Nazaret Carbonari has spent more than 30 years of his career in hospitality, focused on what makes a stay memorable.
For her, that comes down to creating genuine human connections and giving guests a sense of the destination they could not get elsewhere.
As general manager at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, that approach takes on a distinctly Costa Rican character, weaving the Pura Vida spirit into the resort’s culinary experiences and its wellness offerings; the idea is not simply to give guests a beautiful place to stay, but to help them discover a side of Costa Rica they could not have experienced elsewhere.
Elite Traveler sat down with Carbonari to discuss the art of personalized hospitality, the details guests might miss, and why Estate 9 offers the rare combination of a private home and a full-service luxury resort.
What attracted you to a career in hospitality and to your position at the hotel?
I was drawn to hospitality because it is, at its heart, a people business. I began my career more than 30 years ago in PBX, and what fascinated me from the beginning was the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and to create moments that can genuinely shape their experience of a destination.
Coming to Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique was particularly exciting because it allowed me to continue growing within the Waldorf Astoria brand while taking on a property with such a strong sense of place. Costa Rica has an extraordinary warmth, culture, and natural beauty, and I saw an opportunity to work with a talented team to create experiences that allow our guests to truly connect with that spirit and with Pura Vida.
What defines true luxury in hospitality today, and how does your hotel embody that?
True luxury today is much more than beautiful surroundings or flawless amenities. Travelers are looking for experiences that feel personal, meaningful, and difficult to replicate elsewhere. They want to connect with the destination, its people, its culture, and its flavors, while still receiving an exceptional level of service.
At Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, we try to bring those elements together. The resort itself is deeply connected to the surrounding landscape, but that sense of place also comes through in our culinary experiences, wellness rituals, and cultural programming. Whether it is experiencing a treatment in one of our Treehouse Spa Suites surrounded by nature, learning about Costa Rican coffee, or cooking alongside one of our chefs, we want guests to feel they have experienced a deeper side of Costa Rica.
What’s one detail in your hotel that guests might overlook but you’re proud of?
One detail I am particularly proud of is how thoughtfully the resort has been integrated into its natural surroundings. The landscape incorporates native flora that helps conserve water, while the architecture follows the natural contours of the land rather than competing with them.
What experiences would you recommend if a guest stayed for just 24 hours?
With only 24 hours, I would encourage guests to experience the resort through three things that are central to Costa Rica: nature, flavor, and well-being. I would spend time enjoying our extraordinary natural setting, experience one of our immersive culinary activities with the team, and make time for the Spa, ideally one of our Treehouse Spa Suites, where the wellness experience is completely surrounded by nature.
Most importantly, I would leave some room in the itinerary simply to slow down and enjoy the spirit of Pura Vida.
What separates Estate 9 from anything else on offer in the region?
Estate 9 offers a rare combination of privacy and the service of a world-class luxury resort. It is a five-bedroom, three-level private home with approximately 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space, designed for families and groups who want to spend meaningful time together without sacrificing space or privacy.
What makes it particularly special is that guests can enjoy the feeling of having their own private residence in Costa Rica, with expansive social spaces, a chef’s kitchen, outdoor dining, private pools and extraordinary ocean views, while having the restaurants, Spa, experiences and legendary service of Waldorf Astoria just moments away. It gives guests the freedom and intimacy of a private home with the confidence that everything they may need can be taken care of.
Is there an extravagant feature in the suite that guests rave about?
The sheer scale of the outdoor living experience is remarkable. Estate 9 features expansive terraces, two private pools, fire pits, and outdoor dining spaces overlooking the ocean. It creates an incredible setting where an entire family or group can spend the day together, from breakfast by the pool to cocktails at sunset and a private dinner in the evening, all without leaving the residence.
Estate 9
- Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
- Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
What bespoke services are exclusive to guests booking the suite?
The experience is highly personalized from the moment the stay begins. Estate 9 guests have dedicated concierge support, allowing us to tailor the stay around the individual needs and interests of the group.
That can extend to creating personalized itineraries, arranging private culinary experiences, and coordinating wellness, recreation, and destination experiences. The residence itself also gives us the flexibility to bring certain experiences into the home, creating moments that feel much more intimate and personal.
