Into the Mystic: A Visit to The Well at Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica’s Premier Wellness Sanctuary

After introductions, Manjit began to study the creases of my palms with Bobby Fischer-like intensity. I was captivated by her vision of my future—“38 is going to be a great year for you; you only get stronger as you get older”—and genuinely spooked by how she seemed to understand my past. I don’t know if it was my newly unblocked energy pathways, or the elevation, or my pineapple quinoa bowl at lunch, but in some weird way I trusted what this woman was telling me.

After the session ended, I stumbled out of Casa de Agua in a happy trance. My brush with mysticism only seemed to highlight the absurd beauty of my surroundings. Over a plate of lemony ceviche and a mezcal cocktail, I thought about the many ways one could achieve wellness here—whether through specialized treatments, a sunset meditation, or even a boozy poolside meal.

“At first we were like, why the hell are we going to Costa Rica?” Sarhan says to me. We’re now back in New York, getting foot rubs in the relaxation room at The Well’s Union Square flagship. “Everything we do [in the city] only gives people a taste,” he says, gulping down a bright-blue energy shot. “But when you have someone for five or seven days, you can kick start something long term. You can really change their life.”