Connect to the Magic of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
The newly opened resort beckons with exquisite dining, wellness, and natural beauty.
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Photo: Chris Testani
The resort's 148 guest rooms and 40 suites feature custom-designed furniture and organic design elements such as rattan accents, neutral colors, and handwoven textiles. With private terraces and floor-to-celing windows, guests can revel in views of the treetops and sparkling sea.
Learn MoreAt Waldorf Astoria’s first resort in Costa Rica, guests are invited to slow down and connect with the calm, grounding energy of pura vida — a deeply rooted local philosophy meaning “pure life.” Whether drinking in a breathtaking sunset from your private balcony, unwinding with a healing ritual at Waldorf Astoria Spa, or savoring fresh, organic ingredients harvested nearby, you’ll tap into a way of life that is distinctly Costa Rican and encourages connection with nature and gratitude for life’s simple pleasures.
Perched high on a cliffside above the rolling waves of Playa Penca in Guanacaste, the 15-acre property is an oasis of otherworldly beauty. Your journey begins in the lobby and cascades to a series of sparkling, multilevel pools that blend into the terraced landscape, bringing the vision of Mexico City-based firm architecture firm Sordo Madaleno to reality.
“It’s a very intelligent use of a vertical piece of land,” remarks Paul Tumpowsky, chief revenue officer of Fora Travel and a Travel + Leisure Travel Advisory Board member. “When you arrive, you are presented with the best views of the Pacific Ocean, beautifully framed by the open architecture.”
Every aspect of your stay is designed to stir the senses and immerse you in the splendor of the surroundings. For Tumpowsky, it was the aroma of native plants that perfumed the walkways, the warmth of the sun on his oceanfront terrace, and the taste of the most delectable sweet plantains that elevated his stay.
Eager to explore the country’s famous coffee scene, Tumpowsky began each day at Buena Nota Café, sampling prized beans cultivated on regenerative plantations that uphold fair trade and sustainability practices. “The care and effort poured into every cup is three levels above,” he raves.
For coffee aficionados, the resort offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Brunca growing region. Arriving by private helicopter, you’ll join a guided hike at a coffee plantation to learn about the art of coffee production and partake in a private tasting with a champion barista.
Curious about the country’s ranching heritage? The seasoned concierge can arrange an exclusive outing at the expansive Hacienda Aromal. “It’s so vast, it is rare to see others on the property,” says Tumpowsky, who spent the afternoon ziplining through treetops, horseback riding, and learning how to roll doughy tortillas by hand. Led by seasoned local guides, “each experience is tailored to the guest.”
Photo: Chris Testani
Photo: Chris Testani
Dining & Drinks
Enjoy casual poolside bites at Vida, fresh juices and ice cream at Copo Y Cono, and hearty breakfasts at the all-day Tico Tica. (“I could have the huevos rancheros every day,” raves Tumpowsky.) At golden hour, head to The Terrace for a glass of sparkling champagne and sweeping views as the sun sets into the Pacific.
Learn MoreSavor the bounty of Costa Rica’s land and sea. Bespoke culinary activities include ceviche-making classes with local chefs, private picnics on a secluded shore or clifftop, and sommelier-led tastings in the resort’s wine cave. For an unforgettable multicourse journey, join executive chef Nicolas Piatti for a sampling of freshly caught Pacific fish, coffee beans grown in volcanic soil, and herbs harvested from a cloud forest.
Working with Guanacaste farmers, fishermen, and craftspeople, Piatti puts authenticity and locality at the forefront of the resort’s six dining concepts. Vegetables are gathered using time-honored methods, seafood is pulled from coastal waters, and dry-aged, grass-fed beef is sourced within a small radius. Even in contemporary and casual dishes, traditional regional ingredients like yucca, corn, and sugarcane are celebrated.
At the signature restaurant La Finca, every meal comes together with the utmost discernment for quality and sourcing. “Dinner at La Finca was delicious. The service was outstanding, along with the true locality of the ingredients,” says Tumpowsky. “Another special touch were the Chablis and Pinot Noir wines, purchased directly from a small local wine producer.”
Photo: Chris Testani
Within gallery-like spaces, the resort presents rotating art installations and exclusive workshops with local artisans. Stunning pieces, including an outdoor reimagining of the iconic Waldorf Astoria clock by Costa Rican artist Ingrid Rudelman, allow for meaningful cultural discovery across the pristine grounds.
Learn MoreRestorative sights and sounds of water are everywhere, Tumpowsky noticed. Whether unwinding in a lounge chair by the sea, or reclining in an overwater chaise by one of the tiered pools, Waldorf Astoria’s attentive service elevates the experience with artisanal snacks, chilled towels, and personalized amenities. “The poolside service was very intuitive,” notes Tumpowsky, “and a water slide caught the eye of every child on the property.”
At the Waldorf Astoria Spa, earth-based treatments harness the potency of locally sourced and indigenous ingredients such as volcanic clay, cacao, and native botanicals. The Trapiche Experience draws inspiration from Costa Rica’s sugarcane industry and the healing traditions of the Chorotega community by combining a raw sugar scrub, cane honey body wrap, and full body massage to pamper skin and soothe muscles.
Opportunities for nourishing mind and body abound, from paddleboarding and fitness classes to open-air yoga and sound baths. “It reinforced the importance of being in the moment,” says Tumpowsky, of a guided meditation session that rounded out his unforgettable stay. That’s the power of pura vida.