Letter from the Editor: March 2018

Despite now having a nearly $3 billion tourist industry, Costa Rica remains a destination in which it’s easy to find spectacular tracts of unspoiled wilderness. The birding is exceptional, and for those who like a little adventure, there are myriad options. On our recent trip, we were impressed by the new Auberge Resorts property Hacienda AltaGracia, which is perched high on a remote and forested hillside. There, we took an exhilarating trip in an open-air ultralight airplane and enjoyed hiking and horseback riding excursions.

Neighboring Nicaragua still suffers from the adverse reputation it acquired during its bitter civil war. But the conflict ended 28 years ago and the country has long been tranquil and hospitable. Like Costa Rica, Nicaragua is blessed with dramatic landscapes. In addition, it has well-preserved colonial cities, notably colorful and pedestrian-friendly Granada. True, Nicaragua has fewer luxury hideaways, but the gap is closing. A case in point is Nekupe, a remarkable new resort set on a 1,580-acre estate. The name means “heaven” in an indigenous language, which puts expectations rather high. However, it proved to be a memorably opulent property, with peerless personal service.

Barcelona has endured difficult times of late, but neither the terrorist attack on La Rambla last August nor the political uncertainty hanging over Catalonia seems to have diminished its vivacity. Spain’s second city remains a place of delicious food and dazzling architecture. On this visit, we discovered a distinctive 28-room boutique hotel, The Serras, located just a short walk from La Barceloneta, the old fishermen’s quarter. And we also enjoyed a few days at the Majestic Hotel & Spa, a grande dame that was fully renovated five years ago. Both properties have notable restaurants, and we indulged in feasts of contemporary Catalonian cuisine.