A Visit to The Well at Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica’s Premier Wellness Sanctuary | Vogue
"Tucked away in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains in Southern Costa Rica, a new property is vying to be the world’s preeminent wellness destination. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection—the love child of Auberge Resorts and New York City's feel-good sanctuary The Well—is set on 864 tropical acres and features 50 “casitas” thoughtfully designed by New York-based interiors guru Nina Gotlieb, as well as an onsite organic farm, a coffee plantation, 28 horse stables, and a palatial hydrotherapy center. The programming is meant to suit wellness wonks and adventure junkies alike—from retreat classics (yoga, meditation) and outdoorsy thrills (tree climbing, horseback riding) to more spiritual pursuits (gong baths, crystal energy healing, palm readings). Wellness is not a skin-deep concept at The Well at Hacienda AltaGracia, which opened in November. Before setting off, guests are invited to set goals or intentions during a complimentary health coach consultation, which then informs their itinerary. The 30-minute virtual session felt a bit like therapy. (How are you managing your stress levels? How are you sleeping? Answer: poorly, poorly.) “We take customized experiences very seriously,” Amanda Carney, The Well's Director of Health Coaching, tells me over Zoom. “That’s how wellness becomes sustainable.”" - Jessie Heyman
