Details of Our Stay:
Travel Dates
Nov 18 – Nov 23 (5 nights)
Property Type
Luxury
Type of Trip
2 mamas + 2 kiddos
Weather
Highs 86°F (30°C)
Lows 65°F (18°C)
There are some resorts that impress you slowly, and others that sweep you off your feet the second you step out of the car. Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica was absolutely the latter.
The ocean views, the luxury touches, personalized service, and the sheer number of pools had us sold from the moment we arrived.
We came as two moms with two young kids, and it was the perfect little retreat. We spent our days bouncing between the pools, enjoying oceanfront dining, going on excursions, and of course, us moms had to indulge in some pampering at the spa.
We’re already counting down the days until we can come back!
Here’s my experience staying at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica!
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Getting There
The resort is about 17 miles from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), which works out to roughly a 45-minute drive.
If you want your arrival to be totally stress-free, just ask the concierge to book a private transfer for you. They can even organize hydrogen or hybrid cars if you’re trying to keep things a little greener on this trip.
Otherwise, you can grab a taxi or rent your own wheels right at the airport. The hotel has EV chargers waiting for you, free parking onsite, or valet parking for a fee if you want to skip the parking stress.
Services & Amenities
Newly opened but already carrying itself like a seasoned five-star stay — the service was honestly faultless.
24-Hour Support: You’ve got everything you need around the clock: a 24-hour front desk, a super helpful concierge team, and room service whenever the cravings hit. It’s pet-friendly too, so your pup can come along for the adventure.
Fitness Center: The fitness spaces are gorgeous with a full gym, movement studio, and yoga pavilion that make it easy to squeeze in a workout.
Multiple Pools: Multiple ocean-view pools give you plenty of spots to float, lounge, or hop between. Enjoy private cabanas, sunny decks, and poolside service if you’re settling in with a cocktail.
Event Spaces: If you’re hosting something special, the resort has flexible event spaces with those gorge Pacific views that instantly elevate any celebration or retreat.
Spa: The spa feels incredibly grounding. Expect holistic treatments, mindfulness rituals, a full-service menu, and dreamy treehouse-style treatment rooms. More on that later, as it deserves its own spotlight!
For the Family: Kids and teens have their own dedicated spaces, making it easy for everyone to explore, play, and enjoy the trip in their own way.
Babysitting: We hired a local babysitter through the resort for a few hours so us moms could go to the gym, the spa, and have adult conversations!
The Location
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica sits on peaceful Playa Penca in Punta Cacique, a tucked-away stretch of white sand with calm, swimmable water that’s perfect for snorkeling or catching those golden Costa Rican sunsets.
It feels blissfully private, yet you’re still within easy reach of all the best things to do along the Northern Pacific Coast.
You’re in the heart of Guanacaste, one of Costa Rica’s famous Blue Zones, surrounded by stunning coastline and just beyond the laid-back town of Playa Hermosa.
Getting around the property is easy, too, with electric vehicles available to shuttle you wherever you need to go.
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The Rooms
There are 188 rooms and suites, with most looking straight out to the Pacific.
Every room comes with either a freestanding tub on the balcony, a private plunge pool/pool, or (the dream) both.
The design leans into those earthy, coastal tones with lots of rattan, soft neutrals, and textures that make the space feel warm and breezy rather than overly “hotel.” Floor-to-ceiling windows and big terraces blur the line between indoors and outdoors, so you’re constantly connected to the tropical forest around you.
Rooms range from cozy spaces for two to multi-bedroom setups that sleep up to ten — great for families or friend trips.
And the little comforts never go unnoticed.
Think plush robes, blackout curtains, a proper coffee maker, and ridiculously comfortable beds you’ll struggle to leave in the morning.
Dining
The food here leans into exactly what you want on a coastal Costa Rica getaway: fresh, oceanfront, and full of flavor. Every restaurant blends Waldorf Astoria’s culinary polish with local ingredients and Costa Rican classics.
La Finca: The resort’s signature restaurant, where everything is seasonal, beautifully prepared, and full of color.
Peacock Alley: This is the go-to spot for a late-afternoon cocktail. It’s inspired by the original Waldorf promenade, but with a warm Costa Rican vibe that makes you want to stay for another.
Tico Tica: An all-day favorite perfect for breakfast, quick lunches, even a casual dinner. The menu has that perfect mix of local dishes and comfort-food staples, so you really can’t go wrong.
Vida: Your classic poolside hangout. Expect refreshing drinks and light bites that pair perfectly with sun tanning.
Buena Nota Café: Perfect for grab-and-go moments. Specialty coffee, fresh fruit, pastries, croissants… basically everything you need before a morning swim or an early excursion.
Copo y Cono: A cute little spot for a quick iced coffee, ice cream, or fresh local juice after a day in the sun. This was Ollie’s fave!
The Terrace: If you’re a sunset person like me, this is your spot. Champagne, wine, and those gorgeous Pacific views – the perfect spot to end any day.
Activities & Experiences
This is the kind of place where you can be as adventurous or as blissfully lazy as you want.
Sparkling pools, a quiet white-sand beach, and a whole province to be explored are right at your doorstep.
Water Sports: Explore the coast by kayak or canoe, catch a wave, or head inland for river rafting if you’re craving something a little wilder.
Boat Experiences: Hop aboard for a day on the water, whether that’s snorkeling, dolphin spotting, or just soaking in the views with the wind in your hair. This was one of our fave activities!
Coffee Experience: From hand-picking the cherries to roasting and brewing, you’ll follow the entire bean-to-cup journey (and taste plenty along the way).
Wine & Rum Tasting: Whether you’re into wine or rum (or both!), the resort has guided tastings that make it easy to nerd out on flavor. Expect sips, stories, and a new appreciation for what’s in your glass.
Cooking Classes: Roll up your sleeves with the resort’s chefs and learn how to make fresh ceviche, handmade pasta, tamales, chocolate, and more. There’s even a cute Kids’ Master Chef class if you’re traveling with littles.
Private Beach Dinner: For something extra special, I highly recommend you book a private dinner right on the sand.
Rainforest Adventures: Think horseback riding through jungle paths, ziplining above the canopy, nature hikes, and splashing through waterfalls.
Cultural Tours: Meet local artisans and families, learn traditional crafts, and get a feel for the heartbeat of Costa Rican culture and community.
Wellness Experiences: Drop into the rhythm of pura vida with yoga sessions ranging from Vinyasa to Hatha to Restorative. Add in sound healing or a Tibetan sound bath, and you’ll float out feeling like a calmer version of yourself.
Kids Experiences
Waldorf Astoria makes traveling with kids genuinely easy and super memorable.
The Kids Club runs from 9 am to 5 pm for ages 4 to 12 and has indoor play spaces with crafts, toys, dress-ups, and playdough, plus a small outdoor playground and shallow pools that work well for little ones.
There is even a mini waterslide, big tick from Ollie!
The Teen Club (ages 12 to 17) is a huge hit with ping pong tables, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, giant TVs, and unlimited sodas. It is a great spot for teens to unwind in the AC or for parents to enjoy a little quiet time nearby.
Both clubs offer free daily activities like beach walks, treasure hunts, table tennis tournaments, movie nights, and more.
The Spa
If there is one place to splurge at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica, it’s the spa. It feels more like a full wellness sanctuary, with treatments inspired by Costa Rica’s biodiversity and Chorotega healing traditions.
The menu includes massages, facials, body rituals, hair treatments, and more, many using local ingredients like volcanic clay, cacao, and native botanicals.
The Tibetan sound healing session is a standout and creates the most calming, grounded feeling.
There are 11 serene treatment rooms, a hydrothermal suite, and quartz massage beds, plus a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and indoor-outdoor relaxation lounges.
If you love wellness as much as I do, you will want to carve out a few hours here!
Sustainability
The resort takes its eco-credentials seriously and even holds Costa Rica’s prestigious Bandera Azul Ecológica award for Playa Penca, which recognizes strong environmental stewardship.
The property was designed to blend naturally into its clifftop setting with efficient heating and cooling systems, thoughtful wastewater management, and rooms that use natural light and ventilation wherever possible.
As a guest, you can also take part in experiences that highlight the region’s wildlife, flora, and conservation efforts, staying connected to what makes Costa Rica such an iconic eco-destination.
In My Opinion
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica is one of those rare resorts that nails luxury without losing the relaxed, barefoot magic that makes Costa Rica so special.
It feels indulgent in all the right ways, incredibly easy for families, and still keeps you connected to nature, culture, and the pura vida spirit.
Highly recommend!
More Information
Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica
Location: Punta Cacique, Guanacaste Province
Accommodation: Luxury
Price Range: $$$$ 
