Set across 180 acres of forest, farmland, and rolling hills, Hacienda AltaGracia presents itself as a fully immersive retreat in the southern region of Costa Rica. Part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, the property has gained international recognition, including being named the top resort in Central America in the 2025 World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure. Here’s what to know about the luxury property.
Location
The resort is located in Pérez Zeledón, in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains in southern Costa Rica. This region is known for its biodiversity, agricultural land, and proximity to one of the world’s recognised Blue Zones, where communities are associated with longer life expectancy and strong lifestyle habits.
Access is designed to be straightforward despite the remote setting. Guests typically arrive via San José before transferring on a short domestic charter flight directly to the resort’s private airstrip. Ground transfers are also available, taking approximately four to five hours depending on the route.
The setting itself is defined by elevation and openness, with wide views across the San Isidro Valley, as well as access to forest trails, rivers, and nearby coastal areas through organised excursions.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is made up of 50 standalone casitas, positioned across the property to maximise privacy and views. Categories range from one-bedroom casitas to larger two-bedroom villas suited to families or groups.
Design throughout is consistent, with an emphasis on natural materials, neutral tones, and indoor-outdoor living. Each casita includes a private terrace, and some feature plunge pools. Interiors are spacious, with separate living areas, large bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the surrounding landscape.
In-room amenities include locally sourced coffee, and service is supported by a dedicated staff member, referred to as a “Compa,” who assists with planning daily activities and coordinating the overall stay.
Facilities
AltaGracia’s facilities are spread across the estate rather than concentrated in a single central hub. There are two main swimming pools, as well as smaller wellness-focused water experiences including a river bath and hydrotherapy areas within the spa.
The property also includes a working coffee farm, organic gardens, and equine facilities. Guests have access to hiking and biking trails that run through the forested areas of the estate. Additional experiences extend beyond the property, with guided excursions available to nearby communities, beaches, and natural landmarks.
Daily programming forms a core part of the offering, with a rotating schedule that includes cultural activities, movement sessions, and outdoor experiences. Participation is optional, allowing guests to engage at their own pace.
Wellness
Wellness is centred around Casa de Agua, a purpose-built facility spanning over 20,000 square feet. The approach integrates traditional practices with contemporary treatments, drawing on both local influences and global wellness methodologies.
The spa includes treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms, and hydrotherapy spaces, alongside areas for movement and relaxation. A range of therapies is available, including bodywork, energy-based treatments, and rituals inspired by regional traditions.
A key component of the wellness offering is the Estée Lauder Skin Longevity Institute, which introduces advanced, science-led facial treatments into the programme. These are combined with broader wellness experiences such as yoga, Pilates, and guided mindfulness practices.
Retreats have included anything from Eastern Medicine Specialist programmes with Dr. Peter Lanuza to The Art of Mobility, Strength & Flexibility for Women with Luna Wedel.
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Dining
Dining at AltaGracia is included as part of the stay, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus. The culinary approach draws from Costa Rican traditions as well as wider Latin American influences.
Grano serves as the main restaurant, offering a changing menu that reflects regional produce and culinary techniques. Picoteo provides more casual, poolside dining, while Mercado functions as an all-day space for lighter meals, coffee, and snacks.
El Cultivo, the resort’s organic garden, plays a central role in the food programme. It supplies herbs and produce used across the kitchens and also hosts interactive experiences, including cooking classes and garden dinners. Techniques such as fermenting and open-fire cooking are incorporated into both the menus and guest experiences.
Private dining options, including in-casita meals, are also available.
Overview
Hacienda AltaGracia operates on a fully inclusive model that covers accommodation, meals, non-alcoholic beverages, wellness programming, and a range of on-site activities.
The overall structure of the resort allows for a high degree of personalisation, supported by advanced planning and on-site coordination. With its combination of accommodation, wellness facilities, and experiential programming, AltaGracia functions as a self-contained destination, suited to travellers looking to combine rest, activity, and cultural engagement within a single stay.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
