remote Gem
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Tent
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    My wife would have liked a mirror. Maybe some hand towels and an extra chair. The restaurant is vegetarian. Some variety would be nice but all the food was tasty.

    We stayed in a platform tent. They were sturdy built and never leaked during rain or weakened during wind. The restaurant was top notch. Whoever the chef was he knows his stuff. Staff was friendly. Beautiful views.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 21, 2024

    9.0
    An absolutely extraordinary wellness focused retreat spot
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The hardest thing about being there was to get from point to point B was like climbing a mountain. It was however a great workout but it's the only reason why I would consider not staying there next time other than it was very far from town so there was an extra cost for Transportation to a few tours I did. It's fabulous that they offer a night tour on the grounds

    The location was Paradise. Clearly a lot of thought and love was put into the entire estate including the lovely restaurant with good food and many healthy options, e.g., celery, ginger, spinach juices. The manager was extraordinarily helpful. My 90 minute massages were exquisite as was the ionic water cleansing

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: December 30, 2023

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Quadruple Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Not something I didn’t like about the lodge, but you must know that if you don’t have a car it will be a bit difficult to get around and taxi fees quickly add up.

    •The place is super nice, green and very quiet. •I had nice dinner and breakfast. •Friendly staff - Spanish/english speakers

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: December 26, 2023

    9.0
    Great stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • One-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 3 nights

    We had a cabin, it's a bit old and probably need some update. There is a kitchen but quite poor in ustensils, don't think we could cook in it but we didn't need it as we went to the restaurant.

    Great stay! The food at the restaurant was amazing! We took morning yoga classes twice and it was great. We also booked massages and had a nice relaxing experience. The cabins have the advantage of being far in the property with views on the volacno and the lake.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: December 13, 2023

    9.0
    Couldn’t find better for the price.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Very friendly staff and excellent organic and gluten free dishes. Nice hiking in the lodges property with interesting wildlife. Good massage in the spa.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: August 5, 2023

    9.0
    Wonderful and relaxing and very friendly staff
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There were no fans in the room. So plan on bringing your own. I would suggest a battery operated one if you’re sensitive to this heat.

    There were wonderful yoga teachers. Good prices for organic food made right there. Wonderful nature hiking trails. Friendly staff.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: July 20, 2023

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • One-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    From our remote room, we had to take the car to go to the hotel's restaurant. Not very convenient but that's the price to pay for a quiet condo. Food is vegy only, which does not suit everyone.

    We had a wonderful house in a private field with a nice view. Peaceful and quiet.

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: June 12, 2023

    9.0
    Great experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Quadruple Room
    • Stayed 5 nights

    I recommend you rent a 4x4 because some of the rooms are in location that require such a vehicle.. our little Toyota couldn’t make it there

    The manager HAIDO was very helpful and was very responsive to all our needs. Ariana the evening concierge was great as well.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: June 12, 2023

    8.0
    my favorite stay in Costa Rica.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Triple Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    not much really. we could use some hand soap and glasses for the rooms. that is about it.

    The location was amazing. I took hundreds of photos. My son loved the bunk beds in the room. We went to the creek on one of the paths. the chicken coop was a great entertainment for him. The food was exceptional. We had hard time to fit all the things on the menu on each day of our trip so we could taste everything. Chef Gabriel made us feel like he was our private chef. the themed dinners were amazing. three courses for dinner and for good value for the quality. the veggies were from the farm on the premises. very well kept overall. yoga here was amazing. I could’ve gone every day if my family situation allowed.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: May 15, 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Could have used a fan

    Nice location

    Stayed in April 2023

Showing 1 - 25

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