The first Ritz-Carlton location in Costa Rica will launch in 2024, situated within the 1,400-acre private club and resort community Peninsula Papagayo.

Located in Guanacaste, Peninsula Papagayo sits on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, deemed to be a nature haven and one of the most biodiverse locations in the world.

The exotic new coastal retreat will be named Nekajui and encompass a signature Ritz-Carlton Reserve with a luxury spa facility, plus an exclusive set of residences.

The design vision for Nekajui’s spa is inspired by treehouses and seeks to realise a spacious open-air wellness environment with a low impact on the surrounding natural environment. Spa and wellness consultancy Blu Spas has been working on the project since 2018 to help create programming, project design and concept.

Facilities will include outdoor water gardens, a selection of warm and cold pools, a salon, gym, movement studio, private changing rooms and lounge decking.

Both resort guests and residence owners will be able to access the spa and start their journey by crossing a dramatic hanging bridge, intended to transport them to a dedicated healing sanctuary, separate from the resort.

The treatment menu will span a variety of water and wellness treatments.

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Co-owners of Peninsula Papagayo, Gencom and Mohari Hospitality, are working together to create a 107-key beachfront sanctuary with highly personalised service, says Simon Cooper, Gencom board member and lead advisor to Peninsula Papagayo.

"With more staff and relatively fewer rooms, Nekajui will have the privilege and uncommon opportunity to personally host guests, one-to-one,” he says.

"It's no longer just about the best guest rooms or facilities. It’s about creating extraordinary experiences and lifetime memories."

Inspired by Guanacaste's classic haciendas, public spaces will bring together rich details from Spanish and Sabanero culture, complemented with original work by local artisans.

Exclusive amenities will include three signature Ritz-Carlton Reserve dining experiences, and Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment, which will offer an immersive gateway and uncommon access to 570sq miles of protected wildlands.

In addition, a secluded beach house situated steps from grotto pools and sea caves in Pochote Bay will be reserved exclusively for hotel guests and residence owners.

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve ResidenceMeanwhile, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence will offer 36 villas and estate homes, priced between US$3-13m, depending on size.

The residences will be located adjacent to the new Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort, sharing access to all services and amenities, including the spa.

Every aspect of the ownership experience will be curated and cared for by a dedicated Ritz-Carlton Reserve residential team.

One of the many features of ownership will include hyper-personalised itineraries for each family member and houseguest, co-created alongside a dedicated team of credentialed local experts.

Additionally, most residences feature spacious outdoor living areas with canopied terraces and private pools. All homes will be delivered turnkey and fully furnished.

According to Gencom and Mohari Hospitality, the unveiling of the Nekajui residence follows a surge in demand from ultra-high net worth individuals for luxury-branded residences. They say sales of Peninsula Papagayo's luxury real estate have exceeded a record US$200m in 2021.

About Peninsula Papagayo

Peninsula Papagayo is claimed to offer an unparalleled closeness to nature and is home to a community including:• Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo.

• Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo.• Bahias by Antoine Predock, the Clubhouse at Prieta Beach.

• The Arnold Palmer Signature Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo.• Marina Papagayo.

• An exclusive collection of oceanfront homes and villas.