Hacienda Santa Ines, Costa Rica

 

 

Tres Rios Mountains
The Master Suite offers views of the Tres Rios Mountains.



 

As Costa Rica becomes ever more popular, new hotels are bound to follow. We found the latest luxury illustration in Hacienda Santa Ines, 6,000 feet above Cartago, Costa Rica’s old capital, in the Tres Rios Mountains and 20 minutes away from San Jose. With just 11 rooms (nine in the Main House and two in the Chalet), we say this place is ripe for either a corporate or family takeover.

Rooms With a View

Note: We hear the Gavilan Suite, Frison Suite and Master Suite, all in the Main House, are the top digs and have iPod docking stations and flat-screen TVs with Blu-ray players. But the main attraction is the mountain views, easily enjoyed via guest room floor-to-ceiling windows. All bedrooms except for the Frison Suite—which faces an interior courtyard—have panoramic views of Cartago, the Tres Rios Mountains or both.

The Master Suite is the largest accommodation and has a private terrace, walk-in closet and a separate bedroom within the suite, perfect for couples who want to bring their children but also want privacy. The additional bedroom can also be used as an office.

Dining at Hacienda Santa Ines: The Main Dining Room has views of the gardens and Head Chef Paul Laizaola is literally at guests’ disposal to create bespoke dishes (he’ll also provide cooking lessons). Prior to arrival, guests are asked what special types of cuisines they are interested in trying while at the property. Based on the guests’ answers and what’s available in the hacienda’s greenhouse, Laizaola designs a number of menus, which are run by the guests daily so that they can choose.

Spa treatments can be scheduled anywhere within the property; there is also a small spa on the grounds.

Getting There: Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose is an hour away from Hacienda Santa Ines. Note: The hotel also has a private helipad. Luxury travel advisors should contact General Manager Carlos Recao. He can also arrange volcano and waterfall excursions, white-water rafting trips on the Pacuare and Reventazón rivers and visits to nearby butterfly farms and coffee plantations.