Hacienda AltaGracia
Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa
Vibe
Life unfolds at an unhurried rhythm along forested mountain trails, where morning trail rides and birdwatching give way to sunset cocktails.
“Talamanca wellness outpost”
Dedicated compa concierges coordinate custom itineraries, alongside private plunge-pool casitas and tailored pre-arrival wellness consultations.
Casa de Agua features heated marble slabs, riverbed massage platforms, and greenhouse hydrotherapy pools.
An 180-acre mountain playground with 40 horses, canopy rope climbs, river trails, and private airstrip transfers.
In the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains, overlooking the San Isidro Valley from a private estate.
“Hacienda AltaGracia stands on 180 acres of hillside tropical forest whose greenery envelops its 50 tastefully luxurious casitas.”
Rooms
Standalone casitas pair leather and linen tones with sweeping valley views. Select accommodations add private heated plunge pools on open-air terraces.
“The all-glass, greenhouse-inspired oasis is filled with a massive pool and giant slabs of shiny white marble which are actually warm stone beds.”
Wellness
Casa de Agua hosts natural clay body wraps, saunas, and steam rooms, alongside specialized clinical facials from the Estée Lauder Longevity Institute.
Backstory
Costa Rican native Alberto Esquivel originally developed the estate as a private family coffee farm and equestrian retreat for his children.
Eat & drink
Grano serves produce from the organic garden, while Cienfuegos grills over coconut-husk fires alongside live equestrian performances at the stables.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.