Blaire's 5 Best - Nicaragua
To be COMPLETELY HONEST, Nicaragua was not on my radar about a year ago... Some of my initial thoughts:
Why go to Nicaragua when Costa Rica is the same thing?
Is Nicaragua safe?
Is there anything to do in Nicaragua?
Are the resorts in Nicaragua even comparable to any of the amazing resorts all over the world?
And let me tell you... Nicaragua surprised me... it was actually my most favorite place I visited this year. The resorts, as I will describe in depth a little bit later, were some of the most special I've ever experienced, and the culture and the pride of the people in this country are contagious.
Did you know Nicaragua's food is 100% organic? It's illegal to use pesticides in Nicaragua.
Did you know Nicaragua produces Flor de Cana rum which is also organic?
Did you know Nicaragua has sweeping landscapes of both the ocean & the mountains?
This country is ULTRA special, and I cant wait to share my experience with everyone. While there, I visited two incredible resorts - both very different but owned by brothers from one of the most prominent Nicaraguan families. Here were the 5 things I liked best about each...
Nekupe Resort
*there are A LOT of pictures, but it's worth it to keep scrolling...
I first arrived to Nekupe Resort at night and wasn't quite sure what to expect. The short 1.5 hour drive from the Managua airport begins with your personal ranger greeting you at the customs exit. When I arrived at the resort, I was taken in an ATV to my room and was stunned by the super plush accommodations. I was told to sleep with my blinds open to be awoken to an incredible sunrise - and I'm SO fortunate my lack of sleep awarded me with this experience.
Before I get in to my 5 things I liked best about this resort, I wanted to give you a little more information about it. Nekupe's owner, Don Alfredo Pellas, loves safaris and shooting guns. He created a family house with a sophisticated shooting range for his loved ones to enjoy but then decided to open it to the public less than a year ago. And what a TREAT for us! With only 8 rooms, this place is exclusive and has world class service. Here are the 5 things I liked best about Nekupe:
- The Rangers. Each room has its very own dedicated ranger. This ranger can do anything from driving you around in the ATV (each room has one of those, too!!) to arranging for your daily activities to submiting your dining preferences to the chef to becoming your new BFF during your stay! The rangers are carefully paired with each set of guests based on personal preferences and who will "jive" best with the guest. Each ranger is fun loving and extremely professional!
- The Activities. All of the activities (excluding spa services and ammunition) are INCLUDED! Like.... I don't think you understand what a savings this is!!! Some of these activities include a private cooking class in the middle of the jungle, horseback rides, shooting guns in the 17 shooting areas with private guides, completing the ropes course, having a private yoga class, playing tennis - to name a few!! And these activities aren't only offered at a certain period of time; they are always available for you! Your ranger will help coordinate... but you can make your days as jammed packed as you'd like! There's no limit on the number of activities you can do.
- The Food. As mentioned above, all the food in Nicaragua is organic, and Nekupe's food may have been some of the best I've had. The chef at Nekupe was Mr. Don Alfredo's personal chef. He truly believes that you don't need to fill up on bread or anything unhealthy and that you can make delish food without eating junk. It was all just soooo good. I don't think I left anything on my plate!!
- The Common Areas. Nekupe has SO MANY places to hang out with family and friends. It seems like every where I looked, there was a space to relax - whether it was a gorgeous couch overlooking the valley views or a cozy couch in the living room areas or a fun bar to enjoy a drink after your many activities, this is NOT the place to only hang out in the room!
- The Intentional Experience. Everything at Nekupe is so perfectly planned out and served a purpose. One of the most meaningful things I did was went to a lake where we were given an orphaned pheasant (the staff at Nekupe found its egg, put it in an incubator and raised it until it was strong enough to survive on its own) and released it into the wild for its first time. It was so cool to be a part of thoughtful conservationism. Everything else was designed to showcase Nicaragua in a high class way. Nothing felt contrived but rather extremely genuine.
Nekupe is honestly a place that tugged at every one of my heart strings. This is a resort I quite frankly will never forget and want every single person to experience.
Mukul Resort
After spending three nights at Nekupe, I was able to spend two nights at Mukul which is about an hour south. I was SO excited to visit Mukul ... it's gotten a lot of buzz in the press as being one of the hottest new hotel openings! Lots of celebrities are flocking to this resort since it's still a bit "off the grid" but maintains a level of sophistication comparable in top beach resorts all over the world.
Mukul was founded by Don Carlos Pellas who is an avid fisherman. He discovered this piece of land while on a fishing excursion and thought it was the perfect place to build a family getaway. Much like Don Alfredo, Don Carlos transformed his family retreat to a world class resort. Here are the 5 things I liked best about Mukul:
- The Chandeliers. Mukul has the most incredible chandeliers all over the property. Each are woven and when illuminated, shine so brilliantly. And what I loved so much about Mukul is that not only the chandeliers but also all the furniture and even things such as art work and bed sheets are made from local artisans. Mukul really gives back to the Nicaraguan community and showcases the extreme talent of its citizens.
- The Accommodations. I was so fortunate to stay in a Premium Ocean View Bohio which is like a luxury treehouse. It had the most insane views of the coastline, a plunge pool and a sweeping balcony. Mukul also offers villas which are bigger and have pools as well. These villas are closer to the coast line with different views. And lastly Mukul offers residences for larger families or groups to rent.
- The Spa. Mukul's spa is super unique - each treatment room was like your "mini spa". It had a sauna, steam room and an outdoor pool. Mukul's treatment list is extensive, and Mukul is quickly becoming a wellness destination. Plus, the spa has the most incredible views of the property!
- The Golf Course. Mukul has a PGA Championship golf course on property that is actually eco-friendly. This means that when designing the golf course, instead of reorganizing the land to fit the golf course design, they actually designed the golf course to compliment the existing land - all hills, trees, etc. And of course the 18th hole ends with an insane view of the ocean!
- The Surf School. Mukul has a world class surf school designed to make even a beginner ride a wave or two. A few people I traveled with said the most memorable experience at Mukul was learning to surf as the sun was setting. And for the advanced surfers, Mukul offers great waves to keep you occupied all day!!
Mukul was truly incredible. The sunsets over the ocean were beyond dreamy to watch. This is such a beautiful property that is perfect for couples, families, honeymooners or friends.
I loved Nicaragua so much and can't stop thinking about the day I will be able to return. In the mean time, I would LOVE to get you to this magical destination that holds a special place in my heart.