The Waldorf Astoria’s Resort in Costa Rica Has Cascading Pools and Rooms with Ocean Views

Along Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast, herons grazed on flat fields framed by cloud-misted mountains in the backdrop. Pockets of rainforests glowed in hues of green so striking it appeared neon-colored, thanks, in part, to a recent rainstorm. This storybook scenery was a world away from the traffic-filled streets of Los Angeles I had just left, with the blaring of car horns replaced by birdsong. It also easily explains why travelers from around the world chase the spirit of pura vida that 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.

Situated on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific Coast, the resort sits within the Blue Zone of Nicoya Peninsula, celebrated for its high longevity rates. The hotel’s debut marks the beginning of a multi-phase project that will include a collection of resorts, residences, and wellness-driven experiences across the expansive 600-acre Punta Cacique development.

Hilton’s luxury brand has staked its claim among this growing community with a design that finds harmony in its natural surroundings. The terraced resort cascades 300 feet from the top of the peninsula to the beach below. Envisioned by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos of Mexico City, the earthy brown and rock grey colors and textures throughout the property reflect the seasonal changes of the region. “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 journey was created to feel effortless and organic, from the moment you step into The Terrace bar to the path that leads down to the beach lounge and sunset rooftop,”

The hotel’s design also honors the heritage of the Chorotega people, Indigenous to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region. This tribute includes meandering spaces for meditation and spa rituals that incorporate natural elements, such as volcanic clay. I was immediately drawn to the intentional communal spaces that often don’t exist in resorts this expansive. Here, a collection of bubbling hot tubs are tastefully placed under budding foliage, a large spa pool claims its own quiet corner away from the buzz, and seating around the multi-level cascading pool is readily available from a number of prized vantage points.

“What I really hope guests take away from their stay is a sense of pura vida—that calm, grounded energy that Costa Rica is known for. Whether it’s a morning coffee overlooking the water, a Cacao Ritual at the spa, or simply sitting on your terrace listening to the waves, there’s a magic here that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and really savor the moment, with all the warmth and intuitive service you expect from Waldorf Astoria,” Cabezas says.

Read on for my review of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique.

The Rooms

The resort’s 148 guest rooms and 40 suites ascend toward the ocean in different tiers on flourishing mountainsides. My one-bedroom suite’s prized location offered unobstructed views of Playa Penca and sailboats that parted the turquoise waters as they headed to nearby coves. The open layout living room featured neutral-colored furniture, rattan storage spaces, 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.

Other room categories include Bahia suites with plunge pools and furnished balconies, and the foliage-filled three-bedroom Pacifico Suite, suitable for families seeking expansive indoor-outdoor living. A bi-level Presidential Suite is tucked onto a hillside in the resort’s most private area. This two-bedroom option includes an infinity pool, firepit, and furnished rooftop terrace with lush gardens. The ensuite bathroom features dual vanities, an oversized shower, and two freestanding soaking tubs.

Food and Drink

All six dining concepts pay homage to the bounty of Costa Rica’s land and sea.

Executive chef Nicolas Piatti sources quality ingredients from across the country to highlight the richness of the terroir and culinary traditions. He works closely with several standout producers, including Finca La Josefina, renowned for its exceptional wagyu beef. The kitchen also incorporates artisanal Chorotega salt into a number of dishes to elevate flavors with the region’s natural resources.

Guests can enjoy a hearty Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto (beans and rice), fried egg, plantains, and grilled steak at the all-day dining restaurant Tico-Tica. 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 couldn’t get enough of a dish called tomotada prepared with heirloom tomatoes bursting with candied, briny, and tart flavors. The dry-aged, grass-fed beef is cooked using time-honored Chorotega harvesting techniques and maize-based ingredients. For lunch, Vida Pool & Grill offers Latin-inspired dishes, such as grilled mahi mahi with rice and sweet plantains. My favorite dish here was a piquant ceviche served with tortilla 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 didn’t let a day pass without sampling options like the bergamot-tinged Geisha Honey or the dark chocolate blend, both from the country’s prized Occidental region. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Copo y Cono Ice Cream Shop, and don’t skip the strawberry and mascarpone flavor. For a nightcap, get whisked away at the intimate Peacock Alley Bar, where crafted cocktails served in handmade Chorotega pottery are made with ingredients like raw sugarcane, dandelion, corn liquor, and Costa Rican rum.

Activities and Experiences

Nature and wildlife immersion abound in Costa Rica. The resort brings guests closer to a number of experiences, including birdwatching in the famed cloud forests, guided treks through heliconias, white-water rafting on the Tenorio River, exploring the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, and a luxury experience with thermal pools, waterfalls, golden mud treatments, and walking meditations in the private Sensoria Rainforest Sanctuary.

Other more intimate experiences include picnics on the beach or mountainside, with a curated menu of tropical fruit skewers, yucca chips, green mango salad, antipasti, and an assortment of desserts. 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.  For those seeking deeper immersion, the resort offers a coffee-focused adventure on a private helicopter tour to the Brunca region. Here, guests embark on guided hikes to explore coffee plantations, learn about the intricate art of coffee production, and enjoy a private tasting led by Azofeifa.

A variety of tastings are also on offer: rum tastings are held on the Tico-Tica terrace, a beer tasting highlights global and local craft beers, an agave spirits tasting, led by the lively and engaging food and beverage director Ana Martinez, and a wine tasting of Costa Rican and international wines in La Finca’s private wine cave.

The Spa

The 17,000-square-foot Spa at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique harnesses the healing properties of Chorotega ingredients, including volcanic clay, cacao, Melipona honey, and native botanicals. I experienced the Trapiche Ritual, a deeply restorative treatment that included a raw sugar scrub to exfoliate, a cane honey body wrap to detoxify, and a full body massage.

On another day, wellness and fitness supervisor Carlota Brenes led a sound bath meditation on a private gazebo. The echo of the bowls and symphony of wildlife sounds above made it impossible not to slip into a deep, restful slumber. Guests can also enjoy daily open-air yoga, guided meditation sessions, and fitness classes.

Family-friendly Offerings

Activities at the on-site Kids and Teens Clubs include beach walks, cooking classes, bowling, and treasure hunts. A small waterslide tucked into a corner is a fun addition for little ones. During my stay, I found most children swimming in the calm waters of Playa Penca and finding thrill in the howler monkeys that swung in nearby trees.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique has five ADA-compliant guest rooms, including three with double beds and two with king-size beds.

Sustainability is an integral part of the resort’s design and culinary program. A quarter of all food ingredients are sourced locally from Guanacaste farms, coastal waters, and regenerative plantations. The hotel has been recognized with Costa Rica’s “Bandera Azul Ecológica” award for its environmental practices. The living rooftops, native plant landscaping, and detention pond for water runoff all support biodiversity and erosion control, while minimizing environmental impact.

Location

Located on the northwestern coast of Guanacaste, Punta Cacique is a secluded cliffside community offering easy access to two neighboring beach towns: Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco. Head to either and choose from rows of beach bars perched near prized sunset viewpoints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay

Waldorf Astoria is a Hilton luxury property and therefore part of the Hilton Honors program. For any stay of three nights or more, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique offers a 20 percent discount, a $500 resort credit for guest room stays, and a $1,000 resort credit for suite stays. AARP Members save up to 10 percent on the nightly rate. Breakfast is included for every guest. Nightly rates at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique start at $1,500.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.