Hotels

Indigenous Costa Rican flavours on full display at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

13 February 2025

Nestled within one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has officially opened its doors, offering discerning travellers a secluded, ultra-luxury retreat amidst the unspoiled natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo.

Named after the Chorotega word for “lush garden,” Nekajui (NEK-ah-wee) marks a monumental milestone as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America and the eighth addition to the brand’s exclusive portfolio.

Located on Peninsula Papagayo, a 1,400-acre canvas of dry tropical forest atop coastal cliffs, Nekajui’s collection of 107 thoughtfully designed ocean-facing rooms, suites, and three luxury treetop tents seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living while celebrating Costa Rica’s rich cultural heritage.

Culinary concepts

Rooted in Costa Rican heritage and crafted by world-class talent, Nekajui’s culinary and cocktail destinations promise an epicurean journey as transformative as the destination itself.

At the centre of the resort’s dining offerings is Puna, the signature restaurant conceptualized by acclaimed Chef Diego Muñoz. Renowned for his role in shaping modern Peruvian cuisine, Chef Muñoz masterfully combines indigenous ingredients with refined global techniques to craft an immersive dining experience.

Inspired by the Andean highlands and Costa Rica’s lush landscapes, Puna will also present an exclusive six-seat Asian-Peruvian Omakase-style experience. Native flavors are harmonized with precise Asian techniques, offering a sophisticated, multi-sensory journey.

Executive Chef Lulu Elizaga spearheads the resort’s culinary program, infusing global expertise and creative vision into each dish. Nestled within the canopy, just steps away from the beach, the ultra-stylish Niri Beach Club, accessible by a chic funicular, offers a breathtaking setting for dining and drinks into the evening, featuring a menu inspired by Spanish and Portuguese cuisine.

The private beach club celebrates earth and fire with a wood-fired oven, Iberian-inspired dishes, and refreshing Agua Fresca variations and modern twists on beach classics. Situated near the resort’s sparkling infinity pool, Poolside presents Latin-inspired casual dining with a wide selection of freshly caught seafood. Ámbar, a suspended treetop bar, named after the gemstone “amber” with its golden yellow hues reminiscent of a sunset, brings vibrant cocktails to life amidst Costa Rica’s lush flora and celestial motifs. 

La Casona Bar reimagines the traditional lobby bar with a botanical twist, serving local herb-and floral-infused cocktails crafted with ingredients sourced directly from the resort’s gardens, complemented by a curated selection of delectable tapas, snacks and quick bites.

 

Nekajui’s innovative beverage program has been exclusively created with The Herball, mixology specialists renowned for designing sustainable and culturally anchored drinks, tonics and cocktails. This collaboration elevates the bar experience, blending local botanicals with inventive techniques to embody Costa Rica’s natural spirit. The Herball’s unique menus come to life at Nekajui’s restaurants, bars, and lounges, including Café Rincón, which celebrates Costa Rica’s rich coffee and cacao heritage with artisan brews, imaginative cocktail creations, and a light gourmet menu.

For more information visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/lirrz-nekajui-a-ritz-carlton-reserve.

Three Michelin-Starred Chef Nacho Manzano to run Porto Gaia Hotel’s culinary program

14 January 2025

Tivoli Hotels & Resort’s Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel has announced an exclusive partnership with three-Michelin-starred Spanish chef, Nacho Manzano, who will oversee the luxury hotel’s dining establishments—1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar and Boa Vista Terrace. Chef Manzano brings his tried-and-true family traditions, revered legacy and rich culinary heritage of Northern Spain’s Asturias region to the hotel, which is scheduled to open next month in Portugal’s Douro Valley wine country.

Born in La Salgar, a small village in Asturias, Nacho Manzano began working in his family’s restaurant where he formed a deep connection with the flavors and traditions of his homeland while cooking his grandmother’s passed-down recipes. Years later, he transformed Casa Marcial, a simple local restaurant and family home, into one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Spain, which was awarded its third Michelin star in 2024.

Chef Manzano brings his unique culinary acumen to Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia’s 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar by Nacho Manzano, where his tasting menu will showcase haute cuisine paired with award-winning Kopke wines. He will also oversee Boa Vista Terrace by Nacho Manzano, a casual sharing concept with panoramic views over the Douro River and the city of Porto, as well as banqueting menus for special occasions, weddings and corporate events.

1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar by Nacho Manzano

Offering a timeless atmosphere with stunning views of Porto, 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar by Nacho Manzano will take guests on an incredible culinary adventure showcasing the purity of each ingredient, and a philosophy of minimal intervention and techniques, like steaming and low-temperature cooking, that honor and enhance the ingredients’ finest qualities. The signature tasting menu will change every two months and will be paired with exquisite wines from the Douro region, including renowned Kopke Port wines and Douro DOC still wines from Quinta de São Luiz and Quinta da Boavista. The restaurant proudly features the widest range of Kopke Ports, including some very rare and unique selections, such as the Kopke Harvest 1934. 

 

Boa Vista Terrace by Nacho Manzano

The relaxed Boa Vista Terrace combines all-day dining with attractive interior design and warm ambience, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite, a business lunch or dinner, or a casual meal with friends and family. The international menu draws its roots from the Atlantic and is destined to become one of the best places to dine in Porto.

Set to open in February, Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia will set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the northern region of Portugal, combining Tivoli Hotels & Resorts’ heritage of timeless travel with the storied history and legacy of Kopke, the oldest Port Wine House in the world, established in 1638. Older than Douro’s demarcated region and a leader in the production of tawny and white port, the Kopke Port wine cellar, adjoining the hotel, will be one of the most exclusive attractions where guests will enjoy an immersive experience in the world of the most recognized fortified wine. In addition to its restaurants, the hotel will also feature a pool bar and the Sky Bar Kopke, a rooftop that specializes in signature Port cocktails and captivating views of Porto. 

Unico 20°87° has picked its next celebrity chef for its in-house restaurant residency

1 January 2025

UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, a five-star, all-inclusive beachfront resort in the heart of the Yucatan peninsula, today announced illustrious Chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo as its next celebrity chef-in-residence to helm the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Cueva Siete.

Since opening, Cueva Siete has become a vibrant hub of rotating celebrity chefs who interpret the region’s cuisine with signature techniques, locally sourced ingredients, and unique flavors. Under Chef Gerardo, Cueva Siete will undergo a culinary renaissance, bringing distinctive new dishes and a fresh perspective to every table.

Since its inception, the Chef-in-Residence program at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya has hosted numerous master chefs to oversee the entire restaurant for two full years, transforming the experience and ensuring a refreshed experience for returning visitors. The resident chef is granted full creative control of Cueva Siete’s menu and kitchen in order to showcase their expertise and signature specialties.

 

“I am thrilled to officially be part of the Chef-in-Residence program at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya. My predecessors, Chef Lula Martin Del Campo, Chef Xavier Perez Stone, and Chef Christian Bravo have truly laid a remarkable foundation and exceptionally high standard for the program,” said Chef Gerardo. “I’m most looking forward to seeing hotel guests experience my menu with unique flavors and hopefully, have them coming back for seconds.”

About Chef Lugo

Chef Lugo brings more than 25 years of experience to Cueva Siete, with a focus on fresh, local, seasonal ingredients and responsible sourcing from regional farmers and growers.

He is currently Executive Chef at the renowned Nicos, named among Latin’s America’s 50 Best Restaurants for 10 consecutive years, and a recipient of the prestigious Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award. Chef Gerardo has helmed exceptional kitchens across the globe, including Le Bristol in Paris, Las Rosas Restaurant in Turin, Imperial Hotel Tokyo, and numerous others. He serves as a mentor to Young Chefs S.Pellegrino, and also appeared as a judge on the first edition of Netflix series Iron Chef Mexico.

Chef Gerardo’s menu at Cueva Siete will feature traditional Yucatan dishes, including Xe’ek, a fresh citrus salad and Salbut Dzik, a modern take on a pulled protein salbute. The menu will dive into local flavors and ingredients like jicama, plantain, purslane and achiote.

With the launch of this latest culinary initiative, UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya further solidifies its reputation as a top culinary destination for thoughtfully prepared, authentic cuisine defined by the unique tastes, textures, and aromas of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.

For more information, visit http://www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com.