The Royal Corin Thermal Water and Spa Resort is a luxury hotel in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. This resort, near the famous Arenal Volcano, offers a truly immersive experience in nature and access to natural hot springs. I stayed at this adults-only hotel in December 2023 for four nights, and I’m sharing my personal experiences and thoughts in this full review. So, if you’re considering a stay in the Arenal region or want to know if the Royal Corin resort is for you, read on to hear all the details about this beautiful hotel in Costa Rica.
About The Royal Corin Thermal Water & Spa Resort, Costa Rica
Whether you wish to unwind in the thermal hot springs, pamper at the spa, or explore the lush rainforest surroundings, The Royal Corin provides an idyllic setting for a dream stay in Costa Rica. The hotel only has 54 rooms, so the staff are extremely attentive, and the amenities are never crowded. It’s a luxury adults-only resort that comes with an affordable price point. I compared the amenities and customer service reviews with nearby thermal water resorts, and The Royal Corin came out on top for both. The staff go above and beyond to ensure you have an enjoyable stay. I also liked that the resort is slightly out of town but close enough to the action and activities in the Arenal area. Taxis were plentiful to and from town, and activity pick-ups were never an issue.
Accommodation Options
The Royal Corin offers a range of luxurious accommodation options, including rooms and suites. The room types consist of Twin, Queen and King configurations. There are two suite types, the Junior and the Master. They each have larger sitting areas and an in-room jacuzzi. One of the things I liked is that no matter which room type you pick, it will include breakfast and a view of Arenal Volcano from the balcony or terrace. The curved design structure of the hotel has allowed for this, and it’s a great view.
I arranged a private transfer pick-up through the hotel from San Jose airport, it takes around 3 hours. Upon arrival, I was quickly greeted at the resort and given a fruity welcome drink and hot towel. While I enjoyed this, we completed the check-in process. I felt very welcome, and the staff were friendly and helpful.
Deluxe King Room
I chose to stay in a Deluxe King Room, which is one of the resort’s standard rooms. The bedroom was bright and spacious, with an amazing view of the pool, gardens and the volcano. There was also a delicious fresh fruit platter waiting in the room, a lovely welcoming touch. The bed was comfortable, and the room had a coffee maker, mini fridge, safe, bathrobes, slippers and a range of toiletries. The bathroom was elegantly decorated, and I particularly loved the hydro massage shower. I loved that the toiletries were restocked each day, along with coffee pods and water bottles.
A couple of things that could be improved in the room is the privacy on the balcony. There is very little separating you from the adjoining room on one side, which I feel lets it down. I’m not really into watching TV while travelling, but I did expect a SMART TV in the room. I imagine these small things are what make this a more affordable luxury stay option. Despite this, I’d happily book this room type again.
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Pools & Spa
One of the highlights and main attractions of The Royal Corin is its mineral-rich thermal waters, where guests can relax and rejuvenate in natural hot springs from nearby Arenal Volcano. There is also a spa onsite for an ultimate wellness retreat experience.
Natural Hot Spring Pools
There are several natural hot spring pools throughout the resort ranging in temperature and style. Simply put, I couldn’t get enough of the thermal pools during my stay. They’re extremely clean, odor free, and positioned throughout the gardens and around the bar area. At some points, you feel as though you’re the only one in the resort as they’re cleverly hidden in the lush greenery. Soaking and relaxing in these pools every day was heavenly.
Around the pool terrace and pool bar are the hot swimming pools, averaging around 38°C (92-100°F). Several thermal jacuzzi pools in the gardens range in temperature, averaging around 39°C degrees (93-104°F). Some of these have hydro massage functionality and waterfalls. There is also a cold-water swimming pool if you want to take a refreshing dip. I did find some of the pools were too hot at times. I suggest trying them all out and finding your favourites. According to the Royal Corin website, the thermal waters are one hundred percent natural and rich in mineral salts and ions such as Calcium (CA+2), Magnesium (Mg+2), Chloride (CL-) and Carbon. They are the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the lush rainforest.
Loto Spa
The Loto Spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, body wraps, and private pools, all designed to promote wellness and relaxation. I didn’t end up using any of the Loto Spa facilities as I couldn’t keep away from the thermal pools. But I did a walk-through and spoke to some guests who thoroughly enjoyed their treatments. If I book another stay, I’d love to arrange a visit.
Dining Options at The Royal Corin
The Royal Corin has two restaurants and one pool bar that serve local cuisine from Costa Rica as well as international dishes. Staff are well trained to deal with allergy requests or questions about the menus, which I truly appreciated. For a four-night stay, I was happy with the options and spent some time eating at the resort and checking out restaurants in the town of La Fortuna. It was the perfect mix for me.
Emperador Restaurant
The Emperador Restaurant is next to the main lobby, where breakfast is served every morning. The breakfast buffet is included in the room price. I was impressed by the variety of foods, that I’ll never look at breakfast buffets the same way again. From fresh fruits, cereals, healthy juices, hot dishes, an egg station, pastries and bread, the choices are endless. I had questions about the gluten-free items and enjoyed something different every morning.
I chose to eat on the outdoor terrace as the tables look out into the gardens. Having breakfast there was enjoyable and peaceful, a great start to the day. I didn’t choose to eat at this restaurant any other time, but it does open for dinner. The menu didn’t appeal to me as much as the Lava Restaurant upstairs.
Basalto Pool Bar
I spent a lot of time hanging out at the thermal pools, and the pool bar on my relaxation days. It’s open from 10 am to 10 pm with a swim-up bar and a serviced seating area by the lounge chairs. I ate here twice during my stay, once for lunch and the other was a light snack. I tried the Costa Rican Deluxe Patacón, which is fried plantains with a filling of choice. It’s basically a sandwich without the bread, and it was delicious. I also ordered the stuffed jalapeños and highly recommend those as well. The foods on offer at the pool are the perfect type of bite when you’re relaxing.
I also tried some of their cocktails and recommend ordering the piña colada. The fresh pineapple takes this cocktail up a notch compared to the others. They measure the alcohol for each drink, including wine measures, which is a little disappointing given the price point. But overall, the Basalto Bar was a favourite spot of mine. It was perfect to relax during the day, and an ideal place to soak and grab a cocktail after a fun-filled day of activities.
Lava Restaurant
The Lava Restaurant is the most popular one at the resort and is perfect for a relaxed romantic dinner. The decor is beautiful, and it has stunning views looking across at Arenal volcano. The menu has a variety of dishes to suit any taste. I went for the stuffed chicken breast and crème brûlée and devoured both.
You cannot dine here without a reservation, so I suggest heading to the reception desk or emailing before your trip to book a slot. I ate here on my last night as it was fully booked. It also has a bar for guests to enjoy, and it’s a lot more appealing than the lobby bar. It would be a great spot to hang out and enjoy a cocktail in the evening before or after dinner.
Amenities at The Royal Corin, Costa Rica
In addition to the thermal water pools, Loto Spa and restaurants, the hotel offers a range of amenities to enhance guests’ stay. These include complimentary Wi-Fi access, free parking, pool towels, laundry facilities, room service, and concierge services. There is always a member of staff available throughout the resort to answer any questions, arrange transport or make any reservations. I found the customer service exceptional; the staff ensure your needs are met at all times.
Activities & Tours
The hotel can arrange activities for guests to enjoy during their stay, including guided hikes, zip-lining tours, and visits to nearby attractions such as the Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna Waterfall. I found these a bit higher in price and booked my own tours separately from the hotel. However, the resort offers packages on its website that may be a better value overall, depending on what you want to see and do. The packages include accommodation and options like spa treatments, a 3-course dinner at one of the restaurants, and a range of outdoor activities. These are listed on their website, and pricing changes depending on the season. It’s worth checking them out.
Check out this guide for a full list of fun activities to do in the Arenal & La Fortuna area!
Environmental Sustainability Commitment
Like many hotels in Costa Rica, The Royal Corin has committed to environmental sustainability practices throughout the resort. They implement practices such as recycling, energy conservation, and supporting local conservation efforts. The resort is working towards achieving the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) established by the Costa Rican Tourism Board. This accreditation also helps travellers make informed and environmentally conscious decisions when looking for places to stay. For more detailed information on these efforts, you can visit the Royal Corin website.
To sum up, the Royal Corin in Costa Rica offers a luxurious and relaxing retreat in the heart of the Arenal Volcano region. From its stunning views of the volcano to its top-notch amenities and exceptional service, this hotel truly stands out as an affordable luxury resort not to be overlooked. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this hotel provides an ideal base for exploring all this beautiful region has to offer. I would love to book a stay here again in the future.
Thanks for reading. I hope I’ve inspired you to choose a stay at The Royal Corin in Costa Rica on your next trip. Any other resorts I should check out? Let me know in the comments below, or over on Instagram.
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This looks like a great place to stay. We visited this area a number of years ago, staying at the Hot Springs Resort. We had a great time there, especially taking a waterfall repelling tour. I am always up for trying another resort that looks as nice as this one does.
It sounds like you had a great time too! I’ll have to check out the Hot Springs Resort 🙂
What a beautiful place. I haven’t been to this part of the world but it looks like it has everything you need to base yourself for a great visit to Costa Rica.
So beautiful! And yes, it’s a great base in the La Fortuna / Arenal area!
This looks like the kind of resort I’d want to stay at! Definitely going to consider the Royal Corin when planning a trip to Costa Rica.
That makes me so happy, it’s a great place!
Woooow the view of Arenal Volcano from the balcony or terrace at breakfast is fabulous! That has to be one of the best reasons to stay. I also love the look of the food, the spa, and the fact that they are committed to sustainability.
Yes, the view alone is incredible!
Costa Rica is on my bucket list! The hotel looks great and has some incredible views!
It had been on my bucket list for so long, definitely worth the wait!
I would love to relax in those natural hot spring pools! I love how this resort is immersed in nature. I really want to visit Costa Rica so I will save this post for future trip planning. Thanks for the info!
It’s a true gem of a hotel 🙂