November 9, 2021
Following Record Sales in 2021, Destination Announces Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a New Expression of Luxury Hospitality
Hanging Bridge – With unparalleled views of Playa Pochote, the Hanging Bridge leads to the over the tree top canopy. A funicular carries guests from the main pool to a secluded beach house on the shore of Playa Pochote where they can explore sea caves and tide pools or venture out into the Guanacaste Conservation Area World Heritage Site marine park. 
La Casona – The journey begins with La Casona, anchored in a Costa Rican aesthetic and providing a sense of place and historical storytelling. It purposefully says that you are in Costa Rica and the design reflects this through a local experience – for the pleasure of the owners and guests. In this environment is the Great Room with wide openings and the first glimpse of views out to the ocean and horizon beyond. The Great Room provides a gathering place and a portal to resorts amenities
Peninsula Papagayo, the 1,400-acre private club and resort community located on Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast, today announced plans to build Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence.
Designed for the most discerning eco-adventure leisure travelers, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (pronounced NEK-ah-wee) is a new expression of luxury hospitality, welcoming guests on a highly personalized journey to one of the world’s most naturally beautiful and biodiverse destinations.
For collectors of rare trophy homes in exotic corners of the world, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, presents an extraordinary evolution of the hugely popular branded-residence concept.
About Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- 107 guest rooms and suites on Pochote Bay; scheduled to open in 2024
Curated for adventurers seeking highly tailored and culturally immersive experiences, Nekajui converges on the human element that is intrinsic to true luxury.
“Service will be highly personalized,” says Simon Cooper, Gencom board member and lead advisor to Peninsula Papagayo. “With more staff and relatively fewer rooms, Nekajui has the privilege and uncommon opportunity to personally host guests, one-to-one.”
Growing demand from the most discerning leisure travelers is what motivated Gencom and Mohari Hospitality, co-owners of Peninsula Papagayo, to look beyond the gilded suites and familiar trappings of luxury. Cooper believes Nekajui will provide a much-needed antidote for the “been there, done that” syndrome. “It’s no longer just about the best guest rooms or facilities,” Cooper said, “it is about creating extraordinary experiences and lifetime memories.”
Inspired by Guanacaste’s classic haciendas, intimate public spaces bring together rich details from Spanish and Sabanero culture. Curated collections of original works by local artisans provide tactile touchpoints to explore the old and new. Lavish guest rooms are designed in a contemporary Costa Rican vernacular with spacious canopied patios and private plunge pools framing spectacular ocean and sunset views across the Gulf of Papagayo. Fittingly, the spa and fitness hub is accessed by a dramatic hanging bridge, inviting guests on an unforgettable path to lifelong wellness.
The name Nekajui comes from the language of the pre-Columbian Chorotegas, Guanacaste’s original inhabitants. The English translation, garden, inspired Nekajui’s singular open-air venues that welcome guests to step into a natural wonderland containing more species per square mile than any other country on the planet. A secluded beach house, reserved for hotel guests and residence owners, is situated steps from magical grotto pools and sea caves in Pochote Bay.
Other exclusive amenities 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 570 square miles of protected wildlands.
About Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence
- 36 rare villas and estate homes from over $3 million to over $13 million, located adjacent to the new Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort at Peninsula Papagayo, sharing access to all services and amenities
- Available by reservation starting November 2021
Located immediately adjacent to the new Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Nekajui’s exclusive residential enclave of two- to five-bedroom luxury villas and estate homes occupies the premier oceanfront property at Peninsula Papagayo. Secluded between two protected coves, a short walk from multiple beaches and golf, the site was handpicked for its unspoiled landscape and stunning natural setting. Construction of both the hotel and residences will commence early next year.
“Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, was designed for collectors of trophy homes in exotic corners of the world,” said Donald McGregor of Miami-based Gencom, the developer and co-owner of Peninsula Papagayo.
Every aspect of the ownership experience will be curated and meticulously cared for by a dedicated Ritz-Carlton Reserve residential team. One of the many features of ownership will include hyper-personalized itineraries for each family member and houseguest, co-created alongside a dedicated team of credentialed local experts.
“Our clients receive all of the benefits of a boutique resort with enhanced outdoor living areas, individualized service, and privacy,” McGregor said. “More than ever, the top 0.1% is looking for an exotic sanctuary to escape boredom and spend quality time with friends and family.”
The unveiling of Nekajui follows a surge in demand from ultra-high net worth individuals for luxury-branded residences. Sales of Peninsula Papagayo’s luxury real estate have exceeded a record $200 million in 2021.
Nekajui’s rare villas and estate homes will be offered for sale under an exclusive priority reservation program starting in November 2021. Prices are expected to range from over $3 million to over $13 million. Two- to five-bedroom floorplans offer 2,200-6,300 square feet of luxe interior area. Additionally, most residences feature spacious outdoor living areas with canopied terraces and private pools. All homes will be delivered turnkey and fully furnished.