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Nicaragua, the Undiscovered Luxury Beach Destination for Billionaires and Celebrities

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As my helicopter descended upon the vibrant Emerald coastline of Nicaragua, I was filled with anticipation to discover this magical paradise, after hearing from high end travelers about its hidden, undiscovered location. Nicaragua is quickly becoming a first rate alternative to luxury resorts in Mexico and Costa Rica. It has quietly become a superstar getaway for Beyonce, Michael Douglas, Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman, Michael Fassbender and many others thanks to the allure of the recently opened Mukul Resort, the country's first five-star hotel.

Once you arrive in Managua, it's a two hour drive (30-minute helicopter ride) to the majestic and tranquil Mukul Beach & Spa Resort located in a very exclusive and private stretch along the Pacific Ocean. The area is also blessed with the opening of the new Costa Esmeralda Airport—only five miles north of Mukul. The 492,000-square-foot airport features one terminal and a 5,000-foot runway that will be able to accommodate Gulfstream GV jets.

After years of political turbulence and war, Nicaragua is now safe and growing daily. It’s quiet unpopulated beaches, bohemian surf villages, and boutique hotels is trying to remain intimate and traditional, while still embracing the future. A huge $50 billion dollar, 173 mile long canal, three times longer than the Panama Canal has begun, which promises to attract international commerce and further growth connecting the Pacific to the Atlantic. Chinese billionaire Wang Jing is funding the canal development and is stirring a lot of controversy in the area with critics claiming the canal will also displace one of the oldest indigenous communities in the country as well as create environmental devastation. Critics of the development are also claiming the stunning islands (some inhabited and others wild) clustered throughout Lake Nicaragua could fall victim to such development.

I was privileged to stay at the Mukul Resort as a guest of Don Carlos Pellas, Nicaragua's productive and charming billionaire, named as one of the 50 most influential persons in Latin America. Pellas made the commitment to create one of the most exclusive luxury resorts in the world. I really consider Don Carlos the King of Nicaragua (and so do many locals) as he not only continues his family legacy with a natural sanctuary but in return is benefiting the surrounding community with a better quality of life.

The helicopter originated from Costa Rica and landed a short distance from the resort where I was met with customs officials organized by Mukul for a quick and painless entry into the country. The private SUV transported me through long, winding meticulously manicured roads through the resorts massive Jurassic Park style security check point. Once inside the gates, I was amazed at the stunning oceanfront villas, an 18-hole golf course designed by David McLay Kidd, and the local resident monkeys, porcupines, sloths and iguanas.

I was greeted by the staff and immediately offered cocktails while sitting on the expansive terrace of the lobby. The vista perfectly captured GoPro Founder and CEO Nicholas Woodman’s magnificent yacht anchored in front of the resort. As an avid surfer, Woodman is a longtime fan of the resort.

Following cocktails with Woodman and owner Don Carlos Pellas, I was escorted to my beachfront villa. A stunning design of natural woods, artwork from local designers and an inviting private pool. The 12 Beach Villas at Mukul were built to pay tribute to the tropical, rolling surf of Playa Manzanillo. Above the entry vestibule hangs a chandelier made from custom-designed mussel shells. Bathrooms include separate his and hers vanity rooms, both leading to a liquid temple of monsoon showers and soaking tubs.

Outside, each Beach Villa includes a wrap-around deck, private swimming pool, outdoor lounging palapa and a secret garden with an outdoor shower. For added space, the two-bedroom villas are family compounds with their own private show kitchen, pantry and living room.

Wealthy travelers also are offered a stay in Casona Don Carlos, the Pellas family’s private beach residence. Located adjacent to the Beach Villas, the oceanfront compound features a 20,000 square-foot indoor-outdoor living area with soaring 80-foot-high palapa ceilings, four bedroom suites, a wrap-around stone terrace and a large private swimming pool.

Before I even had time to rest, I was whisked off to the amazing Spa Mukul where Spa Director Vivian Lopez treated me to pure luxury; a five-step detox and cleansing regiment including steam, massage, exfoliation, soaping and relaxation. Mukul offers a unique spa experience. Instead of having one large building, there are six private casitas (each with a swimming pool) to enjoy a selection of spa treatments in a decadent, secluded treatment area. You are escorted directly to your private casita to maximize privacy. I loved the experience so much that I returned the next day for more.

That evening the resort organized a spectacular private dinner in the romantic setting of the Crystal Temple located on a bluff of the Spa. Private chef, butler and servers added to the decadence that couples can experience.

The next morning we had breakfast at the resorts beautiful beachfront La Terraza, where the staff already knew our desired choices, fresh fruit smoothies and healthy options, but I had to try the local foods and fell in love with their traditional Nicaraguan Nacatamal (Corn Mesa, Pork, Potato, Rice, Sour Orange and Annatto.)

Our day was filled with traveling to the Spanish colonial city of Granada, about an hour from the resort. The resort arranged a private Carriage tour of the charming colorful town strewn with cobblestone streets, culminating with a stop for coffee at the trendy new Espressonista owned by local Andrés Lazar along with his Hungarian partner, Zoltán Puzsár.

I was excited to learn how to make cigars and had a private lesson in hand rolling at the famous Mombacho Cigars. From there it was on to a private boat tour of the Isletas located in Lake Nicaragua. The lush, tropical islets are a group of 365 small islands scattered about the Asese peninsula. The islets are of volcanic origin formed when the Mombacho volcano blew much of its cone into the lake thousands of years ago creating the islands.

We were invited to the Isla de Silvio Pellas which is privately owned by the family and used for special functions and parties. It is truly magical with pavilions, expansive decks, watersports and quiet spots to soak in the views of the volcano. Upon arrival, the resort had arranged a magnificent BBQ complete with chef, staff and live music performance. As we departed we boated past the neighboring Monkey Island where we hand fed the charming and friendly animals. What a special afternoon before heading back to the resort for dinner at La Mesa, one of the more elegant offerings at the resort.

The final day of my visit started with a wonderful, emotional visit to a local school that Mukul supports. The children greeted me with such enthusiasm and smiles and it broke my heart to think that Nicaragua ranks as the second poorest country in Latin America. The children ranging from five years and up performed several well choreographed dance numbers all dressed in local costume, and then we all celebrated with breaking a piñata. I entertained the kids with photos from my recent African safari and they were so fun to hang out with. I wanted to take them all with me for the rest of my adventure as they waved goodbye. The Pellas family also runs the Vivian Pellas Hospital for burn victims as well as supporting the local community with training and loans for business.

The rest of the day was spent on a private fishing boat chartered by the resort. The friendly, handsome owner Edward Irias from Pastora Tours gave us a great day on the water as we visited the local hotspot San Juan del Sur for lunch at El Timon on the beach. Edward made sure to stop at a private cove on the return to the resort, where he shucked live oysters for us and made fresh sushi from the tuna that was caught enroute. This is a must do experience for anyone visiting the area and Edward is the perfect guide.

There were so many adventures to be had in Nicaragua including a visit to the 2,400-foot-high Cerro Negro Volcano in the Cordillera Los Maribios mountain range, where you can speed down the summit on an “ash board.” Even celebrities love this experience since it takes them totally out of there comfort zone for an exhilarating afternoon.

We celebrated our final evening with a private dinner set up for us on the beach in front of our villa. The gregarious, charming and a bit eccentric General Manager Frederico Spada entertained us with stories of the resort and the area and quickly became our best friend. He runs a tight ship and it shows from the seamless service to the perfection of the surroundings.

Our trip was far too short as we departed from the resort via helicopter for the quick flight to Managua. I was sad to see the resort disappear from sight but know that I will be back soon to return to the embrace of an area on the verge of big things to come. Nicaragua will always remain in my heart. Who knows, maybe I will end up a landowner sooner rather than later, considering the amazing prices for beachfront property.

SCHOOL CHILDREN PERFORMING AT MUKUL SUPPORTED SCHOOL

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