Ritz-Carlton Reserve Nekajui
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Location
Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
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Owner
GENCOM, Mohari Hospitality & The Athens Group
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Architect
10 Design, Gensler, Luxury Frontiers
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Landscape Architect
EDSA
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Photographer
Andres Garcia
- Press
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Sustainability
PPGY Legacy 2030
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Team Members
Anne Wilkinson, NCIDQ, LEED, Janet Mercier, Addy Williams, NCIDQ, CID, Lauren McGuier
Through the Lens of Guanacaste
The design of Nekajui was shaped by five interconnected lenses that grounded the project from the outset.
At La Casona, the strength and grace of the Guanacaste tree are echoed through hand-carved wooden elements that speak to balance, protection, and craft. Woven traditions and interdependent ecosystems translate into patterns of connection, expressed through detailed leatherwork, nail head motifs, and rhythmic mosaic tile designs. A palette of jade, clay, and sun-warmed wood reflects the cadence of the dry tropical forest, while local craftsmanship and artisanal techniques give texture, depth, and meaning to each space. Principles of stewardship and wholeness guide the approach, reinforcing respect for place, culture, and the guest experience.
Together, these influences define a vision of hospitality that feels grounded, timeless, and artisanal.
At Nekajui, the guest experience unfolds as a series of quiet discoveries that connect people to the landscape and each other.
BAMO’s design for the Great Room, La Casona, and open-air lounges reflects the resort’s ethos of harmony and stewardship. Stone, wood, rope, and clay are layered with refined restraint, creating warmth and texture that echo the forest canopy. Daylight and shadow are carefully orchestrated, shifting gently throughout the day to reveal new tones and moods. Each space invites stillness and reflection while encouraging community and conversation. Locally sourced materials and sustainable building methods support the land and its people.
The result is a design that embodies the Costa Rican spirit of balance—luxurious yet unpretentious, crafted yet natural, and deeply connected to its environment.
