In this case, Tabacon has a far greater number of pools, and several cool pools. It's also a bit like the Disney of Hot Springs, and I don't mean that in a negative way. For someone who's never been, it'd be pretty fun. The landscaping alone is gorgeous (although it's also very beautiful at Eco Termales)

You could also skip the hot springs and just pick a hotel with its owne smaller hot springs pool. Don't bother with Tabacon unless you go during daylight hours to enjoy the gorgeous setting. You could head there in the afternoon and make a spa appointment to occupy part of your time while your husband enjoys more time in the hot springs. They have a great (but pricey) spa right next to the hot springs area.

Try El Silienco - we stayed there and the pools were great...smaller and never busy (we were there over Christmas break)...that way your husband can dip any time and you can join him - there are cooler pools and steps to sit on...or the edge of the hot pool. The larger pool also is hotter at one end where the spring is. there is also a small covered bar next to the big pool where you could sit if not in with him. You can also get a massage or facial on site - they gave us a free mini facial since we stayed for 2 nights.

With all the huge buses I saw at the larger springs, I couldn't imagine how busy it would be in there...the smaller springs will be much more relaxing for you!!

The hotel itself was fine - private unattached cabins. Breakfast included.

have fun and congrats on your new baby!

lwbc

Tabacon is going to give you the most options. I love cr's advice to explore the spa - it always gets good reviews. The pools were crowded for us when we went though.

I had the same question before my CR trip in December, and majority told me to avoid Tabacon and settle for the free ones or use the one in my hotel (El Silencio del Campo). Of course, my question wasn't pregnancy related but it was whether Tabacon was worth the price. tripadvisor.com/…46277035

I was set for avoiding Tabacon, but somehow, I just felt like going there when I was in Arenal... ...and I'm glad I did. You can read my experience (post #8) in the same thread above or read my review: tripadvisor.com/…REVIEWS

All I can say is that if you can afford it, do visit Tabacon. If not now, then on your next trip. I was staying at El Silencio del Campo and I soaked in their hot springs too... ...they were pitiful compared to what Tabacon offers. Whether to visit it while you are pregnant is something that I cannot answer, but Tabacon had very many pools with water of varying temperatures.

Good luck! And enjoy CR! Pura Vida.

Thank you all! Very helpful advice! Wish I could 'like' or 'thumbs up' all your posts! I sort of feel like Dukkar in that if I skip Tabacon I'll be missing something.

It's pretty and elaborate, particularly the ones with the waterfall feature. You just have to decide if the cost is worth it to you.

And in all this CR excitement, I forgot to wish you "CONGRATULATIONS"!!!!! :-) Have a safe pregnancy and a healthy bouncing baby!

We loved Ecotermales. The dinner was totally worth it too. We were there Jan 1.