Costa Rica’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve is now open
This year’s list of the most exciting hotel openings is truly spectacular — especially if you have plans to visit Central America, Mexico or the Caribbean. One of the most exciting openings of 2025 is Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica, and it’s now officially open.
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Nekajui is on Costa Rica’s iconic Peninsula Papagayo and is sure to be one of the finest resorts in the country — and potentially the Marriott portfolio. Nekajui, pronounced NEK-ah-wee, means “lush garden” in the local Chorotega dialect; it’s a fitting name for a resort tucked into 1,400 acres of tropical forest.
The resort offers 107 rooms and suites alongside three treetop tent accommodations, so guests have plenty of accommodation types to choose from. Additionally, its ultraluxury offerings include a four-bedroom Grand Villa, 36 private residences and a whopping 10-bedroom home. Many rooms, suites and villas include terraces or balconies, soaking tubs, outdoor showers, plunge pools and sweeping jungle or ocean views.
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Nekajui promises “an epicurean journey as transformative as the destination,” according to a statement from Ritz-Carlton. Dining will include a signature restaurant, Puna, from world-renowned Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz. The restaurant serves a menu of Peruvian dishes, and it offers a six-seat Japanese-Peruvian omakase experience. Other dining experiences include a cafe serving Costa Rican coffees and snacks, an international breakfast restaurant, a poolside bar and grill, and a Mediterranean-focused beach club.
Nimbu Spa & Wellness, the resort’s 27,000-square-foot spa complex, has Latin America’s largest hydrotherapy pool and treatment cabanas suspended in the trees, among other amenities.
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While Nekajui might be a great place to sit back and relax, Costa Rica is full of adventure. Guests can take advantage of the 250-acre Palmares Preserve surrounding the resort to experience three distinct ecosystems coexisting within 1 square mile. Activities include hiking, zip lining, canoeing, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and even playing on an 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course.
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How to book
The lowest cash rates for 2025 come in at $1,600 per night. Marriott Bonvoy members can book with points starting at 128,000 points per night, though the calendar shows many dates throughout the year reaching significantly higher. The cost isn’t shocking considering Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are the top echelon of the Marriott portfolio.
Related reading:
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo review: Hillside sanctuary with plenty of activities
Great beach and even better pools: A review of family-friendly all-inclusive resort Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
7 things to know before booking a stay at The Westin Reserva Conchal
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