Wander With WHIT To: Hacienda AltaGracia in Costa Rica
When we get to thinking about our perfect trip, it has a few requirements. First, a mythically beautiful location. Second, healthy and preferably local food. Third, comfortable, yet aspirational accommodations. We know it’s a tall order. Finding all three can be a challenge, even for the most experienced of travel advisors. Well, we can say with confidence, we found it. In the heart of the Costa Rican mountains.
The tiled roof casitas of Hacienda AltaGracia are sprinkled along a sprawling hillside, tucked away in the cloud-wrapped peaks of the Talamanca Mountains in Pérez Zeledón. It is an idyllic location for a complete wellness reset, or just a relaxing getaway. Here’s what our stay there was like.
After a winding and occasionally harrowing journey (not by the driver, just the roads themselves) we arrived at AltaGracia early in the morning after our redeye from LAX. We were sleep deprived and weary, which the resort’s incredible staff had already so delicately anticipated. This would set the precedent for every interaction with the staff we had, which was some of the most genuine and friendly service we’ve ever experienced. The attentiveness of our servers and ‘Compas’ seemed to be truly from the heart, as they anticipated our every need and were always incredibly joyful and lovely. Before we could apologize for the bags under our eyes, our other set of bags were whisked away and we were offered a sweet arrival beverage and welcome necklace, to mark the beginning of our stay on property.
Then we were quickly escorted off to our casita, which felt more like a spacious downtown apartment in LA than hotel accommodation. Complete with a sprawling, light-filled living room, towering canopy bed, kitchenette, covered outdoor terrace with sunbeds, and crisp plunge pool just waiting to be dipped in, our new home was perfect. Every inch was purposefully decorated with warm woods, ceramics and accented with delicate items and fabrics handmade by local artisans. After a brief overview of our scheduled activities, our darling ‘Compa’, our liaison and personalized experience designer, left us to unpack and settle in.
The only words that came to our minds were: This. Is. It.
STAY
With 50 one and two-bedroom casitas across the 150 acre property, each is uniquely designed, but all are filled with rustic, weathered wood, richly-hued fabrics and linens, and paired with sleek marble and structured ceramics. The indoor outdoor living spaces create a sense of balance with nature, and allow light to flood the rooms each morning. Here are a few of our favorite spaces on site.
Casa con Piscina
A serene and cozy casa, with private terrace and heated plunge pool, perfect for admiring the stunning mountain view. A separate powder room and wet bar create an ideal entertainment area, as do the included house-made snacks.
Casona con Piscina
Those looking for more a bit more room outdoors and privacy should opt for these stunning casitas. Featuring the same canopied bed and vaulted ceilings as the other suites, this casita also offers uninterrupted valley views and a premier location. Handpicked Costa Rican artwork and crafted details create a stunning, yet inviting space.
Casa Grande
Ideal for larger groups groups of friends or families, the two-bedroom casitas can sleep six comfortably in nearly 2,000 square feet. With its beautifully beamed vaulted living room that overlooks and expansive private terrace, the casita also offers a a kichenette, fireplace, and local artwork.
SAVOR
Hacienda AltaGracia’s holistic approach means all stays include meals and non-alcoholic beverages, homemade snacks plus daily adventure and wellness programming.
Needing to refuel after that early-morning ficus tree climb? Not to worry. Hacienda AltaGracia has multiple dining options. Here were a few of our favorites :
Picoteo - Lunch served by an infinity pool with a hanging backdrop of the surrounding Talamanca Mountains is pretty idyllic in itself. The food here takes it to another level. Perfectly portioned sandwiches, salads and poolside snacks, we looked forward to our plantains here each day. (Update : We’ve even tried to make these at home, without much luck. Get them while you can!)
Mercado - Located in the heart of the property, this cozy, welcoming space houses both the coffee and juice bar plus the property’s local boutique filled with handcrafted goods. Don’t miss the chocolate macarons or the turmeric laced juice.
Cienfuegos - One of the most memorable meals we had on our trip, Cienfuegos is a special dinner held once per week that recreates some of the best elements of Costa Rican culture, outdoor BBQ and rodeo. It was a lively dinner experience with family-style menu which was cooked over a traditional dried coconut husk-based fire pit. We laughed, ate and left grinning ear to ear.
Ready to wander to Hacienda AltaGracia with a customized itinerary? Get in touch with our team and we’ll get you ready to go!
SEE
The team at Hacienda AltaGracia has curated a selection of private opportunities for guests to interact with the nature, culture and landscape that make Costa Rica so special. Rest assured, you will not be searching for things to do during your time here. If you need a bit of guidance, your dedicated ‘Compa’ will offer suggestions based on your interests and experience level, and you’re welcome to engage as little or as much as you want during your stay.
Some of the offerings include :
Mountain Biking Tours
Culinary Workshops
High Canopy Harnessed Climbs
Jungle Hiking Trails
Private River Bathing
Waterfall Hikes and Picnics
Surfing Lessons in Uvita
Visits to the Los Tirráses Bird Observatory
SPA
One of the world’s leading holistic wellness providers, THE WELL at Hacienda AltaGracia was just as impressive as we had imagined. Located at one of the highest points on property, the 20,000 square foot solarium is the largest spa in the country, and has 180 views of the surrounding landscape. Private and serene, we visited on a few separate occasions during our stay, and were often the only guests there. The day we did have an appointment, were told to arrive 30 minutes before our scheduled time, as the experience at this holistic spa begins long before your initial treatment.
We were first guided to our prospective locker rooms, where we chose our preference from a variety of robe options. We then began with a purifying ritual know as “Casa de Agua” which includes alternating between steam and dry sauna and an herbal exfoliation and clay treatment. We found the most relaxing part of the ritual to be laying on the heated marble tepidarium under the canopy of the solarium. In fact, it was so relaxing we fell asleep! Our therapists gently woke us up in time for our treatment.
While we opted for a traditional deep tissue massage, THE WELL at Hacienda AltaGracia offers many signature treatments crafted from centuries old therapies from Maderoterapia to Reiki along with integrative energy work. You’ll also find more modern technology like Celluma light therapy, lymph boots and infrared cabins on site.
Preferred Partner Amenities
When you book a stay at Hacienda AltaGracia through WHIT Travel Co. you’ll have the following complimentary amenities automatically added to your reservation.
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
$100 spa services credit, to be utilized during stay
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
The property’s holistic inclusive rate includes :
all meals and non-alcoholic beverages
daily adventure and wellness programming
ground transfers between Pérez Zeledón airport
a dedicated ‘Compa"‘, your experience designer and guest liaison
Ready to wander to Hacienda AltaGracia (or somewhere equally fabulous) on a trip of your own with a customized itinerary? Get in touch with our team.