HACIENDA ALTA GRACIA

A collection of one and two-bedroom casitas boast sweeping mountain views from their large windows and wraparound terraces; interiors are the epitome of rural chic with exposed beams, fine linens and soothing colours reflecting the surrounding landscapes. Larger casitas offer a dining area and butler's pantry; some also feature private pools. A dedicated 'compa' (personal experience designer) is on hand to guide you through the range of activities on offer as part of the Hacienda's daily adventure and wellness programme, and all meals are also included in your stay. These can be taken on the delightful terrace of the Grano restaurant, poolside at Picoteo or Las Brisas, in the informal lounge setting of Mercado or prepared in front of you over the fire at the asado-style Cienfuegos. Many of the ingredients used in the restaurants come from AltaGracia's own farm and chef's garden, and a range of culinary experiences are on offer for those seeking a deeper immersion into the cuisine of the region.

Suitable for

• Couples and families
• Active adventurers
• Spa & wellness enthusiasts
• Riders

Lodge activities & facilities

• Three swimming pools, including an infinity edge pool with views of the surrounding valley
• Award-winning spa and hydrotherapy centre
• Equine experiences ranging from gentle rides, advanced expeditions or a full day vaquero experience following the activities of the wranglers
• Climbing the high canopy tree net, then perhaps abseiling to the forest floor
• Cookery classes, tastings & culinary workshops
• Yoga classes in a variety of styles, plus QiGong & meditation
• Holistic wellness programmes including light therapy, reiki and sound healing
• Guided nature walks in the forest, including after dark in search of tree frogs, armadillos and other nocturnal forest dwellers
• Mountain bikes for independent explorations or guided trail adventures
• Challenging full-day mountain hikes to marvel at the views 'above the clouds'

Things to do nearby:

• Learn about the intricacies of coffee production at the neighouring coffee cooperative Los Jilgueros
• Hike to the Mina Escondida waterfall and enjoy a riverside picnic
• Explore the neighbouring farm and traditional trapiche sugarcane mill
• Visit a local community to learn about traditional textile production, and the customs of the indigenous Boruca people
• Venture out with a specialist birding guide to a nearby primary forest reserve in search of a wealth of species including colourful tanagers, hummingbirds or maybe even the elusive quetzal