Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, A Ritz-carlton Reserve

I stayed 2 nights at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and this is, without a doubt, the best property I have ever visited in my life 💕 After ten years of traveling and experiencing hotels around the world, I was genuinely blown away by this place. It is a true five-star experience and has now been awarded Three MICHELIN Keys, the highest distinction in the MICHELIN Guide hotel selection. From the moment I arrived, the entire experience felt incredibly personal and intentional. My first contact was Valeria Mora, who took wonderful care of me before arrival and organized my activities and schedule so beautifully that everything was perfectly planned by the time I arrived. I received a lovely VIP welcome in my room with sparkling wine, cacao chocolates and a handwritten letter. I then had Pablo and Kike as my Manzu concierges, and their attention to detail was exceptional. I casually mentioned once that I have a cat named Nina, and Pablo remembered it and had a small wooden gift made for me and left in my room. It is those seemingly small details that make a huge difference. The property itself is spectacular, built into the cliffs of Peninsula Papagayo with ocean views from every room. I loved how deeply the design is connected to the local environment and indigenous Chorotega culture. The beautiful ceiba tree at the heart of the property, the artwork, natural materials and architecture all feel purposeful rather than decorative. Even moving around in the golf carts becomes part of the experience, and the property is particularly beautiful at night when everything is illuminated. There is also an incredible amount to experience without ever needing to leave the property. The dining options include Mirador, Puna, Niri Beach Club, Brisa, Café Rincón, Paruro, Ámbar and Cooper's, each with its own personality. I especially loved the concept of Ámbar, set among the treetops, and the hidden Cooper's bar. The pools are beautiful, with different experiences including an adults-only pool, and the Nimbu Spa is another highlight, with an impressive hydrotherapy circuit, sauna, steam room and cold-water experiences. The journey down to the coast is part of the fun, with the cliffside lift connecting the upper property with the beach area. When I stayed, Niri Beach Club was closed for maintenance, so I didn't experience it fully, but I had the opportunity to see it and it looked incredibly beautiful. I can't wait to return and experience it once it is reopened. What really sets Nekajui apart for me, though, is the service. It is exceptionally warm, intuitive and personal without ever feeling formal or cold. Every time I returned to my room after dinner, there would be some small change, thoughtful detail or surprise waiting for me. Valeria, Pablo, Kike and the entire team made me feel genuinely cared for from beginning to end. I was constantly impressed by how much attention went into understanding what I might enjoy rather than simply providing standard five-star service. I also think Nekajui is incredibly versatile. It works beautifully for couples and honeymooners, but also for families, private groups, weddings and corporate retreats, with private spaces and different experiences that allow guests to create very different types of stays. And honestly, you can enjoy the property without going anywhere else. After only two nights, I already felt that I didn't want to leave and could have stayed much longer. Nekajui is the kind of hotel where the details become part of the memory. From the indigenous influences and dramatic setting to the food, wellness, pools, beach access and, above all, the people, everything feels intentional. I would recommend it without hesitation to anyone looking for an extraordinary luxury experience in Costa Rica. For me, it is not just one of the best properties I visited on this trip — it is the best hotel experience I have ever had. Thank you Valeria, Pablo, Kike and Team for having me 💕

Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo is a beautiful addition to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection. Having now visited five Reserve properties, we felt that Nekajui captured the brand’s special sense of place. The setting, architecture, views, and landscaping are spectacular, and the staff were consistently warm, friendly, and accommodating. Our room was spacious and beautifully appointed, and the locally made pottery we received as a parting gift was a thoughtful touch. A few things are worth knowing before visiting. Request all transportation pricing in writing and confirm whether the quote is one way or round trip, including taxes and fees. We were quoted $385 for transportation from San José but charged $875. Travelers should also investigate a SANSA flight, which made our return journey much easier and less expensive. Even short resort-arranged transfers can be costly; our approximately 30-minute ride to El Mangroove was $228. Dining offers a welcome selection of vegetarian and vegan choices, but we found several dishes underseasoned, small, and expensive. Two appetizers and two drinks at the beach cost approximately $115. Also ask about taxes and service charges when booking the spa—our couples massage was advertised at $295 per person, but the final charge was $783. Guests who value seclusion should ask specifically about room and plunge-pool privacy. Our view was lovely, but our outdoor area was visible to passing guests or staff. The stunning Treetop Tents offer greater privacy, although they are configured as two-bedroom accommodations and may be more space than a couple needs. Overall, we enjoyed our stay and believe Nekajui has tremendous potential. The remarkable property and gracious staff provide the foundation for an exceptional experience; greater pricing transparency and improvements to food quality and value would elevate it further.

Although I wasn't even a guest, the staff at Nekajui treated me with incredible kindness after an old injury flared up during a nearby excursion. Angelica and several other team members went above and beyond to make sure I was safe and able to get back to my hotel. Every employee I encountered was compassionate, professional, and genuinely caring. The resort is breathtaking, but it's the people who truly make it special. My husband and I have already decided we want to come back and stay here because of the experience they gave me.

Our stay at Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived, the service was warm, attentive, and genuinely personalized. The staff went above and beyond to make every part of our stay special. The property itself is breathtaking, with stunning ocean views, beautifully designed rooms, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels both luxurious and connected to nature. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated, from the accommodations to the dining experiences. The location is perfect for exploring Peninsula Papagayo while still feeling secluded and private. Whether relaxing by the pool, enjoying the beach, or taking in the incredible sunsets, every moment felt unforgettable. Nekajui delivers the exceptional level of hospitality you would expect from a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and then exceeds it. We can’t wait to return and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly world-class Costa Rican getaway. 🌴☀️🍹