Heaven sent
To nurture with nature will be the focus of the new Nekupe Sporting Resort and Retreat in Nandaime, Nicaragua. Opening in September, the environmental enclave will offer eight elegant accommodations, set within the mountain region’s 1,300-acre nature reserve, and a lush list of amenities.
The vision of owners Don Alfredo Pellas Jr. and Doña Theresita Pellas, the luxurious layout was influenced in part by architect Iside Sarmiento, who suggested each structural element’s location for optimal flow and minimal impact. Guests residing in one of the four 1,100-square-foot standalone villas will be treated to a pampered perspective of the dormant Mombacho Volcano (which last erupted in 1570) through floor-to-ceiling windows and open terraces. Each is also equipped with a separate bedroom and living area (with a flat-screen television) and a bathroom with a soaking tub, a shower and Annick Goutal bath amenities. Rounding out the room count is La Gran Residencia which houses two 1,300-square-foot grand suites with outdoor showers and indoor bathing tubs, as well as two 870-square-foot suites with high ceilings and endless views. Each villa and suite comes with its own all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for personal transportation.
Serving as a social centre, the Casa Club features a cocktail lounge, a swimming pool and a farm-to-table restaurant serving neo-Nicaraguan cuisine inspired by the culinary talents of Doña Theresita Pellas herself. And when it comes to nourishing a healthy balance between mind and body, the spa and wellness facility offers treatments grounded in local ingredients.
But while staying inside may be tempting, the truly exclusive experiences await in exploration of the verdant surroundings, whether by horseback riding, mountain biking or hiking. Those with their sights set on even more action can avail themselves of the on-site sporting clay and target shooting range, ropes course and tennis court. Also on hand are immersive cultural offerings such as Marimba and Folkloric dance classes, culinary classes and spirited rum tastings. And if wanderlust is still not sated, day trips can be organised for oceanfront golf at Guacalito de la Isla (an 18-hole course designed by David McLay Kidd), sport fishing excursions or surfing — all accessible within about an hour drive.
With all on offer, the all-inclusive Nekupe, which means “heaven” in the tongue of the indigenous Chorotega tribe, is sure to live up to its name.
