Nekupe Sporting Resort and Retreat

Intimate, luxurious, sweeping views

Granada Nandaime, 7km South

(505) 7833-8037

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At a Glance

An elegant hilltop hideaway outside of Granada, this sprawling compound boasts striking jungle and volcano views and is perfect for a group of friends or extended family.

Review

The great beauty of Nekupe is that it offers polished accommodation amongst the wild setting and rustic pursuits of the Nicaraguan countryside. Set in a mountainous, 1,300-acre nature reserve with just eight bedrooms, the retreat is a speck on the landscape, yet provides every comfort the modern traveler could need. Owners and philanthropists Don Alfredo Pellas Jr. and Doña Theresita Pellas imagined a gracious country escape for big families and bigger celebrations, and spared no expense in bringing their vision to life. Ideal for both relaxation and adventure seekers, Nekupe is the type of place where one can loll by the pool while active companions ride horses and go shooting, later reuniting for cocktails and a beautifully plated dinner.

The setting certainly befits celebration. Nekupe occupies three hilltops and the rolling land in between, with endless skies and uninterrupted views of volcanoes on the horizon. The compound’s sleek, contemporary architecture offsets the lush surroundings. The property is comprised of four standalone villas, one four-bedroom residence and a central clubhouse, and each structural element of Nekupe was designed by feng shui expert Iside Sarmiento for optimal flow. Breezes circulate through the space for a natural cooling effect (though there’s full air-conditioning as well), and views are always maximized. Local woods, leathers, cowhides and gorgeous lighting warm the airy, modern interiors.

The four standalone villas all feature a separate bedroom and living area (a with flat-screen television), a bathroom with soaking tub, an open terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the dormant Mombacho Volcano. Four bedrooms form the striking La Gran Residencia. These rooms can be rented individually or as part of a group and are an excellent option for families. Two ‘grand suites’ have outdoor showers and indoor bathtubs, while the two standard suites boast soaring ceilings and beautiful views. The residence offers nearly 360-degree views in addition to a pool, infinity hot tub and kitchen. Each villa and suite comes equipped with an ATV car; sure to delight children of all ages, it provides freedom of transportation and the enormous fun of zipping and off-roading around Nekupe’s sprawling grounds.

Atop another hill peak, the Casa Club serves as the social heart of the resort. Here a cocktail bar, swimming pool, several lounge areas and a farm-to-table Nicaraguan restaurant draw guests throughout the day. At the all-day eatery, chefs prepare creative and lightly health-conscious takes on classic dishes with ingredients supplied by the abundant tropical farm nearby (which makes for a great spin on the ATV as well). The Casa Club also has a small spa and treatment room for therapies based on local wellness practices.

A thrilling ten-minute uphill ATV drive to the highest point on property brings guests to an expansive, isolated yoga platform. Built around a spectacular tree in direct line for viewing the sunrise over volcanoes, this awe-inspiring locale will encourage even the least yoga-inclined to try a class at dawn.

Nekupe was founded on the Pellas family’s principle of showcasing Nicaraguan nature and culture. The untouched forests surrounding the compound have wild, beautiful trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking and the resort offers on-site clay and target shooting, a ropes course and a tennis court. A number of immersive cultural experiences are available with local experts—from rum tastings to cooking excursions and Marimba dance classes—and local day trips can be organized for volcano trekking, Granada town visits and boat trips around the islands of Lake Nicaragua. Further afield, guests can enjoy oceanfront golf, incredible sport fishing and surfing (all a one-hour drive away) or helicopter rides along the rugged coast. Adding on a stay at Nekupe’s fantastic waterfront sister resort, Mukul, makes for a well-rounded beach and country Nicaraguan getaway.

Who Should Stay

Nekupe is quiet and ideal for those looking to relax. The staff is lively and the central clubhouse is convivial in concept and layout, but the atmosphere depends on other guests and whether they choose to mingle or hide away. As a result, the property is excellent for holiday, birthday and other group takeover.

Getting There

The resort is a 30-minute (rather bumpy) ride into Granada (as a result, guests stay on property most nights).

Written by Meredith Santonelli

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