Costa Ricas new Este Lauder Skin Longevity Institute turns back the clock on aging

Unexpected.That’s the first thought that springs to mind upon hearing that Estée Lauder has opened its first Skin Longevity Institute in the Americas in Pérez Zeledón, a wildly lush, remote patch of Costa Rica teeming with coffee farms.But then one learns that the Institute, centered around the brand’s age-defying Re-Nutriv skin-care collection, is located at the hyperluxe Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, and the Lauder alliance starts making perfect sense.

After all, Pérez Zeledón is adjacent to one of the world’s five “Blue Zones,” recognized for a high concentration of centenarians and an extraordinarily healthy lifestyle.“Hacienda AltaGracia has always been a destination for transformative well-being experiences rooted in nature, culture and purpose,” says Vivianne Garcia-Tunon, vice president of well-being at Auberge Resorts Collection.“With Estée Lauder’s cutting-edge Skin Longevity science and luxurious Re-Nutriv treatments, we’re elevating our commitment to longevity-focused wellness in an entirely new way.”Opened in fall 2021, the Instagram-perfect property comprises 50 spacious one- and two-bedroom casitas along with multiple restaurants, pools, hiking trails, horse stables and lounging areas, all spread out over 180 verdant, rainforest-y acres.

But it’s the singularly stunning spa and wellness facility, dubbed Casa de Agua, that’s the real showstopper.Drawing focus? A light-filled, glass-walled pool and hot tub atrium, featuring sky-high ceilings adorned with massive flower boxes.Spacious heated marble beds stand at the ready, and once guests are slathered with custom-crafted, herb-infused muds, they hop on up and bake for a bit before rinsing off in the adjacent showers and heading to the treatment rooms for services.For the Institute, Lauder has crafted a menu of Skin Longevity face and body treatments, each preceded by a comprehensive AI skin analysis that enables aestheticians to craft a bespoke regim...