Being one of the first guests to experience Nimbu Spa & Wellness at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, felt like an invitation into a new dimension of luxury. Not the kind tethered to status symbols, but the kind defined by presence, place, and precision.
Nekajui is one of only a handful of Ritz-Carlton Reserves in the world, with just eight properties globally, each located in a remote destination selected for its ecological and cultural significance. These Reserves are the brand’s most exclusive offering, focused not on opulence for its own sake, but on creating singular, immersive experiences in places that feel untouched and are unforgettable.
Nimbu is the spa at the heart of Nekajui, perched above the Pacific Ocean on Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo, a protected 1,400-acre enclave known for its biodiversity and dramatic beauty. Fringed by rainforest and flanked by volcanic hills, the peninsula is a magnet for travelers who prioritize conservation, privacy, and transformative experiences. It’s not uncommon to spot white-faced capuchins and scarlet macaws within steps of your suite.
From the moment you step inside, it’s clear: this isn’t your typical resort spa. The treatment rooms at Nimbu are architectural marvels, built into the hillside like modernist treehouses, each with a cinematic view of the Pacific framed by the jungle. These are not just treatment rooms; they are suspended sanctuaries, crafted from reclaimed teak and volcanic stone, where silence becomes an active ingredient in the experience.
My visit began with a guided walk through the open-air corridors—lined with reclaimed wood, volcanic stone, and native flora—to the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit. The centerpiece here is the largest hydrotherapy pool in Latin America, wrapped around a dramatic marble island with multiple thermal jet stations and an underwater soundscape. The resort boasts six pools in all, but the hydrotherapy pool is reserved exclusively for the spa. I lingered as long as possible (and still dream about it).
Next came the signature volcanic stone massage, which used locally sourced stones and custom botanical oils to release every trace of tension. But what happened after the treatment elevated the experience even more. I was quietly escorted to a private outdoor shower and soaking tub, both perched on a cliffside terrace overlooking the Pacific. There, I was given the gift of time: time to sip champagne, soak in silence, or swing gently in an open-air daybed as the sun dipped toward the horizon.
Nimbu’s treatment menu reflects a balance of global modalities and hyper-local wisdom. There are moon cycle alignment therapies, a Guayacán tree bath ritual, and marine-based detox scrubs using salt harvested from the Nicoya Peninsula. Every treatment is built around the idea of reconnecting with nature’s rhythms—slow, cyclical, and deeply restorative.
There’s also a plant-forward, locally sourced wellness menu served on-site. My lunch—a Costa Rican bowl with seared queso turrialba, roasted sweet potatoes, and avocado over brown rice—was one of the best meals I had all week. Add a glass of champagne and a seat facing the sunset, and the spa turns into a retreat you don’t want to leave. A reminder that indulgence and well-being are not mutually exclusive.
What makes Nimbu a standout is not just the exclusivity (which it offers in spades), but the intention behind every detail. This is wellness that respects its cultural context. It’s luxury that lives lightly on the land. It’s a space built for those who know that well-being isn’t a splurge—it’s an investment in clarity, energy, and a longer life.
Worth Knowing
- Location: Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
- Spa Design: Treehouse-style treatment rooms, volcanic stone finishes, reclaimed native materials
- Signature Treatments: Volcanic stone massage, moon cycle therapy, hydrotherapy circuit, marine salt detox
- Eco Credibility: Built with low-impact architecture, locally sourced ingredients and botanicals, community engagement
