By Olivia Cuccaro
A sprawling rainforest, active volcanoes and abounding wildlife make Costa Rica a tropical destination with plenty to explore. Days spent ziplining above the bountiful trees and scuba diving alongside hawksbill turtles below the surface of the ocean call for a break from adventure — at least for a few spa treatments. Hacienda AltaGracia, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, boasts the largest spa in Central America at an impressive 20,000 sq ft.
Set in Pérez Zeledón, an agricultural town just a 30-minute flight from San Jose International Airport by one of the resort’s private planes, the Auberge Spa at Hacienda AltaGracia instills the surrounding beauty of Costa Rica and healing traditions of its culture into luxurious spa treatments. The spa features six indoor treatment rooms, including two couple’s rooms for indulging in a candlelit side-by-side massage, as well four outdoor treatment “ranchos” to relax amidst the sound of real birds chirping, rather than a spa playlist. Encircled by a tropical garden, the outdoor treatment areas provide the perfect setting for the forest stretching ritual: a combination of Thai massage and functional movements to balance and realign the body. Focusing on the restorative properties of water (think loosening of tight muscles and detoxification), the spa also contains two aqua suites, each with a Vichy shower, hydrotherapy tub and private sun garden.
Treat your full body to bliss with the 90-minute Auberge Attunement package, comprising a variety of massage therapies beginning with the application of warm organic coffee compresses onto key pressure points to alleviate pain and inflammation. After the body is warmed, guests are taken through a series of assisted stretches, deep tissue massage techniques and warm and cool stone massages. Then, save your skin from the damaging UV rays with a sun repair facial that will reverse the negative effects of outdoor excursions. Relax by the pool post-treatment or sweat it out with a class at the spa’s fitness center, either will have you feeling rejuvenated and ready for the next experience — may we suggest white water rafting on the Savegre River?
Wherever you venture to next, the place to book at Hacienda AltaGracia is the expansive 2,346 sq ft two-bedroom casita. A panoramic terrace provides stunning views of the Costa Rican landscape, while inside an open-air design features two master bedrooms, two bathrooms and a loft-inspired common area.
Hacienda AltaGracia is located at Santa Teresa de Cajon de Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica. For more information, please visit altagracia.aubergeresorts.com.
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