Borinquen Thermal Resort - Rincón de la Vieja

Borinquen Thermal Resort||Guided by our travel host, Discover Corps, my grandchild, my daughter and I spent two days enjoying our stay at the Borinquen Thermal Resort. We had spent the earlier part of the week volunteering with CREMA and Turtle Trax, non-governmental organizations that maintain a group of sea turtle sanctuaries, including the one we work with in the Playa San Miguel area. ||Our hosts at Borinquen were gracious, friendly, and helpful. The accommodations – we had two cottages – were outstanding. The rooms were clean, the bathrooms were nicely laid out, and the scenery was simply beautiful. Birdsong filled the air throughout the day and night, and wildlife was abundant, all around us. Although we did not partake, the Resort offered to arrange hiking, zip lining, bird watching, and visits to waterfalls. It also offered five-star rated meals and had a full service bar attached to its inside and outside dining areas. ||My thanks to Discover Corps for including the Borinquen Thermal Resort on the itinerary for our week-long visit to Costa Rica. It was a splendid experience for the three of us.

The property itself is absolutely beautiful, surrounded by lush nature views that make it feel peaceful and secluded. The pool and natural hot springs are lovely spots to unwind, and there’s even a short nature trail for a little bit of easy exploring. We were pleasantly surprised by how good the dinner was—fresh, flavorful, and better than expected for a remote resort. If your goal is to sit back, relax, and disconnect, this place definitely delivers on that front. That said, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for. The road to get there is rough, and once you arrive, you're pretty far from any other attractions or towns. There’s no entertainment, only four breakfast options most days, and everything from the spa to excursions felt seriously overpriced. The resort is also very hilly, so expect a bit of a trek to your room. While the tranquility is nice, we found ourselves wishing there were yoga classes or more to do. It can feel a bit boring unless you’re fully content just lounging by the pool. I wish the free trail on property was longer rather than having to pay extra for hikes to waterfalls, etc. it should be included in the price. The rooms were clean and spacious.

Started our honeymoon here at Borinquen. Very beautiful place. We enjoyed the thermal pools, watching all the different birds & listening to the howler monkeys. The drive up was rough but doable with patience. We chose to stay on grounds till we left due to the roads & everything being so far away. We used the shuttle to get from room to thermal pools & restaurant. Food was very good. All the staff was very friendly & attentive. We stayed Sept 7th-10th 2025. It was very quiet as very few people were there.

Beautiful, amazing, wonderful, awsome...... how many words there are to describe this place. In the mountains, miles from anywhere, an oasis of tranquility and luxury to experience the wonders of nature. Our accommodation was first class, set amongst trees full of monkeys and toucans. Great food, great service. We stayed for 2 nights as part of our Riviera Tours but would have loved a 3rd night here too.

What a beautiful experience my family had here. The grounds were beautifully maintained and there was so much to do. The rooms/cabins were beautiful and the AC works great! Traveling with our twin 5 yo Horseback riding and a hike in the Volcanic Forest were the highlights of our stay. Just sitting on your porch was like being in heaven watching the birds and monkeys. The mud bath (watch out it stains bathing suits) thermal pools and swimming pools were beautiful. The staff and management were all so gracious and nice. We missed our first night due to our flight and they let us reschedule our stay at the end of our CR vacation, class act! The food at the restaurant was delicious and huge portions! I wouldn’t want to travel the roads at dark driving up the volcano to the resort. I would definitely come back to Costa Rica just to stay here again. Thank you staff at Borinquen for making our stay so memorable!

Tucked away in a peaceful haven where nature thrives, this hotel is a true retreat. Waking up to the enchanting sound of birds at dawn was a magical experience. The thermal baths offer pure relaxation, making every moment there feel indulgent. The staff’s warmth and hospitality added a special touch, making us feel truly welcomed. And the food? Absolutely wonderful—we loved every bite! This place is a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking tranquility and comfort."

Our stay at Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa was a truly unique and relaxing experience. The setting is stunning—tucked into the hills with beautiful views, lush greenery, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in a secluded paradise. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, and we especially loved the private patio and outdoor shower. The thermal pools, steam room, and mud bath were a highlight—such a fun and rejuvenating way to unwind after a day of exploring. The staff were welcoming and attentive throughout our stay, and the grounds were very well maintained. This was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, and we would absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting the Guanacaste region.

I was happy to stay there for the second time, visiting to celebrate my mother’s 60th birthday. Unfortunately, I had to leave early after receiving news of a close family friend’s passing. I asked if it was possible to be refunded for the unused night, but was told no. I understand the policies, but a bit more empathy in such unexpected situations would have been appreciated...