Nekajui Earns Three MICHELIN Keys in Costa Rica
Nekajui Earns Three MICHELIN Keys, MICHELIN’s Highest Hotel Distinction
Updated September 19, 2026
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste, has been promoted to Three MICHELIN Keys in the MICHELIN Guide’s 2026 global hotel selection. Announced September 18, the result places the Costa Rican resort in MICHELIN’s highest hotel tier and makes Nekajui the only new Three-Key hotel in the Americas this year.
Quick Answer
Nekajui received Three MICHELIN Keys in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection after holding Two Keys in 2025. MICHELIN defines Three Keys as its highest hotel distinction, recognizing an extraordinary stay. The award brings additional international attention to Peninsula Papagayo and Guanacaste.
Key Facts
MICHELIN announced the 2026 selection on September 18, 2026.
Nekajui was promoted from Two to Three MICHELIN Keys.
It is the only new Three-Key hotel in the Americas in 2026.
MICHELIN lists 155 Three-Key hotels worldwide.
Nekajui opened on February 25, 2025.
Guanacaste Airport (LIR) is about 35 km from the resort.
What Did MICHELIN Announce About Nekajui?
MICHELIN’s 2026 selection added 470 hotels across 79 destinations. Eighteen hotels entered the Three-Key tier for the first time or through promotion, and Nekajui was identified as the only new Three-Key property in the Americas.
The resort held Two MICHELIN Keys in 2025; the new selection moves it into the Guide’s top category. Travelers can also read The Costa Rica Shuttles’ Nekajui 2026 resort update for opening history and property background.
What Do Three MICHELIN Keys Mean?
MICHELIN describes Three Keys as an “extraordinary stay,” its highest hotel classification. The Key system evaluates the overall lodging experience, and MICHELIN says its inspectors visit hotels anonymously and independently.
The 2026 global selection contains 2,832 Key hotels: 2,020 with One Key, 657 with Two Keys and 155 with Three Keys. Nekajui therefore enters the smallest of MICHELIN’s three hotel-distinction tiers.
Where Is Nekajui?
Nekajui is an operating Ritz-Carlton Reserve inside Peninsula Papagayo on Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast. Marriott announced its official opening on February 25, 2025. The opening release described 107 ocean-facing accommodations, including suites and three luxury treetop tents, plus 36 branded private residences.
For trip planning, travelers can use the Nekajui hotel and transportation guide or the guide on how to get to Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo.
Which Airport Is Closest to Nekajui?
Guanacaste Airport (LIR), also known as Liberia Airport, is the closest major international airport. Ritz-Carlton lists Nekajui approximately 35 kilometers from LIR and about 241 kilometers from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
The verified Liberia Airport to Nekajui private transportation route generally takes about 35 to 50 minutes. Travelers continuing elsewhere can also review transportation routes from Papagayo Peninsula.
Ritz-Carlton currently states that the hotel does not provide shuttle service, so guests should confirm what transportation is included in their reservation.
Why Does the Recognition Matter for Costa Rica Tourism?
The award increases international visibility for Nekajui and Peninsula Papagayo within the global luxury-hotel market. It also gives travelers another independent reference point when comparing high-end Costa Rica stays.
The likely transportation effect is increased interest in LIR-to-Papagayo airport transfers and resort-to-resort travel. This is an analytical inference based on the resort’s location and the visibility generated by the award, not a forecast from MICHELIN or Marriott.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many MICHELIN Keys does Nekajui have?
Nekajui has Three MICHELIN Keys in the 2026 selection after being promoted from Two Keys.
Is Three MICHELIN Keys the highest hotel distinction?
Yes. MICHELIN uses One, Two and Three Keys for hotels. Three Keys is the highest tier and represents an extraordinary stay.
Where is Nekajui?
Nekajui is inside Peninsula Papagayo in Guanacaste Province on Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast. It opened in February 2025.
What airport is closest to Nekajui?
Guanacaste Airport (LIR) is the closest major international airport, approximately 35 kilometers from the resort.
How can travelers get from LIR to Nekajui?
Pre-arranged private transportation is available from LIR. The dedicated route generally takes about 35 to 50 minutes and requires no ferry.
Conclusion
Nekajui’s promotion to Three MICHELIN Keys places Peninsula Papagayo in MICHELIN’s highest hotel category for 2026. Travelers planning a stay should coordinate flights and ground transportation in advance. The Costa Rica Shuttles’ private transportation options provide a verified starting point for airport and resort transfer planning.
