New Arrival Experience at Tabacon.

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa in Costa Rica has opened its new Arrival Experience, offering a reimagined gateway to their revered thermal resort.

Designed by Taller KEN, the new facilities connect the architecture with nature and spaces flow with the forest’s topography. Key elements are crafted from river and volcanic stone from San Ramón, as well as fallen Guanacaste, teak and cenizaro woods - each embodying the textures of the surrounding landscape. The project celebrates Costa Rican artistry through collaborations with Oldemar Rodríguez, who carved volcanic and river stones; Freddy Pérez, a third-generation woodworker blending wood and stone; Bernardo Urbina, whose contemporary furniture bridges design and nature; and Jonathan Barrantes, known for his intricate wood sculptures inspired by local flora and fauna. Together, their work transforms the space into a living expression of Tabacón’s inimitable beauty.

The opening marks the latest milestone in Tabacón’s broader vision to enhance every aspect of the experience through luxury, wellness and sustainability. More than an architectural feature, it redefines how guests begin their connection with the natural world and Costa Rica’s only natural thermal river born at the base of the Arenal Volcano. This is where the signature Tabacón experience begins: a living river surrounded by tropical gardens, rainforest beauty, open-air spaces inspired by local artistry and the sensory invitation to slow down and reconnect in these thermal waters.

The resort’s Legacy of Regeneration guides every decision — from low-impact construction to reforestation programs and biodiversity protection. Through this philosophy, Tabacón also supports the local community with initiatives that include partnerships with nearby schools, cultural education programs, and job creation that prioritizes local talent. Sustainability is not just a value, but an operating principle that shapes every  detail of the experience.