The recent opening of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, on Costa Rica's Peninsula Papagayo has established a seamless connection with the surrounding tropical hillside. This luxurious property features 107 rooms and suites, along with 36 residences, that blend harmoniously into the lush tropical forest. Guests can hear the calls of howler monkeys as they navigate the area via a suspended bridge high above the treetops. Offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the opportunity to observe abundant wildlife, Nekajui exemplifies the natural wealth and diverse allure that has historically attracted travelers to Costa Rica’s northwestern coastline.
Other prestigious hotel brands are following this trend, transforming the wider Peninsula Papagayo region, including Playa Penca across the bay, into a true luxury haven. The Waldorf Astoria made its debut on Playa Penca last April, marking the brand's first location in Costa Rica, complete with a multi-tiered pool and a spa inspired by cenotes. Additionally, an ambitious 50-acre St. Regis property is under development nearby, promising numerous pools and a range of accommodations, including private residences, with one notable Astor mansion being priced at $30 million.
Peninsula Papagayo will not become overcrowded with luxury hotels, however; a ruling by the Costa Rican government mandates the protection of 70 percent of the peninsula’s dry tropical forest. Since the arrival of the Four Seasons Resort in 2004, Papagayo has developed into a 1,400-acre community of hotels and residences, managed in a manner akin to a golf club while maintaining a jungle paradise feel. Children attend science classes among the trees and engage in physical education on surfboards, while their parents enjoy a round on a native-grass golf course or relax at Papagayo Park, a $26 million wellness and recreation center that spans 23 acres. "We basically live in a playground," remarks Dale N. Smith, director of sales and marketing for Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, which paved the way for this development when it opened in 2013.
To preserve this jungle paradise, Papagayo is implementing an award-winning rewilding and community uplift initiative in collaboration with local NGOs. This effort includes expanding wildlife corridors and working alongside local communities to create a zero-waste infrastructure. Additionally, existing hotels are required to provide free transportation for guests, ensuring that visitors can explore the broader offerings of Costa Rica beyond the resort’s confines, fostering a sustainable environment for all.
This article appeared in the April 2026 issue of Condé Nast Traveler.
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