Waldorf opens in outperforming Costa Rica

PUNTA CACIQUE, Costa Rica – Witnessing perhaps the best RevPAR growth in the world, Costa Rica continues to attract global players with the latest entry coming from Hilton in the form of the luxury 188-room Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique.

Managed by Hilton, the resort is owned by Revolution, Cacique Investors, and Garnier & Garnier, the project’s Costa Rican developer. GFG Securities raised the equity and debt financing for the project.

The resort and residences are set within Punta Cacique, a new luxury community from Revolution Places.

The property includes the Waldorf Astoria Residences Costa Rica, Punta Cacique with a collection of fully furnished four- and five-bedroom Estate Homes created by Garnier Arquitectos, RoblesArq, and EDSA. Each home is delivered turnkey with curated interiors, personal concierge services, and access to the resort amenities.

The residences join a global portfolio of more than 20 residential properties open or in development under the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand.

Resort details

Situated along the shores of Playa Penca on Punta Cacique, the resort sits on Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific Coast with six regionally inspired restaurants, a multi-level pool, kids and teens clubs, a 17,000 square foot spa and fitness center, and 10,000 square feet of meeting space.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, a significant addition to our presence in the region. This property marks the debut of the brand in Costa Rica and offers guests an unparalleled level of luxury and our signature Waldorf Astoria hospitality,” said Danny Hughes, president, Americas, Hilton.

Perched cliffside, the resort’s architecture is terraced within the natural contours, capturing panoramic views, including Culebra Bay to the North, Coco Bay to the South, and sunset views over the Pacific.

The landscape design incorporates native flora that conserves water and gradually envelops the structures.

Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos of Mexico City crafted indoor and outdoor spaces to flow together, intentionally integrating into natural site contours and featuring living rooftops to mitigate heat and enhance sustainability. The resort holds the Costa Rican “Bandera Azul Ecológica” award for Playa Penca, which recognizes the effort of organizations that seek to improve environmental conditions, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.

Pathways guide guests organically to their rooms and the public area known as Poblado, featuring dining venues and the Waldorf Astoria Clock. A cascading sequence of pools and waterfalls culminates in an elevated path that leads to the Beach Lounge and the Sunset Rooftop.

The property’s 148 guest rooms and 40 suites offer views of Punta Caciques’ landscapes, including lush forests and pristine beaches.

The design features earthy tones that blend into the natural surroundings.

“The opening of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique marks the premiere of the brand in yet another world-class destination,” said Dino Michael, senior vice president and global head, Hilton Luxury Brands. “From the many considerations in its architecture and design, to curated guest experience and food and beverage, this property is embodying the next era of the Waldorf Astoria brand and our considered growth this year and beyond.”

Beyond the resort’s multi-level pool, a secluded stretch of beach on the coast of Guanacaste has deluxe loungers, cabanas, and umbrellas alongside native plants and rocky outcrops that flank Playa Penca.

Executive Chef Nicolas Piatti and Food and Beverage Director Ana Martinez prioritize sourcing local ingredients for the six dining experiences from small-scale farmers and nearby plantations.

The brand’s signature Peacock Alley Bar serves small plates that celebrate ancestral flavors alongside craft cocktails featuring local ingredients from raw sugarcane to Costa Rican rum.

The spa harmonizes the destination’s terrain with modern techniques and ancient practices to create earth-based treatments that harness the potency of locally sourced and indigenous ingredients such as volcanic clay, cacao, and native botanicals.

With 11 treatment rooms, guests can experience therapies and rituals that blend ancestral wisdom with innovative practices such as Chorotegan Cacao Healing, a ceremonial ritual incorporating cacao, volcanic mud, and craniosacral massage.

An on-property salon helps service the Wedding Lounge, which serves as a sanctuary for brides and their parties.

Event space is perched atop the Punta Cacique peninsula, overlooking Playa Penca. Ballrooms feature ocean views and verdant greenery. The grand and junior ballrooms, along with an event lawn, cam accommodate up to 382 attendees.

The resort’s ceremonial pavilion is an indoor setting for affairs, wedding ceremonies, and receptions. Outdoors, the resort’s ceremonial terrace and beach offer a backdrop for nuptial celebrations. Each ceremonial pavilion can host up to 100 guests.