Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Zi Li

       
           After an approximate three hours drive to La Fortuna, the Tabacon natural hot springs made our day! I was amazed by the size and the layout of the property. We went as a group to experience different types of pools and waterfalls. Many of the pools have naturally rocky bottoms that can massage your feet. Some of them were a little bit hard and sharp. The temperature of the water was perfectly hot though not enough to get burned. The environment and design set me on a relaxed mode and I wish I could stay there for the entire night and every day following. The resort even has water slides! It is definitely children friendly, though they also have some secluded “Adult Only” sections. The bar in the middle of the pool was another highlight of the experience. Who can refuse a delicious aquatic cocktail?  The staff from the entrance and the locker room to the gift shop were welcoming and friendly. If the resort can relocate some staff to the pool area to assist guests, that will be more helpful.

Overall it was a wonderful experience with breathtaking views. The resort still has growing space for some infrastructure improvement. More signs need to be put on sight in order to indicate the various options of pools. More guardrails are needed as well because the floor and path can be very slippery. The night-time lighting of the pool could also use more bulb fixtures.  

Happy Land Restaurant, Zi Li

Our first lunch meal on the road (from San Jose to La Fortuna) was at the Happy land Restaurant. It was a nice warmed looking place serving authentic Costa Rican food. The server was friendly and knowledgeable to put in correct orders for our group of 11 people.  I ordered the combo of beef and shrimp with vegetables, and it also came with good portion of bean and rice. It was worth the price and their strawberry smoothie was delicious. Although the food preparation time took a bit longer than it supposed to be, there were huge iguanas kept us entertained. They were laying on the trees and grounds, and we can feed them ourselves with bananas. There were many birds to enjoy as well. First time in my life to see wild iguana and it was quite an experience to dine in beside them.

Thanks to our amazing tour guide Zender, we got to taste the local cuisine while enjoying the unique view to start off our journey. The restaurant can use iguana as a marketing strategy to promote its restaurant and draw more international tourists’ eyes.