Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: A New Perspective on Luxury in Costa Rica's Peninsula Papagayo
Some hotels are memorable for their architecture, others for their service or location. At Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, it was the combination of all three, along with a coastal landscape unlike anything else we had seen in Costa Rica. From the hillside, the Pacific stretched across a sheltered turquoise bay, with forest-covered islands and rocky headlands that reminded us of Thailand and Indonesia. It was a surprising comparison, and one that stayed with us throughout our visit.
Opened in 2025 on Peninsula Papagayo in Guanacaste, Nekajui is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America. Its name means "lush garden" in the local Chorotega language, an appropriate reference to the tropical vegetation surrounding its buildings. The 46-acre resort has been developed with a relatively low-density layout, preserving much of the hillside's natural character.
Our arrival introduced us to the property's distinctive architecture. La Casita, inspired by a traditional Costa Rican village, leads toward La Casona, a communal space modeled after Guanacaste's historic haciendas. A large ceiba tree anchors the courtyard, while open-air terraces overlook the coastline.
At La Casita, we met our Manzo, meaning “friend” in the local Chorotega language, who would serve as our personal butler. He gave us a brief property tour, introducing several facilities before escorting us to our suite, where check-in was completed privately and comfortably, without the usual hotel formalities.
As we explored the property, the connection between its architecture and local culture became more apparent. Natural stone, custom woodwork, and references to Guanacaste's ranching heritage blend with contemporary design. Art adds another dimension, with more than 550 works and artifacts representing over 30 Latin American artists.
Beyond the main buildings, Nekajui unfolds through smaller structures, landscaped paths, and scenic terraces. A suspension bridge crosses the forest canopy, while a glass funicular descends toward the beach. Simply moving around the resort became part of the experience.
Accommodations
Nekajui offers 107 guest accommodations, comprising 77 guestrooms, 27 suites, and three distinctive treetop tented suites. The collection also includes a four-bedroom Grand Villa and private residences, providing options for couples, families, and larger groups.
We stayed in a ground-floor, one-bedroom suite with two comfortable beds, contemporary furnishings, and a spacious shaded terrace. The interiors were understated, using warm wood, neutral colors, and geometric decorative elements rather than elaborate ornamentation.
The bathroom made a stronger architectural statement. A dark-stone double vanity with circular mirrors occupied one wall, while geometric wooden sliding doors added texture and character. A freestanding soaking tub beside a window looked toward the surrounding greenery.
Our terrace was particularly appealing, with its private plunge pool and views across the tropical landscape toward the suspension bridge, bay, and islands. It offered considerable privacy, although we spent relatively little time there because the resort had so much to explore.
For travelers seeking something different, the three treetop tented suites, designed by Luxury Frontiers, offer a more immersive connection with the forest. Their canvas walls and screened openings allow guests to experience the surrounding environment while retaining the comforts of a luxury suite.
The larger villas and residences provide additional bedrooms, private pools, and expansive indoor-outdoor living areas. Given the resort's hillside layout, we recommend discussing room location when booking, particularly for guests who prefer shorter walks to restaurants and facilities.
Gastronomy
Nekajui's dining program ranges from relaxed beachfront settings to contemporary Latin American cuisine, with restaurants and bars offering noticeably different settings.
Breakfast at Mirador was a pleasant way to begin the day, overlooking the Pacific. Its Tray to Table concept replaces the conventional large buffet with selections of fresh fruit, cheeses, pastries, breads, and accompaniments brought to the table. À la carte dishes include Costa Rican gallo pinto and huevos rancheros. We particularly enjoyed the fresh tropical flavors and the attentive, unhurried service.
Near the arrival area, Café Rincón became another favorite. Inspired by the nearby Rincón de la Vieja volcano, the café serves specialty coffee, European-style pastries, croissants, and ice cream. Its breakfast burrito was an especially satisfying discovery.
For lunch, Niri Beach Club offers an entirely different atmosphere beside Playa Pochote. The menu draws from Spanish and Portuguese coastal cooking, with seafood, tapas, wood-fired dishes, and paella. We enjoyed fresh corvina, mashed potatoes, and gazpacho while looking out toward the calm bay. The straightforward preparation suited the beachfront setting.
The resort's signature restaurant, Puna, is developed under the culinary direction of acclaimed Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz. Its menu explores Latin American coastal ingredients through contemporary Peruvian techniques. During our dinner, the fresh fish and chocolate dessert stood out, while the intimate setting offered a welcome contrast to the more casual dining venues.
Within Puna, Paruro presents a six-seat, chef-led omakase experience influenced by Japanese and Peruvian traditions. Although we did not experience it, the limited seating makes advance reservations advisable.
Brisa, beside the infinity pool, serves lighter daytime dishes before transitioning to a more substantial evening menu featuring grilled meats, seafood, and house-made pasta.
The beverage program is equally ambitious. Beverage manager Angelo Solimando oversees a collection of seven cocktail and mocktail menus, supported by an on-site beverage laboratory and distillery.
Among the bars, Ámbar occupies an elevated position among the trees, making it an appealing destination for sunset cocktails. Cooper's, by contrast, is a discreet speakeasy with a darker, more intimate atmosphere. We particularly enjoyed a floral cocktail featuring ylang-ylang, whose distinctive perfume made it unlike the usual tropical resort drink.
Amenities & Wellness
Of all Nekajui's facilities, its 27,000-square-foot Spa & Wellness was perhaps our favorite. We have visited numerous hotel spas, but this one distinguished itself through its architecture, open-air spaces, and extraordinary views.
The arrival pavilion uses bahareque, a traditional construction technique combining bamboo, wood, earth, and other natural materials. Surrounded by tropical plants, the space feels connected to the forest rather than separated from it.
Its centerpiece is an expansive heated hydrotherapy infinity pool finished in dark stone, overlooking Pochote Bay. We returned several times, sometimes spending extended periods in the warm water simply appreciating the setting.
The thermal facilities include saunas, steam facilities, a hot whirlpool, and a cold plunge. Six ocean-facing treatment cabanas and two private spa suites accommodate massages and other wellness rituals.
Our treatment began with a foot ritual and exfoliation before moving to a relaxing massage using aromatic oils. The treatment tables were exceptionally comfortable, and the therapists incorporated local ingredients and traditions into the experience. At the end, we received bracelets with three volcanic stones, including one infused with fragrance—a thoughtful detail we appreciated.
The spa collaborates with skincare brand Ayuna and offers treatments including the Flor de Juanilama Massage, inspired by a plant traditionally used in Costa Rican herbal practices, and the Jade Deep-Tissue Massage. Its wellness philosophy also draws inspiration from the nearby Nicoya Peninsula, recognized for its association with longevity.
The fitness center was another space we used daily. Equipped with free weights, bicycles, and cardio machines, it overlooks the forest and bay. Exercising with that view made our morning workouts considerably more enjoyable.
Elsewhere, guests can enjoy saltwater swimming pools, private cabanas, landscaped gardens, boutiques, and direct beach access. A smaller jungle pool with a cascading waterfall provides a quieter alternative to the main pool areas.
Experiences
One of the pleasures of staying at Nekajui is that the resort itself offers several experiences worth exploring.
The glass funicular descending toward Niri Beach Club is an architectural attraction in its own right. The ride reveals changing views of the forest and coastline before reaching Playa Pochote.
For those who prefer exercise, a long wooden staircase follows the hillside toward the beach. We estimated approximately 400 steps, passing a secluded pool and waterfall along the way. The descent is enjoyable; the return climb provides a respectable workout.
Another distinctive feature is the suspended walking bridge connecting parts of the property. Elevated above the forest, it sways gently underfoot and offers expansive views toward the Pacific. We crossed it several times, appreciating the changing perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
Our favorite outdoor activity, however, was exploring Playa Pochote. Each morning, we walked along the beach, surrounded by forested hills and a sheltered bay with remarkably calm turquoise water.
The protected conditions were ideal for kayaking during our visit. Using the hotel's complimentary kayaks, we explored the coastline at our own pace, admiring the rocky headlands and small islands. From the water, Nekajui's buildings are largely concealed by vegetation, reinforcing the impression that the forest remains the dominant feature of the landscape.
At one end of the beach, we discovered an unusual sea cave within a rocky headland. Two openings allow light and waves to enter, producing an amplified sound as water moves through the formation. The cave is most visible at low tide, although changing water levels and surf make entering potentially dangerous. We admired it from outside rather than attempting to pass through.
Other activities include snorkeling, guided nature experiences, and excursions around Peninsula Papagayo. Nearby facilities offer access to an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course and tennis, with reservations and additional charges applying to certain activities.
Worth Exploring
Beyond the restaurants and recreational facilities, Nekajui's art and architecture deserve closer attention. Its collection includes paintings, sculpture, photography, and historical artifacts, with works by artists such as Francisco Zúñiga, Federico Herrero, and Fausto Pacheco.
One particularly interesting space is La Capilla, a chapel decorated with approximately 650,000 handcrafted mosaic tiles by Costa Rican design studio Doninelli. The building is used for gatherings and celebrations, adding another architectural dimension to the property.
We suggest setting aside time to explore the resort without a specific itinerary. Some of its most interesting spaces are encountered while walking between buildings, crossing the suspension bridge, or following the paths through the forest.
For sunset, Ámbar is worth visiting before dinner. The spa deserves at least half a day, while the beach is particularly inviting in the morning, when conditions were calm during our stay.
Families can take advantage of Camp Nekajui, the resort's children's program, while couples and travelers seeking privacy will appreciate the quieter terraces, spa facilities, and secluded accommodations.
The resort is approximately 40 minutes from Guanacaste Airport in Liberia, making it accessible without a lengthy transfer. Nevertheless, the hillside terrain and distances between facilities are worth considering when planning a stay.
What remained with us was not a single experience, but the freedom to enjoy the property in different ways. Some mornings began with exercise and kayaking; others were spent exploring the architecture or relaxing at the spa. And throughout our stay, the warmth and natural friendliness of the people we encountered made the experience feel genuinely welcoming.
Hotel Information
Address: Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Directions: Google Maps
Reservations: Official booking website
Website: ritzcarlton.com
Telephone: +506 4081-1221
Instagram: @nekajuiritzreserve