How about an ultra all-inclusive on a private island in Nicaragua?
Credit: www.calala-island.com
America has a lot to offer and a lot to show. But often tourists keep going to rather well-known and popular destinations like Mexico or the Dominican Republic, while forgetting gems like Nicaragua. No, it’s not really a hidden gem, but it’s yet to get to the top-10 visited countries in the Americas. There are all-inclusive resorts in Nicaragua for different budgets and different preferences. For tourists who want to relax on the beach or do extreme sports. For guests ready to book the whole property for a luxurious wedding, or for people who don’t mind a simple setting.
In my list, you will get to see what expensive Nicaragua all-inclusive resorts look like and how affordable the country can be for those looking to explore a new destination on a budget and make friends with the locals.
P.S. Don’t forget to check the honorable mention at the end.
1. NEKUPE: All-Inclusive Luxury Resort in Nicaragua
How luxurious do you want your holidays to be? If your answer is ‘yes’, then Nekupe is the right place for you. You won’t see this Nicaragua all-inclusive resort on the major booking platforms, nor will you see special deals on its official site. Moreover, don’t expect to see any prices at all since the booking is done exclusively through the contact form. The best I can tell you is that a bungalow will cost around $1’500 per night, while the full property costs around $20’000 per night. And it’s not even a beach resort, so you won’t be able to brag about your holiday with a nice tan. But hear me out: it’s a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive adventure.
The place consists of 4 bungalows, and the main residence with 2 grand suites and 2 suites
Credit: www.nekupe.com
The resort is owned by Don Alfredo Jr. and Doña Theresa Pellas, who decided to create a special getaway on over 2400 acres (almost 10 square kilometers) of natural reserve. There’s a lot of flora and fauna to enjoy, so be ready to snap as many pictures of wildlife as you can. And when you get tired of it, just look at the horizon right towards the beautiful Mombacho Volcano.
Mombacho Volcano, view from the property
Credit: www.nekupe.com
Theresa Pellas is an interior designer, so it was she who decided on how everything would look inside the resort. Moreover, the whole resort was built according to Feng Shui, in order to balance man-made with nature-made. A lot of furniture was also made by the local craftsmen. All the surrounding trails were tailor-made for Nekupe, and over 100’000 trees were replanted there throughout the years. In other words, it was a lot of work and funds involved in making the best all-inclusive getaway Nicaragua has to offer.
Accommodation
You can choose either one of four bungalows, each of which has a king-size bed, with a few towards the volcano, the residence, which consists of two master suites and two suites, or the full property, which includes all of the above. If we simply count the beds, it looks like the max capacity is 20 people, and since they claim it will be 5 staff members per guest, we can assume around 100 people are taking care of the property.
Aerial view of the residence
Credit: www.nekupe.com
With every accommodation, guests get their private chefs and butlers, which are called “rangers” here. Overall, this place looks like something one would get for a very special occasion, like a wedding. Just to make it very private and very special. It’s definitely not your regular vacation getaway.
What To Do
The main communal space is called Casa Club, and it’s basically what you would expect it to be: a reception, a restaurant, a bar, and a lounge. It also has a rum and a massage room. The resort wouldn’t be complete without the spa, two tennis courts, and a fitness center.
Among the outdoor activities you will find:
- ATV rides;
- mountain biking;
- horseback riding;
- yoga and meditation;
- target shooting;
- hiking;
- rope courses;
- pickleball.
And in case you want to try farming yourself, you are free to help. For those who prefer a more relaxed day, birdwatching becomes a thing with over 70 species to look at. Among other activities, you will find: painting, cooking, traditional dancing, and playing an instrument called marimba. Rum and cigar tasting is another easy option. There’s also an option to explore Nicaragua, but would you want to do so while paying to stay at Nekupe?
Horseback riding at the resort
Credit: www.nekupe.com
Food
As you might have imagined, you will be eating fine-dining meals with a nice presentation and a rich flavor palette. They will be based on traditional Nicaraguan cuisine with a modern twist, and the ingredients will come from a local farm owned by the resort. Yes, that local. Which means you will have seasonal menus with the best organic produce.
The main “restaurant” offers a four-course meal, which will be changed every day, and it also accommodates vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
Resort dining
Credit: www.nekupe.com
Verdict
Nekupe offers an exclusive experience for those who can afford it. It’s a place to relax and unwind. It’s not your typical all-inclusive resort in Nicaragua, but a next-level, unforgettable vacation.
2. Rancho Santana: Five Beaches Luxury
While generally speaking, Nicaragua is a pretty cheap destination, surprisingly, it has a lot of high-end locations for those willing to pay extra. Rancho Santana is yet another luxurious resort, which offers a kind of all-inclusive experience. Why kind of? Because it’s not an unlimited all-inclusive. More precisely, they have two options: All-Inclusive Dining and The Good Life Unbounded packages.
The resort is relatively new, and it wasn’t planned to be what it is from the start. In 1997, six friends came to visit the country and bought a piece of land they liked. After that, they started building for themselves, then their families and friends. Infrastructure followed, and eventually, they built a hotel. Believe it or not, the owners love their place so much that they made a full documentary about it:
What’s cool about this place is that it has 5 beaches, which means that surfers have their own space, kids have their own, and sunbathers can enjoy and relax on their own. And the best part is that the beaches are spread across the coast, so you get the real deal, each beach being separated from another.
So what’s with their all-inclusive deal? All-Inclusive Dining consists of a breakfast with a smoothie and a 3-course lunch and dinner. By the way, drinks are not included. The Good Life Unbounded package is only available for those booking at least 4 nights, and has the same meal situation. But it also includes a 50-minute massage, a surf lesson, paddling, horseback riding, mountain biking, photography session, yoga, and one off-site excursion. In its variety, Rancho Santana is comparable to the best all-inclusive resorts in Sayulita, Mexico.
As you can see, it’s a little bit of a special type of all-inclusive, which won’t satisfy every guest. But if you are willing to pay extra for extra activities, keep reading. Otherwise, the next resort might be something you are looking for.
Accommodation
There are a few properties to choose from at the resort: from a hotel room in The Inn, to a condo or a beach house. Most of the properties are in proximity to the shore, but if you prefer to stay a bit further in the jungle, there are three houses to choose from.
Overview of the resort
Credit: www.ranchosantana.com
The Inn is a boutique hotel with 17 rooms and is suited for couples or smaller families. Or simply for those who don’t want to spend much time inside, and use the room mainly for sleeping.
Garden view casitas (small houses) are suitable for 4-6 people.
Pacific condos have an ocean view and are ready to give shelter to 4-7 people.
Residential suites have 3 bedrooms each and can accommodate 6-8 people.
And a lot of villas to choose from, which can host up to 18 people in a group. Don’t forget that some of those were originally built for the owners.
Some of the houses are built on top of rocks and hills, so if you are planning on going to the beach every day, I recommend staying away from them. The view is better, of course. But as someone who lives on a mountain, I have to warn you, you won’t enjoy daily hikes to and from the house. And you won’t stay long enough to get used to it.
What To Do
There’s always something to do at the ranch. Be it a treetop yoga class, horseback riding, or a surfing class. While you can get a massage at the resort, don’t expect to have a full-blown spa. And the community gym is right outside the resort premises. But at least you can rent an electric or a regular bike and explore what’s around you. Or get a paddleboard and go see all five beaches.
Sandboarding is a fun thing to do
Credit: www.ranchosantana.com
If you want to enjoy the unique nature, you can go to the turtle sanctuary and experience turtle hatching. Right after that, you can go on a birdwatching tour or a monkey scout tour. No matter how old you are, everyone wants to see a monkey.
If you play tennis or pickleball, there are courts for you to enjoy. Want something more unique and fun? How about sandboarding? Lastly, there are off-site tours for those willing to see a bit more of the country itself. And of course, there are seasonal events and celebrations.
Food
The resort has five places to eat out, but for those staying in accommodations with kitchens, there’s an option to order a chef straight to your place. In any case, meals will be cooked with locally-sourced ingredients: fruits and veggies are grown right at the rancho, while fish and meats are bought from local farmers.
The main restaurant, La Finca y El Mar, is a fine-dining place that offers everything from waffles for breakfast to New York steak for dinner, and pasta/sandwiches in between. Open from 7 am to 9:30 pm.
With 5 places to eat out, you will find something you like
Credit: www.ranchosantana.com
For those who want to enjoy pizza made the real way, in a wood-fired oven, another eatery, La Boquita, offers that opportunity. They also offer sushi and paellas, which, for me, as a European, remains a mystery how pizza and sushi can be served in the same place. But oh well, as long as both taste good. By the way, this place is only open from 4 pm to 10 pm.
What’s better than tacos? Of course, tacos and beer, which you can get at La Taquería during your surfing time. Open from 11 am to 9 pm, it’s a perfect spot for those who surf at Playa Duna or Playa Los Perros. Mosty because it’s the closest one 🙂
For those staying at the hotel, El Café will be the go-to breakfast and lunch place. It’s open from 6:30 am to 3 pm and doesn’t take external reservations from guests coming outside of the Rancho.
If you want to eat by the pool, The Pool Bar and Cabanas is open from 8 am to 7 pm. It offers a casual menu with salads and sandwiches.
The last option is the grocery store that’s open from 8 to 8 and offers local snacks and fresh produce. A perfect option when you are staying in an accommodation with a kitchen and love making your own salads.
Verdict
While this resort offers somewhat all-inclusive, it’s not what one would expect. And most people expect unlimited food and drinks with some entertainment included, and some costing extra. So, if you are willing to pay extra here and there, this place will definitely leave good memories. Otherwise, I have other resorts to suggest.
3. Barceló Montelimar: Affordable All-Inclusive
Barceló Montelimar is the first affordable option on the list that actually offers a pretty alright price-quality ratio. The resort belongs to the second-largest hotel group in Spain, which has been operating for almost 100 years. While it’s only a 4-star hotel, it offers enough for its guests to enjoy Nicaragua. Depending on the season, you can find rooms as cheap as $85 per person, and that includes all-inclusive. Not bad, right? Best prices and deals are on the official site.
View from the hotel
Credit: www.barcelo.com
For those willing to have a little bit extra, the Premium Level option is available for around $35 extra. It includes a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, swimming pool towels in the room, better mini bar options, free Wi-Fi, and some other small extras.
Accommodation
There are two main types of accommodation: hotel double rooms and bungalows. The latter ones can be double, superior, or suite, and with or without an oceanfront view. The size ranges from 36 to 104 square metres (387 – 1120 square feet). In all honesty, those rooms look pretty basic and dated, but hey, that’s an affordable hotel, and hopefully, you will be enjoying its all-inclusive offerings instead of staying in the room the whole day. The resort has a total of 293 rooms, some of which can accommodate up to 4 people.
Don’t expect much from the rooms
Credit: www.barcelo.com
What To Do
Well, with every single budget-friendly option, I always want to say the same: your best option is to sleep, eat, drink, sunbathe, repeat. That’s basically what people want when they don’t want to pay extra. And I totally get it. Sometimes, one week like that does more for one’s mental and physical health than being active 24/7. Just relax.
The resort features three swimming pools, two of which are for general use by everyone, and one is strictly adults-only. Which is a good thing. But if you want to enjoy the ocean, it’s just 300-400 meters away (330-440 yards). And when you get tired of all the swimming, you can grab a drink in one of six bars on the hotel’s premises. Just like all-inclusive resorts in Peru, Barceló Montelimar is a good place to relax on your vacation in a tropical country on a budget.
Entertainment at the resort
Credit: www.barcelo.com
I already mentioned Nicaragua’s unique nature in the previous listings, but just in case you want to check out the flora and fauna, gardens with native plants and flowers are right here for everyone to enjoy.
For those trying to stay active even on vacation, you can play tennis, basketball, football, volleyball, mini-golf, and giant chess. A proper golf course is about an hour-drive away. It’s also possible to get horse-riding lessons and rent equipment for water sports at extra cost.
Gym, spa, kids’ club. You got that too. Pretty decent Nicaragua all-inclusive vacation deal, right? For what one pays, you get plenty.
Food
With 6 bars around the resort, there’s only one restaurant, and it offers a traditional buffet. Océano Restaurant is open from 7 am to 10 pm with short breaks between breakfast, lunch, and dinner for obvious cleaning and food prep. Be ready to enjoy local food with delicious tropical fruits and Nicaraguan produce. International themed dinners are organised regularly.
Food at the Océano Restaurant
Credit: www.barcelo.com
Verdict
Budget-friendly all-inclusive in Nicaragua. That’s the best way to describe Barceló Montelimar. It does the job, and it doesn’t cost a fortune. A good choice for those needing a relaxing vacation abroad.
4. Surf Ranch Hotel & Resort: Surf and Skate
Back in 2008, two Canadian brothers discovered the magic of Nicaragua and decided to open a very special hotel here. This resort is not only the only all-inclusive resort in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, but also the only all-inclusive surf camp in Nicaragua. And if you’re really into extreme sports, you will also enjoy the largest skatepark in the country, which belongs to this resort and is free for everyone to attend. That’s exactly how you can meet locals or even pros who came on vacation.
While this place is relatively cheap, with an all-inclusive stay costing as little as $75 per night per person, you have to take into account two things:
1) It’s small. Really small. And small resorts don’t really have an entertainment program.
2) It’s a bit far from the ocean. 12-minute drive far. All surfing packages include transportation both ways, though.
So, if you are into that kind of vacation, keep reading. Otherwise, you might want to check the next place in the list.
Accommodation
Traditionally, don’t expect much from cheap resorts. Especially, all-inclusive ones. Every room has exactly what a simple person needs to have: a bed, an AC, and Wi-Fi. You can choose between a standard room, a twin, a queen, a condo, or a villa. A total of 26 places to stay.
What To Do
As you might have guessed from the resort’s name, the main thing here is surfing. And even though the resort is not next to the ocean, it’s the closest one to two surfing beaches, which are 12 and 23-minute drives away.
There are three surfing options for surfers: group lessons, semi-private group lessons for two people, and individual lessons. The latter ones last 1.5 hours while the group one is 2 hours long. Every option includes transportation, equipment, and a local instructor.
Activities at the resort
Credit: www.surfranchnicaragua.com
After a day of surfing, you can enjoy riding in a skatepark or hit a rather small and dated gym. Skate equipment is available for rent, as well as skate lessons. Or just take it easy and sip a drink or two by the swimming pool bar. Lastly, you can check out the rock climbing wall. It has three different sections for different levels. Basically, that’s it.
Food
Because of its size, the resort doesn’t offer a traditional buffet, but an à la carte. Which is not a bad thing since food stays fresh longer and goes from the kitchen to the table. You won’t find anything fancy in the menu, but be ready for tacos, wraps, burritos, burgers, steaks, and a Caesar salad. Everything to replenish carbs and get some calories in after a productive sports day.
Food at the resort
Credit: www.surfranchnicaragua.com
Verdict
This is not a typical family resort. And even though it’s not branded as an adults-only all-inclusive, it gives the vibe of a place where grown-ups come to do extreme sports and hang out with a beer by the pool. It lies between a village with nightclubs and two decent surfing beaches, being just a 12-minute drive away from either. Cool place.
5. Yemaya Reefs: The Best Corn Islands Have to Offer
Your Nicaragua all-inclusive vacations list won’t be full without an island option. Thankfully, the Corn Islands in Nicaragua have all-inclusive options. And technically, there are two of them, one on each island, but I will only talk about Yemaya Reefs, which is located on the little Corn Island. There’s also a place called Sea Star Spa Dry Resort on the big Corn Island, and it’s one of the few completely alcohol-free all-inclusive resorts that I know. Moreover, it only has 4 cabanas in total, and the whole reservation process is through email, WhatsApp, or phone. So, I will skip it, but just in case, you know it’s there.
One of the coolest things about the island is that it has a very limited number of vehicles. You won’t see a car there, and if you stay at the Yemaya Reefs, you won’t see much except the ocean, jungles, and sand. The resort is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, so be ready to pay $260+ per person per night for their all-inclusive package. But it’s totally worth it.
Your unforgettable holiday starts at Yemaya Reefs
Credit: www.yemayalittlecorn.com
Accommodation
The resort offers a total of 16 rooms of 3 types:
- luxury beachfront room with plunge pool;
- luxury beachfront room;
- beachfront boat room.
Luxury beachfront room with plunge pool
Credit: www.yemayalittlecorn.com
Each room has everything you will need for your vacation: from a king-sized bed to AC, a mini fridge, and Wi-Fi. Only 5 rooms have a plunge pool, though. So, if you are not comfortable swimming in the ocean, take that into account. The plunge pool is essentially the main difference between the first two types of rooms. And maybe the design of the first ones is slightly better, with wooden instead of tiled floors.
Luxury beachfront room
Credit: www.yemayalittlecorn.com
A bit more funny-looking are the boat rooms. They are built on top of actual boats. But be not afraid, the inside looks just like a regular room with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay.
Beachfront boat room
Credit: www.yemayalittlecorn.com
What To Do
Yemaya Reefs is rather secluded, but that’s exactly what the guests of the resort want. I probably need to mention that the all-inclusive here is a bit special. It’s a part of the Restore & Renew package, which can be bought for 3 or 5 days. Of course, one can also choose not to get all-inclusive, but I’d recommend going with it, since the package looks pretty good:
- flights from Managua to Big Corn Island with all the on-land and boat transfers from the big to the small island, both ways;
- a la carte dining 3 times a day;
- one special dinner on the beach with a bonfire;
- daily yoga classes;
- two guided cacao meditations (unique mindfulness/relaxation ceremony where one drinks a special blend of cacao while performing breathing and meditation techniques);
- 60 minutes of a guided ceremonial sauna and a rock sauna session with ice plunges;
- two 60-minute massages;
- snorkeling.
Activities at the resort
Credit: www.yemayalittlecorn.com
As an extra, you can also hit the wooden gym, which is obviously more for fun and Instagram pictures than for actual working out. Spa is always a good choice since any vacation should be as much about relaxing as possible. For an additional pay you can enjoy a sunset cruise on a boat around the island or a three-course romantic dinner on the beach. Don’t forget about water sports or excursions. Or just enjoy being far away from all the troubles on a small, pretty island.
Food
The resort has a restaurant with Afro-Caribbean fine-dining meals, and a bar called Rumboat, which also serves simpler food like pizza and ceviche. From the menu, one dish that stands out is the Rondon soup, which is the island’s seafood specialty that requires 1.5 hours of preparation time. So you’d better preorder it for your convenience. Other than that, not much more to add. Good food; check the pictures for yourself.
Dining at the resort
Credit: www.yemayalittlecorn.com
Verdict
Yemaya Reefs is a special kind of hotel. If you are looking for secluded beach resorts in Nicaragua with all-inclusive options, this is a one-of-a-kind experience that won’t cost you a leg and arm. Even though it’s on the pricey side. While it’s not labeled as adults-only all-inclusive, with only 16 rooms, chances are high you won’t have kids running around. It might be number 5 in the list, but it should be number 1 on your choice. Especially if you are choosing Nicaragua for your all-inclusive honeymoon adventure. Yemaya Reefs is exactly what newlyweds need!
777. Honorary Mention: Calala Island. Yes. The Whole Island.
I started my list with two premium options, and I think it would be logical to finish it with something even crazier. Have you thought of renting a whole island for yourself? You can make it your own Nicaragua all-inclusive adults-only resort for up to 10 adults, which will be taken care of by 25 staff members. But be ready to pay at least $4500 per night for two people with a minimum 3-night stay, though.
The resort offers ultra all-inclusive, so you can forget about paying anything extra. With only 6 suites on the island, it’s difficult to make it even more private. This place is absolutely fantastic.
The Calala island
Credit: www.calala-island.com
Nicaragua has a lot to offer: from cheap all-inclusive to extremely luxurious options. It is a unique place for those looking to explore the horizon. Go visit Nicaragua! Or check out all-inclusive hotels in Tokyo, Japan. There are so many cool places in the world, you should definitely visit them!
