Swirling a glass of Flor de Caña rum in the sunlight to illuminate the rich caramel and amber colors, we decided this was a country we needed to learn more about. The rum experience at Mukul, Nicaragua’s first and only 5 star luxury property, was one of many experiences the resort offered which beautifully showcased the pride and character of their home country, and whet our appetite for return.
Much less developed than Costa Rica, it’s neighbor to the south, Nicaragua’s coastline is rugged and unspoiled. Mukul Resort, Golf & Spa sits beachfront on the western side, where the jungle collides into the Pacific. With lush terrain, killer surf waves and immaculate beaches, the Emerald Coast of Nicaragua provides one the most picturesque locales on the planet. To respect their surroundings, years of environmental studies and planning went into the Mukul property before it was even built. That effort has resulted in a stunning property that embodies the natural setting of the jungle and shoreline around it.
Local furnishings and decor from Nicaraguan artisans adorn each of the Mukul’s 37 guest accommodations. Most of the suites, called Bohios, sit high on the cliffside with gorgeous views of the coast below. Made from native teak and and pine, the Bohios are like luxurious treehouse set amid the jungle canopy. High ceilings create a spacious retreat, and grand bathrooms offer beautiful views from their massive, dual-head rain showers. In the center of the Bohio, a plush king-sized bed looks out at two large glass sliding doors that open to a secluded veranda. Here, in the treetops, you’ll find lounge seating and a private plunge pool.
When you’re not in your jungle oasis, head down to Mukul’s stunning resort pool. Pick a single lounger or a double day bed and relax the afternoon away with rum cocktails and attentive poolside service. The infinity pool gazes out onto the ocean, where you’re going to want to spend plenty of time, as well. There’s something magical about Mukul’s beachfront. Lined by the jungle and capped off by dramatic cliffs on each end, Playa Manzanillo’s deep turquoise water laps up onto silver-white sand. With only the resort on the entire beach stretch, you could be the only one out there on some days. Grab a body board or surfboard from the activity center and jump in, because these are some of the best surfing waves in the world. Consistent and with a long break, the waves here are big enough to thrill but not too big to deter the adventurous amateur.
When you’re ready for a break from the water, play a round of golf on Mukul’s resort course, which recently hosted the PGA Latino America’s Flor de Caña Open. One of the best in Latin America, the lush 18 holes finishes with a stunning par 3 on the water. It’s tradition to take your shoes off for this final hole.
Equally spectacular, the Mukul spa sits high up in the cliffs and has an expansive treatment menu, amazingly talented therapists, and 6 private treatment suites. After the treatment, enjoy your fresh fruit juice in the suite’s hot tub or outside on the private patio with plunge pool.
Down in main lounge area, you’ll find a super cool cigar room with both Nicaraguan favorites and Cuban Cohibas. Next door lies the rum room, where we highly recommend you do the rum experience that includes a taste of Flor de Caña’s coveted 33 year rum. Outside of the resort, Mukul offers numerous activities including biking through the jungle, visiting the colonial town of Granada, or venturing out to the volcano islands of nearby Lake Nicaragua (watch out for the fresh water sharks!).
Two hours from Managua Airport and 3 hours from Costa Rica’s Liberia Airport, getting to Mukul and the beautiful Emerald Coast was much easier than we had initially thought. Hurry down there soon, before the secret gets out.
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Compass + Twine was a welcomed guest of Mukul Resort and thanks them for a lovely visit. All opinions are our own.
