Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Peninsula Papagayo, Now Accepting Reservations

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — Photo by Marriott

A Secluded Ultra-Luxury Hideaway Perched Atop Costa Rica's North Pacific Coast.

Costa Rica's exclusive community of Peninsula Papagayo is set to welcome its first ultra-luxury resort: Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Perched above pristine coastal cliffs with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the highly anticipated property will open its doors in early 2025. A rare estate set apart from the world, Nekajui is a hidden playground that infuses extraordinary natural beauty, romantic escape, and cultural exploration; a retreat for adventurers and experience collectors, redefining ultra-luxury in the Western Hemisphere.

Inspired by the meaning of "lush garden" in the local Chorotega dialect, Nekajui(NEK-ah-wee) marks a significant milestone as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America and eighth in the brand portfolio. Situated within Peninsula Papagayo's 1,400-acre canvas of dry tropical forest with the view of Pochote Bay taking center stage, Nekajui's ocean-facing collection of 107 rooms, suites, and three luxury treetop tents is deeply rooted in the most revered deference to its untouched landscape.

Nekajui's accommodations include generously sized guest rooms, starting at 872 square feet, each featuring expansive terraces or balconies blending indoor comfort with breathtaking views. Guests can also choose from exquisitely designed one- and two-bedroom suites or the ultimate luxury of the four-bedroom Nekajui Grand Villa. Additionally, the resort offers 36 private residences, ranging in design from two to five bedrooms, as well as Villa Guayacan, a 10-bedroom ultra-exclusive home. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors blur the indoors and out, seamlessly merging sweeping seascapes with the accommodations. Outdoor shower gardens, plunge pools, and deep-soaking tubs envelop guests in the landscape's beauty, creating a profound sense of immersion.

Elegant in the simplicity of contemporary aesthetics, the resort's design reflects its commitment to environment preservation using low-density, resource-efficient materials and renewable practices. Upon arrival at La Casona, the resort's grand, central gathering place, guests are greeted with architectural elements that pay tribute to the Sabanero ranchers and their indomitable Guanacaste spirit. La Casona reinterprets the traditional Guanacaste hacienda with modern elegance, while secret gardens, hidden pathways, and original local and Latin art invite exploration at every turn. Nekajui's unique sense of place is magnified with interior details and finishes inspired by Chorotegan décor, including figural gold artifacts, monochromatic clay pottery, and local hand-crafted wood, stone, tile, and bamboo.

Nekajui's exquisite dining experiences promise an epicurean journey as transformative as the destination. At the forefront is world-renowned chef Diego Muñoz, who has conceptualized the resort's signature restaurant, Puna. This culinary gem showcases modern Peruvian cuisine and an exclusive six-seat Japanese Peruvian Omakase adventure, elevating the dining experience to new heights. Guests can also discover a hidden speakeasy, explore an artisan café and market celebrating Costa Rica's rich coffee and cacao heritage, and a suspended treetop bar serving hand-crafted botanical cocktails infused with local fruits and herbs. The resort's secluded beach club - accessible by a chic funicular - offers a wood-fired oven, toes-in-sand dining by day and night, steps away from white beaches, tide pools, and sea caves.

At the heart of the resort, spanning 27,000 square feet, sits Nimbu Spa and Wellness. Named after the Chorotega word for water, Nimbu is home to Latin America's largest hydrotherapy pool. Accessible by a magical suspended walking bridge and multiple garden paths, the spa's pioneering treatments and holistic therapies foster slow well-being, rejuvenation, and spiritual renewal. Meticulously crafted to immerse guests in the tranquility of nature, Nimbu is highlighted by individual treatment cabanas suspended in the treetops, private spa suites, and his and hers saunas, where panoramic water views inspire the soul.

In addition to the resort amenities and curated experiences, guests have access to Palmares Preserve, a 250-acre jungle haven surrounding Nekajui. These protected wildlands span three distinct ecosystems within less than a square mile, offering exhilarating aerial adventures, including ziplining, guided exotic wildlife hikes, and gliding through magical mangroves in an outrigger canoe. Surfers will find their "pura vida" accompanied by SurfX pros at Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point in nearby Santa Rosa National Park. Additional watersports, such as windsurfing, paddleboarding, scuba, snorkeling, and sailing, are available right off Nekajui's beachfront. Golfers will discover Peninsula Papagayo's private 18-hole, par-72 Arnold Palmer Signature course, winding through 125 acres of old-growth forest, valleys, and sea cliffs, offering wide fairways and dramatic vistas. The clubhouse and Racquet Center are situated directly across from Nekajui, within walking distance.

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