Casa Hacienda La Esperanza by Aquiares Coffee, Turrialba

Pros

• You'll stay in a century-old hacienda on one of Costa Rica's largest coffee farms.
• Given Casa La Esperanza's central location on the coffee farm and within the small town of Aquiares, you'll have pretty views of rolling hills from its manicured grounds.
• Rooms are charmingly decorated, catering to the property's history with hardwood floors, sepia-toned photographs, and historical artifacts.
• You'll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals prepared by local women.
• You don't have to go far if you want to know more about coffee production. You can join a guided tour of the plantation (at a cost), where you can learn about the intricate processes of coffee cultivation.
• The well-spoken manager does an awesome job of meeting your needs and expectations, with the rest of the staff incredibly friendly and helpful, making you feel like part of the home.

Cons

• The kitchen staff may not speak much English, but the manager is fluent and always willing to assist.
• It might be hard for some to not have choice when it comes to a lunch/dinner menu, but this adds to the intimate, homestay vibe.

Authenticity

Though the coffee farm was initially founded by English farmers in the late 1800s, the hacienda and plantation has since taken shape under the ownership of Alfonso Robelo back in the 1980s. Incorporating the community into growing the farm into what it is today, his son, Diego now manages the farm, continuing to preserve the property's legacy as the largest contiguous coffee farm in the country and as a trailblazer for sustainable practices. This colonial-style farmhouse is praised for its authenticity, gleaned from its long-standing history and quaint design and architecture. You'll find polished hardwood floors, antique furnishings, and vintage decor. And best of all, you can sit in the open kitchen as the local abuelas prepare you a home-cooked dinner. 

Location

Perched on a slight hill above the small town of Aquiares, Casa La Esperanza offers pretty views of the surrounding coffee plantation and lush mountain landscape. The hacienda is tucked amid well-maintained gardens (2 acres worth), just off Calle La Esperanza, a 5-minute (bumpy) drive north of the Aquiares Waterfall. The Spanish colonial Ujarrás church (Costa Rica's oldest) ruins and the impressive Jardín Botánico Lankester gardens are within a 40-minute drive, while Irazú Volcano and its park are about an hour and 30 minutes away. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Charmingly rustic rooms are all pretty individual, with original hardwood floors, wood-paneled walls, local artwork (some of abstract Indigenous scenes) and posters, some antique furniture like four-poster beds, and all styled to reflect the hacienda's historical character. You can choose from one of three options, the most spacious being the Jaguar Room, sleeping four, while the Coyote Room accommodates up to five guests (two interconnected rooms). Bathrooms are decently sized, with colorful patterned tiles and modern vessel sinks atop a solid wood vanity with plenty of counter and shelf space.

Amenities

There's a sun terrace, lush gardens, an outdoor fireplace, a comfy living area with large windows overlooking the plantation, and a fireplace for colder evenings to warm by and a restaurant of sorts—the kitchen staff serves a single, authentic dish per meal, cooked up family style. However, they can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. There's also a (modest) bar but you may be surprised what's available, and, of course, a coffee shop, allowing you to purchase Costa Rica's renowned coffee at the source. Bikes are for hire, too. 

Family-Friendliness

The interconnected Coyote Room sleeps up to five guests (three single beds in one and a large double in the other). Cots and extra beds aren't available, though the hacienda and grounds are quite stroller-friendly.