When life feels too stressful for you, how do you unwind? The last time your boss rode you a little too hard or the kids asked way too many questions or traffic had you stuck, what questions did you ask yourself? Is that beer still in the fridge? Can I schedule some spa time for tonight? Why do I live like this? Where’s the best hot springs near me?
For many of our audience members, the first three questions are probably more plausible than the fourth. However, WHEN you come to Costa Rica, you will undoubtedly Google that one. Yes, Costa Rica has cerveza (beer,) balnearios (spas/health resorts,) and – unfortunately, niños (children.)
And if the Ticos (native Costa Rican people) have the same questions as you, dear stressed-out reader, they already know where the best hot springs are. Since we’re here, we’ve taken on the arduous task of researching the best hot springs near us and we will dutifully report back.
Pura Vida
While thoroughly enjoying our time at Agua Inn in Nuevo Arenal, we found ourselves in need of a change of tropical atmosphere and a good soak in the best hot springs near us. We already knew Agua was near a fantastic restaurant, Gingerbread, but we needed something more than food. Agua’s location is close to several hot springs, ranging from the free experience at Rio Chollin/El Choyin (Chollin River) to extravagant resorts like Tabacon and Baldi.
We do love to get fancy from time to time, but to really experience the pura vida (simple life) we found a place that offers the perfect balance of luxury and landscape, Hot Springs Pura Vida. A day pass grants you access to their amazing thermal pool as well as the nearby river.
Parking
The road to Hot Springs Pura Vida is a typical Costa Rican road, which translates to narrow, windy and lacking pothole repair. There’s a sign with a number on it that COULD be the speed limit, but no one pays it any attention. If you know where the potholes are, you will drive as fast as possible when you know it’s safe. There are no lane markers or center lines and that’s a great way the government saved money because no one heeds them either.
On such an “exciting” route where there’s very little shoulder to pull off onto, it was a relief to see a large parking lot when we arrived at the hot springs. We had ample room to maneuver our vehicle without worrying about other patrons.
Utilities
Showers, towels and lockers are included in the day pass price. Like the rest of the property, these areas are kept clean and well-maintained. The outdoor showers – that you should use before entering the thermal pool – weren’t dirty at all and actually had hot water. A hot water shower outdoors here is rare.
We didn’t eat any of their food but their menu reads like a Costa Rican culinary dream. They offer plenty of comfort food for foreign visitors with a fair amount of local dishes sprinkled throughout. If you’re feeling brave and want to try some chicharron (pork rind) you can have it, followed by an order of chicken wings.
Of course, part of our hot spring therapy included adult beverages and we had such a variety to choose from on their bar menu. I mixed things up with a gin and tonic and the other señorita sipped a margarita.
Relaxing
Strings of white lights outline their outdoor trails. We followed a trail to the rambling river. It was moderately busy on the day we visited, so we slipped into one of the last remaining pools and sat with our backs against giant rocks. 
The natural mineral water rushed over us, occasionally tickling our arms and legs with leaves. Some of the other visitors merely sat and soaked, like us, but a few played with the river rocks and built cairns. A young couple behind us had an impromptu photo shoot before sprawling out in a shallow, quieter pool.
About a half hour after we first sank into the crumbly river bed, a waiter came to check on us and ask if we wanted anything. Desiring to hold onto nothing but each other and an occasional pretty river stone, we said no, gracias (no, thank you.) We lingered in El Choyin – the same river that provides free access but with a much scarier parking situation – another 45 minutes before we decided to hit the trail to the pool.
Amazing
We took the long way to the pool, via the bar, to order drinks first. We also noticed a gift shop where you can get all the typical Costa Rican gifts like coffee, chocolate and sloth-themed stuff.
There was just enough time to rinse off in the hot outdoor shower before the lovely waitstaff brought our beverages poolside. We were pleased with the strength and size of the drinks for the price, and more than content to sit back, relaxing in the bathtub-temperate water of the thermal pool as the day came to a close.
Googling the best hot springs near us that day was exactly what our weary minds and bodies needed. And Hot Springs Pura Vida delivered the best medicine.
