Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

It would take long time to write everything that is great about this property, the amenities and the wonderful staff. What I can say is that we have been lucky to stay in some of the best resorts in the world and Nekajui is at the top. Every--and I mean EVERY--detail of this property is perfectly thought out and beautiful. The beach and pools are amazing. Then the spa and gym is high end and great. The rooms are spectacular! From the furniture to the lighting to the Japanese toilet, it's luxury that few ever get to experience. The in-room hair dryer is a full equipped Dyson! All the restaurants were excellent. The breakfast is so good, the challenge is not to overeat. The staff are universally warm and welcoming. These kind people are proud of their country and their hotel and its shows. They will do anything for you. The pictures speak for themselves. This is one of the best luxury hotels in the world and it shows. If you can swing it, stay here. You will be happy and thankful, sipping a cold Imperial in your personal plunge pool while hummingbirds, parrots and monkeys go about their business in the pristine landscape that surrounds you.

My family of four spent four nights at the Ritz—two at the beginning and two at the end of our Costa Rica trip—and it was a fantastic experience. The property is beautiful, peaceful, and exceptionally well run. We had strongly considered the Four Seasons, given its reputation for families, but ultimately chose the Ritz due to my Marriott status and points redemption. It proved to be a great decision. Roxen Suarez on the reservations team was incredibly accommodating, especially with last-minute changes to our travel dates. She also ensured our room was perfectly set up for a family of four, with both a sofa bed and a rollaway ready upon arrival. I had initially worried the hotel might feel too quiet or geared more toward couples, but the kids’ programming exceeded expectations. The kids loved activities like make-your-own pizza, bracelet making, and especially the nightly s’mores. One evening also included a stargazing session with an astronomy educator, who guided the kids through the night sky using high-powered telescopes—an absolute highlight of the trip. Service throughout the property was excellent. The team at the family pool was attentive and proactive, always ensuring lounges were set up with towels, water, and umbrellas, and quick to assist with food and drink orders. Down at the beach, the staff made it easy to enjoy the complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment. Our butler (“Manzu”), Pablo, was highly responsive via WhatsApp, helping with everything from room requests to dining reservations and in-room service. I also had the chance to meet several members of the management team, including Rodrigo Fontenele, the Rooms Manager. Everyone was welcoming, thoughtful, and genuinely focused on ensuring a great guest experience, always open to feedback and eager to help. A truly special property with an outstanding team.

I rarely write reviews—especially while I’m still at a property. But this time feels different. From the very first moment of arrival at Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, the welcome was something special. Gracious, warm, and genuinely heartfelt. Not the kind of hospitality that overwhelms you or feels rehearsed. Quite the opposite. It was intentional, perfectly measured, and discreet. Every interaction felt meaningful, as if each word spoken by the team truly mattered. We were then shown to a beautiful room, where the sense of place immediately settles in. Calm, refined, and deeply connected to the surroundings. Our first evening continued at the Ambar Bar, where Luis introduced us to his favourite mezcal. What stood out was not just the quality of the drink, but the way he shared its story—how it’s produced, where it comes from. It turned a simple moment into an experience. Dinner at the Peruvian restaurant was nothing short of exceptional. Each dish was vibrant, expressive, and full of depth. The flavours engaged all senses—this is cuisine that doesn’t just feed you, it immerses you. It felt entirely aligned with the spirit of this extraordinary reserve. There is something rare happening here. A kind of quiet excellence. A place where hospitality is not performed, but lived. And the best part? We still have two more days in paradise.

What an amazing stay we had at Nekajui . everything about the resort conveys the wonders of living the Pura Vida lifestyle! Tranquility, serenity, being surrounded by majestic natural beauty, a gorgeous resort that promotes a sense of belonging and community, cultural connections, fantastic restaurants, bars and the biggest asset- amazing service and staff. We have stayed at all of the top tier resorts- Six Senses, And Beyond, Belmond, Four Seasons, One and Only and other Ritz Reserves, but nothing beat the level of service and wonderful staff we encountered at Nekajui. The Costa Rican Pura Vida teachings are shared by everyone you encounter.We loved our stay and can’t wait to return! It was worth every penny!! A special thanks to manzu Pablo and bellman/ driver Salvador for making our stay extra special! Sent from my iPad

Upon entering our room, my family and I observed a note that said, in part: [w]e are honored to have you with us and are dedicated to making your stay memorable.” Nekajui delivered on its promise! We were impressed by the spaciousness of the room. The beds were extremely comfortable, and we had an amazing ocean view. Also, the rooms were serviced twice per day and left impeccably clean in each instance. Nekajui has four pools -- two that are adult only. The one we frequented was adjacent to Brisa, one of the hotel’s restaurants. Brisa has a great tasting lunch/snack menu. Those attending to guests at the pool like Luis and Andrea are beyond attentive. It was so nice to see and feel their positive energy. The grounds are amazing. The pictures online don’t do them justice. Although the hotel has many occupants, you never feel the weight of its occupancy because the grounds are spacious and so well-conceived in terms of the design. This “Ritz-Carlton Reserve” is truly a Reserve. You never feel as though you are staying at a typical hotel setting. The fitness center and spa were terrific. They have fresh coconuts in the refrigerator of the fitness center. It was great to drop a straw straight into an actual coconut to refresh after a hard workout. My wife and daughter, as well as a good friend with whom we traveled, enjoyed the signature spa treatment. There is a wonderful café with more attentive staff like Rosa, Faviola, and mi amigo from Argentina, Lorenzo. Truly the entire team was always pleasant and ready to serve. Gracias Valerie and Daniel. This review would be wholly incomplete if I did not give a virtual standing ovation to our butlers: Johan and Samuel. De Sábado a Sábado (From Saturday to Saturday), each day, from morning till evening, they were available. Even on their one day off, Ozzy filled in nicely on their behalf. We did not miss a beat. Other people who supported us and our two amazing butlers were Jefrey, Ambassador Karolina, Marco, and Salvador, (at La Casita), and Satay, and Paola (concierges). Bueno trabajo Equipo Nekajui!