We like to have an extra special hideaway in each country we operate in. Hacienda Montezuma, a 1,500-hectare working cattle farm that sits in the shadow of the Tenorio Volcano in northern Costa Rica, is one such example. Floriana, Montezuma’s inimitable owner and host, supercharges the experience. Few have better knowledge or love of Costa Rica.
Guests can enjoy a dip in the freshwater lake or go cattle rustling on horseback. There is a cacao farm down the road which produces some of the best chocolate in the region. Rafting and fishing along the Tenorio River, and hikes to secret waterfalls and natural pools are easily arranged. There are spoiling picnics by day and barbecues by night. Hammocks adorn the wooden veranda for afternoon siestas. Don’t miss an early morning birdwatching tour or a night safari with Donald, whose private reserve is hope to a mesmerising array of fauna and flora.
There are many conservation programmes that guests can join, whether liberating ocelot, puma or jaguarundi onto the hacienda, a reserve for rescued animals, or setting up trap cameras to track the movement of local species.
And then there’s the Montezuma community, each guide and member of staff more charming than the next. Every week, they each receive a care box from the farm packed with mango, avocado, yuca, plantain and malanga.
The Montezuma experience provides a privileged window onto life on a traditional Costa Rican hacienda. Open February through August, they receive one party at a time to ensure the experience is as tailored as possible. There are two houses available – La Casona with capacity for 10 guests, and the Guest House, which can sleep 6. Both are comfortable and beautifully decorated with spoils from Floriana’s travels. This an experience for families or groups of friends to enjoy over the course of 5-7 nights – though we have arranged stays of up to 2 months. Children and parents alike will be wide-eyed from the moment they arrive.
