In Guanacaste, Costa Rica, the newly opened Nekajui Ritz-Carlton welcomes travellers to a retreat where nature and refinement meet. Located on the protected Peninsula Papagayo, this Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers guests an immersive connection with one of the country’s most biodiverse regions. From the forested hillsides to the turquoise waters of Bahia Huevos, the setting is both dramatic and serene, creating the ideal backdrop for an ultra-luxury sanctuary.
The resort has been designed with a low room count to heighten privacy and space, ensuring each guest feels as if they are staying at a cultivated private estate. Accommodations include suites around the main house, La Casona, three lavish treetop tents near the beach, and hillside residences above Playa Pochote. Natural materials such as local stone and Costa Rican wood add an authentic layer to the architecture, blending the property into its surroundings.
Dining rooted in Costa Rican flavours
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The culinary programme at Nekajui Ritz-Carlton brings together global expertise and local produce. Chef Diego Muñoz leads Puna, a restaurant offering modern Peruvian dishes with Costa Rican freshness. Niri Beach Club draws inspiration from the Iberian Peninsula while staying true to its coastal location with grill-led plates. Guests can also explore the country’s coffee and cacao heritage at Café Rincón or enjoy sunset views at ÁMBAR, set among the treetops. For special occasions, private dining is available in open-air treetop settings or as curated picnics on secluded beaches.
At the centre of the dining concept is a commitment to regional ingredients, ensuring every dish feels connected to the land and culture. This emphasis on authenticity complements the wider vision of the resort to celebrate Costa Rica’s heritage while maintaining an international standard of luxury.
Wellness and exploration
The Nimbu Spa & Wellness is inspired by the wisdom of Nicoya, one of the world’s recognised Blue Zones. Treatments use native botanicals and mineral-rich elements in ocean-facing villas, while the hydrotherapy infinity pool and movement studio enhance the offering. Guests can expect experiences that focus on restoration, longevity, and balance.
For those looking to explore, the adventure outfit Explorers curates activities across the peninsula, from ziplining and canoeing to snorkelling along an 11-mile coastline. Wildlife sightings, including monkeys and coatis, add to the sense of discovery. With ramps, elevators, golf carts, and a funicular leading to the beach club, accessibility has also been carefully considered.
A new level of Costa Rican luxury
Service at Nekajui Ritz-Carlton is guided by personal advisors known as Manzu, meaning “friend” in the Chorotegan language. Their role is to anticipate guest needs, from securing golf carts to arranging dinner plans. This thoughtful hospitality, combined with the property’s secluded setting, ensures a refined yet welcoming stay.
With its treetop tents, hillside residences, exceptional dining, and spa rooted in Costa Rican traditions, the Nekajui Ritz-Carlton sets a new benchmark for luxury travel in the region. It offers travellers a rare balance of privacy, cultural immersion, and comfort within one of the world’s most remarkable landscapes.
Quick summary – Nekajui Ritz-Carlton
- 📍 Ultra-luxury Ritz-Carlton Reserve on Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste
- 🏝️ Nekajui Ritz-Carlton blends low-key exclusivity with rainforest and ocean views
- 🏚️ Stays include suites at La Casona, treetop tents by the beach, and hillside residences
- 🍽️ Dining highlights: Puna by chef Diego Muñoz, Niri Beach Club, Café Rincón, and ÁMBAR
- ☕ Trade-to-table breakfast and local coffee and cacao celebrated across venues
- 💆 Nimbu Spa draws on Nicoya Blue Zone wisdom with ocean-facing treatment villas
- 🌊 Explorers outfit curates ziplining, canoeing, and snorkelling along the protected coast
- 🦥 Frequent wildlife sightings include monkeys and coatis across the 1,400-acre setting
- 🧑💼 Personal Manzu advisors handle plans, from golf carts to dinner reservations
- ♿ Accessibility considered with ramps, elevators, golf carts, and a funicular to the beach club
- 🗓️ Opened in late February 2025, welcoming reservations for 2025 stays
