Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Collection

We started our Costa Rica vacation this summer by staying at the Hacienda AltaGracia. It was simply one of the most pristine and wonderful places I’ve ever been. We flew into San Jose and had the staff meet us as we left the airplane. They took us by shuttle to a private immigration terminal after ensuring they knew which checked-in bags to pick up for us. The private immigration area was the size of two large rooms – stocked with refreshments (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) snacks and coffee/tea. The staff made it a breeze to clear customs/immigrations and shortly after, we were taken with our bags and all to the domestic terminal to fly on the charter to the hotel. The charter was a large Cessna craft and after the initial trepidation of how tight a squeeze it was, you settled right in and got excited. The journey is under an hour and at low altitude, so you get amazing views of San Jose, the mountains, and then in/out of the clouds as you get into the cloud forest. The runway comes quick and is a gravel runway that parks you right into front of the hotel staff waiting to pick you up for a short drive to the reception area. Fabian and Daniel were our two “compas” and made sure our entire stay was taken care of. They communicated in person and by WhatsApp to make sure every question and need was taken care of. The property itself is absolutely stunning. The flora/fauna are gorgeous and there is a garden right in the heart. The reception area is cozy with a local boutique and an absolutely fantastic coffee bar with too many delicious coffee, non-coffee and pastry options to count. You get a great tour of the area prior to check in and once things are ready you are dropped off. The entire resort is walkable but for the hilly upslope areas, golf cart rides are a simple phone call away. The rooms are out of this world. Sprawling, gorgeous, technologically up to date with smart shades, blackouts, easy to connect phones/iPads to TVs and beautiful surrounding spaces. We had a lovely plunge pool and an awning to enjoy every morning as we awoke to the morning birds and cloud forest tranquility. The bed and sheets are insanely comfortable. We took part in a lot of activities at the resort. Horseback riding was a blast – Evelyn and Carlos took us all throughout the resort and up the mountain. The panoramic views were breathtaking and the horses personalities were hilarious. We had a 4th of July dinner at the stables where they did a bunch of cool games followed by an awesome meal of fish, beef and chicken that were grilled there and with bonfires and festivities abound. The spa is beautiful and serene. There is a yoga pavilion right behind it tucked into resort with mountain views all over. There are trail, ponds, and trickling creeks throughout. There is a butterfly garden that the children loved in the middle of the resort with numerous species fluttering around. The pool and restaurant area – both for the adults only part and the family one – are awes

This place is super! Casitas are lovely and well appointed. Staff is extremely kind and helpful. Our stay was magical. Look forward to going back next year!

Since my return I cannot stop recommending this resort to everyone. I felt so cared for and no detail was missed down to the hot water bottles in my duvet every night! The food is hands down the best I’ve had at any resort and visiting masters Priscilla and Yamuna are life changing healers. If they are there during your stay you must book a session with them, and if they are not, wait until they come! You will not leave the same way you arrived.