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Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga

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

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Photo gallery for Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga

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

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 Double Bed

Superior Room, 1 Double Bed | View from room

Superior Room, 1 Double Bed

Highlights

Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom | Bed sheets

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Casitas nomadas

View from room

Casitas nomadas

Highlights

Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • 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

Highlights

Balcony
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Casa Bella Vista

Casa Bella Vista | Exterior

Casa Bella Vista

Highlights

Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Bunk Bed

View all photos for Superior Quadruple Room, Private Bathroom

Bathroom sink

Superior Quadruple Room, Private Bathroom

Highlights

Balcony
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
1 Km Sur Escuela del Castillo, Arenal Volcano National Park, Peñas Blancas, 1230

What's nearby

  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 8 min drive - 2.6 miles
  • Arenal Volcano - 15 min drive - 5.2 miles
  • Tabacon Hot Springs - 18 min drive - 7.2 miles
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 20 min drive - 7.5 miles
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 25 min drive - 9.3 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 near Lake Arenal
Located close to Costa Rica Sky Adventures, Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga provides a terrace, a garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Active travelers can enjoy amenities like volleyball and hiking/biking at this hostal. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot springs or Turkish bath/hammam, and indulge in a hot stone massage or reflexology. The on-site vegetarian cuisine restaurant, No aplica, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can connect to free WiFi in public areas.
Additional perks include:
  • An outdoor pool
  • Free self parking
  • Full breakfast (surcharge), a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and coffee/tea in the lobby
  • Smoke-free premises, a front-desk safe, and tour/ticket assistance
Room features
All guestrooms at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga have amenities such as room service.
Other amenities include:
  • Recycling and LED light bulbs

Languages

English, French, German, Spanish

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

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Hot springs access available from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Reservations are required for massage services; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

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

Does Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Does Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle.

Where is Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga located?

Situated in the mountains, this hostal is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Lake Arenal and 2.5 mi (4 km) from Costa Rica Sky Adventures. Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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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

6/10 Okay

Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The property is little dated but ok, it’s surrendered by nature, so it would be nice if cabins had some outdoor sitting furniture. The area has some beautiful views on the lake and volcano, it’s hard to beat!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved this stay so much!!!! Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was a true sanctuary. Nestled in the jungle with various short walking trails, daily yoga and a spa circuit. The hosts were just amazing and kind and the property was pure heaven. If you want snacks or coffee, there’s no refrigerator or coffee in the room so just plan accordingly. :)
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emile

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

Laura

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

Janice

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

8/10 Good

Franka

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

Isabelmarie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Me encantó la experiencia, el equipo de trabajo a otro nivel con su dedicación. Definitivamente volveré a reservar cuando vuelva a Costa Rica
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

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

Jose Manuel

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

8/10 Good

Jeff, Prince George bc

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

6/10 Okay

Erik

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hôtel accueillant, personnel aux petits soins, nourriture excellente et végétarienne ! Ballades autour de l’hotel au top...
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 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

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

M-C, Terrebonne, Qc., Canada

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

Super beau site!

Super beau spot! Staff exceptionnel! Au resto végétarien, tout était absolument délicieux! Jaccuzi avec vue sur le volcan Arenal très apprécié! Chambre plutôt minimaliste, mais on n'était pas là pour rester dans la chambre... La piscine est assez loin sur la finca (ferme) et demande une bonne marche en nature.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

erin

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

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Bien, pas pour des personnes de grande taille tel que 6 pieds et plus
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Très beau site avec vue sur le volcan Arenal. Établissement soucieux de l'environnement. Diverses prestations. Personnel accueillant et disponible.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2018