Stay in the Costa Rican Forest Canopy (Literally) at Nekajui

It would be hard to get closer to nature than in the treetop tents at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica. This lodging experience isn't a backyard camping trip—it's a luxury accommodation, designed by SB Architects, nestled in the tropical oasis of Costa Rica.

The architects collaborated with landscape architect and land planner EDSA and Luxury Frontiers, a market leader in experiential lodging, to create an immersive experience with luxury offerings and a design reflective of the area.

From the extinct Chorotega language, "nekajui" means "lush garden," and it's a fitting description for this high-end sanctuary. The 1,400-acre property is set within the protected land of Peninsula Papagayo, a private resort community in Costa Rica's northwestern region of Guanacaste. The entire five-star resort is stunning, but it's the special treetop tents that will give you ethereal views of the Pacific Ocean while putting you in harmony with the land's natural rhythm.

Because Nekajui is built within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, honoring Costa Rica's commitment to ecotourism and biodiversity was of utmost importance to the three firms. The treetop tents were positioned with a light-on-land approach, meaning the design is guided by the land's natural contours. Additionally, the structures are elevated on piles to protect the forest floor. The tents also feature Luxury Frontiers' longest membrane, an engineering feat with a curved central beam uniting the tents.

All three treetop tents blur the line between indoor comfort and outdoor beauty thanks to breathable canvas and roll-up mesh openings. Using this biophilic design, the indoor-outdoor effect provides the guests with fresh air and natural sounds. The tents, all of which are two-bedroom suites, feature a plunge pool on the patio with sweeping ocean views.

Named as one of the most anticipated 2025 hotel openings in both Travel and Leisure and Vogue, Nekajui offers unparalleled access to the protected biodiversity of Costa Rica. Staying in the resort's treetops provides a rare opportunity for guests to truly become one with nature.

—Dalene Rovenstine