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Reuters
08-08-2025
- Reuters
Ultimate Costa Rica Travel Itinerary: Seven Days Between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa
COSTA RICA, Cuba, August 8, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula is a realm of golden beaches, verdant jungles, and laid-back coastal towns that captivate the soul. For travelers craving a seamless mix of adventure, surf, wellness, and coastal elegance, a one-week journey between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa offers the perfect balance. Both destinations lie on the Pacific coast, yet their atmospheres are distinct — one pulsing with beach-town energy, the other humming with quiet sophistication. Day 1: Arrival in Liberia and Transfer to Tamarindo Begin your journey by landing at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, the most convenient airport for reaching Tamarindo. After a smooth customs process, hop into a pre-booked shuttle or a 4x4 rental, ideal for navigating Costa Rica's often unpredictable roads. Tamarindo, just under two hours away, welcomes visitors with a buzzing energy. Check into your accommodation and unwind. For those seeking refinement and privacy, luxury villas in Costa Rica from Elite Beach Villas, opens new tab in Tamarindo offer stunning views, infinity pools, and concierge services. Spend your evening watching the sun dip below the horizon from the beach or a beachfront bistro. Day 2: Surf, Culture, and Sunset Sailing Kick off your day with a surf lesson at Playa Tamarindo. This beach, with its long breaks and warm waters, is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers alike. Local instructors provide gear and guidance with a dose of pura vida enthusiasm. In the afternoon, explore the town's boutique shops and artisan markets, where local crafts and organic products fill the air with character. If you're inclined toward nature, visit the nearby Las Baulas National Marine Park, a nesting ground for the endangered leatherback turtle. As the day winds down, board a catamaran for a sunset sailing excursion. With a cocktail in hand and dolphins occasionally trailing the boat, the Pacific becomes a golden mirror of the sky. Day 3: Day Trip to Playa Avellanas or Hacienda Pinilla Tamarindo's surroundings offer tranquil escapes. Head south to Playa Avellanas, often called "Little Hawaii" by surfers for its world-class waves. It's far less crowded than Tamarindo and the sand feels untouched by time. For lunch, stop at Lola's, a beachfront institution that blends fresh cuisine with barefoot luxury. Alternatively, spend the day at Hacienda Pinilla, a vast estate offering golf, horseback riding, and beach clubs. This area also houses some of the most exclusive luxury villas Costa Rica has to offer, nestled between dry forest and sea. Day 4: Travel to Santa Teresa via Ferry After breakfast, check out and begin the journey to Santa Teresa. The drive to the ferry terminal in Puntarenas takes about 3.5 hours. The ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya, bound for Paquera, is a scenic voyage. You'll pass fishing boats, mangrove islands, and the occasional ray breaching the surface. From Paquera, the final leg to Santa Teresa takes roughly two hours along winding coastal roads. The remoteness is part of its charm. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation. Santa Teresa offers a diverse mix of boho-chic guesthouses and luxury villas Costa Rica travelers often seek for private, serene stays. Day 5: Yoga, Nature, and Beach Dining Santa Teresa is a haven for mindfulness and wellness. Begin your day with a beachfront yoga class, often accompanied by the sound of howler monkeys in the treetops. Later, explore the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, Costa Rica's first protected area. Hike through lush forest trails that spill onto secluded beaches where time seems to pause. As the sky turns amber, dine at a beachside restaurant. Many spots specialize in farm-to-table cuisine, combining local seafood, tropical ingredients, and global culinary techniques. Day 6: Surf or Explore Montezuma For experienced surfers, Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa offer consistent swells and a thrilling ride. Surfboard rentals and advanced-level coaching are available locally. If surfing isn't your tempo, consider a trip to Montezuma, a small bohemian village just over an hour away. There, a network of waterfalls awaits. The Montezuma Waterfalls, cascading pools surrounded by jungle are perfect for swimming and photos. On your return, stop by one of the area's organic cafés for a smoothie made with freshly picked guanábana or passion fruit. Day 7: Leisure and Departure Spend your last morning savoring a slow breakfast with a view. Whether you're lounging by the pool of one of the luxury villas Costa Rica properties or grabbing a final dip in the Pacific, give yourself time to reflect on the contrasts and connections between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa. Begin your return journey to Liberia, or opt to fly out from the closer Tambor domestic airport with a connecting flight to San José. Either way, Costa Rica's coastal magic lingers long after you've left its shores. This seven-day itinerary between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa blends ocean adventure, cultural immersion, and moments of stillness. It offers a taste of the best Costa Rica has to offer — for the active traveler, the nature lover, and those drawn to the harmony of luxury and simplicity. About Elite Beach Villas Costa Rica Elite Beach Villas comprises seven remarkable Guanacaste luxury villas set within the lush landscapes of the Tamarindo and Santa Teresa beach communities. If not beachfront, each of our villas are within walking distance to the sand and into town. These beautifully designed homes are an ode to taste and refinement with high regard and respect to the local communities and the environment. Equipped with the highest quality amenities and in-home services available at your convenience, Elite Beach Villas provides the extraordinary baseline for your Costa Rican beach vacation. For more information, visit opens new tab. ### SOURCE: Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire See release on EZ Newswire
Forbes
01-08-2025
- Forbes
Hotel Punta Islita: A Tranquil Haven On Costa Rica's Lush Nicoya Peninsula
Hotel Punta Islita Courtesy of Hotel Punta Islita Hotel Punta Islita Autograph Collection is nestled in the jungle of Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast, on the stunning Nicoya Peninsula. It's about a 30-minute drive from Guanacaste airport. Adult-only infinity pool Courtesy of Hotel Punta Islita Relaxed, breezy, secluded, and totally serene Aura Beach Club Courtesy of Hotel Punta Islita Stunning and secluded location surrounded by tropical rainforest and teeming with wildlife More than 30 complimentary activities—including wildlife, cultural, sporty, and culinary An infinity pool for ages 16 and up, plus an all-ages pool at the beach club Nanku Wellbeing Center for facials, mani/pedis, massages, and other body treatments Just 36 rooms and 16 villas makes the property feel serene and peaceful Airport shuttles available to three airports: Punta Islita (PBP), Daniel Oduber Quiros International (LIR), and Juan Santamaria International (SJO) Honeymoon suite Courtesy of Hotel Punta Islita The design is light and breezy, with a palette of whites and light-colored woods and tilework minimally adorned with artwork and decor crafted by local and regional artisans. All villas have their own private plunge pools Courtesy of Hotel Punta Islita The resort has 36 rooms with ocean or mountain views, some of which offer private pools or whirlpools. There are also 16 two- and three-bedroom villas that are perfect for families or friend groups. All have their own private plunge pools, and some offer decks, terraces, outdoor lounge areas, and fully-equipped kitchens too. Alma Restaurant Courtesy of Hotel Punta Islita Dining Housed underneath a giant palm frond-covered palapa overlooking the Pacific, Alma Restaurant is the resort's on-site Latin American dining option. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it specializes in locally- sourced seafood and produce. Aura Beach Club is the more casual option, offering salads, sandwiches, ceviche, and wood-fired pizzas steps from the sand and secluded beach. Guests can also fly home with some new culinary skills by signing up for one of the resort's cooking classes highlighting Costa Rican cuisine, or a mixology class showcasing excellent signature cocktails with local spices. Sunset tour Courtesy of Hotel Punta Islita Activities Punta Islita offers a wide range of complimentary eco adventures and cultural experiences, including permaculture tours, ATV rides, sunset viewing, art classes, local village tours, and cooking and mixology classes hiking, monkey safaris, and more. Who It's Best For Couples, including those looking for a relaxing honeymoon or babymoon destination Solo travelers Families What's Nearby The small village of Punta Islita, home to just 140 residents Wild Scarlet Macaw Reserve Camaronal Sea Turtle Refuge Carrillo and Samara For more information or to book a stay, visit Hotel Punta Islita Autograph Collection.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Waldorf Astoria's First Resort in Costa Rica Just Opened on the Pacific Coast With Multi-level Cascading Pools and Ocean-view Suites
The hotel's multi-level cascading pools feature various in-water loungers and nooks to recline as you watch the waves roll in from Guanacaste's Playa Penca. The resort's curated coffee program celebrates some of the country's best exports, all sourced from regenerative farms committed to sustainability and fair trade practices. Peacock Alley, a signature Waldorf Astoria bar concept, manifests its latest Costa Rican iteration with indoor-outdoor lounges with a stone firepit and cocktails crafted with local ingredients. A partnership with food producers throughout Guanacaste ensures memorable dining experiences that celebrate the bounty of the land and at 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 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. See at 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. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
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Travel + Leisure
07-06-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
The Waldorf Astoria's Resort in Costa Rica Has Cascading Pools and Rooms with Ocean Views
The hotel's multi-level cascading pools feature various in-water loungers and nooks to recline as you watch the waves roll in from Guanacaste's Playa Penca. The resort's curated coffee program celebrates some of the country's best exports, all sourced from regenerative farms committed to sustainability and fair trade practices. Peacock Alley, a signature Waldorf Astoria bar concept, manifests its latest Costa Rican iteration with indoor-outdoor lounges with a stone firepit and cocktails crafted with local ingredients. A partnership with food producers throughout Guanacaste ensures memorable dining experiences that celebrate the bounty of the land and sea. 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 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. La Finca, the resort's signature restaurant, offers authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique 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. Enjoy cocktails and small bites at Peacock Alley. Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique 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. The pool area at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
