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Treatment villas appear to float above the forest canopy / photo: Marriot International
Hailed internally as its “most amazing spa in the world”, Marriott International has revealed a treehouse-inspired wellness concept at the hotly anticipated opening of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica.
The 107-key resort with 36 residences is located in Peninsula Papagayo, a 1,400-acre luxury development backed by private investment platforms Gencom, based in Miami and Mohair Hospitality, based in Cyprus. Peninsula Papagayo, identified as a potential luxury tourism hub by the Costa Rican government in the 1980s, already features a Four Seasons and an Andaz and focuses on slow living, wellness and reconnecting to nature. This opening marks the eighth Ritz-Carlton Reserve worldwide and the first in Central and South America (see p35).
Connected to nature At the heart of Nekajui sits the 27,000sq ft Nimbu Spa & Wellness, designed to envelop guests in the natural beauty of Costa Rica – the country boasts one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and is known for its commitment to conservation.
Inspired by treehouses, Nimbu is accessed by a suspended bridge and nestled within the forest canopy, overlooking the Pacific and offering a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. “Nimbu is an expression of Guanacaste’s culture, with a design that prioritises the stunning ocean views,” says Blu Spas’ Cary Collier who consulted on the project along with Vivianne Garcia-Tunon from WonderFlower. “Every element of the spa, from its architecture to its treatments, is designed to deepen the guest’s connection with this extraordinary place.”
Nimbu features one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in Latin America and treatment villas that seem to float above the forest canopy. “The goal was to create a sensory sanctuary,” Collier adds.
Equipped by Universal Companies, the spa also includes private relaxation gardens, a gym, saunas with panoramic views, a plunge pool, separate men’s and women’s relaxation lounges, as well as a steamroom, a movement studio and foot baths.
Guests can also enjoy bespoke journeys integrating local ingredients including Chorotega pottery, volcanic mud and juanilama essential oils. Signature experiences include Harmonic Monochord Healing, a treetop ritual that uses vibrational energy to relax and restore. At the same time, the Volcanic Lift facial is claimed to detoxify and illuminate the skin using volcanic glass and activated carbon, paired with reflexology.
sense of adventure For those seeking a more exploratory wellness experience, the resort offers outdoor wellness-driven activities, such as guided sunrise yoga on the beach and meditation in the heart of the surrounding forest.
Guests can also embark on personalised hiking or nature walks, integrating mindfulness practices while immersing in the region’s diverse ecosystems. These outdoor excursions are designed to engage the senses, invigorate the body and deepen the connection with Costa Rica’s natural surroundings.
Discerning appeal Nekajui is located within the Área de Conservación Guanacaste, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unparalleled biodiversity and thousands of plant and animal species.
The resort’s construction and operation adhered to sustainable practices, ensuring its impact on the land is minimal while maintaining the luxury experience. From using locally sourced materials to integrating sustainable design, Nekajui reflects the resort’s commitment to preserving the natural environment.
“Nekajui offers an exclusive, secluded sanctuary that immerses guests in Costa Rica’s natural splendour and cultural richness,” says Tina Edmundson, president of luxury at Marriott International. “Every detail of the resort has been thoughtfully curated to ensure it enhances the land and offers guests an authentic connection to this extraordinary place.”
Overall, Peninsula Papagayo’s blend of top-level development and ecological preservation makes it a haven for discerning travellers seeking an authentic, high-end experience.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve locations
Dorado Beach – Puerto Rico
Higashiyama – Japan
Mandapa – Bali
Nekajui – Costa Rica
Nujuma – PSaudi Arabia
Phulay Bay – Thailand
Rissai Valley – China
Zadún – Mexico
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2025 issue 1
Editor's letter: Auto spas
Fully automated, self-service spas are set to enter the market, presenting a disruptive opportunity for investors and operators
Spa People: Christian Louboutin
The fashion designer teams up with his personal trainer to create a Brain Edit retreat at his hotel in Portugal
Spa People: Julien Alfred
Exercise, endurance and resilience are the focus of a programme being led by Olympic 100m winner Julien Alfred at BodyHoliday in St Lucia
News report: Emerging economies
Two fresh GWI reports highlight the potential of the wellness markets in the Maldives and Saudi Arabia
Interview: Paul Hawco
Katie Barnes talks to the man heading up wellbeing at Banyan Group as it prepares to open its 100th resort and reports a 16 per cent rise in revenue
Wellness design: Design of the times
Sixteen experts share their insights on how wellness design can be used to create more impactful and profitable spas in a new white paper by Accor
Opinion: High leverage learning
What three skills do people need to master to future-proof their spa careers? Jeremy McCarthy reports
Spa tourism: Hot on the trail
A famous pilgrimage route and natural hot springs are being combined in an innovative tourism package in Spain
Opinion: Beacons of light
As cities in the US start to hire chief wellness officers, Mia Kyricos reveals what this means for our sector
Sponsored: 111SKIN - Winning formulation
111SKIN’s spa/clinic concept is making waves globally – backed by a combination of medical expertise, intuitive partner support and potent products
Product focus: AI and robot massage
Spas around the world are starting to offer AI massage. We highlight the different types of equipment coming to market
Menu engineering: At your service
A dedicated brain health facility at Kamalaya and a menopause package by actor Naomi Watts feature in our programming pages this issue
Finishing touch: Big business
Companies investing in workers’ happiness outperform other portfolios in major global stock markets, according to new research
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative
engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly
designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]
Treatment villas appear to float above the forest canopy / photo: Marriot International
Hailed internally as its “most amazing spa in the world”, Marriott International has revealed a treehouse-inspired wellness concept at the hotly anticipated opening of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica.
The 107-key resort with 36 residences is located in Peninsula Papagayo, a 1,400-acre luxury development backed by private investment platforms Gencom, based in Miami and Mohair Hospitality, based in Cyprus. Peninsula Papagayo, identified as a potential luxury tourism hub by the Costa Rican government in the 1980s, already features a Four Seasons and an Andaz and focuses on slow living, wellness and reconnecting to nature. This opening marks the eighth Ritz-Carlton Reserve worldwide and the first in Central and South America (see p35).
Connected to nature At the heart of Nekajui sits the 27,000sq ft Nimbu Spa & Wellness, designed to envelop guests in the natural beauty of Costa Rica – the country boasts one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and is known for its commitment to conservation.
Inspired by treehouses, Nimbu is accessed by a suspended bridge and nestled within the forest canopy, overlooking the Pacific and offering a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. “Nimbu is an expression of Guanacaste’s culture, with a design that prioritises the stunning ocean views,” says Blu Spas’ Cary Collier who consulted on the project along with Vivianne Garcia-Tunon from WonderFlower. “Every element of the spa, from its architecture to its treatments, is designed to deepen the guest’s connection with this extraordinary place.”
Nimbu features one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in Latin America and treatment villas that seem to float above the forest canopy. “The goal was to create a sensory sanctuary,” Collier adds.
Equipped by Universal Companies, the spa also includes private relaxation gardens, a gym, saunas with panoramic views, a plunge pool, separate men’s and women’s relaxation lounges, as well as a steamroom, a movement studio and foot baths.
Guests can also enjoy bespoke journeys integrating local ingredients including Chorotega pottery, volcanic mud and juanilama essential oils. Signature experiences include Harmonic Monochord Healing, a treetop ritual that uses vibrational energy to relax and restore. At the same time, the Volcanic Lift facial is claimed to detoxify and illuminate the skin using volcanic glass and activated carbon, paired with reflexology.
sense of adventure For those seeking a more exploratory wellness experience, the resort offers outdoor wellness-driven activities, such as guided sunrise yoga on the beach and meditation in the heart of the surrounding forest.
Guests can also embark on personalised hiking or nature walks, integrating mindfulness practices while immersing in the region’s diverse ecosystems. These outdoor excursions are designed to engage the senses, invigorate the body and deepen the connection with Costa Rica’s natural surroundings.
Discerning appeal Nekajui is located within the Área de Conservación Guanacaste, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unparalleled biodiversity and thousands of plant and animal species.
The resort’s construction and operation adhered to sustainable practices, ensuring its impact on the land is minimal while maintaining the luxury experience. From using locally sourced materials to integrating sustainable design, Nekajui reflects the resort’s commitment to preserving the natural environment.
“Nekajui offers an exclusive, secluded sanctuary that immerses guests in Costa Rica’s natural splendour and cultural richness,” says Tina Edmundson, president of luxury at Marriott International. “Every detail of the resort has been thoughtfully curated to ensure it enhances the land and offers guests an authentic connection to this extraordinary place.”
Overall, Peninsula Papagayo’s blend of top-level development and ecological preservation makes it a haven for discerning travellers seeking an authentic, high-end experience.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve locations
Dorado Beach – Puerto Rico
Higashiyama – Japan
Mandapa – Bali
Nekajui – Costa Rica
Nujuma – PSaudi Arabia
Phulay Bay – Thailand
Rissai Valley – China
Zadún – Mexico
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2025 issue 1
Editor's letter: Auto spas
Fully automated, self-service spas are set to enter the market, presenting a disruptive opportunity for investors and operators
Spa People: Christian Louboutin
The fashion designer teams up with his personal trainer to create a Brain Edit retreat at his hotel in Portugal
Spa People: Julien Alfred
Exercise, endurance and resilience are the focus of a programme being led by Olympic 100m winner Julien Alfred at BodyHoliday in St Lucia
News report: Emerging economies
Two fresh GWI reports highlight the potential of the wellness markets in the Maldives and Saudi Arabia
Interview: Paul Hawco
Katie Barnes talks to the man heading up wellbeing at Banyan Group as it prepares to open its 100th resort and reports a 16 per cent rise in revenue
Wellness design: Design of the times
Sixteen experts share their insights on how wellness design can be used to create more impactful and profitable spas in a new white paper by Accor
Opinion: High leverage learning
What three skills do people need to master to future-proof their spa careers? Jeremy McCarthy reports
Spa tourism: Hot on the trail
A famous pilgrimage route and natural hot springs are being combined in an innovative tourism package in Spain
Opinion: Beacons of light
As cities in the US start to hire chief wellness officers, Mia Kyricos reveals what this means for our sector
Sponsored: 111SKIN - Winning formulation
111SKIN’s spa/clinic concept is making waves globally – backed by a combination of medical expertise, intuitive partner support and potent products
Product focus: AI and robot massage
Spas around the world are starting to offer AI massage. We highlight the different types of equipment coming to market
Menu engineering: At your service
A dedicated brain health facility at Kamalaya and a menopause package by actor Naomi Watts feature in our programming pages this issue
Finishing touch: Big business
Companies investing in workers’ happiness outperform other portfolios in major global stock markets, according to new research
Synergy – The Retreat Show, the global trade show for retreats, has launched a global research
initiative that will provide insights into the retreat sector from both consumer and industry
perspectives.
The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) has published a non-regulatory global industry
framework designed to ensure the retreat market offers responsible experiences.
A new survey of UK and international spa practitioners shows that stress, burnout and
wellbeing concerns have caused one in three respondents to consider leaving the industry.
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity
guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's
physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing
sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
Anna Bjurstam has left her role as Wellness Pioneer at Six Senses Hotels and Resorts and
launched a new wellness, longevity and “consciousness consultancy” called Wahayla.
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, has opened today (10 July) in the Northwest of England
with a
1,715sq m Fairmont Spa that has been designed using a ‘Wellness without Walls’
concept.
Wellness hotels generating less than US$1 million (€932,700, £785,200) – or 10 per cent of
total revenue from wellness and leisure – recorded the strongest RevPAR and TRevPAR growth
in 2025 across categories when compared with 2024, according to the latest Wellness Real
Estate Report by RLA Global, produced in partnership with P and L benchmarking firm HotStats.
Lefay Resorts, the portfolio of two luxury wellness properties in Italy, has added emotional
dance classes and group cold plunge sessions in response to market demand for social
connection.
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative
engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly
designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]
