Two standout Costa Rican properties have received prestigious recognition in recent Forbes magazine coverage, highlighting the country’s growing reputation as a global leader in wellness and luxury hospitality. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, in Pérez Zeledón, and Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Guanacaste, have been featured for their exceptional approaches to guest experiences that blend luxury with meaningful well-being.
Hacienda AltaGracia
Forbes shines a spotlight on Hacienda AltaGracia for its innovative approach to cuisine as a pillar of well-being. Located in the mountain enclave of Santa Elena in Pérez Zeledón, the luxury retreat demonstrates how thoughtful dining can support physical health, mental balance, cultural connection, and environmental responsibility.
The magazine references the recent EHL Food and Well-Being Report, which positions food as a cornerstone of holistic wellness. It influences everything from daily nutrition to social bonds and planetary care. The global wellness economy is projected to reach $9 billion by 2028, with strong interest from Generation Z and millennial travelers seeking purposeful experiences.
At Hacienda AltaGracia, menus focus on seasonal, local ingredients rather than restrictive diets or trends. The resort avoids refined sugars, preservatives, and industrial oils, favoring natural fats like avocado and olive oil. Techniques such as fermentation, high-heat cooking, and artisanal preparation enhance both flavor and nutritional value, proving that healthy eating can be genuinely enjoyable.
Signature restaurants like Cienfuegos and El Cultivo turn meals into ritual experiences. Guests enjoy open-fire cooking and dishes featuring ingredients harvested straight from the chef’s garden. The experience goes “beyond the plate,” inviting visitors to trace the full journey of their food.
For deeper engagement, guests can join activities such as coffee tastings, “Tico Baking” at El Campo, or the “Tita, Tita” experience. These combine culinary techniques with family traditions and Costa Rican heritage, transforming gastronomy into storytelling that preserves local crafts and identity.
Ingredients are sourced primarily from the on-site chef’s garden, the property’s own coffee farm, and a network of trusted local producers. This approach strengthens traceability, supports the community, and builds genuine connections.
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
On Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo (a Ritz-Carlton Reserve) earns praise for delivering world-class luxury in a pristine natural setting. The resort, perched on the Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste, offers dramatic views of Pochote Beach and the Pacific Ocean.
Forbes highlights the seamless blend of adventure and indulgence, particularly the exceptional surfing experiences in a luxurious yet eco-conscious environment. The property features four outdoor pools, a private beach with natural caves, and an ethereal chapel adorned with 650,000 hand-placed mosaics.
A standout amenity is Café Rincón, a Costa Rican coffee shop so exceptional that it could convert almost anyone into a devoted single-origin coffee enthusiast.
These recognitions help Costa Rica’s ability to offer high-end tourism that respects nature, supports local communities, and prioritizes genuine well-being. As demand for meaningful luxury travel grows, properties like Hacienda AltaGracia and Nekajui set a high standard for the future of hospitality in our country.
