Papagayo, Costa RicaPlaya Penca
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
Terraced cliffside showpiece
Playa Penca Papagayo, Costa Rica
Opened
2025
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Wellness Resort DesignOutside the door
The house
HiltonTerraced cliffside showpiece
Multi-tiered infinity pools cascade down a 300-foot peninsula cliffside directly toward the gentle snorkeling waters of Playa Penca.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A 17,000-square-foot spa offering quartz sand beds, treehouse treatment suites, and rituals using Melipona honey and volcanic clay.
Remarkable
Ten multi-level cascading infinity pools, direct Playa Penca beach access with snorkeling, and six distinct dining venues.
Notable
Stepped vertical village architecture by Sordo Madaleno terraced into the cliffside with living green rooftops and rattan accents.
What they say
Also in AFAR.
A modern cliffside retreat with nods to Costa Rican culture and no shortage of pools—or Pacific views
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Secluded along the Cacique Peninsula, the property sits thirty minutes from Liberia Airport, within day-trip reach of Rincon de la Vieja.
The rooms
Floor-to-ceiling glass and custom native timber open onto private balconies, many fitted with soaking tubs overlooking Culebra Bay.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Geometric infinity pools tier down toward the shoreline, flanked by sun loungers, cabanas, and green beachfront foliage.
The spa
Treatment rooms open onto verdant hillside balconies, and rituals incorporate local volcanic clay and Melipona honey.
The gym
Floor-to-ceiling garden windows and slatted timber ceilings enclose a bright space of free weights and cardio equipment.
Bar
Peacock Alley
Dark botanical murals frame the lounge, where bartenders shake craft cocktails served in Chorotega clay vessels.
At the table
Tico Tica serves open-flame seafood by Playa Penca, and covered terrace bars look straight out over the ocean.
How it began
Designed as a stepped vertical village, the architecture terraces into the headland contours beneath living green rooftops.
Stay here
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
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Papagayo
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.