Nekajui, Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Anchoring yourself in Costa Rica

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, certain places seem designed to slow down time. Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is one such place. Located in the heart of the unspoilt Papagayo peninsula, this “lush garden” – as the Chorotega people once whispered – invites you to reconnect with nature, with yourself. Set between the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, the experience combines exclusive accommodation, well-being and culinary discoveries rooted in the Costa Rican soil. Luxe Wellness Club presents a journey of intimate luxury, deeply rooted in the spirit of the place.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve Costa Rica — Overview (Photo: Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve)

Between jungle and ocean: a natural refuge in Costa Rica

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, emerges from the last virgin lands of Papagayo like a well-kept secret of Costa Rican nature. Accessible fromJuan Santamaria International Airport, it is anchored in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. A true emblem of Costa Rica and its deep commitment to environmental preservation.

At Nekajui, exploration is as much a matter of course as it is an invitation. Nekajui Explorers offer guided hikes and wildlife excursions through the jungle, while The Outpost challenges the more adventurous. More broadly, the Papagayo Explorers program provides access to immersive experiences at the heart of protected nature, such as the Palmares reserve: 100 hectares of unspoilt dry tropical forest to discover on foot, on the water or in the canopy, to better understand the richness of this rare ecosystem.

And nature inspires every moment: whale watching, sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing, ATV or jeep outings. Then, just a short drive away, Guanacaste, a UNESCO World Heritage site, extends the adventure to the center of spectacular landscapes. As you can see, between the jungle and the ocean, the call of authenticity is lived to the full, with respect for this powerful and generous land.

Relaxed accommodation in the heart of nature

At Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, every accommodation is in discreet harmony with nature. Thearchitecture, inspired by Guanacastecan traditions, fades away before the jungle and ocean, in favor of raw materials, reclaimed wood and elegant local craftsmanship.

The entry-level Ocean Vista rooms offer 80 m² of subtle luxury. Black concrete bathtub, rain shower, marble double washbasin and plunging bay view. Suites feature a separate lounge and, often, a deep pool on the terrace. Every detail maintains the local flavour: Aromas bath products with citrus and bergamot scents, bespoke furnishings, discreet cultural touches. For a unique immersion experience, glamping tents perched in the trees combine nature and great comfort, with private pools and exceptional service.

The two- to five-bedroom family residences feature a contemporary hacienda aesthetic, ideal for extended stays with loved ones. Finally, at the top of the range, Villa Guayacan unfolds its ten rooms and spectacular views in an atmosphere of exclusive retreat. Confident, vast and profoundly serene.

Nimbu Spa & Wellness in Costa Rica

Here, at the top of a cliff bordered by the Pacific, Nimbu Spa & Wellness invites you to slow down, ground yourself and listen. Everything is designed to help you reconnect with your own rhythm, in a deeply soothing setting.

The spa is hidden behind the foliage, opening up to the infinite blue of Huevos Bay. The treatment cabins, perched in the trees or facing the horizon, host rituals inspired by local traditions and Ayurvedic wisdom. Wraps, massages, facials, botanical scrubs: each gesture is guided by a treatment philosophy rooted in nature.

One of the spa’s jewels is its hydrotherapy pool, the largest in Central America! A veritable sensory journey through the water. Hammam, plunge pools, therapeutic baths… all inviting you to release tension and rediscover lightness.

SLOW Wellness: rediscover the time to be

The concept of SLOW Wellness permeates the entire Nekajui wellness experience. It’s not just about pampering, it’s about a new way of life. The idea? To relearn how to listen to our bodies, to slow down in order to move forward, and to let go of all the clutter. It’s an invitation to awareness, to refocus.

Guided nature walks, mindfulness practices, creative outdoor activities, as well as a local, caring diet nourish this gentle and profound approach.

Among the approaches proposed :

Somatic work to release tension and reconnect with the body.
Therapeutic bodywork, targeted massages to restore balance and vitality.
Facial treatments with natural active ingredients, infused with local oils and plants.
Hair and scalp care designed as rituals of rebirth.
Multi-sensory experiences, with sounds, scents and ancestral gestures.

Movement and alignment

Wellness is also expressed through movement. Nekajui offers a studio open to the canopy, where we organize yoga, Pilates or fitnesssessions. The fitness center, both indoor and outdoor, offers top-of-the-range equipment with panoramic views. Rowers, free weights, weight machines, treadmills… everything is there to accompany the most demanding routines in an inspiring setting.

And just a few steps from the resort, racquet sports also find their playground. The Peninsula Papagayo program offers state-of-the-art Har-Tru clay courts, as well as private tennis and pickleball lessons, informal events and clinics for all levels. Equipment is available for hire, so that every stay can be synonymous with progress, fun and play, under the tropical sun.

And on nearby beaches, the SurfXwomen’s team shares the art of surfing the Pacific waves. And right next to the resort, the prestigious Arnold Palmer Signature golf course unveils its 18 holes facing the ocean.

Explore the natural treasures of Guanacaste

If Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve already invites you to slow down and reconnect with the essentials, the surrounding area abounds in spectacular scenery and adventures to be experienced. Less than an hour’s drive away, Rincón de la Vieja National Park unfolds its trails amid waterfalls, hot springs and volcanic mud, in an almost primitive atmosphere. A little further afield, the Arenal volcano and its lush forests offer other perspectives: zip-lining, thermal bathing and breathtaking panoramas.

On the seaside, travelers can also enjoy the Marina Papagayo, the starting point for private cruises, diving expeditions or simply a peaceful stopover on the waves. Fully equipped, it can accommodate up to 180 yachts, with concierge services and 24-hour assistance.

At the table of Nekajui Ritz-Carlon: sense, terroir and horizon

At Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, cuisine is experienced as much as it is tasted. Each meal becomes a moment of sensory awakening, a way of exploring Costa Rica through its flavors. The chefs are guided by a terroir-based philosophy. Ultra-local ingredients, coastal fishing, vegetables from the central plateau, coffee grown on the side of a volcano… Nothing is left to chance, but everything remains simple and sincere.

In the morning, start the day as you wish at the Mirador, with its soft lighting and made-to-measure dishes. A little later, the Brisa invites you to relax by the pool, lulled by the cascading waterfalls. Café Rincón, a nod to the nearby volcano, honors the country’s coffee culture with its full-bodied aromas and handcrafted sweets.

At Beach Club Niri, salt, sea and Costa Rican spirit meet Iberian accents in a playful version of the beach club. After dark, Puna offers an elegant take on Peruvian cuisine, whileÁmbar and La Casona extend the evening with botanical cocktails and exotic floral nectars.

Finally, for more intimate moments, Nekajui imagines tailor-made experiences. A dinner suspended in the canopy, a picnic on the beach or a private meal on your terrace, lulled by the sounds of the jungle. Each culinary moment becomes a memory anchored in the senses.