Auberge Resorts Collection, owner and operator of boutique luxury hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs, has announced plans to manage Hacienda AltaGracia, a luxury resort that officially opened in June 2015 in the lush mountains of Perez Zeledon in the southern region of Costa Rica. Originally conceived and developed by Costa Rican native Alberto J. Esquivel as a family retreat and coffee farm in this agricultural town, the resort is an esteemed member of The Leading Hotels of the World and is being rebranded as Hacienda AltaGracia, an Auberge Resort, beginning in July 2015.
“We are honored to expand our thoughtfully curated portfolio of resorts in the world’s most desirable locations with the addition of Hacienda AltaGracia in Costa Rica,” said Craig T. Reid, President and Chief Executive Officer, Auberge Resorts Collection. “An authentic expression of its tranquil mountaintop setting and the rich local culture, Hacienda AltaGracia is a meaningful complement to the other boutique resorts in the Auberge Resorts Collection portfolio, all of which inspire discovery in the most awe-inspiring destinations.”
The development of Hacienda AltaGracia into a resort hideaway began in 2011 as Esquivel envisioned an authentic vacation destination with strong connections to the people, culture and landscape of Perez Zeledon. Now, as one of Central America’s newest luxury escapes, Hacienda AltaGracia celebrates the joyous essence of Costa Rica with 50 hacienda-style casitas, one of Central America’s finest spas, gracious service that exudes the warmth Perez Zeledon is known for, creative fusion cuisine that honors the evergreen hills and valleys, and memory-making activities including land, sea and sky adventures and a special equestrian program.
“After all these years and my personal history creating it, Hacienda AltaGracia is very dear to me and I could not be happier that it will become the newest Auberge resort of exceptional character and spirit,” said Alberto J. Esquivel, the resort’s developer and owner. “Under the most capable management of Auberge Resorts Collection, Hacienda AltaGracia is poised to evolve in exciting and meaningful new ways while staying true to my original vision of being a vacation retreat where incredible moments and memories happen every day.”
Hacienda AltaGracia joins seven resorts in the Auberge Resorts Collection portfolio and marks the brand’s first foray into Central America as its fourth international resort following Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji and Malliouhana in Anguilla, which joined the portfolio in November 2014.
“With its spectacular setting and variety of active pursuits, Hacienda AltaGracia is an exciting addition to the Auberge portfolio,” said Dan Friedkin, Chairman, Auberge Resorts Collection. “We are delighted to collaborate with the Esquivel family to bring the Auberge brand to Costa Rica and enable our guests to experience the destination in an entirely new way.”
An intimate resort that delivers handcrafted care and luxury across every space, Hacienda AltaGracia offers 50 hacienda-style casitas starting from 1,173 square feet and featuring lush patios and terraces offering sweeping views of the San Isidro Valley and nearby mountains; stunning window walls that bring the surrounding nature indoors; rustic-elegant decor rooted in rich leathers, woods and handcrafted Costa Rican artwork; and luxury amenities including fireplaces, bathtubs and a butler’s pantry.
Hacienda AltaGracia’s dining collection speaks to all the senses with fusion and locally inspired cuisine that uses only the purest and freshest ingredients. Dining venues include Ambar, which serves dinner in an elegant setting with panoramic views; El Bistro, offering breakfast and light fare throughout the day while also serving as a coffee bar; and the El Grill lounge and terrace at the equestrian riding rings. The resort’s Casa Grande complex is a lively hub for socializing and entertainment with spaces including La Cantina, a classic pub featuring games and a billiards room; a cozy space called La Biblioteca that is ideal for fireside relaxing and movie screenings; an outdoor terrace with expansive vistas and a fire pit that offers one of the most romantic places to enjoy the sunset while also serving as a memorable private dinner space; and La Bodega del Centro, which serves as an after-hours bar for events. As one of Central America’s leading wellness havens, Manantial Spa pairs six treatment rooms and four outdoor palapas with amenities including a panoramic pool with lush nature views, a state-of-the-art fitness center and beauty salon.
The resort’s hallmark for active pursuits is an acclaimed equestrian program that features breed horses for all skill levels, with offerings including 28 oversized indoor stables and a tack room, an enclosed riding ring that can host equine shows and events, and customized horseback rides that span guided tours and scenic sunrise and sunset options across a network of private trails. A dynamic roster of activities led by the resort’s adventure specialists, connects guests with nature and each other with programs ranging from coffee plantation and wildlife refuge excursions to a signature fitness journey and ultralight flight tours showcasing the Nauyaca waterfalls, ocean and valleys, Marino Ballena National Park and more from the resort’s own private landing strip.
