Want to take advantage of Marriott STARS benefits, including a space available room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, a hotel credit, and more? Contact Ford ([email protected]) for more details. He may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked. This is valid for paid stays at BVLGARI, EDITION, Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and St. Regis.
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand will be expanding in 2025, with the opening of a new property in Costa Rica. While I wrote about this a couple of weeks ago, there’s now an update, as an opening date has been revealed, and the resort is now bookable (thanks to Christopher for flagging this).
In this post:
Peninsula Papagayo’s new Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Resort, is now accepting reservations for stays as of March 1, 2025. For those curious about the name, Nekajui means “garden” in Chorotegan, the language of an indigenous nation that once populated the area.
The property will be located in the 1,400-acre Peninsula Papagayo complex in Costa Rica, about a 45-minute drive from Guanacaste Airport, in Liberia (LIR). Peninsula Papagayo is also where you’ll find the Four Seasons and Andaz.
The 107-key property will be a great option for those looking for a warm weather getaway, whether you prefer just lounging at the pool or beach, or doing something more active, as the area has plenty of activities, from zip-lining to kayaking.
Entry level accommodations will be the Ocean Reserve, measuring 872 square feet (78 square meters). Room types go up from there, with everything from a Reserve Canopy Suite to a Treetop Tent. Accommodations will be in three different zones:
- There will be a classic zone, with hacienda-style architecture
- There will be a transitional zone, with a more traditional architecture style found in the Guanacaste region
- There will be an organic zone, with treehouse-style architecture
When it comes to dining, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve will have several options, including Café Rincón (a coffee house open for breakfast and lunch), Niri Beach Club (a Mediterranean restaurant open for lunch and dinner), Puna (a Latin American restaurant open for dinner), and more.
The property will feature a signature spa, a 24/7 fitness center, three different outdoor pools, beach access, and much more.
Now, I do have to say, I think the resort may have taken some liberties with its renderings. It’s interesting, because the hotel’s website has both real pictures and renderings up, so take a look at what a room was supposed to look like, vs. what it actually looks like.
Am I the only one who thinks the rendering looks way nicer than the real thing? I feel like the color scheme used leaves a lot to be desired, and makes the property instantly look a bit dated.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve participates in Marriott Bonvoy
For those not familiar with Ritz-Carlton Reserve, this is Marriott’s uber-luxury hotel brand. Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are on a different level than standard Ritz-Carlton properties, and are generally much smaller and offer more personalized service. The brand currently has seven properties, with several more in the pipeline.
What’s nice is that Ritz-Carlton Reserve participates in Marriott Bonvoy nowadays, so it’s possible to earn and redeem points. While you can earn and redeem points roughly at the regular rates, elite benefits are a bit different at Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties. Below you can find the chart showing perks offered by tier.
There’s value to booking stays at these properties through the Marriott STARS program, to receive perks like free breakfast, a $100 resort credit, a room upgrade, and more. Ford and his team are happy to help with Marriott STARS bookings for Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties, and can be reached at [email protected].
Ritz-Carlton Reserve Costa Rica rates & points requirements
With the Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica now bookable, what are rates like? Rates are very high, and I’m curious to see if they can be sustained.
Entry level rates currently start at just over $1,500 per night in the low season, and at over $2,500 per night in the high season. That includes the $110 nightly destination fee, but doesn’t include other taxes and fees.
For those looking to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, I see rates starting at over 200,000 Bonvoy points per night. Keep in mind that you can receive a fifth night free on award redemptions, which improves the value somewhat. But still, this pricing is on the very high side, so redeeming points is hardly some amazing value.
Bottom line
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand will soon be expanding to Costa Rica, with the opening of a property in the Peninsula Papagayo development. The property is now accepting reservations for stays as of March 1, 2025. The 107-key resort will feature a variety of accommodations, and will no doubt be a popular and easy (and expensive) getaway for Bonvoy members.
It’s always nice to have more options. This is one of two new international luxury properties we’ll see open in the area in 2025, as the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique is also expected to open.
What do you make of Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s new Costa Rica property?
Ben...... What gives, no one seems to care about Costa Rica??? It is a great place to take a tropical vacation and is a very American friendly country!
Those are Re-F'ingdiculous rates for Costa Rica..... with taxes and fees, that puts the rates at ~$2,000 for low and well above $3,000 for high season!!!
As I noted in my comments on the new Waldorf Astoria, this is NOT the Real Costa Rica!! Check out the Luxury 12 Villa Hotel Threesixty in Ojochal..... you'll pay a fraction of the price for a much better experience!!!
Check it out @ www.hotelthreesixty.com
Rates a bit higher than I had hoped. Some rooms have private pool I believe so those will be quite nice.