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 has just expanded, 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, has opened as of late February 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 is 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 is a good 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 are 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 are in three different zones:
- There’s a classic zone, with hacienda-style architecture
- There’s a transitional zone, with a more traditional architecture style found in the Guanacaste region
- There’s an organic zone, with treehouse-style architecture
When it comes to dining, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve has 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 boasts 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 open, what are rates like? Rates are high, but then again, all hotels in the Peninsula Papagayo complex have steep rates.
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 has expanded to Costa Rica, with the opening of a property in the Peninsula Papagayo development. The 107-key resort features 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 opening in Costa Rica this year, as the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique is also expected to open in the coming months.
What do you make of Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s new Costa Rica property?
If this truly is a luxury property, I feel like branding it "Ritz-Carlton" even if it is a reserve somewhat cheapens it. A Ritz-Carlton in Costa Rica, to me, sounds like a point farm that very poorly executes anything luxurious. Basically just an expensive Westin without free breakfast.
I actually see nights starting af 128k points