Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga - El Castillo

Eco-friendly wellness retreat in El Castillo with on-site organic farm and holistic spa

Wellness and Spa

Essence Arenal Spa & Yoga offers a spa circuit that includes a hydrotherapy jacuzzi, Turkish bath, and sauna. The hotel provides Temazcal ceremonies and massages such as deep tissue and Swedish massage. Yoga classes are held twice daily on a deck overlooking the Arenal Volcano.

Dining

The Essence Restaurant serves vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free breakfasts, à la carte lunches, and themed dinners prepared with ingredients from the hotel's organic farm. Chef Gabriel and the kitchen team offer nightly themed dinners inspired by cuisines from Japan, the Mediterranean, Argentina, and India. Guests can also join a cooking class with Gabriel to learn plant-based recipes.

Accommodations

Essence Arenal Hotel provides superior double rooms, glamping tents, and casitas with a living room and partial kitchen. Some rooms offer views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. The property is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their dogs for an additional fee.

Activities and Tours

Hotel Essence Arenal operates a cacao tour on its own 140-tree cacao farm, where guests learn about chocolate making from pod to bar. The night wildlife tour with guide Aurelio reveals red-eyed tree frogs, snakes, and birds. Other on-site activities include hiking trails on 80 acres, canoeing, horse riding, and a daily volleyball court.

Location and Grounds

Essence Arenal Costa Rica is located in El Castillo, 10 km from Arenal Volcano National Park and 12 km from the hot springs. The property covers 80 acres with gardens, an organic farm, and an outdoor swimming pool fed by a spring. The Butterfly Conservatory and Wellness Park is within walking distance from the hotel.

• Wellness: Spa circuit with hydrotherapy jacuzzi, Turkish bath, sauna
• Dining: Vegetarian/vegan cuisine from on-site organic farm
• Activities: Cacao tour and night wildlife tour on property
• Accommodations: Glamping tents and casitas with volcano views
• Pet-friendly: Pet-friendly rooms available
• Location: 10 km from Arenal Volcano National Park