Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula has evolved into the ultimate stage for luxury beach resort hospitality. Three leading brands: Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo; and Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, have taken root here, each delivering a distinct take on barefoot luxury.
KJT team Kate, Lenni, Ann, and Madelyn recently completed on-the-ground site inspections across Papagayo. They walked the rooms, tested the beaches and pools, tasted the menus, and spoke with the teams at these properties. Whether you crave immersive culture, legacy service, or cliffside design drama, Papagayo in 2025 offers a luxury escape for every traveler.
quick take
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: An intimate, design-forward sanctuary with highly personalized, exceptional service and sweeping views. It feels sophisticated yet rooted in place.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica: The peninsula’s anchor with two (conditions-permitting) swimmable beaches, rich programming for families, and a broad range of rooms, suites, and residences. It is reliable and easy to love.
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica: A dramatic cliffside newcomer with cascading pools and contemporary dining that leans into local produce. Modern energy, with big views.
Getting there: The 3 properties are a 35-45 minute drive from Liberia Airport (LIR)
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Peninsula Papagayo)
Opened February 2025 as Central America’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Nekajui (NEK-ah-wee), named after the Chorotega word for “lush garden,” brings 107 ocean-facing accommodations including suites and a handful of treetop tents, plus 36 private residences, all perched above Pochote Bay. The resort leans into high-touch Reserve service, a 27,000-square-foot Nimbu Spa with hydrotherapy and sweeping views, and dining that spans Peruvian celebrity-chef cuisine (Puna) to Ibizan beach-club fare (Niri Beach Club). Instagram gold: the funicular to Niri, a jungle suspension bridge, and a curated Latin American art collection.
Vibe & setting: Perched above Pochote Bay with sweeping Pacific views, Nekajui brings the Reserve brand’s “small-by-design” intimacy to Costa Rica with elevated craft, art, and sense of place.
Why it stands out: A curated aesthetic and Reserve-caliber service (the brand’s highest tier) meet serious wellness (Featuring hydrotherapy pools, a movement studio, & luxurious ocean-facing treatment villas). Perfect for travelers who want luxury that still feels rooted in nature.
Best for: Design lovers, spa aficionados, couples, privacy-seekers, and “I’ve-done-Papagayo-show-me-what’s-next” regulars.
Good to know: Nekajui is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central America and one of the most talked-about openings in the region. Availability can be tight in peak months.
The team's favorite: The spa’s ocean view steam room is really amazing! The architecture and interiors, the outstanding service and a very well kept secret, a speakeasy that's invite only.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
The peninsula’s long-time flagship balances polish with range: 199 accommodations, an Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, and Kids For All Seasons, all set along a ridge flanked by Playa Virador and Playa Blanca (yes, you get two beach options). Recent enhancements added Virador Beach Club, a Wellness Shala, and refreshed family facilities; the property has held a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating for ten consecutive years.
Vibe & setting: The OG crown jewel. Set atop a slender ridge flanked by two beaches, Four Seasons mixes luxury with a variety of activities for everyone. From golf, to kids’ clubs to wellness. Everything executed with the consistency frequent travelers trust from a Four Seasons luxury resort.
Why it stands out: Rare “both-sides-of-the-beach” access, broad room-to-villa inventory (including multi-bedroom residences), and programming for multigenerational trips. It’s the safe bet that still feels special.
Best for: Families, multi-gen groups and friends’ getaways that want the resort feel.
Good to know: This property is a perennial Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star, and it leans into adventure + wellness without sacrificing ease. Peak season books far in advance.
The team's favorite: This is THE premier spot for beach, you don’t get one but TWO and of course all the white-face monkeys you get to see in the morning.
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica (Punta Cacique / Playa Penca)
Debuting April 22, 2025 on the cliffs above Playa Penca, the Waldorf Astoria delivers a modern, terrace-and-pool showpiece with quick access (about 17 miles) from Liberia Airport (LIR). The resort is terraced from cliff to shoreline and features multiple pools, ocean-view rooms and suites, a signature Peacock Alley bar, and a wellness program rooted in local botanicals. Expect roughly 188 accommodations and a contemporary, design-forward feel ideal for short celebratory stays or style-led escapes.
Vibe and setting. The Waldorf descends from a cliff to the calm waters of Playa Penca. Architecture favors clean lines and open views, while the pool terraces create an easy, all-day lounging scene.
Why it stands out. The energy is contemporary and upbeat, with a clear emphasis on pool-to-beach flow and statement dining.
Who it’s for. Style-led couples, spa-and-pool devotees, and travelers who want modern with minimal logistics and who don’t plan to leave the resort for a few days.
Good to know. The bay is typically well-sheltered, which often means gentle water conditions. Ask the team for daily guidance before heading out.
The team's favorite: The views, the interiors, the multi-level cascading pools (the kids will love the water slide) & Peacock Alley bar.
FAQs Papagayo PENINSULA
What’s the newest ultra-luxury resort on Papagayo Peninsula?
Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique, opened April 2025.
Which Papagayo hotel is most family-friendly?
Four Seasons Costa Rica offers Kids For All Seasons, family pools, robust children’s programming and two beaches.
Which property offers the most private suites and residences?
Nekajui and Waldorf Astoria both have ultra-exclusive suites and private residences (Nekajui’s tented suites and villa estates; Waldorf’s cliffside four- and five-bedroom homes).
Which hotel has the most dramatic location and sunset views?
Waldorf Astoria’s multi-tier pools all facing the ocean, plus Nekajui’s cliffside views from the terrace, the pool and treetop bar.
What’s the best season to visit for luxury experiences in Costa Rica?
Mid-December to April is dry with sunny weather and high-end activity programming.
Are all these resorts close to Liberia International Airport?
Yes, all three properties are 30-45 minutes from the airport; private SUV or van transfers are available.
Which Costa Rica Luxury Would You Choose?
Whether you’re craving Papagayo Peninsula’s wild beauty, award-winning golf (for the sports traveler), next-wave spa rituals, or the “Pura Vida” found nowhere else, 2025 gives travelers more options between three world-class hotels each with a distinct approach to luxury, nature, and service.
Your luxury Costa Rica adventure starts with choosing the property (and the story) that feels most like yours. Our advisors just walked these resort's rooms, beaches, spas, and dining. We’ll place you at the right property, room type, and beach, and secure perks you only get with KJT (daily breakfast, upgrade on arrival when available, resort credits, and tailored experiences).
Contact a KJT Advisor today