Nekajui Ritz-Carlton Reserve vs. Four Seasons Costa Rica: Which is Better? (2026 Review)
If Peninsula Papagayo is the kind of place where every curve of coastline feels like a movie set, then these two properties are the stars. Four Seasons Costa Rica is the confident classic. Nekajui is the new, design-forward supermodel with a funicular. You really can’t go wrong, but the experiences have their own texture. And to be clear, there is a lot of overlap. Same golf course. Same tennis and recreation areas. Same third-party company for excursions and day trips. Papagayo is the shared backyard. The difference is in how each property frames it.
The funicular down to Nekajui’s beach is part transportation, part vacation drama. In the best way.
Overall Feel
Four Seasons feels like a true luxury resort built for families. Warm, polished, full of life. The kind of place where kids feel at home and parents feel taken care of. It has a natural energy to it, the kind that makes you want to wander around in your sandals with a coffee.
Nekajui feels more curated. A little sleeker and more design-forward. Calm without being quiet. The architecture and lighting do half the heavy lifting of relaxing you. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone, which is exactly why it works.
Rooms
Four Seasons rooms are classic, comfortable, and very family friendly. Great layouts. Reliable storage. And because it’s on its own peninsula with two beaches, you usually get a lovely view.
Nekajui’s rooms feel like modern Costa Rica. Sculptural lighting. Wooden soaking tubs. Frette linens. Intentional space. The two-queen Ocean Vista room is shockingly functional for families who don’t want a full suite. And the balcony is a true hangout zone, not an afterthought.
Food
The truth is that it can be guaranteed that you will not have a bad meal at either of these properties. They both have multiple strong restaurant options. If you’re staying at one resort, it’s worth the reservation and 7 minute drive to check out the other. FYI yes, they all have kids menus.
Four Seasons wins on spontaneity. A very good no-reservation restaurant is a luxury in itself. Sushi, pad thai, coconut curry shrimp, all easy and delicious. You can show up hungry and be fed.
Nekajui wins on atmosphere. Brisa at sunset is almost too pretty. The lighting glows, the colors shift, and the whole thing feels like someone designed the mood board around that exact hour. There’s also a treehouse bar for adults and a splurge-worthy omakase dinner.
Pools
Four Seasons has great family energy. Plenty of space, great service, shade options, and that classic resort buzz.
Nekajui’s pools feel more sculpted into the landscape. The main infinity pool is where everyone gathers. The adults-only pool somehow stays empty, no matter how many adults are on property. Peaceful would be an understatement.
Beach
Four Seasons gives you two beaches, both easy and family friendly. Classic white sand, swimmable water, and plenty of room.
Nekajui’s beach is smaller and more dramatic. A marbled mix of black and white volcanic sand. It disappears at high tide and returns at low tide. Accessed by a very steep, very fun funicular. Snorkeling was wonderful.
Spa and Wellness
Four Seasons has a very good spa and gym, but Nekajui wins here. The hydrotherapy circuit alone could convince someone to extend their stay. Hot and cold plunges, ocean views, a breezy open-air gym, and a serene yoga studio where even midday classes feel cool.
Nekajui’s hydrotherapy circuit is the kind of spa detail that makes a trip feel like a real reset.
Kid Friendliness
Four Seasons is the clear family hub. Kids club, toys, activities, warm service, and a natural rhythm that includes children without making anyone feel like they’re at a children’s resort. Countless honeymoons happen here too. It’s not just for families.
Nekajui is kid friendly but in a quieter, more design-forward way. They’re great with special requests, and some suites have adorable bunk rooms. It’s more serene overall, perfect for families who travel well and appreciate a beautiful setting.
Service
Four Seasons service is classic, consistent, and as polished as you’d expect.
Nekajui’s service is warm and heartfelt, with a few small bumps that are normal for a new resort. I have full confidence it will match the design very soon.
Who Should Go Where
The Adults Only Pool Area at the Nekajui
• Honeymoon: Both work, truly. Plenty of honeymoons happen at Four Seasons. But if I had to choose, I think Nekajui might win for me here. It feels a little more cinematic.
• A special grown-up birthday trip: Nekajui, no question. It has the mood, the lighting, the spa, the sunsets.
• A multigen holiday: Four Seasons. Easy, spacious, organized. The grandparents will be happy, the kids will be happy, and you’ll never have to overthink the daily plan.
The Verdict
Both are beautiful. Both share the same Papagayo perks. Both give you access to golf, tennis, recreation, excursions, and the same natural playground. Four Seasons feels like a true family vacation. Nekajui feels like the elevated, design-forward version of that vacation. The good news is that you can’t choose wrong here. Papagayo makes both shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Four Seasons Costa Rica or Nekajui better?
Neither is universally better. Four Seasons Costa Rica is better for families, multi-generational trips, and travelers who want an easy, polished resort experience with lots of activity. Nekajui is better for couples, design lovers, wellness-focused travelers, and families who want something quieter, newer, and more cinematic. They share the same Peninsula Papagayo setting, but the feeling is very different.
Is Four Seasons Costa Rica better for families?
Yes, Four Seasons Costa Rica is the easier choice for most families. It has a stronger built-in family rhythm, a true kids’ club, teen-friendly spaces, casual dining, two beaches, and that classic luxury resort energy where children feel welcome without the hotel feeling like a kids’ resort. It is especially good for families who want options without overplanning every day.
Is Nekajui kid-friendly?
Yes, Nekajui is kid-friendly, but in a quieter and more refined way. It works best for families who travel well, appreciate design, and do not need a huge resort scene. Some accommodations are especially helpful for families, including suites with bunk rooms, and the staff is warm with children. That said, if your kids want constant activity and a big social pool scene, Four Seasons is usually the safer fit.
Which resort is better for a honeymoon or couples trip?
Nekajui is my pick for a honeymoon, anniversary, or grown-up escape. It feels more intimate, atmospheric, and design-forward, with beautiful lighting, dramatic views, excellent wellness spaces, and a calmer overall mood. Four Seasons can absolutely work for couples too, but Nekajui feels more special-occasion coded.
Which resort has the better beach?
Four Seasons has the easier beach setup. It has two beaches, both of which feel more classic, swimmable, and family-friendly. Nekajui’s beach is smaller and more dramatic, with volcanic sand, a funicular ride, and excellent snorkeling at low tide. Choose Four Seasons for easy beach days. Choose Nekajui if you like a beach with a little more mood and a little less predictability.
Which resort has the better pools?
Four Seasons has the better pool scene for families. It is sunny, social, easy, and well serviced. Nekajui has the more beautiful and serene pool setting, especially if you are drawn to infinity pools, quiet corners, and adults-only spaces. In very simple terms: Four Seasons is better for pool energy, Nekajui is better for pool atmosphere.
Which resort has better rooms?
Nekajui has the more design-forward rooms. The rooms feel newer, moodier, and more intentional, with beautiful materials, outdoor spaces, and a stronger sense of place. Four Seasons rooms are classic, comfortable, and very functional for families. If room design matters most, Nekajui wins. If easy family functionality matters most, Four Seasons is hard to beat.
Which resort has the better spa and wellness experience?
Nekajui has the stronger spa and wellness experience. The hydrotherapy circuit, ocean views, open-air gym, yoga spaces, and overall sense of calm make it feel like a true wellness escape. Four Seasons also has a very good spa and fitness offering, but wellness is more central to the Nekajui experience.
Can you stay at one resort and visit the other?
Yes, with some planning. The two resorts are close enough that it is worth having dinner or drinks at the other property if you are staying on Peninsula Papagayo. They also share access to the broader Papagayo setting, including golf, tennis, recreation areas, and many of the same third-party excursions. I would not choose one assuming you can fully use the other like a guest, but you can absolutely experience both during the same trip.
Which is better for a multi-generational trip?
Four Seasons Costa Rica is the better choice for most multi-generational trips. It is easier, more spacious-feeling, and more organized for different ages. Grandparents, parents, teens, and younger children can all find their own rhythm without the trip feeling like a daily logistics meeting. Nekajui can work beautifully for a stylish, well-traveled family, but Four Seasons is the more obvious win for a larger family group.
Is Nekajui worth the higher price?
Nekajui is worth it if you care about design, atmosphere, wellness, privacy, and the feeling of staying somewhere new and special. It is not necessarily worth paying more if your priority is easy family programming, a classic beach setup, and a lively resort rhythm. This is where matching the hotel to the traveler matters more than picking the “best” hotel on paper.
Which resort should I book?
Book Four Seasons Costa Rica if you want a polished, active, family-friendly luxury resort that makes the trip feel easy. Book Nekajui if you want a more serene, stylish, wellness-forward stay with stronger design and a more grown-up mood. If you are still torn, that usually means both could work, and the deciding factor is who is traveling, how old the kids are, and whether you want the trip to feel lively or cinematic.
If you’re mapping out your own Costa Rica trip and want help choosing the right resort for your style, you can start planning with me right here on my website. For a detailed breakdown of a full week, check out my Papagayo, Costa Rica Family Vacation Guide published on FORA.
I book these properties all the time and can match you with the spot that actually fits how you travel. If you prefer to double check my credentials, you can peek at my Fora advisor page or Virtuoso profile and read my Testimonials. Either way, I’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the fun.
