Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

In-Depth Review of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve - AFAR

"A treetop‑chic Ritz‑Carlton Reserve located on the 1,400‑acre Peninsula Papagayo (its name translates to “lush garden” in the local Chorotega dialect), this property is the brand’s eighth Reserve worldwide and the first in Central and South America. It caters to adventurers who appreciate luxury, honeymooners seeking multiple pools and sunset cocktails, and families who enjoy features like a funicular and a suspended walking bridge. All 107 ocean‑facing rooms and suites (the smallest at 872 sq ft) emphasize indoor‑outdoor living with floor‑to‑ceiling glass; ground‑floor suites have private firepits and villas include plunge pools, outdoor showers, and lawns. Sustainability and local materials are prominent—about 80% of earth‑moved materials were repurposed into hotel features—and new treetop cabins for larger groups are opening soon. Dining is a highlight under executive chef Lulu Elizaga (the only woman in that role across the Caribbean and Latin America), with offerings ranging from coffee and breakfast bowls at Café Rincón and gallo pinto at Mirador to wood‑fire, Iberian‑inflected cooking at Niri and Peruvian‑inspired tasting at the signature restaurant developed by Diego Muñoz (notable dishes mentioned include a corn risotto with baby corn and olive‑studded rolls); Dining Beyond provides a seasonal, elevated treetop experience, and bar manager Angelo Solimando crafts inventive cocktails (including a gin infused with Turrialba cheese and an ylang‑ylang floral cocktail). Service is warm and highly personalized—each room is assigned a mantu (Chorotegan for “friend”) who acts as a direct point of contact—though there were occasional pacing issues with dish delivery and clearing. Accessibility is good on the main levels via elevators and ramps and the funicular simplifies descent to Niri (though it has no seating), while certain venues like Ambar, the Dining Beyond tent, and the beach require stairs. Nature and adventure are integral: the resort partners with an outfitter for zip‑lining in the Palmares Preserve, mangrove kayaking, and guided walks where guests can see howler and white‑faced monkeys, iguanas, bats, and abundant birdlife, plus snorkeling over reefs with starfish, pufferfish, and lobster. The on‑site Nimbu Spa & Wellness features the largest hydrotherapy pool in Latin America, with suspended treetop treatment rooms and ocean views." - Katherine LaGrave