Fodor's Expert Review Hacienda Alta Gracia

Aimed at very well-heeled equestrians, this breathtakingly luxurious resort high above the lush valley of the General River has a stable of 48 beautiful horses to groom and ride, capacious casitas, a sybaritic spa, two swimming pools, and sophisticated dining. Spread over 865 acres of a former coffee farm, large casitas are planted amid extravagant gardens, fountains, and ponds worthy of a tropical Versailles. Although the houses look a little suburban on the outside, inside they are furnished with oversize contemporary furniture and equipped with flat-screen TVs, top-drawer linens, and designer bathrooms. Substantial artworks by Costa Rican artists add some local character. The larger, 2-bedroom houses have fireplaces, and all have spacious covered terraces to enjoy the garden views and the green valley below, often blanketed by clouds. Horseback riding aside, the other main activity here is getting pampered at the spa, which features a huge indoor swimming pool, bubbling Jacuzzis, and a tranquil lounge to rest in after one of the many available massage treatments. There's another outdoor pool with a view, near the terrace lunch restaurant. Dining starts with cocktails in a chic lounge and segues into the elegant Grano restaurant, where a team of chefs in an open kitchen prepare ultrasophisticated (and expensive) dishes, aiming for a fusion of traditional, local flavors and international trends. The resort has its own airstrip for guests in a hurry to get here.