Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has opened its doors on Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula.
Named after the Chorotega word for “lush garden,” Nekajui (NEK-ah-wee) is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central America. (The Chorotegas are an indigenous people that live in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras).
Nekajui has 107 ocean-facing rooms and suites, and three luxury treetop tents. The property also has 36 private residences with two to five bedrooms. For the ultimate exclusivity, Villa Guayacan is a 10-bedroom retreat.
The resort says its architecture “celebrates the culture and nature of Guanacaste — blending native materials and sustainable design with contemporary style and refinement.” The resort was constructed with materials indigenous to the region, including stone and wood.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed at La Casita, inspired by traditional Costa Rican villages, before entering La Casona, the resort’s airy and expansive living room that offers panoramic views of the Papagayo coastline. A modern interpretation of historic Guanacaste haciendas, La Casona pays tribute to sabaneros — Costa Rican cowboys who are a large part of Costa Rican culture and history.
The resort said Nekajui’s extensive art collection includes over 550 pieces of work, including nearly 125 original works by Latin American artists.
Adjacent to La Casona, La Capilla is inspired by the personal chapels found in haciendas throughout the region. It is adorned with 650,000 locally crafted hand-laid mosaic tiles. Nekajui said the space is ideal for social events and gatherings.
The resort’s accommodation features multi-panel, floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Interiors showcase local custom woodwork and traditional accents that reflect the colors of the region’s flora and fauna. The resort said that Chorotegan-inspired décor — featuring gold works, clay pottery and hand-crafted local wood, stone, and tile — add to Nekajui’s sense of place.
Dining at Nekajui
At the center of the resort’s dining offerings is Puna, a restaurant conceptualized by Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz. Nekajui said Puna is inspired by the Andean highlands and Costa Rica’s lush landscapes. The restaurant has an exclusive six-seat Asian Peruvian Omakase-style experience, where native flavors are harmonized with Asian techniques.
Nestled within the canopy, just steps away from the beach, is Niri Beach Club, accessible by a funicular. It features a menu inspired by Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. Situated near the resort’s infinity pool, Poolside serves Latin-inspired cuisine in a casual setting, serving a variety of seafood. Ambar is a suspended treetop bar with golden yellow hues. La Casona Bar serves cocktails infused with local herbs and flora, complemented by a selection of tapas and snacks. Café Rincón celebrates Costa Rica’s rich coffee and cacao heritage with artisan brews and cocktails.
Spa cabanas in the treetops
Named after the word “water” in the Chorotega language, Nimbu Spa & Wellness spans 27,000 square feet and is home to a hydrotherapy pool. The spa is accessible by a suspended walking bridge and garden pathways. Individual treatment cabanas are nestled in the treetops.
The Outpost at Palmares Preserve is a 250-acre sanctuary encircling the resort where Nekajui guests can participate in outdoor adventures such as ziplining, guided wildlife hikes and canoe excursions through mangroves. Additional watersports include surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling and sailing.
Golfers can play at the nearby Arnold Palmer Signature course.
According to the resort’s website, rates start at around $2,000 per night, and the luxury treetop tents exceed $7,000 per night. (https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Nekajui-Ritz-Carlton-Reserve-opens-Costa-Rica)
