Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Review

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Review: Costa Rica Luxury Above the Pacific

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, brings a new level of ultra-luxury hospitality to Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. Set high above the Pacific Ocean in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, the resort combines dramatic coastal views, polished service, immersive nature, elevated dining, and a strong sense of place.

This is a hotel designed for travelers who want Costa Rica’s best-known pleasures in one refined setting: tropical forest, ocean air, wildlife, adventure, fresh food, wellness, and privacy. It also adds something unusual for a beach resort: a funicular that connects the hillside property with the beach club below.

Where Is Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve?

Nekajui is located in Peninsula Papagayo, one of Costa Rica’s most established luxury resort destinations. The area sits along the Pacific coast in Guanacaste and is known for high-end hotels, protected natural landscapes, beaches, golf, and adventure experiences.

The resort joins other major luxury properties in the peninsula, including Four Seasons and Andaz, but Nekajui has its own distinct identity. Its position on a hillside gives the property wide views over forested slopes and the Pacific Ocean, creating a strong connection between architecture, landscape, and water.

What Makes Nekajui Different?

Nekajui belongs to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection, the brand’s more exclusive and intimate luxury tier. The experience is meant to feel less like a conventional large resort and more like a private coastal estate.

The low room count helps preserve a sense of space and calm. Guests are unlikely to feel crowded, even around the pools, restaurants, spa, or common areas. The property’s name, Nekajui, means “garden” in the language of the Indigenous Chorotegan people, and the resort reflects that idea through its relationship with the surrounding hillside, trees, wildlife, and ocean.

First Impressions: A Hillside Retreat With Expansive Views

The main building, La Casona, sits above the landscape and serves as a central hub for the resort. From here, guests can look across the green hillside toward the Pacific. The views are a defining part of the stay, whether from a room, balcony, pool, bridge, restaurant, or terrace.

Nekajui has three pools, including an adults-only option. A suspension bridge connects the main structure with some accommodations, adding a sense of movement and discovery across the property. Sunset is one of the resort’s strongest natural features, with west-facing viewpoints throughout the hotel.

Rooms and Suites at Nekajui

Accommodations range from rooms near La Casona to larger suites, villas, and three standout luxury tents closer to the beach. Across categories, the design feels elegant without being overly formal.

Guest Rooms and Suites

The rooms use natural materials and warm design details, including wood elements, terrazzo flooring, and floor-to-ceiling glass. The look is comfortable, polished, and grounded in the environment rather than showy.

Many accommodations are spacious, and suites include large living areas with built-in shelving, seating, and discreet entertainment technology. The in-room systems are modern but not distracting, with simple controls for lighting, curtains, and ceiling fans.

Every room category includes an ocean-facing balcony. Some balconies also feature plunge pools, depending on the accommodation type.

The Luxury Tents

The resort’s three tents are among its most distinctive accommodations. Positioned at a lower elevation near the beach, they offer a more secluded stay while still feeling fully connected to the resort.

Each tent has two bedrooms and a large central living space. Open-air design elements help connect the interiors to the deck, outdoor seating, and private plunge pool. For guests seeking the most memorable and residential-style experience at Nekajui, the tents are the top option.

Dining at Nekajui: Fresh Ingredients and Strong Culinary Concepts

Food is one of the major strengths of Nekajui. The dining program is led by Chef Lulu Elizaga and emphasizes Costa Rica’s natural abundance, including fresh produce, seafood, meat, coffee, and tropical fruit.

The resort offers several distinct culinary experiences, each with its own mood and purpose.

Mirador

Mirador serves breakfast with an elegant but relaxed approach. One highlight is a tableside continental presentation where guests can choose from fresh fruit, pastries, charcuterie, and other morning items. Heartier breakfast dishes are also available, including steak and eggs.

Café Rincón

Café Rincón is a casual daytime option with Costa Rican coffee, pastries, and approachable breakfast dishes. Some coffee is roasted onsite, and the menu includes items such as croissants, breakfast burritos, and açai bowls.

Puna

In the evening, Mirador becomes Puna, a Peruvian dining concept from chef Diego Muñoz. The menu includes seafood-forward starters such as ceviche and oysters, followed by richer dishes that may include bone marrow, escabeche, pork belly, and other bold preparations.

Niri Beach Club

Niri Beach Club is located closer to the water and has an Iberian influence. The open kitchen and wood-burning ovens create a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Standout dishes include grilled local catch, tortilla de patatas, and coca-style flatbreads with ingredients such as Ibérico ham and figs.

Nimbu Spa & Wellness

Nimbu Spa & Wellness is one of the resort’s most impressive features. Set near the tents, the spa includes a large hydrotherapy infinity pool reached by a grand staircase.

Separate women’s and men’s facilities include cold plunge pools, saunas, steam rooms, showers, and outdoor shower areas. The spa menu focuses on classic treatments such as massages, facials, and body scrubs, with options that can be combined.

There is also a lighter wellness-focused food menu designed by Chef Lulu Elizaga, featuring salads, smoothies, juices, and clean protein add-ons such as black beans and grilled chicken.

Nature, Wildlife, and Activities in Peninsula Papagayo

Although Peninsula Papagayo is highly polished, the surrounding environment remains one of its biggest attractions. Guests may see howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, coatis, and other wildlife during their stay.

The broader peninsula also offers outdoor activities through Explorers, an adventure outfitter shared within the area. Activities include zip lining, ropes courses, canoeing, snorkeling, and coastal exploration. The Palmares Preserve adds a forest-based adventure element, while the coastline provides access to clear water and marine experiences.

Service: Personalized Costa Rican Hospitality

Service at Nekajui is warm, attentive, and highly personalized. Each room is assigned a Manzu, a dedicated host whose role is to help with practical needs throughout the stay.

Guests can contact their Manzu by WhatsApp for help with transportation around the property, restaurant reservations, activity timing, beach transfers, or general questions. The service style is designed to be helpful without feeling intrusive.

Is Nekajui Good for Families?

Nekajui is well suited to families, especially those who want a luxury base for outdoor adventure in Costa Rica. The Explorers program gives families access to active experiences such as zip lining, snorkeling, canoeing, and canopy activities.

The resort also has a staffed kids’ club and a playful outdoor playground with a bug-shaped jungle gym. This makes the hotel appealing for parents who want both family time and occasional adult-focused relaxation.

Accessibility at Nekajui

The main building includes elevators and ramps, making key areas easier to navigate. Golf carts can transport guests around the property when needed.

The funicular improves access between the hillside resort and Niri Beach Club. However, beach access may still be limited in certain areas because of stairs beyond the funicular.

Who Should Book Nekajui?

Nekajui is best for travelers who want an elevated Costa Rica resort experience with privacy, nature, ocean views, excellent dining, wellness, and high-touch service.

It is especially appealing for couples, families, wellness travelers, food-focused guests, and luxury travelers who want access to both adventure and relaxation. It may not be the right fit for travelers looking for a lively nightlife scene or a casual budget beach stay.

Final Verdict

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, delivers a polished and deeply relaxing version of Costa Rica luxury. Its hillside setting, ocean-facing accommodations, standout food, dramatic spa, beach club, wildlife, and personalized service create a resort experience that feels both exclusive and connected to place.

For travelers seeking one of Peninsula Papagayo’s most refined stays, Nekajui offers a compelling blend of privacy, design, nature, cuisine, and adventure.

FAQ:

Is Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, located on the beach?

Nekajui is set on a hillside above the Pacific Ocean, with access to Niri Beach Club below. A funicular helps connect the upper resort area with the beach club.

What type of hotel is Nekajui?

Nekajui is a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which is the brand’s more exclusive luxury collection. The property focuses on privacy, personalized service, local character, wellness, and immersive natural surroundings.

Are all rooms at Nekajui ocean-facing?

According to the source material, every room category includes an ocean-facing balcony. Some accommodations also include a plunge pool.

What restaurants are at Nekajui?

Dining venues include Mirador for breakfast, Café Rincón for coffee and casual daytime dining, Puna for Peruvian-inspired dinners, and Niri Beach Club for Iberian-influenced coastal dining.

Does Nekajui have a spa?

Yes. Nimbu Spa & Wellness includes a hydrotherapy infinity pool, cold plunges, sauna, steam room, showers, treatments, and a light wellness menu.

Is Nekajui suitable for children?

Yes. The resort offers family-friendly activities, access to outdoor adventures through Explorers, a staffed kids’ club, and a children’s playground.

What activities are available near Nekajui?

Guests can enjoy zip lining, ropes courses, canoeing, snorkeling, coastal exploration, wildlife watching, and other outdoor experiences within Peninsula Papagayo.

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is a luxury resort in Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. The property offers ocean-view rooms, suites, villas, and luxury tents; multiple pools; a funicular to Niri Beach Club; elevated dining led by Chef Lulu Elizaga; the Nimbu Spa & Wellness facility; family programming; wildlife viewing; and access to adventure activities such as zip lining, snorkeling, and canoeing. It is best suited for luxury travelers seeking privacy, nature, wellness, food, and refined Costa Rican hospitality.