Costa Rica 100% Carbon-Neutral Luxury Spa Resort Wins More Awards

Tabacón's advancements as a 100% carbon-neutral resort with an eco-sensitive spa have been met with great enthusiasm, transforming 2010 into a banner year for this Costa Rican luxury resort and spa. Most recently, both Spa Magazine and SpaFinder recognized Tabacón's grand spa as a Top Spa in Central and South America based on its dedication to environmental sensitivity.

Ranked by Spa Magazine among 2010's Top 5 Favorite Destination Spas in Central and South America, Tabacon's Grand Spa was also honored by SpaFinder in multiple categories in its 8th annual "Readers' Choice Awards." SpaFinder awarded Tabacón the Country Award for Favorite Spa in Central America, along with three Category Awards: Top 10 Best Spas for Affordability, Top 10 Best Spas for Environmental Practices, and Top 10 Mineral Springs.

Tabacón's rainforest- set Grand Spa has dominated the ranks of top spas around the world this year, raking in nine esteemed accolades from both consumers and travel industry experts. The resort debuted on Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards as well as on Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards and World Savers Awards in 2010. It was also voted a finalist as "Most Excellent Resort" by Conde Nast Johansens. In the luxury category, Luxist.com named Tabacón Best International Spa in the 2010 "Readers' Choice Awards." Following suit, travel agents and tourism executives worldwide voted Tabacón Mexico and Central Americas´s Leading Spa Resort in the World Travel Awards. Tabacón was also named a Luxury Spa Hotel in the 2010 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

A 100% carbon neutral resort as of March 2009, Tabacón was recognized by Sustainable Travel International as one of the world leaders in sustainable tourism by conferring Luxury Eco Certification Standard certification. The certification recognizes Tabacón's ongoing eco-friendly efforts, its Green Brigade comprised of resort staff, the resort's electricity conservation and recycling programs, the tree-planting project that allows for guest participation, and contributions to the local community development fund. The resort's two underground reservoirs and natural mineral springs provide 100% of the hotel's water while eliminating the need for energy-consuming water cooling and heating sources.

About Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, La Fortuna/Arenal, Costa Rica
Certified carbon neutral resort as of May 2009 and the first hotel in the world to receive the Seven Stars and Stripes World Green Award, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is at the forefront of Costa Rica's sustainability efforts. The resort has updated guest rooms and swimming pool areas, a rainforest-set spa ranked one of the "10 Best Eco-Spas in the World" by Concierge.com, and views of the "live" Arenal volcano. Tabacón is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Leading Spas of the World, and Healing Hotels of the World and the recipient of three-leaf designation for Sustainable Tourism.

The Grand Spa has 11 outdoor treatment bungalows, Yoga studio, and a menu of indigenous treatments including Watsu in outdoor thermal river pools and Volcanic Mud Wraps. The Spa, also noted as a "great value" by Travel + Leisure, features a three-unit Temazcal surrounded by the energy of the nearby Arenal volcano. A new Wellness program will launch this year.

The 114-room resort's cuisine is an unusual blend of Ayurveda, spa, Mexican and Costa Rican influences. The signature Gala Dinner is served in a private rainforest bungalow with private chef and server. Nearby activities include nature tours, hanging bridges, ziplining, canyoning, and hiking to the volcano. www.tabacon.com, www.facebook.com/tabacon, 011-506-2519-1999 or toll free 1-877-277-8291.