Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Costa Rica in 2029 with Maravé Manuel Antonio

Hilton has officially announced a landmark expansion into Central America with the scheduled 2029 debut of Maravé Manuel Antonio, introducing its ultra-luxury brand, LXR Hotels & Resorts, to Costa Rica. Situated along the nation’s dramatic Pacific coastline, the ambitious property represents a significant milestone for Hilton’s high-end portfolio, marrying world-class hospitality with the breathtaking biodiversity and rugged topography characteristic of the region.

Spanning a nearly 40-acre estate of rare beachfront property, the resort will occupy a privileged landscape where lush rainforest ridges seamlessly descend to meet the Pacific Ocean. As Hilton continues to scale its global footprint in the luxury and lifestyle sectors, the introduction of Maravé Manuel Antonio underscores a strategic pivot toward experiential, nature-immersed destinations that cater to discerning global travelers seeking both exclusivity and environmental harmony.

Comprehensive Resort Architecture and Accommodation Breakdown

Designed to harmonize with its pristine natural surroundings, the seven-story resort will feature an intimate collection of 57 thoughtfully appointed accommodations. This design philosophy ensures that guest density remains low, preserving the tranquility of the sprawling estate. The inventory comprises 42 ocean-view guestrooms, which leverage elevated vantage points to offer sweeping vistas of the horizon, alongside 15 private bungalows artfully integrated into the natural hillside.

Each of the 15 hillside bungalows is engineered to deliver an elevated residential experience, complete with a private plunge pool and unobstructed sunset views over the Pacific Ocean. This deliberate layout maximizes privacy while maintaining direct proximity to the resort’s core amenities.

Beyond the hotel inventory, the development introduces 116 fully furnished luxury residences, marking the official debut of LXR Residences in Latin America. The residential component is divided into 68 private villas, 46 oceanfront condominiums, and four exclusive penthouses. This dual-model approach—combining a boutique luxury hotel with branded residences—reflects broader contemporary trends in high-end real estate, where affluent buyers seek managed properties backed by legendary hospitality brands.

Timeline and Development Milestones

The announcement of Maravé Manuel Antonio sets in motion a multi-year development timeline leading up to the anticipated grand opening in 2029. While initial site preparation and architectural planning are already underway, the rigorous construction phase will prioritize sustainable building practices to protect the fragile coastal and rainforest ecosystems within the 40-acre estate.

The project schedule anticipates key milestones over the next several years, including the formal launch of residential sales for the 116 LXR-branded villas, condominiums, and penthouses. Real estate analysts note that branded residences in Central America have seen a surge in demand, driven by remote-work flexibility and an increasing preference for turnkey, serviced vacation homes. Construction updates and structural milestones will be rolled out progressively as the brand works toward its 2029 launch target, positioning the property as one of the most anticipated high-end hospitality projects in the region.

Gastronomy, Wellness, and Leisure Offerings

At the heart of the resort experience will be a dynamic Beach Club, engineered to serve as a central social hub for guests and residents alike. The Beach Club brings together a diverse array of pool environments, oceanfront dining venues, signature bars, and specialized beach and pool cabanas. Poolside lounge areas will feature attentive, personalized service, complemented by round-the-clock concierge support designed to curate bespoke itineraries for travelers.

Culinary programming at Maravé Manuel Antonio will be spearheaded by multiple chef-led restaurants. These signature dining venues will focus on celebrating Costa Rican culinary traditions alongside contemporary international cuisine, heavily incorporating locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. In addition to fine dining, all-day and poolside service will offer elevated resort fare. As day transitions to night, the property will feature an intimate speakeasy bar offering spirit-forward classic cocktails infused with native Costa Rican botanicals and indigenous ingredients.

Complementing the culinary and leisure amenities, the property will house an expansive spa and wellness center. Designed as a sanctuary for rejuvenation, the wellness facility will offer holistic treatments inspired by both ancient healing traditions and modern therapeutic sciences, utilizing natural elements drawn from the surrounding rainforest and marine environments.

Strategic Implications for Costa Rica’s Luxury Tourism Sector

The arrival of LXR Hotels & Resorts in Costa Rica highlights the country’s ongoing evolution from a destination known primarily for eco-tourism and adventure travel to a premier hub for ultra-luxury hospitality. For decades, Manuel Antonio has attracted international visitors drawn to its famous national park, abundant wildlife, and dramatic coastal landscapes. However, the introduction of a globally recognized top-tier luxury brand like LXR signals a maturation of the local tourism economy, attracting a wealthier demographic of global travelers who demand uncompromised luxury alongside ecological consciousness.

Industry observers note that the project aligns with Hilton’s broader strategy to expand its luxury portfolio in high-barrier-to-entry destinations. By integrating luxury residences with a world-class resort, the development is expected to stimulate regional economic growth, create specialized employment opportunities in hospitality and property management, and set new benchmarks for sustainable upscale construction in Central America.

As planning advances toward the 2029 opening, Maravé Manuel Antonio stands as a testament to the changing face of high-end travel—where pristine natural environments, architectural innovation, and legendary hospitality converge to redefine the luxury resort experience.