Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Where Costa Rica Still Feels Wild
Images by The Ritz-Carlton - Luxury Hotels & Resorts
Ask anyone on our team: there is a particular rhythm to Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. Mornings begin surrounded by tropical forest, afternoons drift between the Pacific and shaded trails, and sunsets have a way of convincing everyone to stay outside a little longer.
Set within the peninsula’s 1,400 acres, Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve feels designed around that landscape rather than apart from it. Its name comes from the Chorotega word for “lush garden,” an appropriate introduction to a retreat surrounded by forest and Pacific views toward Playa Pochote.
Days can move easily between adventure and stillness. Through Nekajui's experiences, guests can join guided hikes and wildlife tours with Papagayo Explorers, surf with the female-led SurfX team, mountain bike, take a Jeep tour, go fishing, or head onto the Pacific for whale watching and sunset cruises. An 18-hole, par-72 Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course is adjacent to the resort, and the UNESCO-listed Area de Conservación Guanacaste is within reach. Younger travelers have their own entry point into the landscape at Camp Nekajui, where activities for ages 4 through 12 incorporate nature, science, and creativity.
Wellness takes its cues from the same surroundings. Nimbu Spa includes ocean-facing treatment villas, hydrotherapy pools and a movement studio, with treatments and rituals rooted in nature.
We love how food offers another connection to Costa Rica. Café Rincón explores the country’s coffee and cacao traditions, while Puna, under chef Diego Muñoz, brings together Peruvian culinary heritage and Costa Rican ingredients.
Nekajui makes it possible to fill every day. Its greater pleasure, however, may be discovering how little needs to be planned when the landscape itself sets the pace.
Guests of Huffman Travel enjoy extra VIP amenities when staying at Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, including:
VIP status before and throughout your stay
Complimentary daily breakfast
$100 resort credit
Upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability)
Early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability)
Complimentary internet