Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Costa Rica / Peninsula Papagayo / Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica · Ritz-Carlton Reserve · Apex Luxury
Opened February 27, 2025 as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America — and just the eighth Reserve in the world — on a dramatic bluff above Pochote Bay, with a name drawn from the Chorotega language meaning 'lush garden.' Its 27,000-square-foot Nimbu Spa holds Latin America's largest hydrotherapy pool, and its signature restaurant Puna is led by Diego Muñoz, a World's 50 Best alumnus.
- 107 rooms
- Opened 2025
- Neighborhood: Nacascolo / Liberia
About Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve opened on February 27, 2025 as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America and the eighth Reserve worldwide.
History
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve opened on February 27, 2025 as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America and the eighth Reserve worldwide. The name "Nekajui" (pronounced NEK-ah-wee) means "lush garden" in the Chorotega dialect — the indigenous language of Guanacaste's pre-Columbian inhabitants — and the resort was designed to honour Chorotega cultural heritage throughout its design, dining, and experiential programming. Developed through a joint venture between Mohari Hospitality and Gencom on the most dramatic bluff on Peninsula Papagayo overlooking Pochote Bay.
The setting
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, perches on a dramatic bluff within the 1,400-acre Peninsula Papagayo, overlooking Pochote Bay and Pacific islets at the end of National Route 253. Its name derives from the language of Guanacaste's pre-Columbian Chorotega people and translates as lush garden, befitting a resort set deep in one of the world's most biodiverse coastal forests. Costa Rica's government mandate preserving 70 percent of the peninsula's land as natural habitat keeps the bluff's canopy and wildlife corridor intact. The broader Papagayo Peninsula, rated 4.8 by travelers, is 14 minutes on foot; fellow landmark luxury properties cluster in the gated enclave; and Liberia's international airport is 35 kilometres away.
Restaurants and bars
- Puna — Restaurant · Japanese-Peruvian · Chef Diego Muñoz
- Café Rincón — Café · Coffee and cacao
- Niri Beach Club — Poolside · Iberian Peninsula flavors with Costa Rican soul
- Brisa — Restaurant · Light small plates by day
- Mirador — Restaurant
- Casona Bar — Bar · Latin-inspired lounge
- ÁMBAR — Bar · Botanical cocktails and sunset dining
- Cooper's — Bar · Mixology
Experiences
- Dedicated Manzu service — A dedicated Manzu curates each stay through personalized arrangements, meaningful experiences, and attention to detail.
- Paruro omakase dinner — Omakase dining at Paruro, with one seating nightly at 5:30 pm.
- Private culinary experiences — Intimate breakfasts overlooking the Pacific and curated dinners within the privacy of the residence.
- Naturalist and guided tours — Guided nature walks and wildlife tours led by naturalists and guides.
- Off-the-beaten-path transformative experiences — Transformative experiences off the beaten path, as printed.
- Mind, body and soul wellness journey — An all-encompassing journey of mind, body, and soul wellness.
Amenities
- 3 luxury treetop tents; 4-bedroom Nekajui Grand Villa; Villa Guayacan (10-bedroom retreat)
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
- Pet-friendly
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Recommended (2026)
- MICHELIN Three Keys (2026)
- Gold Key Award — Resort (2025)
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2025)
Open Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
More Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotels
- Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — Dorado, Puerto Rico · Apex Luxury
- Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — Ubud, Indonesia · Apex Luxury
- Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — Ummahat Islands 2-3, Saudi Arabia · Apex Luxury
- Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — Krabi, Thailand · Apex Luxury
- Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — Jiuzhaigou, China · Apex Luxury
- Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — Niseko, Japan · Grand Luxury
More hotels in Peninsula Papagayo
- Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica — Four Seasons · Apex Luxury
Ritz-Carlton Reserve in The Maison: the brand's idea, history and every house on the atlas.