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Waldorf Astoria opens its first spa resort in Costa Rica as anchor to the Cacique Peninsula development

28 Apr 2025 The first Waldorf Astoria resort and spa in Costa Rica has opened on the Guanacaste coast. The development was first reported in 2022.

The property is the anchor resort for the Cacique Peninsula, a luxury community which is being developed by real estate and hospitality investor Revolution, led by Steve Case.

Revolution also has an interest in Miraval.

Case, who was born in Hawaii, said, “The Cacique Peninsula will be a great gathering place for families, a great place to work and a great place to live a healthier life. It reminds me of Hawaii 50 years ago.”

Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique is being managed by Hilton, with investors including Cacique Investors LLC and the project’s Costa Rican developer Garnier & Garnier. Real estate investment banking firm GFG Securities LLC raised the equity and debt financing.

The 188-key property has panoramic views of Culebra Bay to the North, Coco Bay to the South and unobstructed sunset views over the Pacific, with the accommodation including 148 hotel rooms and 40 private residences, 22 of which will have private plunge pools.

The 17,000sq ft (1,579sq m) spa has 11 treatment rooms, pre- and post-treatment relaxation lounges, saunas, steamrooms and a hot tub.

The spa’s programming draws on the healing traditions of the indigenous Chortega people. The ritual-based treatments use volcanic clay and minerals to restore balance, while other locally-sourced ingredients on the spa menu include cacao, Melipona honey and native botanicals.

There's also a fitness centre, lap pool and multi-level swimming pool and an open-air yoga studio.

Guided meditation and fitness classes are available for all ages and the property has a salon offering manicure, pedicure, hair and make-up services.

Skincare at the spa is by Knesko, known for its collagen masks and Haute Custom Beauty. Lemi's Spa Dream quartz and water massage beds are also in use at the spa.

There are also six restaurants on-site, alongside 10,000sq ft (929sq m) of meeting space and a dedicated club for children and teens.

Guests are invited to experience the local “Pura Vida” lifestyle at the beachside resort. This translates as ‘pure life’ in English, but to Costa Ricans it embodies a uniquely positive outlook on life through spending time in nature.

The resort was designed by architects Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos to incorporate native flora that conserves water and will gradually grow around the built structures. Indoor and outdoor spaces are integrated, moulding to the site’s sloping contours. Living roofs will mitigate heat and enhance sustainability.

The residences and landscape were designed by Garnier Arquítectos, RoblesArq, Gensler and ESDA.

The property has received the Costa Rican Bandera Azul Ecológica award for improving environmental conditions at the local beach, Playa Penca.