How to fall in love with Nicaragua without leaving your resort

If you like Costa Rica, you’re going to fall head-over-heals in love with Nicaragua. Often compared to the Costa Rica of 15 years ago—before commercialization and over-saturation of “eco-friendly” hotels—Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast enchants from the moment you lay eyes on the piercing green jungle out the airplane window.

And while the country’s reputation for crime is largely exaggerated (the Department of State officially describes Nicaragua as having “low overall reported crime rates”), those looking for a soft intro to Central America would do well to book a resort. One attractive choice is Mukul Beach Golf & Spa in Manzanillo. Nestled along a private, pristine beachfront, the hotel has brought a subtle dose of true barefoot luxury to Nicaragua’s heavenly shores.

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Completed in 2013, Mukul offers everything you could want in a 5-star resort and then some. A signature oceanfront golf course, a world-class spa and private bungalows are just a few of the enticing features. However, the most captivating aspect of the resort turns out to be the way Mukul artfully reflects Nicaragua’s beauty through both the design of the hotel and the experiences offered to guests. Here’s how to fall in love with Nicaragua without stepping foot off resort grounds:

Sleep soundly in a bohio

The resort’s 23 bohios (bungalows) are perched high in the jungle canopy and offer stunning views of the beach below. Made from sustainable native teak and pine, each abode had its own wrap-around veranda complete with private plunge pool. A luxurious king-sized bed sits as the center focal point of each room, and high ceilings create a sense of spacious grandeur. You’ll be particularly taken by the massive dual-head rain shower in the bathroom that has a large window looking out into the treetops.

Lap up the good life poolside

Back down on the beachfront, Mukul’s main common area includes a picturesque pool surrounded by white-cushioned loungers and daybeds. Beyond the infinity edge, gaze out at the Pacific and watch the surfers catch some waves. All of the staff are friendly and attentive, so you’ll never be without a mimosa or rum punch in hand!

Find your hole in one

Mukul is also home to one of the best golf courses in Latin America. The lush jungle terrain and beachfront setting make the David McLay Kidd-course one of the most beautiful and fun 18 holes you’ll ever play. As with all their endeavors, the resort underwent painstaking efforts to preserve the natural environment when the course was designed. Many matured trees were kept in place and a special treated-water irrigation system was implemented.

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Enjoy the surf—all to yourself

The resort’s beach is nothing short of spectacular. Emerald green foliage runs right into silver-white sands. Vibrant turquoise water yields some of the best surfing waves in the world. Nicaragua is know for its amazing surfing, and the break off Mukul delivers just what you’re looking for. Grab a surf board or body board and head into the ocean. A fun, long break means you can ride the waves in for a long distance. Best of all, you share the beach with no one. Only Mukul’s resort, beach club and golf course occupy this stretch of shore. Capped off by rugged cliffs on either side, you could be the only one in sight during your morning stroll in the sand.

Bliss out

If you like being pampered, then visit Mukul for the spa alone. Six private treatment villas sit on the hillside among the tropical foliage. After an incredible massage, enjoy a hot steam shower or head outside to the villa’s private patio and plunge pool where fresh fruit juice and treats await.

Live like the localsdo

To enjoy yourself like the locals do you’ll need to indulge in both rum and cigars during your down time. Mukul allows you to experience both. Tucked off their main lounge area, you’ll find the cigar room. Humidified and filled will bold tobacco aromas, this special room is chalk full of the best Nicaraguan cigars—and even some nice Cuban ones, too. Next door lies the rum room, which serves as an ode the country’s beloved Flor de Caña rum. Don’t miss the rum experience, where an extremely knowledgeable staff member will walk you through a high-end tasting. You’ll learn about Nicaragua’s unique history with the sugar cane trade and finish with a taste from their coveted 33-year Flor de Caña bottle.

Drink in a sunset—and a cocktail or two

Spend your evenings under Mukul’s central, thatched-roof canopy lounge. Cushioned seating and rocking chairs speckle the open air seating area, and an elaborate woven light installation illuminates the space brilliantly from above. Looking out onto the pool and the ocean, you’ll witness some of the most magical Pacific sunsets.

Eat like a local

For meal time, choose to either dine casually outside under the pergola at La Terraza or step it up a notch for some fine-dining indoors at LaMesa. Both restaurants serve delicious food inspired by a combination of Mexican, Italian and French cuisines made with local ingredients. The local dishes are the best though, and you won’t soon forget the fresh fruits and juices at breakfast each morning. As your final night-cap at the end of a long but relaxing day, head down to the beach bar for one last rum cocktail. With your toes in the sand and twinkly lights hanging from the tree above, you’ll be planning the next visit before you’ve even left.

Other recommended Nicaragua resorts:

Aqua Wellness Resort, El Gigante

Pelican Eyes, San Juan del Sur

Bahia del Sol Villas & Condominiums, San Juan del Sur

Villas de Palermo Hotel & Resort, San Juan del Sur

Hacienda & Ecolodge Morgan’s Rock, San Juan del Sur