Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Perched dramatically on a cliff within a 1,400-acre sanctuary of untouched wilderness in the Área de Conservación Guanacaste—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, gazes out over the shimmering Pacific and the tranquil curve of Pochote Bay. Its name, “Nekajui,” meaning “lush garden” in the ancient Chorotega tongue, speaks to a profound reverence for the land it inhabits.

The resort’s design echoes the spirit of traditional Guanacaste haciendas and timeless Costa Rican village life, seamlessly weaving locally quarried stone, native hardwoods, and artisanal craftsmanship into a luxurious retreat that honors both culture and conservation.

Dining at Nekajui

Dining at Nekajui goes well beyond standard resort fare. Each restaurant is thoughtfully designed to highlight both local ingredients and global influences, with menus that reflect Costa Rica’s diverse culinary heritage. Whether you’re after refined tasting menus, fresh seafood on the beach, or a great cup of single-origin coffee, the food here is meant to be memorable, rooted in place, and genuinely well-executed.

The resort boasts a diverse host of culinary offerings, including:

• Puna: This signature restaurant from Chef Diego Muñoz serves up modern Peruvian cuisine with a six-seat Japanese-Peruvian omakase experience.
• Niri Beach Club: Accessible by funicular, dine on Iberian-inspired dishes in a beachfront setting.
• Ámbar: A unique treetop bar that offers fresh botanical cocktails and panoramic views.
• La Casona Bar: This bar features herb- and floral-infused drinks made with ingredients from the resort’s gardens.
• Café Rincón: Artisan brews and gourmet delicacies pay homage to Costa Rica’s coffee and cacao heritage.
• Mirador: Tray-to-Table breakfast offered each morning, allowing guests to choose how they start the day.
• Brisa: Serving delicious snacks and specialty drinks poolside, this casual eatery is great for a quick bite.
• The Hidden Speakeasy: Tucked behind a nondescript entry, this intimate, dimly lit space offers small-batch spirits and retro cocktails in a 1920’s setting with a tropical spin.
• Private Dining: Nekajui also offers private in-villa dining with guest-tailored menus, picnic style meals, cooking classes, and curated chef’s table experiences.

Resort Features & Amenities

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers a carefully selected set of amenities designed to balance high-end luxury with immersive experiences in nature and culture. Whether you’re seeking wellness, exploration, or simply a quiet moment in a beautiful place, this resort provides spaces and services that are both indulgent and deeply connected to the spirit of Costa Rica.

There are a number of services and amenities available:

• Nimbu Spa & Wellness Sanctuary: A sanctuary in the treetops, Nimbu offers a full spectrum of healing experiences—from hydrotherapy and herbal treatments to meditation, yoga, and breathwork. Wellness at Nekajui is immersive and slow-paced, designed to reconnect mind and body through nature.
• Adventure & Exploration: The resort’s 1,400-acre private sanctuary sets the stage for curated outdoor experiences—think rainforest hikes, mangrove kayaking, and birdwatching with expert naturalists. Guests can also head offshore for surfing, sailing, snorkeling, and diving, with custom daily itineraries crafted by the on-site Explorers team.
• Beach & Poolside Relaxation: With direct access to secluded beaches, an adults-only infinity pool, and private plunge pools in select villas, Nekajui invites guests to unwind at their own pace. Poolside service and non-motorized water sports complete the experience.
• Yoga & Movement: Nekajui offers yoga, guided fitness, movement, and personal training sessions in serene open-air spaces. Reconnect with your body in the natural beauty of Papagayo.
• Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course: Tee off with ocean breezes and howler monkeys in the background. Nekajui guests enjoy exclusive access to the nearby Arnold Palmer-designed course—sustainably managed and breathtakingly scenic.
• Art, Culture, & Design: From over 550 original works by Central American artists to mosaic-rich landmarks like La Capilla chapel, the resort is a living gallery. Guests can join artisan workshops, explore Chorotega design influences, or simply soak in the surroundings.
• Family Programs: Families are welcomed with nature-based programs for kids, interactive learning, and accommodations designed with both comfort and curiosity in mind. Storytelling, wildlife tracking, and creative play bring the environment to life for younger guests.

Accommodations

Nekajui’s accommodations combine luxury and local charm, offering private, beautifully crafted spaces that connect guests with the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s coast. There are rooms, suites, villas, and residences, giving guests varied choices for an elevated stay. Each unit has air conditioning, stellar views of the surrounding forest or the Pacific, and plenty of space to unwind.

Rooms

Ocean Reserve & Ocean Reserve Plunge

These rooms offer expansive terraces—many with private plunge pools and outdoor showers—and tranquil views of the Pacific Ocean, seamlessly blending Guanacasteca architecture with the natural surroundings.

Ocean Vista & Ocean Vista Plunge

Available with 2 queen beds or 1 king bed, these spacious rooms are well-appointed and welcoming. The luxurious bathrooms, gorgeous views, and modern architecture make the Ocean Vista rooms ideal for couples or small groups.

Ocean Panorama Plunge

The Ocean Panorama Plunge room is perfect for those seeking a romantic hideaway. Outfitted with one king bed, a private plunge pool, and breathtaking vistas, these rooms work well for couples or solo travelers looking to luxuriate in peace.

Suites

Reserve Canopy Suite

These rooms inspire the feeling of being hidden away in the treetops, showcasing forest views, an outdoor shower, and balcony to fully connect with the surrounding nature.

Ocean Reserve Suite

The Ocean Reserve Suite is a peaceful, breezy getaway with a comfortable sitting area, balcony, outdoor shower, and terrace. Rich wood and modern architecture compliment the ocean views.

Ocean Vista Suites

These suites are a good option for 2-4 travelers, with two beds situated to maximize privacy and space– some come with a king bed and sofa bed, and others come with 1 king bed and 2 queen beds (in 2 bedrooms). The expansive deck boasts an outdoor shower and tub, lounge area, and dining table so you can optimize the time spent outside.

Casona Suite & Gran Casona Suite

The Casona and Gran Casona Suites are a boon for those craving plenty of space to spread out, while still feeling secluded with a king bed separated from the living area by a privacy wall. Optimal for solo travelers or couples, as there’s only one king bed per suite.

Treetop Tent & Treetop Family Tent

Both the Treetop and Treetop Family Tents function as private 2-bedroom suites, offer gorgeous ocean views, balconies, and access to a plunge pool on the patio. The tents are tucked into the dense foliage, facing the ocean. The primary difference between these tents is the bedding: the Treetop Tent offers 2 king beds & a sofa bed, while the Treetop Family Tent has 1 king bed and 2 queen beds.

Villas

Two-Bedroom Villas

Designed for comfort, privacy, and convenience, these two-bedroom villas overlook Huevos Bay, the beach, preserve, and estuary. With 2,200+ sq. ft. of air-conditioned space, the open layout connects the living room, dining area, and kitchen to the outdoors. Each residence accommodates up to six guests. The Two-Bedroom Pool Villa also has an infinity pool.

Three-Bedroom Villas

These single-level coastal three-bedroom villas offer 3,000+ sq. ft. of air-conditioned space designed for fluid indoor-outdoor living. The open layout includes a great room, gourmet kitchen, and butler’s pantry, ideal for gatherings or quiet retreats. With panoramic views of Huevos Bay, the beach, and estuary, each residence sleeps up to eight guests, and there is a pool available with the Three-Bedroom Pool Villa.

Nekajui Grand Villa

This large, airy four-bedroom suite offers an outdoor shower, plunge pool, stunning ocean views, and plenty of room to fully enjoy your family or group vacation. This option is great if you want the privacy and size of a villa, but the easy resort accessibility of a suite. The Nekajui Grand Villa can host up to 8 guests.

Residences

Are you interested in a fully private experience for your family or group? The exclusive and luxurious residences at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve are an excellent choice. With top tier finishes, sprawling living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and multiple bedrooms, you’ll be left wanting for nothing. Inquire with one of our Experts to see if a residence is right for your travel plans!