T+L Review: Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique

Herons were seen grazing in flat fields along Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coastline, framed by mountains with cloudy peaks. The recent rainstorm was partly responsible for the vivid hues of green in some pockets of rainforests. It was a completely different experience from the traffic-filled streets in Los Angeles. Instead of car horns, birdsong replaced the noise of the city. The spirit of the place is also what attracts travelers from around world. pura vida The permeates Costa Rica. After a short 30-minute drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, a hillside incline turned into a downward journey revealing the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique.

The resort is situated on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific Coast. Blue Zone of Nicoya PeninsulaThe hotel is known for its longevity. The debut of the hotel marks the start of a multiphase project which will include resorts, residences and wellness-driven activities across the 600-acre Punta Cacique Development.

Hilton’s luxury label has made a claim in this rapidly growing community by creating a design which is harmonious with its surroundings. The resort’s terraces cascade 300 feet down from the top peninsula to the beach. The earthy browns and rock grays used throughout the property were designed by Sordo madaleno arquitectos in Mexico City to reflect the changing seasons. “The design of the resort flows with the natural curves of the coastline, so guests are constantly surrounded by these breathtaking views—Playa Hermosa on one side and Coco Bay on the other, and those unforgettable sunsets over the Pacific,” says Mariella Cabezas, the resort’s director of marketing. The entire guest experience was designed to be effortless and organic. From the moment guests enter The Terrace bar, to the path leading down to the sunset rooftop and beach lounge.

The design of the hotel also pays homage to the Chorotega, an indigenous people from Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Region. This is reflected in the meditation areas and spa rituals, which incorporate volcanic clay. I was drawn to the communal areas that are often missing in resorts with this much space. The hot tubs were placed in the shade of budding trees, the spa pool was tucked into a quiet spot away from the crowds, and there are many places to sit around the cascading pools.

“I hope that guests leave with a positive feeling about their experience.” pura vida—that calm, grounded energy that Costa Rica is known for. Cabezas says that whether it is a coffee in the morning overlooking the ocean, a Cacao Massage at the Spa, or just sitting on your terrace and listening to the waves there is a magic to this place. It invites you slow down, connect, and really savor every moment.

Here is my review of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique.

The Rooms

The resort has 148 rooms and 40 suites that are arranged in tiers to ascend towards the ocean on the mountainside. My suite, which had a one-bedroom, offered a view of Playa Penca with sailboats gliding across the turquoise water to reach nearby coves. The open plan living room included neutral colored furniture, rattan shelves, and wall textures. Pivot doors, expansive terraces, and golden-hued lighting throughout each room created a sense of calm and seamless transition between the interior and the sea just below.

There are other room categories, including Bahia Suites with furnished balconies and plunge pools, as well as the lush three-bedroom Pacifico Suite. These suites are ideal for families who want to enjoy both indoor and outdoor living. In the most private area of the resort, a bi-level presidential suite is nestled into a hillside. This two bedroom option features an infinity-pool, firepit and a furnished roof terrace with lush garden. The ensuite bathroom has dual vanities and an oversized shower. It also includes two freestanding soaking bathtubs.

Food and Drink

All six dining concepts are a tribute to Costa Rica’s bounty on land and in the sea.

Chef Nicolas Piatti selects quality ingredients across the country in order to showcase the richness of the culinary tradition and terroir. He has worked closely with Finca La Josefina – a producer renowned for its wagyu. Chorotega salt is also used in the kitchen to enhance flavors and use natural resources.

Tico-Tica, an all-day restaurant, offers guests a Costa Rican-style breakfast, including gallopinto (beans, rice, and plantains), fried eggs, and grilled beef. At La Finca, coastal cuisine with an emphasis on Pacific seafood takes center stage—a juicy poached lobster in chorizo butter and sesame seed matcha sauce was my favorite dish to tuck into a warm tortilla. I could not get enough of the dish ” Tomotada The heirloom tomatoes are bursting at the seams with flavors of candied, tart, and briny. The grass-fed, dry-aged beef is prepared using traditional Chorotega harvesting methods and maize-based products. For lunch, Vida Pool & Grill offers Latin-inspired dishes, such as grilled mahi mahi with rice and sweet plantains. I loved the piquant ceviche that was served with tortillas chips.

At Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop, a caffeine boost is anything but ordinary. The sleek café features some of Costa Rica’s most prized beans, all cultivated on regenerative plantations committed to sustainability and fair trade practices across eight regions. I did not let a single day go by without tasting the bergamot-tinged Geisha Honey and the dark chocolate mix, both of which are from the Occidental region. Copo y Cono Ice Cream Shop has a variety of sweet treats, but the strawberry mascarpone is a must-try. Peacock Alley Bar offers a relaxing nightcap with cocktails made from ingredients such as raw sugarcane dandelion corn liquor and Costa Rican Rum.

Activities and Experiences

Costa Rica offers a wide range of wildlife and nature experiences. The resort is a great place to experience a wide range of activities, such as birdwatching and the famed cloud forestsThe Children’s Eternal Rainforest is explored by a guided tour through heliconias. Thermal pools, golden mud treatments and walking meditations are offered in the Sensoria Rainforest Sanctuary.

Picnics at the beach or in the mountains with a menu that includes antipasti and desserts are other intimate experiences. A highlight of my visit was the Coffee Tasting Experience at Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop, which included bean-to-cup education and brewing techniques by Costa Rica’s Barista Champion Ricardo Azofeifa. The experience showcases rare and prized roasts, such as Etiope 47, Milenio, Geisha, Typica, and the signature Chirripó blend.  If you want to get a deeper experience, the resort can offer a private heli-tour in the Brunca region that is coffee-focused. Here, guests can embark on guided hiking tours to explore coffee plantations and learn about the art of coffee production. They can also enjoy a private taste led by Azofeifa.

Ana Martinez, the energetic and engaging director of food and beverages, will guide a lively and engaging agave spirit tasting. The wine tasting in La Finca’s wine cave is a blend of Costa Rican wine and international wine.

The Spa

The 17,000-square foot Spa at Waldorf astoria Costa Rica Punta Caciique harnesses healing properties of Chorotega products, including volcanic soil, cacao, Melipona, and native plants. The Trapiche ritual was a deeply restorative experience that included a cane-honey body wrap, raw sugar scrub, and full body massage.

Carlota Brenes, wellness and fitness supervisor, led a sound meditation in a private gazebo. The echoes of the bowls, and the symphony above of animal sounds, made it difficult to not fall into a deep sleep. The resort offers daily yoga sessions in the open air, guided meditations, and fitness classes.

Offers for Families

Kids and Teens Clubs on site offer activities such as treasure hunts, treasure walks, and bowling. The addition of a small water slide tucked away in a corner makes it a good option for children. During my visit, I saw most children enjoying the calm waters at Playa Penca. They also enjoyed the thrill of the howler monkeys swinging in the trees nearby.

Accessibility and sustainability

Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique offers five ADA-compliant rooms. Three of them have double beds, and two others are equipped with king beds.

The resort’s culinary and design program is based on sustainability. One quarter of the food ingredients used in the resort’s culinary program are locally sourced from Guanacaste farms and coastal waters. The hotel has been recognized with Costa Rica’s “Bandera Azul Ecológica” award for its environmental practices. The hotel’s living roofs, native plant landscaping and detention pool for water runoff help to minimize environmental impact while also promoting biodiversity.

Location

Punta Cacique, located on the northwest coast of Guanacaste is a small cliffside community that offers easy access to Playa Hermosa or Playa del Coco. Choose from a row of beach bars located near the best sunset views.

How to make the most of your stay

The Waldorf Astoria, a Hilton luxury hotel, is part of Hilton Honors. If you stay three nights or longer, you will receive Hilton Honors. Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique offers A 20 percent discount is available, as well as a $500 resort voucher for guests rooms and a $1000 resort voucher for suites. AARP members can save up to 10% on the nightly rates. Each guest is entitled to a free breakfast. The nightly rate is at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique start at $1,500.

Each T+L Hotel Review is written by a reporter or editor who has visited the hotel. The hotel chosen must also align with our standards. core values.