The essence of a site
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is like nowhere else. The thermal river winds and falls through the lush green setting; steam rising skyward.
Tabacon covers a vast area of 900 acres within a private reserve that has been at the forefront of Costa Rica’s ecotourism since the mid-90s – elevating Arenal to prominence as a premier international destination. As a result, Arenal and Tabacon have become synonymous, and the hotel’s impact in the region cannot be overstated.
This landmark hotel with 105 guest rooms and suites is home to Costa Rica’s largest natural hot springs system, with geothermal water flowing at a rate of 1,000 liters per second. Tabacon offers one of the most remarkable natural hot spring experiences in the world.
VIDA was engaged by Tabacon to re-imagine the common areas, including the renovation of an outdated resort-style pool, core amenities, and pool bar. The entire project was planned, designed, and completed in just five months during the pandemic – and provided the perfect opportunity to deliver innovative, landscape-led design in one of Central America’s most renowned hotels.
Dissonance
Dissonance is a term used in music to describe when elements are not in harmony. In landscape design, dissonance occurs when the design is out of balance with the surrounding landscape. At VIDA, our design approach is largely based on the concept of the cultivated wild – proposing design solutions that respond to the surrounding natural systems. We focus not only on what can be seen but on the feeling a place can generate. Our aim is always to create places that look good and feel good too.
The pool is the resort’s most prominent feature – it is what guests first see as they walk in. At Tabacon, there was a story waiting to be told. There was a visible disconnection between the incredible surrounding natural world and the harsh linear shapes of the existing structure. The design was emotionally unresponsive and this disconnection created a conflicting experience for luxury eco-travelers seeking a nature-based wellness retreat. The main focal pool area needed to respond to the surrounding environment through positioning, and landscaping needed to become visible from almost every point in the pool, to allow guests to feel truly immersed in the tropical forest that encircles it.
The pool
The hotel’s distinguishing feature was its closeness to the stunning natural attractions of the Tabacon River and Arenal Volcano which lay to the southeast. However, the pool area and its terraces were oriented facing away from these breathtaking sights. Careful attention was paid to the design to reorientate the positioning, creating views back to the volcano from the pool. This not only framed the stunning volcano in the backdrop but created a strong visual connection to the water source.
Our goal was to maximize the reuse and repurposing of existing infrastructure while minimizing new construction. The original design consisted of two rectangular pools framed by narrow pathways on either side for sun loungers. Shade was scarce and the surrounding landscape was minimal. Working within a limited timeframe and a conservative budget, VIDA sought to maintain the pool’s original walls and swim-up bar to create a range of social and private swimming areas that could accommodate different groups such as young travelers, families, and couples. Utilizing the existing infrastructure allowed the team to minimize expenses while directing resources toward improving the guest experience.
With minimal intervention, VIDA was able to connect the existing pool basins to create something more significant than the sum of its parts. This was achieved by integrating large organically shaped planters within the edges of the pool basin to introduce foliage and create nooks for guests and a screen for the swim-up bar.
We evoked river-like shapes, taking inspiration from the natural surroundings and introducing flowing curves to break the orthogonal nature of the pool and turn it into an undulating discoverable experience. Through the use of lush vegetation, edges were softened and the lines between the man-made structures and surrounding nature were blurred.
The revamped swimming pool now welcomes guests to wind through lush corridors against the backdrop of the volcano and surrounding forest. Testament to the project’s successful integration is an increase in the presence of wildlife in the pool area. Toucans and hummingbirds can now be seen more frequently due to both the passive and active reforestation practices.
The swim-up bar
The owners originally wanted to remove the pool’s swim-up bar, but this would have caused construction delays and required a substantial investment. At VIDA, we apply our profitable sensibility, creativity, and emotionally responsive work to create projects that will generate profit. We recommended that the owners retain the pool bar and incorporate it into the design of the pool. By transforming the swim-up bar into a captivating design feature with organic soft edges, seating resembling river stones, and shade provided by large fronds – these changes have since tripled revenue at this location.
The cultivated wild
The luxury of connecting with nature brings peace. This is what eco-travelers seek from their hotels. The previous design focused on constructed spaces with decks and stairs that cut through the existing vegetation. The color palette clashed with the natural environment, through the use of synthetic blues for the pool, white stone for pathways, and concrete structures that felt invasive and out of balance.
VIDA strongly believes in nature-based planning. The result is highly personalized spaces that draw attention to the natural assets. The new color palette was inspired by the river that meanders through the property, making the pool feel like an extension of the natural environment.
Through the use of darker hues, light stones were replaced with dark volcanic stone for pavement, the pool color was darkened to reflect the sky and the abundant landscape that surrounds this constructed forest oasis. There was a strong emphasis on incorporating tonal greens from the natural vegetation into the design philosophy. At this latitude, shade is a critical path to comfort, and the landscape plan worked to create a series of shaded destinations where guests can linger and enjoy the beauty of the space.
The landscape is a selection of native and adapted species that help to create a series of private and social spaces, as well as providing shade and scale. The reintegration of landscape in this heavily impacted core meant that we needed to create more green spaces outside and around the pool. We used Mesoamerican silvers to create distinction, along with a mixture of adapted exotics and native plant material such as Plumeria rubra, Parnassia, Odontonemas, and native bromeliads. To instantly add shade and scale to the project, phoenix palms and Copernicia baileyana palms were chosen and brought in by crane. The selection of plants was heavily influenced by the hotel’s nursery.
This year, the hotel is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The original design has stood the test of time for many years. We believe that our new pool design, with its timeless nature-inspired features, will continue to stand strong for decades to come.
Location:
10.4881° N 84.7224° W
LA FORTUNA, ARENAL, COSTA RICA
Design year: 2020
Year Completed: 2020
