The Springs Resort and Spa

The whole hotel -- centered around a grand, multi-storied lodge that's home to the lobby and most of the restaurants and pools -- is bustling with mostly American, obviously affluent families. Guests can be found eating in one of the five restaurants (the formal dining Las Ventanas has dramatically sloped windows that look out on the volcano), splashing around in the pools or waterslides (the owner swiped the idea for the faux-wood concrete handrails from Disney World), or giddily floating down the Arenal River on an inner tube (and taping the whole thing on GoPros). Kids are everywhere, bellying up to the sushi bar with or without mom and dad, playing FIFA 2014 on the PS4s in the game room (no parents in sight), or trying pool after pool and hot spring after hot spring. Sure, there's a lot of conspicuous consumption going on, but everyone seems like they're having a hell of a good time.

The Springs is one of the top luxury options in the area, but its vibe is dramatically different than the quieter, more romantic Nayara Hotel and Nayara Springs resorts. Rather, this is the spot for adventure-loving, well-heeled families, and the Club Rio outdoor center offers just about every possible activity right on the premises, from river tubing to horseback riding. (Note that the outdoor center is on the river, a steep climb down from the hotel, but regular shuttle service is offered.) Couples can still find their niche here too, evidenced by the fact that this resort hosted an episode of the Bachelor, as well as celebrities Beyonce and Jay-Z. 

This isn't a hotel to do a quick overnighter in -- it's not easy to get to from anywhere. You get to the hotel by driving 20 minutes out of La Fortuna, past the stretches of thermal springs and spa resorts, then hanging a right. The next phase of the journey involves tricky slopes, beautiful vistas of cattle pastures and mountains, and a mostly miserable 3.5 kilometers of what's more pothole than gravel road. The 165-acre hotel itself is secluded, and has only farms, river, and rainforest as neighbors. Thankfully, the hotel gives you plenty of excuses never to leave the property. If you're a celebrity or just very wealthy, this is when you break out the private chopper -- the hotel has its own helipad.

The hotel has 74 rooms in 14 different room types, and all have rustic-luxe style incorporating lots of wood and natural materials: wood floors, wood ceilings, and bamboo and whicker accents. Every single room has a big, furnished outdoor space with volcano views. Amenities across all categories include large marble bathrooms with separate jetted tubs and walk-in showers; mini-fridges; and coffeemakers. Tech features include big 37-inch flat-screen TVs with DVD players (guests get free access to the hotel's 400-DVD library), and surround sound systems with MP3 connectivity. 

This hotel draws lots of families, and even the standard Visa Guest Room can accommodate a rollaway bed -- though note there are nightly extra person fees. Those who would prefer to enjoy a private hot tub outdoors (rather than in the bathroom) should upgrade to the Honeymoon Vista Room. There are multiple options that can accommodate large families and groups, including the Three-Bedroom Springs Suite (technically two adjoining rooms that are always rented out together), and the Falcon's Nest (which received its first guests at the end of 2014). The Falcon's Nest comes with its own kitchen, a rare hotel living room that you actually want to hang out in, peaked-ceiling loft bedrooms that bring to mind Alpine ski cabins, and a private hot tub on a large patio. 

The hotel is a parent's dream, giving kids plenty to keep busy while simultaneously giving mom and dad excuses to run off for a spa day or couple's night without feeling guilty (there are babysitting service and a staff-managed game room). Features include five restaurants (two international, one high-end, a grill, and a sushi joint) and five bars, allowing for plenty of variety (an important consideration, as nothing is in easy driving distance). There are also a big main pool with a swim-up bar and volcano view, a darts area, and men's and women's spas. 

The crown jewel is the large Club Rio area down by the river, which includes a rock-climbing wall, rafting and inner-tubing, horse stables, a wildlife sanctuary with 22 different kinds of animals (you can get in the cages with the sloths and toucans), and several rainforest trails that lead to hot springs and waterfalls. The springs are of course one of the main draws, and there are 18 hot springs pools ranging from 83 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The Club Rio area is a decent, and steep, walk from the hotel, so some may prefer to take the free, regular shuttle.