Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Ultra-Luxury Expansion in Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Nekajui Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Papagayo: 2026 Update
Updated August 29, 2026
Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve officially opened on February 25, 2025, becoming the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America and the eighth Reserve property in the brand’s portfolio at the time.
This update confirms the resort’s current status, accommodation inventory, development structure and transportation details for travelers in 2026.
Quick Answer
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve opened in Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste, on February 25, 2025. The resort has 107 ocean-facing accommodations, including suites and three luxury treetop tents, plus 36 branded private residences. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) is about 35 kilometers from the property.
Key Facts
Nekajui officially opened on February 25, 2025.
It was the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America at opening.
The resort has 107 ocean-facing accommodations, including suites and three luxury treetop tents.
The development includes 36 branded private residences.
Mohari Hospitality and Gencom developed the property through their joint venture, with The Athens Group involved as development partner.
Nekajui is located within the 1,400-acre Peninsula Papagayo resort community in Guanacaste.
Ritz-Carlton lists Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) 35 kilometers from the resort.
What Is the Current Status of Nekajui?
Nekajui is open and operating. Marriott International announced the official opening on February 25, 2025, and the current Ritz-Carlton property page accepts reservations.
Travelers looking for stay-specific information can also use our Nekajui hotel guide.
Resort and Residential Development
Official opening information describes 107 ocean-facing accommodations, including suites and three luxury treetop tents, plus 36 branded private residences.
Mohari Hospitality and Gencom developed the property through their joint venture, with The Athens Group participating as a development partner. The mixed hotel-and-residential model adds both resort inventory and privately owned branded accommodation within Peninsula Papagayo.
Where Is Nekajui Located?
Nekajui sits within Peninsula Papagayo on Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast in Guanacaste. The private 1,400-acre resort community also includes beaches, residences, golf and Marina Papagayo.
Travelers continuing beyond the resort can review the Papagayo Peninsula transportation directory for onward route options.
Which Airport Is Closest to Nekajui?
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), commonly called Liberia Airport or Guanacaste Airport, is the closest major international airport. Ritz-Carlton lists it approximately 35 kilometers from Nekajui.
The verified Liberia Airport to Nekajui private transfer generally takes about 35 to 50 minutes, depending on luggage, traffic and resort-access coordination.
Does Nekajui Provide Airport Transportation?
Travelers should check the exact accommodation booked. The main Ritz-Carlton hotel page states that the hotel does not provide shuttle service. However, the separate official residence page currently states that residence stays include round-trip airport transfers with fast-track service.
Hotel-room guests should therefore not assume transportation is included, while residence guests should confirm the benefits attached to their reservation.
Tourism Market Impact
Nekajui expanded the ultra-luxury inventory already concentrated in Peninsula Papagayo. Its significance comes from the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand, limited accommodation count, branded residences and convenient access from LIR.
This suggests Papagayo will continue attracting travelers who prioritize privacy and high-service resort experiences. The long-term effect will depend on air access, luxury demand and further development across Guanacaste.
What Travelers Should Know
Travelers arriving through LIR should coordinate airport pickup before landing. Confirm the exact resort name, passenger count, luggage requirements and whether transportation is already included in the booked rate.
Is Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve open?
Yes. Marriott International announced that Nekajui officially opened on February 25, 2025. As of August 29, 2026, the official Ritz-Carlton website lists the resort as an operating property and accepts reservations.
How many rooms does Nekajui have?
Official opening information describes 107 ocean-facing accommodations, including suites and three luxury treetop tents. The development also includes 36 branded private residences, creating a combined hotel-and-residential luxury project within Peninsula Papagayo.
What is the closest airport to Nekajui?
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) is the closest major international airport. The current Ritz-Carlton property page lists LIR approximately 35 kilometers from the resort, making it much more practical for most Papagayo arrivals than San José.
Does Nekajui have an airport shuttle?
The main hotel listing states that the hotel does not provide shuttle service. The separate Nekajui residence page says residence stays include round-trip airport transfers. Travelers should verify what is included in their specific room, residence or package before arranging transportation.
Why is Nekajui important for Costa Rica tourism?
When Nekajui opened, it became the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America. Its 107 accommodations, 36 branded residences and Peninsula Papagayo location expanded Costa Rica’s ultra-luxury inventory and reinforced Guanacaste’s premium resort segment.
Conclusion
Nekajui Ritz-Carlton Reserve has been operating since February 2025 and remains a major addition to Peninsula Papagayo’s resort and residential landscape. Travelers using LIR should confirm what their reservation includes and arrange ground transportation when needed.
For arrival planning, travelers can contact The Costa Rica Shuttles to coordinate transportation to Peninsula Papagayo.