Reviewed by Alex Robinson, travel journalist, photographer and Earth Trip’s Costa Rica specialist · Updated November 2026
Arenal Manoa: Hot Springs and Volcano Views near La Fortuna
Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs sits in the foothills of Arenal Volcano, about 7 km from the town of La Fortuna in northern Costa Rica. Its suites are spread through tropical gardens full of birds, with old trees, a small river and views of the volcano’s near-perfect cone from much of the property.
The resort has its own mineral-rich hot springs, two swimming pools and an open-air spa by the river, so it’s a lovely place to relax after a day of hiking, zip-lining or rafting. It’s also well placed for La Fortuna Waterfall, the hanging bridges and Arenal Volcano National Park.
Why We Love Arenal Manoa
- Volcano views: Arenal rises right in front of the gardens and pools.
- Hot springs on site: soak in natural thermal water without leaving the resort.
- Chato Suites: each with its own plunge pool, large deck and outdoor shower.
- Something for everyone: an adult pool, a family pool, villas for families and three restaurants.
Arenal Manoa at a Glance
| Location | Foothills of Arenal Volcano, about 7 km from La Fortuna |
| Rooms | Suites, Chato Suites and private villas |
| Our category | Superior |
| Best for | Couples, families and active travellers |
| Meal plan | Breakfast included |
| Best time | February to April for the clearest volcano views |
| Nights we suggest | Two to three |
| Getting there | About 3 hours from San José airport |
Suites and Villas
| Type | What it’s like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Suite and Junior Suite Plus | Bright rooms with a terrace over the gardens or the volcano | Good value |
| Superior Suite | Two queen beds and more space | Families |
| Premium Suite | A king bed and a private hot tub | Couples |
| Chato Suite | Stand-alone, with a private plunge pool, large deck and outdoor shower | Honeymoons |
| Luxury Villa | A private villa with extra bedrooms and living space | Families and groups |
All rooms have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and a private terrace. Ask for a volcano-view room: on a clear morning, the view of Arenal is unforgettable.
Dining and Facilities
- La Saca: the main restaurant, serving Costa Rican and international dishes, plus the breakfast buffet.
- Alambique: wood-fired pizzas on the patio.
- Ohashi: Japanese food and sushi.
- Swim-up bar at the hot springs pool.
- Natural hot springs, an adult pool and a family pool, all with volcano views.
- Open-air spa beside the river.
- Tour desk for hiking, zip-lining, rafting and other excursions.
Things to Do
- Arenal Volcano National Park: walk across old lava flows with views of the volcano, about 20 minutes away.
- La Fortuna Waterfall: climb down through the forest to swim below a 70-metre waterfall.
- Hanging bridges: walk through the rainforest canopy looking for toucans, monkeys and sloths.
- Zip-lining and rafting: fly over the forest or raft the rivers around Arenal.
- Lake Arenal: kayaking, boat trips and sunset views.
Our Specialist’s View
“Arenal Manoa is a great all-rounder: you get proper volcano views, hot springs right on site and plenty of space for children, at a fairer price than the top spa resorts. For a honeymoon, book a Chato Suite with its own plunge pool, and save an evening for a long soak in the springs.” Alex Robinson
When to Visit
Arenal has a green, rainy climate and showers can fall in any month. The driest months are usually February to April, when the volcano is most often clear of cloud. From May to November there is more rain, usually in the afternoons, but the forest is lush and the hot springs are at their best on a cool, wet evening.
Getting There
Arenal Manoa is about three hours by road from San José airport, and a similar time from Liberia airport in Guanacaste. It is about 10 minutes from La Fortuna town. It combines well with Monteverde’s cloud forest, the beaches of Guanacaste or the Caribbean coast. We arrange your private transfers and drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arenal Manoa have its own hot springs?
Yes. The resort has natural thermal pools fed by mineral-rich water from the volcano, plus a swim-up bar, so you don’t need to pay to visit a separate hot springs park.
Can you see Arenal Volcano from Arenal Manoa?
Yes, from the gardens, pools and many of the rooms. The summit is often in cloud, so early morning is usually the best time for a clear view.
Is Arenal Manoa good for families?
Yes. There is a family pool, Superior Suites with two queen beds and villas with more room, and the tour desk can arrange activities for all ages.
Which room should I book at Arenal Manoa?
For couples, a Premium Suite with its own hot tub, or a Chato Suite with a private plunge pool for a honeymoon. Families do best in a Superior Suite or a villa.
How far is Arenal Manoa from La Fortuna?
About 7 km, or 10 minutes by car, on the road towards the volcano. La Fortuna Waterfall and the national park are also close by.
Is breakfast included at Arenal Manoa?
Yes, a breakfast buffet is included. The resort also has three restaurants for lunch and dinner.
How many nights should I stay in Arenal?
Two to three nights gives you time for the volcano, the waterfall, a hanging bridges walk and plenty of time in the hot springs.
Plan Your Stay at Arenal Manoa
Arenal Manoa fits perfectly into a tailor-made Costa Rica holiday. Read our Costa Rica travel guide, explore the best things to do in Costa Rica or compare other Costa Rica hotels. It’s ideal for family holidays, honeymoons and adventure holidays.
Request a video call or send us an enquiry to start planning.