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Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga

3.0 star property
Hostal with free parking, a quick walk to Lake Arenal

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga

Casa Bella Vista | Exterior
View from room
Outdoor pool
Free toiletries, towels, soap
Lake

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Room service
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
1 Km Sur Escuela del Castillo, Arenal Volcano National Park, Peñas Blancas, 1230
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Tabacon Hot Springs
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    ‪41 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 Double Bed

Superior Room, 1 Double Bed | Bed sheets

Superior Room, 1 Double Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom | Bed sheets

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Casitas nomadas

Casitas nomadas | Bed sheets

Casitas nomadas

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Quadruple Room, Shared Bathroom

Standard Quadruple Room, Shared Bathroom | Bed sheets

Standard Quadruple Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Casa Bella Vista

Casa Bella Vista | Exterior

Casa Bella Vista

  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Bunk Bed

View all photos for Superior Quadruple Room, Private Bathroom

Superior Quadruple Room, Private Bathroom | Bed sheets

Superior Quadruple Room, Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

About the neighborhood

Peñas Blancas

Lake Arenal is within a 5-minute walk of Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga while other popular sites like Costa Rica Sky Adventures are within a few miles (5 km). This 15-room, 3-star hostal has a restaurant along with conveniences like an outdoor pool and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 8 min drive - 2.8 miles
  • Tabacon Hot Springs - 21 min drive - 8.2 miles
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 21 min drive - 8.4 miles
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 27 min drive - 10.4 miles
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 42 min drive - 18.3 miles

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Río Lounge - ‬36 min drive
  • ‪Agua Ardiente Pool Bar - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Fusión Arenal Mirador. - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Soda La Palma - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Las Palmas - ‬25 min drive

About this property

Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga

Hostal with free parking, a quick walk to Lake Arenal
Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga features an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and spa services. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle for a fee. Front-desk staff can assist with tours or tickets, luggage storage, and securing valuables. Other amenities at this hot springs hostal include coffee/tea in a common area, a terrace, and laundry facilities.
Recreational amenities at the hostal include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages, and Swedish massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including reflexology. The spa is equipped with Turkish bath/hammam. There are hot springs open between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Languages

English, French, German, Spanish

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Internet access
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee: USD 10 for adults and USD 8 for children
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • No aplica

Things to do

  • Books
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Hot spring
  • Outdoor pool
  • Volleyball
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Hot spring
  • Hot springs open from 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Hot springs water temperature - 90 ºF
  • Hot stone massages
  • Reflexology
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages
  • Thai massages
  • Turkish bath

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Soap
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Room service

More

  • LED lighting
  • Recycling
  • Shared accommodations

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 9:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 10 for adults and USD 8 for children

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
  • Check-in: 1:00 PM—-7:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (fees apply). Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Hot springs access available from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services. Contact the hostal at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Essence Arenal Hostel El Castillo
Essence Arenal El Castillo
Essence Arenal Spa
Essence Arenal Hostel
Essence Arenal Spa Yoga
Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga Hostal
Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga Peñas Blancas
Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga Hostal Peñas Blancas

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For additional details, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

As of May 28, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga on Jun 6, 2025 start from $39.82, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do within easy reach of Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

This hostal is located in Peñas Blancas, just steps from Arenal Eco Zoo and Butterfly Conservatory, and within a short walk of Lake Arenal. Costa Rica Sky Adventures is also within a driving distance of 2.5 mi.

Is there parking available at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hostal.

Is there a spa available at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

Spa services at the hostal include Thai massages, sports massages, and reflexology.

Does Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga feature a casino?

No, Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

No, this hostal doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hostal, including an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a hot spring.

Are there hot tubs at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

No, but guests can enjoy a hot spring at this hostal.

Does Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga serves a full breakfast for a surcharge each morning at No aplica.

Will Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga.

Are there connecting rooms at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hostal.

Where is the closest airport to Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

The closest major airport to Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), which is 15.6 mi away (35 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hostal offer a balcony where guests can enjoy lake or garden views.

Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing gem of a hotel.

Absolutely beautiful hotel with incredibly friendly service and amazing food. I would highly recommend it. The chocolate tour was a highlight.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Franka

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful time. The grounds are beautiful. We saw monkeys lots of birds and other wildlife right from our window. The staff is incredibly nice and helpful. The restaurant is cute and offers good food at a reasonable price. We had lots of rain while there and it does creep into the casitas. Our towels never really dried and the bed felt clammy too. So be aware of this and decide if that works for you before booking. The kitchen is also only sparsely equipped. It would've been nice to have a chopping board and a sharp knife as we did cook a few times. If you like to cook extravagant meals at home this is not your place but we did make pasta, tacos and other simple dishes without any problems. There is much to explore in the area and it's helpful to have a car, preferably even a 4x4. Overall, we very much enjoyed our time at Essence and would come back. Bring a raincoat and change of shoes and don't miss the Night Jungle Tour. It was a highlight!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janice

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing

Essence is a wonderful place to stay…. The property is well thought out for you to enjoy nature and has a variety of accommodation options. The Glamping tents are surrounded by bamboo trees and very peaceful. (Shared bathrooms, but that was no problem for us….expected with Glamping) They have their own farm and I would recommend taking a walk through it. There are also a number of hiking trails, which makes it feel like you are not only staying at a hotel, but also a nature park. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Gabriel is an amazing chef and wonderful person. We enjoyed our stay tremendously and will recommend Essence to friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jose Manuel

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, eco friendly hotel
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The most wonderful place to relax, detox, and recharge. The staff is full of genuine love and kindness. Beautiful views and excellent heathy food.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Jeff, Prince George bc

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Rustic. Beautiful views. Staff was amazing. Beds were not so comfortable. Food was great. Right in the jungle so lots of wildlife.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing stay! Beautiful view of Lake Arenal and good vibes
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I absolutly loved staying here. It was a great setting, a nice break out of town, with a wonderful view of the volcano. The staff were amazing and extreamly helpful. I loved the daily yoga classes out in nature with amazing teachers. There were lots of walking trails around the property and you could go walk around the farm where they grow a lot of the fruit used in the kitched for vegitarian meals. Also the massages were super relaxing. I will definitely be coming here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Carrie, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing view, beautiful property and trails, delicious meals with the lovely Lillian. If you want some time away from the tourism and to be in nature, this is the place! The staff are so helpful and kind, and I highly recommend you get a tour of the area with Lilander in horseback... will blow your mind!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Cameron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful place to stay

The rooms are small but nice, service is great and the views are amazing!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

erin, Tacoma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Family fun time

We took our three young kids, agreed 6, 8, and 10. Our room was very small, but doable. If the kids were a little older, we would have gotten 2 rooms. The service was fantastic. My kids didn't want to leave. The pool wasn't a pool, but more of a mosquito pond children's pool. The food was fantastic. I'd like to see maybe another light out brighter light brought into the room. It was a bit darker than I prefer..
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

Yann, Philadelphia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very nice hotel next to the Volcano Arenal

Very nice place, easy to find, the staff is nice and very welcoming. If you stay more than a night you will be able to enjoy the swimming pool and the jacuzzi. Waking up and taking a very good breakfast while looking to the Volcano is priceless!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing place with amazing staff
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017

8/10 Good

Núria , London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location to feel close to nature

We stayed 3 nights in a troom-tent and it was very clean and nicely done. We really liked the location and the lovely walks around!, specially the horse riding journey to the nearby waterfall. Very convenient they have a communal area with a small fridge where you can keep stuff. We had shared bathroom and I wouldn't say that is the highlight of the place... Very basic and impossible to get a decent warm shower from it, I'm afraid that you can only freeze or burn on it... The upside is definitely the almost isolated location away from the tourist crowds but the downside is that you're far away from town / amenities and the "road" is quite a pain to drive! It's a good 30 min drive through road with the most potholes I ever seen...be ready!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice secluded hotel in the jungle

Hotel staff were friendly and accommodating. It's far from out of town but there were ahuttlea that went to the main town if needed or to arenal observatory. It was nice to go into to town for the day by sleep in the jungle. During our stay we were able to see howler monkeys on the trail. Lillian's meals were worth coming back for everyday.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice, but not a Hostel

This place was nice and the food was great, however, it is not a hostel. There was no available area to cook or prep your own food and barely an area to store food. Due to the location, your options are to pay to eat at the hotel (which would really add up) or stash non-perishables in your room. This is not ideal for a person on a budget! Also, there were a lot of drop offs and I didn't really feel like my kids would be safe wandering the property. It is also one heck of a drive up. This place would be ideal for a romantic getaway or for adults only. Again, the food was great, the property was beautiful and the staff was so accommodating - it just wasn't what I had expected or planned for.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2017

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing views from the property! Friendly and helpful staff. Incredible value!

10/10 Excellent

Raphaëlle, Montreal, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very comfy & relaxing Hostel

It was a great experience, we were recommended this Hostel by a friend. When we arrived we were very excited to spend some time there and we wished we could've stayed longer. The room was clean and comfortable, they had hot water in the showers, and the meals were very complete and tasty. It was very easy getting around thanks to the shuttle driver Luis, and the view from the Hostel is magical.

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Laura

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful surroundings

This place is really nice. The surroundings are amazing - you can see both the volcano and the lake, and they have a beautiful garden with a pound, a pool, a spa-area and yoga studio. The morning yoga was really good! And the make really nice food in their kitchen. We thought their activities were a bit to pricy for our taste - but that shouldnt stop anyone from going. Im pretty sure you wont regret it!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emile

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice little hotel with Hiking trails, spas, healthy food options and very nice view of Arenal as well as the lagoon
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Pascale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cuisine excellente. Manque lampe de chevet

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nous avons adoré cet hôtel avec une magnifique jungle et une super vue sur le volcan. Le personnel est très sympathique et les repas sont excellents.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

6/10 Okay

Erik

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

6/10 Okay

Trotoux

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort
Chambre très petite, même pas de place pour ouvrir les valises. Odeur d’egout dans la salle de bain. Chambre ne correspond pas du tout à la photo.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019