Condé Nast Traveler | The best Costa Rica hotels

Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts, San Jose Province

Upon my landing at Hacienda AltaGracia’s airstrip, my compa, or personal butler, is waiting with a sea-bean necklace and a refreshing drink – the first hint at the exceptional attention I would receive throughout. The 180-acre jungle resort has 50 casitas featuring a safari-meets-boho design accented by locally made pottery and patterned textiles. Outside is where the real beauty is, though: stunning jungle views, a private plunge pool, and a swinging daybed. Strolling the property, I spot colourful birds, frogs, and, one night, an armadillo. I sign up for a tree climb, which brings me to the top of the rainforest canopy for endless views. A big draw for the hotel is the all-glass, greenhouse-inspired spa oasis, filled with a massive pool and giant slabs of shiny white marble which are actually warm stone beds. Slather on some clay, lay down, and bake until hardened. rior to your trip, you’ll have a virtual conversation with a health coach to talk about how you’re sleeping, how your body feels, what you want to experience on the trip, and what you want to “carry home” with you. I wasn’t entirely sure then, but after my “Integration” session with Noemi where I was dry brushed, kneaded, oiled up, and rubbed down, I would have done anything to bottle that euphoric high I felt when I sat up on the massage table.