Interview with Blue River Resort & Hot Springs

I recently interviewed Kevin Glassman from the Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, which is an exciting new project that has its own angle on light blue rivers (it's right next to Rio Celeste and has its own light blue river) and hot springs, two things that visitors to Northern Costa Rica should be quite familiar with already. While most of my coverage of Costa Rica's north involves trips from San José and through La Fortuna, the Blue River Resort is a better fit with a trip to the beaches of Guanacaste. Without further ado, here is the interview with Mr. Glassman:

Can you give me your thirty-second pitch for the Blue River Resort to let people know what we're talking about?

Blue River is an unspoiled paradise in Costa Rica's rain forest, yet only a one hour drive northwest of Liberia, beside the volcano at the national park, Rincon de la Vieja. For those staying at the Guanacaste beaches or traveling through Liberia, Costa Rica's natural wonders are in close proximately, relative to the alternatives. Blue River Resort & Hot Springs is open for day excursions and hotel-cabin stays. Admission to the resort includes the 4 large natural mineral "green" hot springs pools, a large fresh water pool with a "bullet" water-slide, botanical gardens, spa, gym, sauna, butterfly farm, iguana center & more. Delicious snacks, meals and refreshments can be enjoyed at the Tiki Bar. Book your stay or drop by. Call ahead for a special package that also includes a spa treatment, special meals and an excursion to our nearby private waterfalls and the blue volcanic rivers Rio Celeste and Rio Penjamos (via horseback ride or car). There is nothing quite like it. Blue River Estate is a nearby subdivision with 37 residential lots +/- 1 acre lots for sale. There is a 26 acres one-of-a kind park along the blue volcanic river, Penjamos, with mineral warm-water waterfalls, slides and pools. A special unique amenity owners enjoy is free resort privileges. There are opportunities to have a dream-home built and when not there, and owners can even earn income by placing their home in the resort rental pool. Blue River attracts those who love nature and desire an authentic Costa Rica experience. There is much to enjoy and explore for the young and young at heart. Many visitors to Costa Rica come back complaining about how much time was spent in transit. Here, many of those attractions and adventures are offered at the resort and within close proximity.

Are you currently open for business?

The resort began offering day excursions December 15, 2009. As of February 1, 2010 the first double cabin with two 600 sq ft rooms have been booking up. The next double cabin is under construction and by September, 26 rooms will be available for rent. Eco-excursions are being added as the visitor count increases. These include bird watching, hiking the Rincon de la Vieja, zip lines, rappelling waterfalls, horse-back riding, lazy river, Canyon Negro tours and more.

Your name is Blue River, but I understand that your "Rio Celeste" isn't the one located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park. How would you compare or contrast the two "blue river" experiences?

Blue River Resort is located across the road from the Rio Celeste. Nearby Blue River Estate, contains our private park along Rio Penjamos and the waterfalls. Both rivers share the color and mineral attributes of the other Rio Celeste. Our pictures of the rivers are not enhanced. The colors are truly beautiful and offer eco-adventure opportunities from swimming to rappelling.

Another apt comparison could be made between your resort and the various hot springs resorts surrounding La Fortuna and other parts of the country. What are your hot springs like? How do they compare to the rest?

The presentation and grandeur of Blue River Resort pools (seen in the pictures) is only part of the experience that sets us apart. There are indeed a wide variety of hot spring pools in Costa Rica and around the world. Some utilize the clear natural water coming from the ground and some heat water using the natural hot rock formations under the ground. However, there are only two or three locations in Costa Rica, which we have been found to have a natural water source containing a high natural mineral content (the healing power). But such sources are dirty in appearance. Blue River’s natural hot springs contains the high mineral content and it enters the pools clean, chemical free and with a rather unique greenish tint. To learn more about hot springs attributes and the mineral content of Blue River an article can be read here.

Can you describe the typical guest to Blue River? What are people looking for when they go to you?

The typical guest is simply one who loves nature and wants to experience the natural wonders of Costa Rica. The guest could be someone looking to melt away tension by enjoying the hot springs, the spa and meandering through the resort's other amenities. However, some people are looking for an outdoor eco-adventure. Currently guests have the opportunity for a half day visit to the volcanic blue river Penjamos, natural water slides and waterfalls. The other excursions will come on-line as the resort expands for both the nature lover and the adventurer.

Time is always a huge premium when taking a vacation. Is Blue River close to any popular Costa Rican destinations?

Yes (as stated above), Blue River Resort & Hot Springs is located in close proximity to the beach resorts in Guanacaste and Liberia. From the border with Nicaragua to Tamarindo, travel is not far. By comparison, the alternatives are a much farther drive and don't offer as wide a variety of activities.

I see you are setting up a zoo and wildlife rescue center. Can you give us the status of that?

Currently the zoo and wildlife rescue center is on hold. Though permits have been achieved, our priorities have shifted for the time being.

More photos of the Blue River Resort & Hot Springs