Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Luxury, rooted
We let the land lead and the story follow.
As Ritz-Carlton Reserve prepared to open its newest property on Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo, the brand needed a partner to shape the visual and verbal identities for its spa and seven food and beverage outlets. Each concept required its own collateral suite—designed to reflect the natural beauty, cultural richness, and sense of place unique to the destination.
Following a site visit, we immersed ourselves in the history, flora, and fauna of the region to inform each concept. The resulting identities were distinct yet cohesive, each with a clear connection to its surroundings. Through thoughtful naming, design, and storytelling, the collateral brought the resort’s offerings to life in meaningful, memorable ways.
Services
- Creative Direction
- Brand Identity
- Collateral Design
- Localization
- Naming
- Packaging Design
- Brand Guidelines
The Spa
Nimbu
Nekajui’s luxury spa is a celebration of the natural elements that are ever present in Costa Rica - namely, water. We looked to the area’s green and gold seasons to build an identity that felt true true to the locale.
The Speakeasy
Cooper’s
A speakeasy with an extensive spirts list, this cocktail bar is more than just a place to grab a drink. Named after the former Ritz Carlton CEO, Cooper’s is a place of discovery. We looked to the CEO’s love of sailing to create an identity that captured that feeling.
The beach club
Niri
Reached by breathtaking funicular, Niri Beach Club is a hideaway within a hideaway. Nestled in the forest, we took inspiration from the natural surroundings to build a tactile, inviting brand.
The sunset bar
Ambar
Perched high on a cliff, Ambar is both a nature observatory deck and a place to watch the sunset. We used both of these elements to create an identity that reflected the unmatched beauty of the horizon views.
The coffee & Cacao cafe
Cafe Rincon
Cafe Rincon - named for a nearby volcano - needed to capture the welcoming spirit of a typical Costa Rican cafe. This outlet featured local coffee roasted on site and dynamic programming highlighting the rich ingredients of the country.
The Lobby Bar
La Casona Bar
Located in La Casona, Nekajui’s main building and gathering space, this lobby bar is a celebration of local flora. Our identity took inspiration from plants featured in the menu, creating an organic system that truly reflected the space.
The Signature Restaurant
Puna
From the mind of chef Diego Muñoz, Puna is a celebration of traditional Peruvian cuisine, done to perfection. We looked to Peru’s high mountains to create an identity that was reflective of Puna’s vision.
