Planning a vacation that keeps toddlers entertained, teenagers engaged, parents relaxed, and grandparents comfortable isn’t easy. But what if there was a place designed to bring three generations together under one roof, where everyone finds exactly what they’re looking for?
Welcome to Arenal Hills in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, where multi-generational family memories are built to last.
Why Multi-Generational Travel Matters Now
Family travel is evolving. Multi-generational trips have become one of the fastest-growing segments in travel. Grandparents want meaningful time with grandchildren. Parents seek quality family moments without the stress. Kids crave adventure, nature, and unforgettable experiences.
The challenge? Finding a destination that truly serves everyone’s needs. Hotels feel cramped. Most resorts lack genuine privacy. Traditional vacation rentals aren’t designed with accessibility and activities for all ages in mind.
Arenal Hills solves this.
Space Designed for Real Families
Arenal Hills offers 128 single-family vacation homes built for multi-generational living. Choose from two-bedroom villas with 1,200 square feet of interior space and 600 square feet of outdoor areas, or two-story executive homes with 2,400 square feet of interior living and 1,200 square feet of outdoor spaces.
What makes these villas work for families:
Open floor plans keep everyone connected while respecting personal space. Grandparents can read on the balcony while parents cook and kids play nearby. Native hardwoods like bamboo and laurel create warmth. Marble floors in kitchens and baths, teak in bedrooms and living areas. These are homes, not rentals.
Multiple outdoor areas mean different generations enjoy their preferred pace simultaneously. While grandpa relaxes by the custom waterfall pool, teenagers explore community trails on golf carts, and parents enjoy sunset at the lakeside Club Lago restaurant.
Each villa includes a six-jet Jacuzzi, central air conditioning, fiber-optic internet, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of Arenal Volcano, the Burro River, or the community’s private lake.
Activities That Actually Work for All Ages
| Young Children (Ages 2-7) | School-Age Kids (Ages 8-12) |
| The Springs Resort’s animal sanctuary features rescued monkeys, toucans, and sloths. Guides share stories that captivate young minds, and the facility welcomes strollers. | Safari float tours glide along the calm Peñas Blancas River. Families spot howler monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds from covered rafts. Expert guides make learning fun, and the gentle rapids add excitement without fear. |
| Bogarin Trail offers a flat 1.5-mile path where three-toed sloths are commonly spotted. Young children walk at their own pace while grandparents enjoy the accessible, paved trail. | La Fortuna Waterfall requires descending about 500 steps. Kids love swimming in the crystal-clear pool while parents and grandparents take their time, stopping at viewpoints. |
| Each villa’s private waterfall pool provides supervised water play. At The Springs Resort, multiple thermal pools include shallow areas perfect for toddlers alongside family-sized pools. | Club Vida’s 140,000-square-foot clubhouse features pickleball courts, swimming pools, and a game room within walking distance. |
| Teenagers (Ages 13-18) | Adults (Ages 25-60) |
| La Fortuna is Costa Rica’s adventure capital, and Arenal Hills’ VIP membership to The Springs Resort unlocks activities teenagers actually want to do. | While teenagers zip-line, adults can choose horseback riding through rainforest trails, ATV tours, or kayaking on Lake Arenal. The flexibility to split activities by preference keeps everyone happy. |
| Zip-lining includes cables up to half a mile long, with views of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano. Teens can ride tandem with younger siblings or fly solo. | The Springs Resort’s Sanctuary Spa provides volcanic clay body wraps, floating water massages, and rainforest treatments. The changing rooms include steam rooms and saunas. |
| Canyoning and rappelling down waterfalls creates unforgettable bonding between parents and teenagers. Professional guides ensure safety while delivering genuine adventure. | The 28 natural hot spring pools heated by Arenal Volcano range from 83°F to 103°F. Families often find soaking in thermal pools while watching the volcano becomes favorite bonding time without screens. |
| Seniors and Grandparents (Ages 60+) |
| For grandparents managing arthritis or joint pain, the mineral-rich thermal waters provide therapeutic benefits. The Springs Resort’s pools feature easy entry points, varying depths, and seating areas. |
| Arenal Hills’ pathways are designed exclusively for golf carts. Each villa includes a four-person golf cart, allowing grandparents to navigate independently. The natural pathways create a peaceful, low-speed environment. |
| Costa Rica hosts over 900 bird species, with La Fortuna area featuring more than 350. Early morning birdwatching tours move at a gentle pace with frequent stops to spot toucans, parrots, and hummingbirds. |
Making Multi-Generational Travel Work
Getting Everyone There
San José International Airport (SJO) is the primary entry point, approximately 3 hours from Arenal Hills by car or private shuttle. For convenience, there’s also a domestic flight option to La Fortuna’s local airport, reducing transfer time to just 15 minutes.
Private shuttle services accommodate large groups with luggage—essential when traveling with car seats, wheelchairs, or mobility aids. Many families rent vehicles for flexibility during their stay, though golf carts handle most transportation needs within Arenal Hills itself.
Meal Planning for All Ages
The fully equipped kitchens feature top-of-the-line appliances and granite countertops. Families appreciate having control over meals—accommodating picky eaters, dietary restrictions, and grandparents’ medication schedules.
La Fortuna’s farmers’ market provides fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat. Many families make shopping the market part of their cultural experience, letting kids pick unfamiliar fruits to try and grandparents share cooking wisdom.
When you don’t want to cook, the combination of Club Vida, Club Lago, and The Springs Resort restaurants means you’re never far from excellent dining options.
Safety and Medical Considerations
Costa Rica’s healthcare system ranks among the best in Latin America. La Fortuna has medical clinics, pharmacies, and veterinary services. For serious medical needs, San José (3 hours away) offers world-class hospitals that attract medical tourism from around the world.
The Springs Resort has staff trained in first aid, and tour operators maintain strict safety protocols. Most family activities include professional guides, proper safety equipment, and insurance coverage.
The Smart Time to Experience It!
It’s worth noting that this shoulder season month offers distinct advantages for multi-generational travel. The transitional period between rainy and dry seasons means:
- Lower pricing on tours and activities
- Fewer crowds at popular attractions
- Lush, vibrant landscapes from recent rains
- Milder temperatures than peak dry season
- Excellent wildlife viewing as migratory birds arrive
Making It Real: Your Next Steps
Ready to see how Arenal Hills can bring your family together? Contact us to schedule a property tour and experience the community firsthand. Our team will help you explore available villas, answer your questions, and show you what makes this location special for multi-generational families.
Imagine your family’s next reunion unfolding at your own Arenal Hills villa. Grandparents sipping morning coffee by the pool. Parents excited about the day ahead. Kids pointing out toucans from the balcony. Teenagers genuinely happy to be there with the family.
These moments are waiting for you in Costa Rica. Let us help you create them.
Ready to explore Arenal Hills with your family?
Book your private villa now!