Costa Rica’s exclusive community of Peninsula Papagayo is set to welcome its first ultra-luxury resort: Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Located on a lush cliffside, the resort’s 107 rooms offers a mix of guest rooms, suites, villas, and treetop tents, each featuring high-end finishes and furnishings overlook the Pacific Ocean and feature private terraces and balconies, many with plunge pools.
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.
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’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. Locally crafted natural materials, clay pottery, and artifacts bring a sense of place throughout the resort.
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 will focus on Peruvian cuisine; guests will also find an intimate six-seat Japanese-Peruvian omakase dining spot. The food and beverage lineup includes a suspended treetop bar with handcrafted cocktails and dramatic ocean views, a lobby bar, a chic beach club, and a coffee shop highlighting Costa Rica’s rich coffee culture.
Packed with design cues inspired by the history and culture of Guanacaste province, Nekajui is now accepting reservations for a scheduled March 2025 opening.