Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the collection of luxury hotels and resorts under Marriott International, is widening its portfolio. The exclusive community of Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast will soon be home to Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which will feature 107 ocean-facing rooms and suites and three luxury treetop tents.
Slated to open in early 2025, the resort will be the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America, joining the brand’s portfolio of eight locations worldwide.
Nekajui, which means “lush garden” in the local Chorotega dialect, is located within Peninsula Papagayo’s 1,400-acre landscape, which consists of dry tropical forest and views of Pochote Bay.
“Nekajui is tucked away in the most exquisite corner of beautiful Peninsula Papagayo, where the Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s unparalleled luxury, elevated privacy and discreet service meet Guanacaste’s inspiring heritage and thoughtful community,” said Ana Gorjão Henriques, general manager, Nekajui. “We are excited to welcome guests to a journey that celebrates meaningful connections, uncommon beauty and an exuberant sense of discovery.”
The resort’s rooms will include rooms starting at 872 square feet, each with balconies or terraces. There will also be one- and two-bedroom suites, as well as a four-bedroom Grand Villa for larger groups. In addition, 36 private residences, ranging from two- to five-bedroom units, will be available for guests seeking long-term stays. The property will also offer Villa Guayacan, a 10-bedroom luxury home for an exclusive experience.
Nekajui’s design reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability, using low-density materials and renewable practices. The resort’s central gathering space, La Casona, incorporates architectural elements that pay homage to the region’s Guanacaste heritage, blending traditional hacienda styles with modern touches.
The resort’s dining options include a signature restaurant, created by chef Diego Muñoz, offering modern Peruvian cuisine. Guests can also enjoy a Japanese-Peruvian Omakase experience, a speakeasy and an artisan café and market celebrating Costa Rican coffee and cacao. The resort also has a treetop bar and a secluded beach club, which can be accessed by a funicular.
Nekajui will have a spa and wellness center spanning 27,000 square feet. The space will offer a large hydrotherapy pool, a spa with private cabanas suspended in the treetops and panoramic water views.
Guests will have access to Palmares Preserve, a 250-acre nature reserve surrounding the resort that offers activities such as ziplining, wildlife hikes and canoeing through mangroves. Watersports, including windsurfing, paddleboarding and snorkeling, will be available along the resort’s beachfront. Guests can also enjoy golfing at the nearby Peninsula Papagayo Arnold Palmer Signature course.
