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Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Liberia, Costa Rica • Peninsula Papagayo • OVER THE TOP

avg. $1,026 / night

Includes $54 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

Marriott Bonvoy® property

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

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Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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At a glance

Costa Rica's first Ritz-Carlton Reserve features canvas suites, hacienda architecture, and Chorotegan-inspired interiors on a Peninsula Papagayo bluff.

Best for: Collectors and aesthetes seeking Central America's first ultra-luxury reserve

Highlights:

  • Canvas tent suites with retractable walls overlooking the canopy
  • Hacienda-inspired architecture by 10 Design stepping down forested cliffs
  • Interiors by BAMO integrating Chorotegan geometric carving and local materials
Refined-rusticclifftop

PB hotel design editorial

Spread across a coastal bluff at the tip of Costa Rica's Peninsula Papagayo, where forested cliffs drop sharply to the Pacific and offshore islands punctuate the bay, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, opened in 2025 as the first property of its brand tier anywhere in Central or South America. The architecture, led by 10 Design with Gensler serving as executive architect, draws its massing from the grand haciendas of Guanacaste: low-pitched roofs with deep overhangs, dark timber exposed in rafters and ridge beams, and structures that step carefully down the hillside so that the forest canopy closes around them from the aerial view. The 107 ocean-facing guestrooms and suites include tent-style accommodations on the upper slopes, their canvas walls rolling back to reveal canopy-level terraces with hammocks suspended over the tree line. BAMO's interiors bring Chorotegan cultural motifs into the material palette without forcing them into decoration. Wardrobes and headboard walls are clad in dark hardwoods with geometric lattice carving; pendant lights in hand-blown amber and bottle green glass hang beside beds finished in warm terracotta upholstery. Polished terrazzo floors cool the rooms while woven rattan, jute rugs, and locally sourced stone keep the atmosphere grounded in the specific landscape outside. At the clifftop bar, a curved counter faced in handmade green glazed tile sits under an open timber-framed pavilion, the Pacific and its island chain visible in every direction.

Travel notes

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About

Originating from the Chorotega word for “lush garden,” Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers guests a luxury sanctuary for exploration & inner serenity. Nestled deep within the protected land of Peninsula Papagayo, our five-star resort offers exclusive accommodations facing ethereal views of Playa Pochote and the Pacific Ocean. Sophisticated dining experiences, from artisanal coffee rituals to private treetops and modern Peruvian cuisine, bring local ingredients to life. Our Spa is set in perfect harmony with the land’s natural rhythms, rooted in ancient ways of living leading to renewed energy.

Amenities

Beachfront

Suites

Room service

Free Parking

Wheelchair Access

Restaurant

Bar/Lounge

Spa

Dry cleaning

Non-smoking rooms

Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Reviews

84 reviews

"Unforgettable experience at Nekajui. The best location in my life. Amazing excursions"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 24, 2026

"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 !"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 12, 2026

"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!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 10, 2026

"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."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 30, 2026

"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."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 18, 2026

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Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve | Best Design-Driven Stays in Liberia, Costa Rica