Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique Ranked No. 1 Hotel in Guanacaste on Travel + Leisure's 2026 World's Best Awards List, Marking Another Milestone for Revolution Places and the Punta Cacique Community

Recognition reinforces the emergence of Punta Cacique as Costa Rica's premier luxury destination

GUANACASTE, Costa Rica--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Revolution Places today announced that Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique has been named No. 8 among the 25 Best Resorts in Central America in Travel + Leisure's 2026 World's Best Awards and is the highest-ranked resort in Guanacaste on the prestigious regional list. The recognition comes just one year after the resort's opening and marks another significant milestone in the evolution of Punta Cacique, Revolution Places' 600-acre destination community overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo.

The honor follows another major milestone for Punta Cacique: the recent completion and delivery of the community's first three Waldorf Astoria Residences Costa Rica Punta Cacique Estate Homes. More than half of the limited collection of 22 cliffside Estate Homes has already been sold, with the final release of residences now available. Together, the milestones underscore the growing momentum behind Punta Cacique as one of the world's most compelling new luxury destinations to visit, live, and invest.

Developed by Revolution Places, Punta Cacique is a thoughtfully planned destination community designed around wellness, sustainability, and authentic connection. Situated on Costa Rica's spectacular Cacique Peninsula, the community brings together world-class hospitality, branded residences, and future lifestyle amenities in one of the country's most extraordinary natural settings.

Located just 30 minutes from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), with direct flights from major cities across North America, Punta Cacique offers a rare combination of accessibility and exceptional privacy. Just beyond the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's five Blue Zones, the community embraces the region's emphasis on longevity, wellbeing, and a deeper connection to nature.

"We're honored that Travel + Leisure has recognized Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique as the top hotel in Guanacaste," said Steve Case, Chairman and CEO of Revolution Places and Co-founder of AOL. "When we acquired Punta Cacique nearly two decades ago, we saw the opportunity to create something truly enduring. Today, as AI makes digital experiences more abundant than ever, the experiences people value most are increasingly those rooted in the physical world, places where they can reconnect with family and friends, immerse themselves in nature, and create lasting memories. We believe extraordinary destinations like Punta Cacique will only become more valuable because they offer something technology never can: authentic human connection in one of the world's most remarkable natural settings.”

The opening of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique in April 2025 marked the brand's first hotel in Costa Rica. The resort features 188 ocean-view guest rooms and suites, six culinary destinations including the iconic Peacock Alley Bar, a 17,000-square-foot spa and wellness sanctuary inspired by local Chorotega traditions, a state-of-the-art fitness center, movement studio, outdoor yoga pavilion, expansive meeting and event space, and direct access to the secluded white sands of Playa Penca.

"From the beginning, our vision for Punta Cacique has always been about building a destination community that will endure for generations," said Neal Herman, President of Punta Cacique. "Receiving this recognition from Travel + Leisure while simultaneously welcoming our first Estate Home owners is powerful validation that we're bringing that vision to life. Punta Cacique is becoming a place where travelers return year after year, homeowners become part of a community, and the natural beauty of Costa Rica serves as the foundation for an exceptional way of life. And we're only at the beginning of what's to come."

Over the past two decades, Revolution Places has carefully shaped Punta Cacique with a long-term vision of creating one of the world's premier destination communities. As the community continues to grow, future phases will introduce additional residences, hospitality experiences, wellness offerings, a working farm, an equestrian center, and a locally curated village, complementing the destination's extraordinary natural setting.

See the property website for more information about Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, and the residence website for information on available Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique Residences.

About Revolution Places

Revolution Places invests in and develops communities where hospitality, residential living, and thoughtful placemaking come together to create enduring value. Led by AOL Co-Founder Steve Case, Revolution Places partners with world-class operators, designers, and local communities to create extraordinary places that foster connection, wellbeing, and long-term stewardship.