By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — The highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique officially opened its doors on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, ushering in a new era of luxury tourism in Guanacaste. This ambitious $200 million project, developed by Costa Rican firm Garnier & Garnier and operated by Hilton, represents a significant milestone for the region and sets a new standard for sustainable hospitality.
Located between Playa Penca and Calzón de Pobre, the resort boasts 188 rooms and suites, a residential area with 19 apartments, and 17 luxury homes. The partnership between Garnier & Garnier and the prestigious Waldorf Astoria brand, with its century-long legacy in luxury hospitality, positions Costa Rica as a top-tier destination, competitive with leading global tourism markets.
To understand the legal and business landscape surrounding luxury developments like the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of high-end resorts like the Waldorf Astoria in Costa Rica hinges on a complex interplay of factors, including robust foreign investment laws, sustainable development practices, and clear land title frameworks. Ensuring these elements are in place is crucial not only for attracting developers but also for protecting the rights of local communities and the environment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insight underscores a critical truth about responsible development in Costa Rica’s luxury tourism sector: true success must be measured not only by economic gains, but also by its positive impact on both the environment and the communities surrounding these impressive projects. Striking this balance ensures the longevity and sustainability of ventures like the Waldorf Astoria, benefiting both visitors and residents alike. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this important issue.
This development is expected to have a ripple effect on Guanacaste’s economy, attracting further investment and establishing the region as a hub for exclusive experiences.
The opening of the Waldorf Astoria in Costa Rica represents a new standard of hospitality in the country and a historic moment for Garnier & Garnier as developers of world-class projects. This alliance with Hilton, which has more than a century of tradition in luxury hospitality, is a declaration of confidence in the talent and potential of our country. For us, more than a hotel, it is a legacy built with purpose, that honors our vision and marks a new chapter in high-level tourism in the region.
Philippe Garnier, President and CEO of Garnier & Garnier
The project’s construction phase generated over 1,400 jobs, and its ongoing operation is projected to create approximately 800 new positions, both directly and indirectly. With 90% of these jobs allocated to Guanacaste residents, the commitment to local economic development is clear. Garnier & Garnier has also proactively partnered with technical training centers for over two years to equip local residents with skills in hospitality, customer service, languages, and other areas relevant to luxury hotel operations.
Sustainability is at the heart of the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica. The architectural design incorporates the topography and colors of the Guanacaste environment, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The resort features 15 wildlife corridors and monitoring systems, a successful coral reef restoration project with over 5,000 coral fragments planted, advanced water reuse and energy-saving systems, and natural cross-ventilation in common areas. These efforts have earned the project Blue Flag Ecological Program certification in construction, biodiversity, and beach categories.
The guest experience emphasizes connection with Costa Rican culture and biodiversity. From six restaurants inspired by Chorotega cuisine to the use of native flora in its gardens and panoramic terraces, the resort offers a sensory immersion into the spirit of Guanacaste.
The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique represents the vision of tourism that respects, regenerates, and elevates. We managed to combine luxury, environmental awareness, and community value to build a model that generates a positive impact on the country and the region.
Alberto Bonilla, General Manager of Garnier & Garnier
The opening of the Waldorf Astoria signifies the potential of Costa Rica when local talent, strategic investment, and a sustainable vision converge. For Garnier & Garnier, this project represents a transformative seed that transcends generations and reaffirms their commitment to building the country with purpose, excellence, and identity.
For further information, visit garniergg.com
About Garnier & Garnier:
Garnier & Garnier is a leading Costa Rican development firm renowned for its innovative and sustainable projects. With a focus on world-class design and community impact, the company has played a key role in shaping the country’s architectural landscape and promoting responsible development.
For further information, visit hilton.com
About Hilton:
Hilton is a global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 7,000 properties and more than 1.1 million rooms, in 123 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world’s most hospitable company, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to societal empowerment. The firm’s dedication to integrity shapes every interaction, from advising clients across a spectrum of industries to pioneering innovative legal solutions. By actively sharing legal knowledge and resources with the community, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more informed and empowered citizenry, strengthening the foundations of a just and equitable society.
