Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, a rainforest retreat in the shadow of Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano, has launched a new programme based around Sensory Luxury. Embracing the restoration of natural balance Sensory Luxury goes back to basics, showcasing how wellbeing doesn’t have to be engineered and can be activated organically through air, water, sound, texture and flavour. The program identifies both active and passive practices framed by natural settings around the resort that harness the power of nature to take guests a step beyond relaxation and guide them to tune into the frequencies and rhythms that recalibrate from the inside out.
Olfaction: Breathing in the Atmosphere – Tabacón’s reserve has been carefully rewilded over the past three decades into a thriving rainforest ecosystem where biodiversity naturally purifies the air. Tropical rainforests release high levels of phytoncides which help reduce stress and improve immune and respiratory health, while offering higher concentrations of oxygen. This combines with the gentle steam created by the thermal river, creating a soothing natural sauna. The indoor-outdoor design of the resort ensures guests are constantly immersed in these restorative scents and sensations, whether breathing deeply during yoga in the outdoor shala, hiking through the rainforest to see the source of the Tabacón River, or winding down at night with locally-crafted sleep aids.
Vision: Seeing is Believing – Tabacón’s gardens offer a vibrant canvas of rainforest greens, tropical flowers and visible wildlife. Attention Restoration Theory (ART) suggests that visual immersion in natural environments like these encourages soft fascination, the gentle focus that allows the mind to rest and reset. Simple practices that can intentionally direct visual attention include: Horizon Gazing towards the Arenal Volcano to calm the nervous system; Nature Gazing focusing on the movement of the Tabacon River and rainforest leaves to restore mental clarity; Sky Gazing to reduce feelings of overwhelm; and Moon Gazing while floating in the thermal waters.
Audation: The Songs of Silence – The natural soundscape at Tabacón forms an ever-changing soundtrack that blends the rush of the thermal river with the life of the rainforest. This living sound bath across the property encourages mindful pauses rooted in the present moment – from actively listening to falling asleep and waking naturally to the chorus of frogs, birds, monkeys and rainfall. This environment helps reset circadian cycles and promotes deep, restorative rest. These sounds have been captured on Tabacon’s own Binaural Beats soundtrack.
Tactile: The Healing Touch – Tabacón is home to the largest collection of naturally flowing thermal and mineral springs in Costa Rica. Across 18 pools ranging from 75-105°F (24-40° C), guests experience the therapeutic tradition of balneotherapy, known to stimulate circulation, calm the nervous system and support mental clarity. Guests can follow Tabacon’s Balneotherapy Concierge which outlines optimum time in specific pools based on Rapid Flow or Linger Longer circuits, alternating between temperatures to naturally regulate circulation and relaxation. Complementary spa treatments incorporate volcanic mud, thermal water and indigenous wellness traditions, while simple sensory moments – floating in warm pools, walking barefoot through gardens or feeling tropical rain on the skin – help restore the body’s innate sense of balance and connection.
Gustation: Conscious Cuisine – Tabacón’s culinary program, led by Culinary Director Saúl Umaña, celebrates the diverse flavours and traditions of Costa Rica. The menus highlight native superfoods and medicinal plants alongside seasonal tropical ingredients with dishes showcasing contemporary interpretations of local classics while embracing emerging flavour trends such as fruit-and-spice pairings in refreshing ceviches and vibrant gazpachos. Herbal infusions and nutrient-rich ingredients like avocado, pineapple and moringa further complement the thermal wellness experience with recommendations outlined on the Balneotherapy Concierge app.
In an era defined by overstimulation and over-optimization, Sensory Luxury at Tabacon represents a considered approach to luxury hospitality – one that’s rooted in rewilding the senses, aided by the sights and sounds of the 570-acre rainforest reserve.
A three-night package starts from $2,399 per room based on double occupancy and includes accommodation in an Orchid Room, daily breakfast, one lunch in the adults-only Shangri-La Gardens, one dinner at Ave, a daily wellness drink, a 60-minute private yoga session, a 50-minute spa treatment per person and a curated mini-kit of locally-made organic spa products by Biosfera.
For more information visit www.tabacon.com
