Borinquen Thermal Resort & Spa
A serene resort nestled in Guanacaste's rainforest, offering natural volcanic hot springs, adventure activities, and stunning volcano views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Volcanic steam is most active
Borinquen Thermal Resort & Spa
Best Time
Volcanic steam is most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene resort nestled in Guanacaste's rainforest, offering natural volcanic hot springs, adventure activities, and stunning volcano views.
"This private, exclusive retreat is nestled in nature, offering immaculate facilities and top-notch service."
🚗 SUV Recommended for Access
The road to the resort can be rough; an SUV is recommended for a smoother journey. Avoid driving at night.
🩱 Mud Bath Stains Swimwear
Be aware that the volcanic mud bath can stain your swimwear. Consider wearing older suits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Natural Volcanic Sauna
Relax in a unique sauna heated by natural volcanic steam, surrounded by lush tropical forest. A truly unforgettable experience!
Ziplining Adventure
Soar through the jungle canopy with exhilarating zipline tours offering breathtaking views of the rainforest.
Horseback Riding to Waterfalls
Explore the scenic trails on horseback, leading to hidden waterfalls and stunning rainforest vistas.
Thermal Pools & Mud Baths
Unwind in the resort's various thermal pools and rejuvenating volcanic mud baths for ultimate relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Road to Borinquen
Embrace the Natural Sauna
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 SUV Recommended for Access
The road to the resort can be rough; an SUV is recommended for a smoother journey. Avoid driving at night.
🩱 Mud Bath Stains Swimwear
Be aware that the volcanic mud bath can stain your swimwear. Consider wearing older suits.
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Pack comfortable shoes for exploring trails, horseback riding, and ziplining adventures.
📱 Book Adventure Activities
Consider booking ziplining and horseback riding in advance, especially during peak season.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 SUV Recommended for Access
The road to the resort can be rough; an SUV is recommended for a smoother journey. Avoid driving at night.
🩱 Mud Bath Stains Swimwear
Be aware that the volcanic mud bath can stain your swimwear. Consider wearing older suits.
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Pack comfortable shoes for exploring trails, horseback riding, and ziplining adventures.
📱 Book Adventure Activities
Consider booking ziplining and horseback riding in advance, especially during peak season.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Costa Rica's climate is tropical. Drink plenty of water, especially when engaging in outdoor activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Borinquen Thermal Resort is praised as a 5-star gem for its stunning natural setting, unique volcanic hot springs, and excellent adventure activities like ziplining and horseback riding. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and comfortable villas. However, some reviews point out that the bungalows and facilities could use renovation, and the restaurant experience, including food and service, has been inconsistent.
"Borinquen Resort in Rincón de la Vieja is a 5-star gem! This private, exclusive retreat is nestled in nature, offering: Immaculate facilities, including hot springs, pools, mud bath, a stable, lookout to volcano fumarola, elegant dining and adventure activities: zip lining, horseback riding (huge shoutout to guide Ronald!), hiking
The service is top-notch including the internal shuttle service , making for a truly special stay. Villas were spacious and very comfortable. One thing to note, the road in is rough, so plan ahead - avoid driving after dark and opt for an SUV if possible."
Hugo Laci
"My stay at Buringuen Resort in Costa Rica was nothing short of magical. The natural beauty surrounding the resort is breathtaking – a true five-star setting. What made it even better was the incredibly warm and professional staff. Everyone went above and beyond to make my stay perfect. The sauna was a fantastic way to relax after a day of exploring. I can't wait to return! Highly recommend!"
Olga Dorondova
"Overall we haven’t had a bad experience at all, but the bungalows require a renovation and the restaurant needs urgently to be revised (the service is a catastrophe)!
First the bungalows are kind of ok regarding the interior, but all seem to be very old, everything sticks instead of working smooth and so on. Water pressure in the shower is definitely very good, but the windows are kinda leaky when it’s windy or rainy. The AC is working, but at moderate outside temperatures it seems already to be overstrained. Mattresses are fine for me.
The pool and the hot springs as well as the mud bath could be revised as well.
The worst in my eyes is the restaurant! It’s not only the food which isn’t tasty… portions are too small, the service is horrible! Honestly… the service gives you at first the illusion of being in a haute cuisine, but when you sit down and 3 waitresses are asking you what you want do drink and eat… the illusion bubble pops all of a sudden. The meals itself aren’t worse, but in my eyes doesn’t fit the local cuisine (which is really good), but tries to serve a continental menu. Pasta and Tenderloin on one menu can’t be good in my eyes. The portions are really small, so you have to order another meal or take the full meal incl. starter and dessert… and again, you‘re not really done with plate, the first waitress askes if he/she can remove the plates - why so in a hurry?
For breakfast you don’t get a fruit plate (which is usually very common even in the smallest hotels overall in Costa Rica)… which is absolutely not comprehensible - the fruits are growing literally on their front door 🤷🏻♂️ and they are cheap!
Besides this, I‘d like to mention that this hotel isn’t really wheelchair friendly as the rooms are reachable about steep ramps which you can hardly walk!"
Sebastian Deist
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The resort is located near Rincón de la Vieja. Many visitors recommend renting an SUV due to the rough road leading to the resort. It's advisable to avoid driving after dark.
While some reviews mention the road being rough, others suggest it has been improved. An SUV is still a good precaution, especially for comfort and if you encounter any challenging sections.
Public transportation options to the immediate vicinity of the resort might be limited. Renting a car, preferably an SUV, or arranging private transport is generally recommended for easier access.
Borinquen Thermal Resort is located in the Guanacaste region, which is accessible from Liberia International Airport (LIR). The drive can take approximately 1-2 hours depending on the specific route and road conditions.
Some tour operators offer packages that include transportation to Borinquen Thermal Resort. It's worth checking with local tour providers or the resort directly for any available shuttle services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always mandatory, booking accommodations and any specific activities like ziplining or horseback riding in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot.
Operating hours for the thermal springs, spa, and other facilities can vary. It's best to check with the resort directly upon arrival or during booking for the most up-to-date information on access times.
Information on day passes is not widely available. The resort primarily operates as an accommodation provider, with activities and amenities often included or bookable for guests.
A typical stay often includes accommodation in villas, access to thermal pools, mud baths, and fumarolas. Some packages may also include meals and adventure activities.
The natural sauna is a unique feature of the resort. Access is typically included for guests staying at Borinquen Thermal Resort. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The resort offers exciting adventure activities such as ziplining through the rainforest canopy and horseback riding to scenic spots. +1
Yes, Borinquen Thermal Resort offers a lookout point where you can observe volcanic fumarolas, providing a glimpse into the area's geothermal activity.
Reviews generally describe the villas as spacious and comfortable, though some mention they could benefit from renovation. They offer a serene base for exploring the resort.
Wi-Fi availability and quality can vary. It's advisable to check with the resort for current information on Wi-Fi coverage, especially if it's a critical need for your stay.
Yes, families often enjoy the variety of activities like horseback riding and exploring the grounds. The natural setting and pools are a hit with children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining experiences at the restaurant have received mixed reviews. Some guests praise the delicious food and large portions, while others find the food not particularly tasty and the portions small.
Breakfast is often included in packages, but some guests have noted the absence of a fruit plate, which is common in Costa Rica.
The restaurant aims for a continental menu, which some guests feel doesn't fully embrace local Costa Rican flavors.
Service in the restaurant has been described as a 'catastrophe' by some, with instances of overly attentive staff or slow service.
Due to its remote location, dining options outside the resort are limited. It's recommended to enjoy the meals offered at the resort, despite some mixed reviews on food and service.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the lush rainforest, the natural volcanic sauna, thermal pools, and panoramic views from ziplining. The volcanic fumarolas also make for dramatic photos. +1
The resort's natural setting means you might spot monkeys and various birds. Early mornings are often best for wildlife photography.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for landscape and wildlife photography. Midday can be harsh due to the tropical sun.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's always best to check with the resort management before flying a drone to ensure compliance with local rules and privacy considerations.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both landscapes and potential wildlife. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive rainforest views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples Seeking Romance
🌿 Nature & Wellness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Volcanic Springs
Beyond the pools, the resort also offers volcanic mud baths. These nutrient-rich muds are believed to detoxify and rejuvenate the skin. While a unique experience, guests are advised that the mud can stain swimwear, so wearing older suits is recommended.
Adventure Awaits: Ziplining and Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is another popular option, allowing guests to traverse scenic trails that often lead to hidden waterfalls. This offers a more serene way to connect with nature and discover the beauty of the Guanacaste region.
Accommodation and Dining at Borinquen
Dining at Borinquen's restaurant has garnered mixed reviews. While some guests enjoy the food and find the portions generous, others have found the cuisine uninspired and the service lacking. The menu tends to lean towards continental dishes rather than local Costa Rican fare, which some visitors find disappointing given the abundance of local produce.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit