The Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand will be expanding in 2025, with the opening of a new property in Costa Rica.
In this post:
Peninsula Papagayo’s new Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Resort, is expected to open in 2025. There’s no exact opening date yet, though it’s my understanding that the property is expected to open in the first half of the year. I’ll be sure to provide an update when the hotel starts accepting reservations.
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.
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 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?
Completely agree that rendering looks better, and not surprisingly more expensive to create. Reality looks much cheaper to construct/design. And because it’s a “reserve” property they will charge 33-50% more. Glad I just joined Hyatt. Marriott has gotten cocky and is taking its customers for granted, IMHO.
Siari, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is also coming to Riviera Nayarit in Mexico (supposedly in 2025) as well. Looks like brand keeps expanding.
Can I stay at the rendering? Because the real photo looks terrible - like a $150 per night room in SEA.
Completely agree! It doesn’t even pass for a basic Ritz. “Newer” independent brands like Nayara and Auberge are a much better value, albeit, not cheap but at least you are getting your money’s worth.
Not related to this, but did you know Ben that American airlines has selected Citi to be its exclusive credit card vendor from 2026?