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Ritz-Carlton Reserve has expanded its ultra-luxury portfolio with the opening of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the brand’s first property in Central and South America. Set on the breathtaking Papagayo Peninsula in Costa Rica, this secluded retreat offers a deeply immersive experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse locations.
Located within a 1,400-acre coastal sanctuary, Nekajui provides sweeping ocean views from its cliffside perch. The resort comprises 107 ocean-facing accommodations, including elegant guest rooms, spacious suites, and three luxury treetop tents designed to embrace indoor-outdoor living. The pinnacle of exclusivity, Villa Guayacan, offers a 10-bedroom private retreat, seamlessly integrating with the natural landscape.
Read our guide to the best hotels in Costa Rica
Nekajui’s design is a contemporary tribute to Guanacaste’s rich heritage, blending locally sourced materials such as stone and wood with sustainable construction principles. Guests are welcomed at La Casita, a traditional Costa Rican-inspired village, before entering La Casona, the resort’s central living space, offering panoramic coastal views. The property also features La Capilla, a meticulously crafted chapel adorned with 650,000 hand-laid mosaic tiles, symbolising cultural connection.
Accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors, outdoor shower gardens, private plunge pools, and deep-soaking tubs, creating a luxurious sanctuary immersed in nature. Chorotega-inspired décor, including gold accents, handcrafted pottery, and locally sourced wood, enhances the sense of place.
Nekajui’s gastronomic experiences are helmed by world-renowned chefs, featuring locally inspired cuisine with global influences:
- Puna: Signature dining by Chef Diego Muñoz, offering Andean-Peruvian flavours, including an intimate six-seat omakase experience.
- Niri Beach Club: A stylish coastal retreat accessible by funicular, serving Spanish & Portuguese-inspired cuisine with wood-fired specialities.
- Poolside: A casual Latin-inspired venue offering fresh seafood and light bites.
- Ámbar: A treetop bar inspired by the golden hues of Costa Rica’s sunsets, featuring inventive cocktails infused with local botanicals.
- La Casona Bar: A botanical-inspired lobby bar showcasing herb & floral-infused cocktails crafted with ingredients from the resort’s gardens.
- Café Rincón: A tribute to Costa Rica’s rich coffee & cacao heritage, serving artisan brews and gourmet delicacies.
Nimbu Spa & Wellness, spanning 27,000 square feet, offers a hydrotherapy pool, bespoke treatments, and wellness rituals rooted in local healing traditions. Highlights include Harmonic Monochord Healing, a treetop vibrational therapy, and the Volcanic Lift Facial, using Costa Rican volcanic elements for a detoxifying glow. The spa’s treatment cabanas are suspended in the rainforest, providing a tranquil escape.
Guests at Nekajui can explore The Outpost at Palmares Preserve, a 250-acre natural sanctuary offering guided wildlife hikes, zip-lining, and canoe excursions through mangroves. For surfing enthusiasts, nearby Witch’s Rock & Ollie’s Point provide world-class breaks, with SurfX pros guiding personalised experiences. Additional outdoor activities include windsurfing, paddleboarding, scuba diving, snorkelling, and sailing.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Arnold Palmer Signature 18-hole golf course, set across 125 acres of oceanfront landscape, just steps from the resort.
For more information or reservations, visit Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
