Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

A chic Costa Rica retreat among the treetops
VERIFIED LUXURY
Set deep within Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve feels like a private world thoughtfully carved into the jungle canopy. The luxury resort more than lives up to its name, a word meaning “lush garden” in the indigenous Chorotega language. 

Winding paths reveal treetop villas and airy residences that seem to hover above the forest floor, each designed to blur the line between indoors and out. Floor-to-ceiling glass frames Pacific sunsets, while expansive terraces invite unhurried mornings accompanied by birdsong and salty air. 

Days unfold at your own pace, whether that means lingering over a locally inspired breakfast, drifting between secluded pools or slipping away for immersive wellness rituals rooted in nature. Dining leans elevated but elemental, showcasing Costa Rica’s biodiversity through refined techniques and ingredient-driven menus.
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Our Inspector's Highlights

  • The 107 ocean-facing rooms and suites start at 872 square feet, and many feature private plunge pools, outdoor shower gardens and sweeping views from multi-panel glass doors. For unique accommodations, opt for the Tree Top Tent suites, which deliver the best vistas yet still provide luxurious comforts like air-conditioning and marble bathrooms.
  • Every guest is assigned a manzu (a dedicated host reachable by WhatsApp) who handles everything from breakfast timing tweaks to surprise splurge experiences, making you feel locally connected rather than just well served.
  • Hidden pathways and courtyards reveal 550-plus works by more than 30 Latin American artists and a hand-laid mosaic chapel (La Capilla), turning the property itself into a walkable gallery of regional heritage.
  • The Explorers team can tailor rainforest hikes, mangrove canoe trips and guided wildlife spotting (howler and white-faced monkeys are frequent guests), ensuring nature isn’t just a backdrop but part of the itinerary.
  • The spa embraces the area’s Blue Zone status by encouraging a slow, intentional approach to wellness. Try the Flor de Juanilama Massage (juanilama is a Costa Rican medicinal herb used to alleviate pain and aid digestion) and be sure to spend time at the spa’s hydrotherapy infinity pool to unwind and take in the stunning vistas.

The Restaurants

  • Chef Diego Muñoz’s Peruvian-forward menu at Puna melds Andean ingredients with Costa Rican produce. Enjoy dishes like charred corn risotto and lomo saltado with filet mignon or rib eye.
  • Tucked inside Puna, Paruro is an intimate chef-led omakase for six. Expect seasonal and narrative-driven courses crafted with precision.
  • Down the funicular near the shoreline, Niri Beach Club is a breezy spot that doubles as a grill with Iberian and Portuguese flavors.
  • Brisa looks like a poolside café, but it offers so much more with inspired small plates and Baja-tinged bites that pair well with sunsets. At daybreak, Mirador is your go-to for breakfast with panoramic Pacific views — instead of a buffet, choose from tableside platters that reflect seasonal Costa Rican bounty.
  • Three bars spotlight local botanicals in well-crafted cocktails tailored to each individual setting. Head to Ámbar for a treetop perch and sunset vistas, visit intimate Cooper’s for cutting-edge mixology, or pop into Casona Bar for a convivial lobby lounge vibe.

Amenities
24-hour room service
Babysitting services
Bar
Beach
Fitness classes
Golf
Gym
Kids Club
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Pet friendly
Pickleball
Restaurants
Spa
Tennis
Getting There
Peninsula Papagayo, End of the 253 National Route, Provincia de Guanacaste, Liberia, 50104, Costa Rica
TEL506-4081-1221
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
LIR (40-50 min)   SJO (3 hr 40 min-5 hr 40 min)  
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