Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Nekajui is still a relatively new property, having opened only about a year and a half ago, so there are naturally a few small details that are not yet absolutely perfect. But what matters much more is how attentive the hotel is, how seriously they listen, and how quickly they adapt. From beginning to end, the entire team was exceptional with us. The setting itself is breathtaking, with absolutely spectacular views in every direction. The feeling of space, peace and privacy is remarkable. Even when the hotel is occupied, you somehow feel as though you have the entire place to yourself. The secluded beach is also beautiful. The sand is dark, as is typical in this volcanic region, but the setting is stunning, peaceful and wonderfully private. The whole Peninsula Papagayo area is exceptional as well, especially for families. Our children absolutely loved it and wanted to go back every day to Papagayo Park, with its water slides, climbing walls, bike and scooter tracks and other activities. It adds another dimension to the stay and makes the destination especially enjoyable with children. Our room was exceptional. We were very generously upgraded, and the attention given to our wedding anniversary went far beyond anything we expected. The room was filled with balloons, beautiful arrangements and fruit, cakes, wine and other treats, and even a bouquet of flowers. This was not the usual small cake and card that many luxury hotels provide — they made a genuine effort to create something memorable and personal. The food was excellent throughout our stay, regardless of the restaurant. Diego, the chef, was incredibly attentive to our needs and is clearly a very talented chef. A very special mention must also go to Miguel at Puna restaurant. He is an exceptional waiter: warm, professional, extremely attentive and somehow able to make the guest feel completely at ease while maintaining impeccable service. He anticipated our needs and was always available for even the smallest request. Manuel and Rodrigo from the management team were also outstanding. Both were extremely attentive, listened carefully whenever something was mentioned and genuinely seemed focused on making our stay as perfect as possible. There may still be a few small things to refine as the property continues to mature, but considering how new the hotel is, the overall experience is already remarkable — and, most importantly, the team clearly has the willingness and attitude to make it even better. In short, this was an extraordinary stay in a truly stunning place, with breathtaking views, a beautiful secluded beach, exceptional service, a rare sense of privacy and a fantastic environment for families. For a few days, it felt like being completely disconnected from the real world. Thank you !

The property is absolutely stunning! One of the most beautiful if not the most beautiful Ritz Carlton we’ve ever seen. The service is great. The facility is truly stunning, the funicular down to the beach is very cool. There are only 2 restaurants on the property and one bar - Ambar. The bar is absolutely beautiful and it’s set in a tree, it’s not very big and it seems like everyone is trying to be there a during sunset so I recommend you book your reservation for sunset before you even get to the hotel. Luckily I read reviews and did it or else I would not have had a sunset table. I thought it was interesting that they told us that kids aren’t allowed but they allowed other people to bring their kids. The water activities book up pretty fast so book those early. Half the pools there are “adults only”. I wouldn’t say this is the most kid welcoming place. The amenities they provide are ok, I was expecting a bit more since it’s a Ritz Carlton reserve but they provided the least of any Ritz Carlton I’ve seen. They don’t provide anything for the kids, no kids space or anything, though I suspect that’s by design. You get the basics and nothing more. It’s an extremely beautiful property, the views from every angle are amazing. The rooms are very spacious which is really nice!

We recently spent six days at Ritz-Carlton Reserve Nekajui to celebrate my husband's birthday, and it was one of the most memorable trips we've ever taken. The concierge team made everything seamless from the start. When we opened the door to our room, we were welcomed with a beautiful birthday surprise that made us feel truly celebrated. Nekajui is one of the most stunning properties we've ever visited. The architecture, design, and attention to detail blend effortlessly into the natural beauty of the Peninsula Papagayo. Surrounded by lush gardens, it is the definition of quiet luxury, peaceful, elegant, and never feel crowded, even in the summer. Each morning we woke to birds singing, and each evening ended with breathtaking sunsets and the sounds of nature. It is a place that makes you want to slow down and appreciate your surroundings. The food was great, and the service was exceptional. A special thank you to our wonderful Manzu, Esteban and Ozzy. Esteban surprised us with fresh "mamon chino" after hearing how much I loved it, a thoughtful gesture I'll always remember. Before we left, we had the pleasure of meeting the hotel manager, Anja. She shared the beautiful story behind the majestic Ceiba tree after we told her how much we admired the resort's thoughtful architecture. It was a wonderful way to end our stay. We also loved the wildlife there, from yellow butterflies and tiny green hummingbirds to hermit crabs along the beach and fish jumping from the water while we swam. Nature truly felt like part of every moment. Our only suggestion would be adding a sushi lounge. While the Nikkei Omakase at Puna is excellent, it's a multi-course dinner. On two evenings, we just wanted sushi in a more relaxed setting and took the shuttle to the Four Seasons. A casual sushi lounge would be a perfect addition to Nekajui. We couldn't have imagined a more perfect place to celebrate my husband's birthday, and we can't wait to come back.

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Nekajui is unlike any resort we've visited. From the moment you arrive, it's clear this is a truly special property. The architecture, design, and attention to detail are simply extraordinary, blending seamlessly into the natural beauty of Peninsula Papagayo. Even though the resort is brand new, the level of service already feels polished and personal. Every team member we encountered was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely focused on creating an exceptional guest experience. The views throughout the property are breathtaking. Whether enjoying a cocktail overlooking the Pacific, relaxing by the pools, or simply walking the grounds, every space feels thoughtfully designed to showcase the incredible setting. The restaurants and bars are outstanding, both in quality and ambiance. We especially enjoyed spending time at the overlook bar, which quickly became one of our favorite spots on the peninsula. Watching the sunset there is an experience we won't forget. What impressed us most was how the resort manages to feel both incredibly luxurious and remarkably peaceful. Despite offering every imaginable amenity, it never feels crowded or overwhelming. While we stayed elsewhere on the peninsula during this trip, touring Nekajui made one thing clear: we'll be staying here on our next visit. It has quickly become one of the most impressive luxury resorts we've experienced anywhere. If you're looking for an unforgettable luxury escape in Costa Rica, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Nekajui deserves to be at the very top of your list.

We visited Nekajui for one night last October and enjoyed our stay so much that we knew we had to return—and we did. From the moment we arrived, the service was outstanding, and every member of the staff made us feel genuinely welcomed and cared for. Our Manzu, Johan, made our stay especially memorable. He went above and beyond to create a personalized experience, always anticipating our needs with warmth and professionalism. His attention to detail and genuine desire to make our visit special truly set him apart. A particularly memorable moment was when my wife mentioned to Johan that I was about to retire in just a few weeks. He thoughtfully arranged a surprise for us, which was an unexpected and touching gesture. It truly made our stay unforgettable and showed how much the team cares about creating meaningful experiences for their guests. There were also plenty of activities available throughout the resort. The Explorer Team was fantastic and helped make our stay even more enjoyable. We especially enjoyed paddleboarding and the nature tour around the grounds, which gave us a greater appreciation for the beautiful surroundings and local wildlife. We also spent time relaxing at the spa pool, which was the perfect place to unwind. We loved spending time at both Niri Beach Club and Puna. The food was outstanding, with excellent quality, beautiful presentation, and great flavors. The atmosphere at both venues was fantastic, and each meal was a highlight of our stay. Combined with the stunning surroundings, exceptional dining, diverse activities, and outstanding hospitality, it made for a truly remarkable experience. Nekajui is more than just a luxury resort—it is a place where guests feel genuinely valued. We left with wonderful memories and are already looking forward to our next visit.