Arenal Volcano Costa Rica heats up From the April 22, 2002 Issue of New York Costa Rica might seem a bit far to travel for a volcanic-mud bath, but the volcanic mud at the 82-room Tabacón Resort comes directly from the source. The mist-shrouded Arenal volcano also heats the mineral pools at the adjacent spa to a relaxing 102 degrees. But the real attraction at Tabacón is the soaking pools, a series of rock-hewn grottoes connected by a cascading spring, heated by the volcano, and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Once you're sufficiently pruned, fill up on Tico specialties like gallo pinto at Los Tucanes or the Ave del Paraíso. Scenic Lake Arenal offers bass fishing and consistently good windsurfing, and the wildlife of the pristine Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is only a few hours away. -- ROBERT LEVINE Details Tabacón Resort (doubles from $120; 506-256-1500 or tabacon.com). Continental (800-231-0856) and American (800-433-7300) fly nonstop to San Jose, then two and a half hours by car.