Hilton has officially opened the all new Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. The 188 room resort expands Hilton’s luxury portfolio in the Caribbean and Latin America. The property is located on Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific Coast. This is the second Waldorf Astoria property to open in as many weeks, joining the new Waldorf Astoria Osaka in Japan.
Waldorf Astoria Opens its Newest Location in Costa Rica
The hotel is located on Punta Cacique, near the town of Coco overlooking the small Playa Penca. It is the first property to open on Punta Cacique which gives it an exclusive feel yet it is a short drive from beach towns, tourist attractions and the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), also known as Guanacaste Airport, in Liberia.
Danny Hughes, President of the Americas at Hilton, had this to say about the opening:
“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. We look forward to welcoming travelers from around the world to discover Costa Rica’s rich heritage, vibrant culture, and natural beauty.”
The property was designed by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos of Mexico City and its terraced design is meant to blend in with the surrounding landscape.
The layout of the property is meant to allow for panoramic views of Culebra Bay and Coco Bay, with unobstructed sunset views over the Pacific Ocean.
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique Guest Rooms
The hotel has 188 keys, spread across 148 guest rooms and 40 suites. All rooms are arranged to have views of the landscape surrounding the property, from forests to beaches. Hilton states that this was done to create a serene and effortless sense of connection with nature.
Of the 40 suites on property, 22 of them have private plunge pools. These are a favorite of mine because, for the most part, I just want to take a refreshing dip and have a cocktail while enjoying the view.
Dino Michael, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Hilton Luxury Brands, said this:
“The opening of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique marks the premiere of the brand in yet another world-class destination. 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.”
Strangely, Hilton didn’t provide any photos of the bedrooms in the press release and media kit. However, having seen many other Waldorf Astoria properties, I assume that they are both luxurious and muted.
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique Food & Beverage
The property has six food and beverage outlets that have been developed in partnership with Executive Chef Nicolas Piatti and Food and Beverage Director Ana Martinez. Piatti and Martinez have prioritized working with local farmers and plantations to provide the taste and traditions of Guanacaste, where the property is located.
La Finca serves as the property’s signature restaurant and features dishes that seamlessly blend tradition and modernity through freshly caught seafood, and dry-aged, grass-fed beef, prepared using time-honored Chorotega harvesting techniques along with supporting ingredients from the region.
Tico-Taca provides guests with a more laid back atmosphere, inviting them to embrace the spirit of the “Pura Vida” lifestyle. The restaurant provides all day dining and the central kitchen puts on a show for guests.
The Waldorf Astoria brand’s signature Peacock Alley Bar gets a Costa Rican twist with crafted cocktails featuring local ingredients like sugarcane and Costa Rican rum. Personally, I really enjoy how the Waldorf Astoria brand tailors this brand standard so well to each property.
The Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop serves local Costa Rican coffee along with tropical treats and the Copo y Cono Ice Cream Shop has multiple, locally flavored, ice creams on offer. The Vida Pool and Grill provides a coastal centered menu with dishes like suckling pig, ceviche, and tostones.
If you like coastal inspired food prepared with local ingredients, the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique has you covered.
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique Amenities
There are plenty of amenities on property to keep guests occupied. The most visually obvious of which is the large, multi-level, pool which cascades down towards the beach below. The pool had loungers located in the shallow end as well as sunbeds and cabanas located on the deck.
Guests that venture down to the beach will find a private stretch of coastline that is outfitted with loungers, cabanas, and umbrellas. The climate of Costa Rica allowing for swimming, paddleboarding, boating, and other water activities year-round.
If you’re looking for even more relaxation, the property features a 17,000 square foot spa with 11 treatment rooms along with pre and post-treatment lounges, saunas, steam rooms, and a jacuzzi. Waldorf Astoria has centered the spa’s offerings around wellness, rituals, sustainability, environmental respect, and mindful connection. This is meant to embody the essence of the ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle.
In addition to the spa, there is a fully equipped fitness center on property which offers a wide range of programming. A separate fitness pool is available for water activities as well as an open air yoga studio.
An on-property salon offers manicure, pedicure, hair, and makeup services. A wedding lounge is available for those getting married on the grounds of the hotel. If you’re traveling with children or teenagers, the property has a dedicated Kids Club and Teens Club with programming tailored towards specific age groups.
To celebrate the opening Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique is offering an exclusive opportunity to “Explore Cacique” which runs through May 31, 2025. Guests staying three nights or more can enjoy 20% off, along with a $500 resort credit or $1,000 credit for suite stays. For reservations or to book the Explore Cacique offer, please visit the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique’s website.
My Thoughts
For whatever reason, Costa Rica has never really been on my radar as far as places to visit. We’ve talked about it from time to time as a family but we always end up choosing another location.
Waldorf Astoria properties also fall into the same, off the radar, category for me. For whatever reason I tend to gravitate towards Marriott and Hyatt hotels, despite being a Hilton HHonors Diamond member.
The announcement of the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country, which will essentially be in my backyard, put the brand back on my radar and the recent opening in Osaka along with this property has me considering a stay at one of the properties. I already have flights to Japan booked for this summer, but maybe I’ll try and swing a trip to Costa Rica instead.
Kudos to Hilton and Waldorf Astoria on this new property, it looks absolutely stunning and maybe I’ll have the chance to visit soon.
Summary
Hilton has just opened the new Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique on the country’s Pacific coast. The 188 room property is located on a secluded peninsula and has amazing views of the surrounding environment. With plenty of amenities and food and beverage outlets, there’s something for everyone at this gorgeous new resort.
(Images © 2025 Hilton)