SB Architects delivers Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica with tree-house spa and private residences
– Simon Cooper
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.
Hospitality specialists SB Architects are behind the design, with spa and wellness consultancy Blu Spas helping create programming, project design and concept for the wellness areas.
Located in Guanacaste, Peninsula Papagayo sits on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, deemed to be one of the most biodiverse locations in the world.
The new coastal retreat will be called Nekajui and will include a signature Ritz-Carlton Reserve with a luxury spa facility, plus an exclusive set of residences.
Co-owners of Peninsula Papagayo, Gencom and Mohari Hospitality, are working together to create the 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 details from Spanish and Sabanero culture, complemented by original work from local artisans.
Amenities will include three signature Ritz-Carlton Reserve restaurants and Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment, which will offer access to 570sq miles of protected wildlands.
A beach house situated steps from grotto pools and sea caves in Pochote Bay will be reserved for hotel guests and residence owners.
The design vision for the hotel's Nekajui Spa has been inspired by treehouses, with spacious open-air wellness making a low impact on the surrounding nature.
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 hanging bridge, intended to transport them to a dedicated healing sanctuary, separate from the resort.
About Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence will have 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 exceeded a record US$200m in 2021.
About Peninsula PapagayoPeninsula Papagayo 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.• A collection of oceanfront homes and villas.
Ritz-Carlton Ritz-Carlton Reserve Costa Rica Blu Spas
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