The view from the spa deck at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, arguably the highest-profile Marriott-affiliated property to open in recent memory, stopped me mid-thought. Cloudless sky mirrored in still water. Infinity edge dissolving into ocean. My Oura ring registered what I already knew: heart rate dropping to inner bliss territory.
As demand for nature-driven wellness travel surges, Peninsula Papagayo has positioned itself as Central America’s premier longevity destination. The 1,400-acre master-planned community now encompasses three luxury resorts from brands like Four Seasons (nightly rates from $1,250), Andaz (from $999), and the newly opened Nekajui (from $2,000) — plus an extensive collection of oceanfront villas and private residences available to rent.
Located on the north Pacific Coast of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, Peninsula Papagayo is the result of a 1970s national strategy to develop the region as a sustainable tourism destination. Costa Rican law dictates that only 30 percent of the area can be developed, creating a low-density experience dominated by ocean views and dry forest teeming with wildlife. The development sits next door to Área de Conservación Guanacaste, a UNESCO World Heritage site protecting 2.6 percent of the world’s biodiversity.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Luxury Travel Advisor.
