First look: Costa Rica's first Ritz-Carlton Reserve features giant rooms, epic views and a treetop bar perfect for sunset
Editor's Note
- Every element of Nekajui is designed to immerse guests in local nature, art, food and culture.
- Friendly and attentive staff members take service to the next level.
- The property provides a new opportunity to redeem points for a luxury stay on stunning Peninsula Papagayo.
Costa Rica's Peninsula Papagayo, a protected tropical wonderland along the country's Pacific coast, has long been home to two luxury properties, the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo and the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort. But as of late February, there's a new contender for the region's top luxury hotel.
Built into a cliffside, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve combines the peninsula's panoramic ocean views and stunning biodiversity with the impeccable service, attention to detail and deep sense of place that distinguishes the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand. The result is a bucket-list property that easily made TPG's list of the most exciting hotel openings of 2025.
Read on for a look at this exclusive resort and how Marriott Bonvoy points can help you stay there.
First impressions
At Nekajui, cultural immersion starts the second you arrive. The resort welcomes guests into an art-covered casita, designed in the style of Guanacaste Province's traditional haciendas. Beyond the casita's 200-year-old door lie Nekajui's courtyard and its prominent ceiba tree, which the indigenous Chorotega people believed possessed a healing energy.
After crossing through the courtyard, you'll enter another hacienda-inspired space where a citrus-tinged cold brew of soursop leaves awaits. My husband and I sipped ours while admiring Nekajui's art collection, which features more than 550 works by Latin American artists.
The rooms
Nekajui comprises 107 guest rooms and suites, and each of the resort's many room types provides a special experience. All of the accommodations are spacious, with the base-level Ocean Reserve room measuring 872 square feet. They all feature luxurious touches, which can include balconies, plunge pools or outdoor showers. And between their sweeping views and use of local materials, they're designed to bring as much of the outside in as possible.
I stayed in an Ocean Vista Suite, which, at 1,711 square feet, provided more than enough space for my family of three. An ocean-facing balcony occupied much of that space, with room for a family-sized table, an oversized lounge chair, a plunge pool and an outdoor shower.
Inside, a king-size bed faced floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, and a flat-screen TV was hidden behind wood-paneled doors to encourage guests to connect with nature. To one side of the bedroom was a large living room and bar, with complimentary bottled water, tea and coffee and a minibar stocked with snacks and drinks for purchase.
On the other side, a marble bathroom let in tons of natural light, with a window-backed dual-sink vanity and a glass-enclosed rainfall shower maximizing the room's unbelievable views. Other bathroom highlights included a soaking tub, an impossibly large walk-in closet and toiletries made on-site using plants grown in the resort's own garden.
Dining at Nekajui
Nekajui offers a wide array of dining and drinking options — so wide, in fact, that you could stay for days without seeing the same menu twice, let alone the same menu item. Its main restaurants have different lunch and dinner offerings, and each venue has its own cocktail list. Those with dietary restrictions won't be short on choices, either, which is a rarity when staying within the confines of one resort.
While some of the restaurants feature global themes, the hyper-local ingredients ground the menus here in Guanacaste. And wherever you dine, fare is fresh, accessible and beautifully presented.
Mirador
Breakfast isn't included in any of Nekajui's room rates, so you'll pay to start the day at Mirador — but it's worth it. "Tray to table" dining inverts the buffet concept as portions of fruit, bread and parfait come to you ($19).
Puna
Nekajui's star is Peruvian fine-dining restaurant Puna from renowned chef Diego Muñoz. Our favorite dish was the corn risotto ($32), and my husband's scallop tiradito ($24) got high marks, too.
Niri Beach Club
This restaurant straddles the beach and a tranquil, tucked-away pool and serves a Mediterranean menu that you can order to your lounger. I particularly enjoyed the kale and charred broccoli salad ($19) and gazpacho ($16).
Brisa
Tacos and frozen cocktails are the way to go at poolside Mexican restaurant Brisa. I loved the guacamole ($19) and vegan chorizo tacos ($18).
Cafe Rincon
This cafe was our first stop each morning thanks to its world-class coffee and house-made pastries and chocolates. It also has a lovely lunch menu, and the gallo bowl ($19) with rice, black beans and plantains was a favorite.
Nimbu Spa & Wellness
Nekajui's spa has its own menu of fresh and healthy options like smoothies ($16), perfect for fueling up before or after a treatment or workout.
Ámbar
This unique, open-air bar is suspended in the trees, and it's the hotel's best spot for watching the sun dip below the ocean each night.
La Casona
Sip impeccably crafted cocktails outside at the fire pits or inside while admiring the hotel's art collection.
In-villa dining
Whether you need food overnight or just don't want to leave the room, room service is available 24/7.
Amenities and service
- Service: The service at Nekajui was exceptional throughout, but the biggest highlight came after checkout, when we realized we had accidentally left a few items behind. Rather than mailing them, staff members insisted on driving an hour to our new hotel to deliver them that same afternoon.
- Personal concierge: All guests have a "Manzu" (or "friend" in the Chorotega language) who they can text to arrange activities, make reservations and more.
- Activities: Nekajui offers many included activities like yoga, nature walks, water sports and stargazing. Adventure outfitter The Explorers, which has an on-property outpost, can arrange off-site excursions.
- Pools and beach: The main pool area and Niri Beach Club, which has beach access and a more secluded pool, are connected by a glass funicular.
- Fitness center: The facility sports free weights and Technogym equipment that overlooks the ocean. A dedicated yoga room accommodates aerial practice and sound baths.
- Spa: The 27,000-square-foot Nimbu Spa & Wellness features treetop treatment rooms and its own infinity pool.
- Kids club: Crafts, cooking classes and table games keep kids ages 4 to 12 busy.
NIMBU SPA & WELLNESS
Nimbu arguably boasts the resort's most spectacular views. Guests can enjoy them right from the treatment rooms during services ranging from geothermal stone massage ($499) to earth therapy ($409), which is a multi-sensory experience that integrates clay pottery. Nimbu also features Central America's largest hydrotherapy pool.
Baby Friendliness
I had heard that Costa Rica was a baby friendly destination, but I never could have predicted the welcome my 7-month-old daughter received. Our room had a crib, changing table, diaper pail, baby bathtub, hooded towel, baby-safe toiletries, beach toys and even a bottle sanitizer machine waiting for us. High chairs were readily available around the property, and each restaurant offered to prepare her age-appropriate purées.
Related: 42 real-world family travel tips that actually work
Location and logistics
Nekajui sits about 22 miles northwest of Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica, which is easily reachable from several U.S. cities. The drive from the airport takes about 40 minutes.
To reach the resort, Nekajui can arrange a private transfer with a luxury car company, although that option can cost hundreds of dollars each way depending on the vehicle type. For a more affordable ride, take a taxi (fares will vary based on season and demand, but expect to pay around $60 to $100) or rent a car, as hotel parking is free.
What it costs to stay at Nekajui and how to book
Nekajui is part of Marriott's portfolio, meaning you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for your stay. Unsurprisingly, prices are high in both dollars and points, though it's possible to find nights priced well below the hotel's ceiling.
Through the end of 2025, there are several nights available at 131,000 points for a base room, which includes an ocean view and a balcony — though that rate jumps as high as 212,000 points over popular travel times like Christmas. Cash rates start at $1,275 and stay below $2,000 until late December, when they skyrocket to $4,365.
When booking Nekajui, you'll want to use a credit card that earns points for Marriott stays, as well as one that possibly offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status for value-added benefits. These include:
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Platinum Elite status; and 25 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Silver Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Silver Elite status; and 5 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Accessibility
Nekajui does not have fully ADA-compliant rooms as defined by U.S. standards, and certain areas of the hotel — including some of its signature spaces, like its beach and treetop bar — are not possible to reach by wheelchair.
That said, the hotel can accommodate certain accessibility needs upon request. Service animals are welcome on the property.
Bottom line
Nekajui masterfully integrates local ingredients and materials throughout the property, while weaving in local culture and customs around every turn. As a result, you'll likely come away feeling like you got a great taste of Costa Rica even without ever leaving the hotel.
Yes, a stay here is pricey — but if you can use points to offset some or all of that steep room rate, it feels like a very solid choice for an ultra-luxe hotel experience. Between the attention to detail, proximity to Costa Rica's lush environs and attentive service, my stay was one I'll never forget.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.