Set on a hillside overlooking Arenal Volcano, The Springs is a beautiful property with 18 pools, all but one with hot springs pumped directly into the pools. The main pool is a regular chlorine pool with a very nice swim-up bar and great volcano views. The developers and owners did an excellent job of design, architecture, and detail. We stayed in 2-bedroom suites that were just as elegant. Now for all of this, one must pay the price. Room rates, drink prices and food costs are probably the highest you'll find in all of Costa Rica. Service was subpar considering the rates you're paying. Food quality, especially in the buffet restaurant, is terrible. Would we do it again? No. Did we have an experience of a lifetime? Yes.

This resort offers fine dining, hot springs, and beautiful panoramic views of lush Costa Rican countryside. And a view of a fantastic volcano from every room. Luxurious rooms with exotic hardwood furniture and paneling, walk-in showers, granite and tile bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs. The staff caters to your every whim - even babysitting service. Super courteous - I never heard "con much gusto" so much. But if you're going to drive yourself from an airport, get a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Roads can be questionable in places.

Back after 4 days at the Springs Resort. Family loved it. Stayed in Villa Calatae: 3000 sq ft villa was huge and supplied with a golf cart to use (very helpful getting tired kids up the hill to the main resort). Springs are warm and well spread through thick and beautiful jungle. And NO BUGS! Not one bug bite for this family of 5 without any use of sprays. I think they treat the areas every morning. Monkey slide is plenty fast and fun, if you have kids plan to camp out near it (and take some trips down yourself to make everyone laugh).
This is a "wow" resort, 44 room (2 villas) and a main resort ready for 100 rooms (still buiding down by the river but you'd never know it or see it). Resort was full, but since so many guests take advantage of the excellent local excursions, we never felt crowded. Many days we had springs all to ourselves and never waited a minute to get a table in any of the restaurants. Beware the slow service at the only indoor steak restaurant. But where else do you have to go anyway?
Food was good (sushi restaurant was okay 1st night, but excellent the last!?), and one night we ate at the pool swim up. Ordering from any menu is allowed no matter where you are eating. My picky oldest (11) appreciated the chicken tenders and one night we ordered a pizza to be delivered for him from a nearby restaurant (it was okay, but he felt it was special). They also opened a meeting room for xbox (bigscreen), pingpong, puzzles, etc with a dedicated worker who played with my kids while we drank at the outdoor sushi bar just outside, everyone had fun.
Saw the preserve (feeding time is best), puretrek canyoned (everyone's favorite and even my 4 year old was able to go... strapped to a guide-absolutely amazing, but a tough hike back up at the end for 20 minutes that no one ever mentioned before), and river rafted at the hotel on the river with friends of the owner, Lee. He lives in Ft. Lauderdale, but was on site for those guests and was friendly and welcoming to us. He even sent us a fruit basket to our room one night. Very cool and likable guy.
Only warning is the roads in CR are bumpy and windy. We had to break 1/2 way from and to the airport in San Jose to calm our stomachs(my youngest threw up, but recovered admirably) and buy touristy stuff . The towns are so friendly, my wife and daughter took a cab to town one morning and shopped at their leisure - no pestering, no problems. They felt safe and really enjoyed the time together.
My kids are already thinking of which friend they would bring with when we go back eventually. With a little older kids, we would zip, atv, and horseride. People who did it had fun. The rain is brief and heavy, but feels great and kept the rainforest feel to everything. Unlike the beach, when it rains here everything just keeps going strong. By the 2nd day, we never even noticed it and it only rained rarely. Best when it rains to enjoy the springs with a big pineapple drink in hand. Cool rain and hot springs. Stop reading all the reviews and just go and enjoy it.

We loved everything about our stay especially the attention to detail. Free Internet always gives an added good feeling. The stairs from the accommodation to the hotel may be difficult for some.