The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Nikoi - Complete Property Review
Location: Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Overall Score: 44/50 (Highest score on channel)
INTRODUCTION
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Nikoi opened recently in Peninsula Papagayo, disrupting a region previously dominated by the Four Seasons. The property has already won recognition as one of Traveling Leisure's top hotels in the world.
Review Methodology: Properties are evaluated across five categories (50 points total):
- Ambiance
- Room Quality
- Dining
- Service
- The "It Factor"
AMBIANCE: 9/10
First Impressions
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a grand wooden door reveal showcasing the Tree of Life courtyard. The centerpiece is a Cebu tree, which indigenous people believe holds up the heavens. The property design is inspired by a Cheritoga indigenous tribe village.
Key Spaces
La Casona
- Central gathering place featuring Costa Rican art
- Full bar and comfortable seating areas
- Check-in includes welcome drink: cold brew soursop with infused citrus husk
Nimbu Spa
- Incorporates Guanacasta Tchartega wisdom into treatments
- Features Latin America's largest hydrotherapy pool
- Multiple plunge pools with rainforest views
- Earth Ritual treatment: $500 (described as one of the best massages experienced)
- State-of-the-art Technogym equipment overlooking the peninsula
Additional Amenities
- Little Explorers program with indoor/outdoor playground facilities
- Air-conditioned funicular (only one in Costa Rica) descending to Neri Beach Club
- Four pools throughout property
- Hanging bridge (only one in Costa Rica)
- Complimentary activities including yoga
Evening Ambiance
Traditional Costa Rican music plays softly throughout the property. Beautiful lighting illuminates the Tree of Life, with candles placed strategically and stars filling the sky.
Notes: Some landscaping and spaces were not fully mature at time of visit. Expected to improve significantly in 3-6 months during the lush season.
ROOMS: 9/10
Property Configuration
- 107 total rooms
- 30 suites
- 1 four-bedroom villa
- 3 glamping tents
Three Design Zones
- Classic Zone: Hacienda-style with Spanish influences (featured in review)
- Traditional Zone
- Organic Zone: Treehouse-style accommodations
Room Features
Main Room
- Spacious, well-appointed layout
- Unique, curated fixtures and lighting throughout
- High-quality Guanacaste architecture with Spanish influences
- Comfortable bed (described as potentially best sleep on channel, surpassing Four Seasons)
- Complimentary branded hat
- Balcony with bay views (some rooms include private plunge pools)
Bathroom
- Dark stone dual vanity
- Circular mirrors
- Spanish-style design elements
- Complete vanity kit: hairbrush, razor, toothbrush, comb, nail kit
- Bathtub overlooking the bay
- Citrus-scented bath salts provided
Shower Test Results
- Size: Adequate but concentrated rain shower pattern
- Ease of use: Somewhat confusing controls
- Pressure: Direct and functional
- Note: Handheld faucet on separate control
Amenities
- Two branded Nekovi water bottles
- Costa Rican coffee pods with espresso machine
- Chocolates from Upaula region
- Popcorn and American snack brands
- Chocolate art piece: cacao fruit made entirely of chocolate containing three truffle-like balls
- Personalized note with gold lettering
- Ritz-Carlton Reserve robes
Minor Critiques: Balcony could be furnished more thoughtfully; some artwork could be refined.
DINING: 8.5/10
Restaurants (4 total)
1. Mirador (Breakfast only)
- Costa Rican coffee and traditional dishes
- International options available
- Tray-to-table service
- Standout dish: Truffle scrambled eggs with sourdough (described as "best thing on menu")
- Exceptional breads and pastries
2. Neri Beach Club (Beachfront)
- Ultra-fresh seafood (fish prepared with teeth, eyes, fins intact)
- Sourdough with jamón ibérico and emulsified tomato paste
- No fishy flavor in preparations
- Steps from the beach
3. Breeza (Light Breeze)
- Poolside location with ocean breeze
- Casual grab-and-go concept
- Fresh, healthy options
- Featured: Flavorful shrimp tacos with coleslaw
- Not the most beautiful restaurant but functional and satisfying
4. Puna (Main dinner restaurant)
- Peruvian gastronomy
- Executive Chef Diego Munoz (multiple Michelin stars worldwide)
- Standout dishes:
- Risotto with rare Aquarello rice, baby corn, and popcorn ("best risotto ever")
- Chicken wing stuffed with prawn and chicken, fried
- Ceviche (chef's signature dish) with fresh fish, citrus, and sweet potato
- Arroz Con Leche dessert (hot and cold, minimum five textures, heavy cinnamon)
- Predicted to earn Michelin Star soon
- Operating at half staff during visit but maintained excellent timing
Specialty Coffee
Café Rincon (Heart of Nikowi)
- High-end specialty coffee shop
- Colombian pastry chef trained in France
- Featured items:
- Expertly pulled espresso
- Strawberry croissant with perfect jam balance
- Coconut croissant (compared to Queen Amann)
- Chocolate coconut artistic masterpiece
Bars (3 total)
1. La Casona Bar
- Built from dismantled 300-year-old building materials
- Local medicinal cocktails and herbal drinks
- Traditional focus with incredible ambiance
2. Ambar (Sunset only)
- Simple ingredients emphasizing the experience
- Different menu from other bars
- Reviewer's favorite bar location
3. Cooper's Speakeasy (Hidden)
- Secret location behind hidden door in Puna restaurant
- Named in memory of COO of Ritz-Carlton Reserves who passed away during construction
- Features chandelier made from dried section of the Tree of Life
- Password-protected entry
Overall Assessment: Simple, high-quality ingredients with vast array of options. Some dishes ranked among the best ever experienced. Still working through minor inconsistencies, but chefs committed to continuous improvement.
SERVICE: Score Not Explicitly Stated
Manzu Butler System
Each guest receives a 24/7 personal butler (Manzu) who:
- Provides property tours
- Answers questions
- Makes reservations
- Offers attentive service
Experience: First-day service was extraordinary. Check-out day service was less attentive as butler prioritized incoming guests.
Service Tests Conducted
1. Room Service Breakfast Test
- Order: Eggs Benedict and black coffee for 7:00 AM
- Result: Perfect timing, hot coffee, perfectly runny yolk, excellent plating ✓
2. Unusual Request Test
- Request: Two lamps brought to room for additional lighting
- Result: Request fulfilled perfectly; lamps integrated naturally into room design ✓
Restaurant Service
- Very good and fast across all venues
- Puna maintained excellent timing despite operating at half staff
- Staff demonstrated genuine passion for the resort
- Many employees initiated conversations about what they love about the property
THE "IT FACTOR": 8.5/10
Cultural Integration
The entire resort design is based on a Cheritoga indigenous village structure:
- Chapel: Now an event center
- Tiendas: Traditional shops converted for guest retail
- La Casona: Central gathering place
- La Casita: Check-in area (represents traditional house)
The property feels like a secluded town designed the Ritz-Carlton Reserve way, creating deep connection to Costa Rican culture.
Value Proposition
- Many complimentary activities included
- Price point considered high but justified
- Educational value about the area, food, art, culture, and design
- Worth it for a weekend experience
Construction Details
- Five-year construction timeline
- Property blasted into peninsula using dynamite
- Materials gathered on-site used in construction
- Authentic integration of local materials and traditions
Unique Amenities
- Wooden leaf key card
- Only funicular in Costa Rica
- Only hanging bridge in Costa Rica
- Latin America's largest hydrotherapy pool
Note: Other area hotels also incorporate Costa Rican culture, but Nikoi's execution is exceptional.
Return Factor
Reviewer confirmed would return and has already recommended the property to others.
FINAL VERDICT
Total Score: 44/50 (Highest score on the channel to date)
Breakdown:
- Ambiance: 9/10
- Room: 9/10
- Dining: 8.5/10
- Service: (Estimated high score based on positive feedback)
- It Factor: 8.5/10
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Nikoi represents a complete disruption to the Peninsula Papagayo luxury market, offering exceptional design, authentic cultural integration, world-class dining, and personalized service in a brand-new facility that will only improve as landscaping matures.