By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Global hospitality giant Hilton has officially announced the signing of Maravé Manuel Antonio, LXR Hotels & Resorts. This landmark agreement signals the highly anticipated debut of the ultra-luxury LXR brand in Costa Rica, marking a major milestone in the company’s aggressive expansion strategy across the Caribbean and Latin American regions. The resort, which is projected to open its doors to guests and residents in 2029, represents a significant step forward for Costa Rica’s high-end tourism industry, positioning Manuel Antonio as a premier destination for global luxury travelers.
Spanning more than 16 hectares of prime oceanfront land, the Maravé development is designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The property starts high in the lush canopy of the coastal rainforest and cascades down to meet over 198 meters of pristine Pacific Ocean coastline. This dramatic topography ensures that guests and residents are fully immersed in the striking natural beauty of Manuel Antonio, which has long been celebrated for its rich biodiversity and dramatic seaside cliffs.
To better understand the legal implications and regulatory frameworks shaping these developments in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his professional analysis on the situation.
Navigating the complexities of Costa Rican regulatory compliance requires a strategic and preventive approach. Ensuring absolute legal certainty not only protects investments but also establishes a foundation of trust and stability that is essential for long-term success in the local market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, establishing robust legal certainty is not merely a regulatory necessity, but a vital strategic cornerstone for any business aiming to thrive in Costa Rica’s dynamic market. By prioritizing preventive compliance, investors can effectively safeguard their assets and foster the essential trust required for enduring success. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal expertise and perspective with our readers.
The ambitious project will feature a total of 173 luxury accommodations, combining traditional resort hotel rooms with exclusive branded residences. The hotel portion of the development will offer 57 units, including 42 ocean-view rooms nested within the rainforest and 15 private hillside villas, each boasting its own plunge pool and sunset views. Additionally, the residential component, branded as Maravé Manuel Antonio LXR Residences, will present 116 fully furnished luxury homes, comprising 66 private villas, 46 beachfront apartments, and four exclusive penthouses, representing the first-ever LXR-branded residential offering in Latin America.
Costa Rica represents a key expansion market for Hilton, with strong demand for high-end travel surrounded by nature. With Maravé Manuel Antonio, LXR Hotels & Resorts, we introduce an exclusive, destination-centric luxury retreat through highly personalized service, immersive cultural connection, and unique experiences inspired by the spirit of Manuel Antonio.
Pablo Maturana, Vice President of Development, Architecture, Design, and Construction for the Caribbean and Latin America at Hilton
Renowned Costa Rican architectural firm Carazo Arquitectura is leading the design of the resort, focusing heavily on sustainability and ecological sensitivity. The structures are planned to mimic the natural slope of the land to minimize environmental impact and preserve the existing jungle vegetation. Notably, the development is slated to feature the largest mass-timber structure in Costa Rica, utilizing warm natural stone and wood interiors curated by Chicago-based design studio Curioso to blur the lines between indoor luxury and the outdoor natural world.
Amenities at the Maravé Manuel Antonio resort are being crafted to highlight the cultural and natural essence of the region. The centerpiece of the resort will be an exclusive Beach Club, featuring multiple pools, beachside cabanas, and oceanfront dining options. Gastronomy will take center stage with two signature chef-led restaurants emphasizing sea-to-table culinary concepts and utilizing fresh local ingredients sourced from both the Pacific Ocean and the neighboring rainforest.
We are delighted to partner with Hilton to bring LXR Hotels & Resorts to Manuel Antonio. This project is designed to create a unique destination that connects guests with the natural environment of Costa Rica while offering exceptional luxury and service.
Bruce Begia, President of Ocean Cove MA Development One S.A.
Beyond the dining experiences, the property will house a highly sophisticated, hidden speakeasy bar named MARAVÉ. Designed as an exclusive retreat within the resort, it will offer artisanal cocktails infused with Costa Rican botanicals, reserving priority access and seating for residence owners. Furthermore, a comprehensive wellness center and spa will provide holistic treatments, supported by a world-class fitness center that overlooks both the forest canopy and the ocean.
Maravé stood out for its extraordinary location, intentional design, and authentic connection to the rainforest and Pacific coast of Manuel Antonio. It brings together everything we look for in an LXR brand destination: a distinctive character, a sense of place, and experiences that invite guests to enjoy adventure, nature, and an exceptional luxury experience.
Dino Michael, Global Head of Hilton Luxury Brands
This project highlights Hilton’s massive development momentum throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, where the company now boasts a portfolio of more than 315 operating hotels across 35 countries. Hilton’s regional pipeline includes over 150 properties currently in development, of which approximately 50 fall under the luxury and lifestyle categories. The addition of Maravé Manuel Antonio follows other high-profile regional milestones, such as the opening of the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique and the planned expansions of Waldorf Astoria and Conrad brands in Mexico and the Caribbean.
Real estate sales for the residences are scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026, with overall construction targeted for completion by late 2028 ahead of the 2029 grand opening. Property owners at Maravé Manuel Antonio will enjoy elite perks, including automatic Diamond status within the award-winning Hilton Honors loyalty program, granting them access to top-tier benefits across Hilton’s global luxury network. This integrated approach ensures that Maravé will serve as both a private sanctuary and a gateway to world-class hospitality.
For further information, visit hilton.com
About Hilton:
Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of world-class brands spanning hotels, resorts, and luxury residences. With a significant and growing presence in the Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton continues to expand its footprint in the high-end and lifestyle segments.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ocean Cove MA Development One S.A.
About Ocean Cove MA Development One S.A.:
Ocean Cove MA Development One S.A. is a Costa Rican real estate development firm focused on creating premier luxury hospitality and residential projects that integrate seamlessly with the country’s unique natural landscapes.
For further information, visit carazo.cr
About Carazo Arquitectura:
Carazo Arquitectura is an acclaimed Costa Rican architectural design firm known for its environmentally conscious and topographically sensitive designs. The studio specializes in creating structures that harmonize with their natural surroundings while utilizing sustainable building materials and innovative construction techniques.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a beacon of ethical advocacy and professional brilliance, Bufete de Costa Rica has long guided a multifaceted clientele through complex legal landscapes with utmost precision. The esteemed firm seamlessly bridges the gap between traditional values and modern, forward-thinking legal solutions, continuously pioneering new methodologies in their practice. Beyond their outstanding courtroom achievements, their active role in demystifying the law underscores a passionate drive to educate the public, thereby cultivating a resilient, legally literate, and self-reliant citizenry.
