Hilton Appoints Ruben Gabino as General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique

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USA, Mclean, Virginia. September 02, 2024

Hilton proudly announces the appointment of Ruben Gabino as general manager of the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, set to open in late 2024 as Waldorf Astoria's first hotel in Costa Rica. The 188-room resort located in one of the world's most extraordinary ecosystems is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2024, creating a new benchmark for sustainable, barefoot luxury. A seasoned hospitality executive with more than 20 years of experience, Gabino joins the new property from the award-winning Conrad Koh Samui, where he served as general manager since 2019.

In his new position, Gabino will play a pivotal role in redefining the luxury hospitality experience in Costa Rica, harnessing the Waldorf Astoria's iconic brand heritage to position the property as one of the world's most alluring new resort experiences. In addition to running point on the upcoming opening, Gabino will oversee all resort operations and ensure that his team delivers on the brand's longstanding commitment to elegant service, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and sophisticated accommodations in the most sought-out destinations around the world.

"We are delighted to welcome Ruben as general manager of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique," said Valeria Nowotny, area vice president of operations Mexico, Caribbean and Central America, Hilton. "His distinct expertise in luxury will be instrumental in establishing the property as the preferred destination for guests seeking an unforgettable experience."

Relocating from Southeast Asia to the Caribbean and Latin America, Gabino brings 20 years of international experience in the luxury segment to the role. Most recently, Gabino was general manager of Conrad Koh Samui and under his leadership, the hotel flourished as one of Hilton's premier luxury resorts in the Asia Pacific region, receiving numerous awards and accolades throughout his tenure. In his five years at Conrad Koh Samui, Gabino introduced several innovative enhancements such as the addition of a wedding chapel, pier and art studio in addition to "Project Iris"—a three-acre farm generating 80 percent of the hotel's fruits and vegetables. He first joined Hilton in 2015 as hotel manager of Conrad Seoul.

Throughout his professional career, Gabino has held prestigious roles at major hospitality establishments across the globe, including St. Regis Hotels, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

"I'm thrilled to extend my journey with Hilton and to lead the team through the opening of the first Waldorf Astoria in Costa Rica," shared Ruben Gabino. "Costa Rica is emerging as a luxury destination and we're excited to be a part of that transformation. Through its timeless elegance and connection to the natural environment, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique will provide guests with a bespoke, locally-crafted experience that they can't get anywhere else."

With Gabino at the helm, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique is poised to redefine luxury in the coastal destination. Hilton is also delighted to announce a distinguished lineup of luxury hospitality executives, including:

Joye Lucas, Director of Sales and Marketing

Yan Goddard, Director of Revenue Management

Mariella Cabezas, Director of Marketing

Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique will uniquely blend Costa Rica's "Pura Vida" lifestyle with Waldorf Astoria's sophistication and personalized service. The resort will be located amidst miles of scenic coastline in one of the world's most extraordinary ecosystems boasting dramatic scenery, lush forests and beautiful beaches. Its thoughtful design fuses modern architecture and world-class amenities into the tropical surroundings, native flora and fauna, connecting guests with the natural environment and enchanting them with unparalleled ocean views from every location, including the 148 expansive guestrooms and 40 suites that provide the utmost privacy. The resort will delight guests with the highest levels of culinary excellence and a holistic wellness center featuring a spa inspired by its surroundings and abundant biodiversity. Additionally, guests can enjoy a state-of-the-art gym, movement studio, outdoor yoga, and lap and thermal pools.