Note: Due to crisis and civil unrest currently occuring in Nicaragua and drastically affecting the Nicaraguan tourism industry, Mukul resort closed its doors indefinitely on June 25, 2018.

Mukul, which means “secret” in the Mayan language, isn’t a secret to travelers — though it certainly feels that way sometimes. Located along Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, this vast, beachfront resort features four beautiful beaches on more than 1,600 acres of land.

The hotel’s best features include a one-of-a-kind spa; authentic, yet luxurious villas; a fun and colorful kids’ club; and countless activities for families. Tennis, golf, hiking, biking, fishing, and surfing lessons are popular at Makul. The Beach Club, which offers a pool and restaurant on the sand, is also a great place for families.

We especially love the hammocks and cabanas on the beaches, where, if you hang out long enough, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sunset at the end of each day.

This luxury beach resort, owned by the Pellas family that also owns the Flor de Cana rum company, offers families an untouched, authentic Nicaraguan family vacation experience without sacrificing the amenities.

There are 38 accommodation options, each with a private pool and ocean view at Mukul. Villas, Bohios and a few full residences are also available. Cribs are available upon request. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.

Beach Villas

The 12 Beach Villas offer one or two bedrooms and feature high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a large terrace. There is a flat-screen television with sound system, an iPad, walk-in closet, double vanity and standup shower. A small swimming pool is featured on the large terrace area outside, along with chairs and an outdoor shower. Some of the villas also include a soaking tub. The two-bedroom villa is best suited for families and includes a kitchen, pantry area and a separate living room area.

Bohios

There are 23 Bohios, which are tree house-like accommodations, high in the hillside overlooking the beach. The Bohios feature high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Most of these rooms feature one king bed, but some rooms feature a Murphy bed or the living room couch can be converted to a bed. There is a flat-screen television with sound system, an iPad, walk-in closet, double vanity and standup shower. A small swimming pool is featured on the large terrace area outside, along with chairs and an outdoor shower.

Residences

There are two residences available to rent. They are situated further away from the rest of the resort for added privacy. These large, multi-bedroom homes can accommodate up to 10 people and feature an indoor/outdoor living lifestyle. There is a state-of-the-art kitchen, large dining table and living room area with flat-screen television and sound system. Plus, there are large floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to the large outdoor pool area, which is surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas. The residences come with a personal 24/7 butler who is happy to meet all of your requests; the butler resides in a separate butler area within your residence.

Beaches

There are 4 miles of white sandy beaches and rugged coastline at the resort's four named beaches. All beaches in Nicaragua are public, but because of the resort's location, its beaches are essentially private. There are lifeguards at most of the beaches. Some of the more remote beaches do require a boat to reach. Guacalito Beach is more secluded than the beach at Manzanillo, where the Beach Club is located. Guacalito Beach features a lifeguard, restrooms and is a great place for snorkeling or beginning a day on a boat. There are several cabanas and palapas to be found here, as well. There is no restaurant at Guacalito, but picnic lunches can be arranged.

Beach Club at Playa Manzanillo

The Beach Club requires guests to bike, take a long walk or hop in a vehicle or golf cart at the Living Room to reach the beach. But families can easily head to the Beach Club in the morning and stay the entire day. There are lounge chairs, cabanas and hammocks lining the beach. A large pool sits a few steps back from the ocean and is surrounded by lounge chairs. Families will find a playground in a grassy area, Ping-Pong table and beach volleyball.

The Tres Ceibas restaurant offers beach and pool service or guests are welcome to dine inside or al fresco at the restaurant itself. Restrooms and showers are located here as well.

Surfing

Also situated at Playa Manzanillo is Tropicsurf, where guests can learn to hang 10. This luxury surfing experience removes some of the work (no need to carry your own board!), but leaves in all the fun. The experienced instructors explain the technique and get you in the ocean to better understand the board. The instructors are in the water with you to assist throughout the entire experience. And if you're a more experienced surfer, there are excellent locations just for you.

Pools

Each villa, suite or residence has its own pool, but there are more pools to be found throughout the resort as well. There is a kid-size pool located at the supervised kids' club and there is an infinity pool situated at the Living Room. This pool offers little shade and is surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas and the La Terraza restaurant is only steps away.

Then the Beach Club also features its own large pool area, covered more by trees for shade, and surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas. The Beach Club pool is also in the sand and only steps away from the ocean and Tres Ciebas restaurant. There are restrooms situated nearby all of the pools and pool towels are provided.

Kids Club

Kids will love being Kul Kids at the resort's colorful kids' club, and parents will love that the program is complimentary. The open-roof palapa playroom is air-conditioned and features a kid-size pool and an outdoor playground. The supervised kids' club, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., features countless activities organized by age. Some of the activities can include a turtle release, arts and crafts, hiking to see monkeys, camping on the beach, movie nights, games, sand castle building, surf lessons, and cooking classes.

Hike and Bike

Families can explore the nearly 8 miles of nature trails around the resort by hiking or biking, and you're sure to see monkeys and other wildlife along the way! Bikes are always available at the resort's center palapa or Living Room, and guests can ride them to the Beach Club or wherever they like on the property.

Recreation

Two tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course are available. The Spirit of Mukul, a 31-foot yacht, is available to guests who would like to go both inshore or offshore fishing. Paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing and turtle releases can also be arranged at the beaches.

Tours

The resort is happy to arrange any off-property activities, like sightseeing tours or adventure volcano tours, which allow you to explore more of Nicaragua.

There are several dining options available at Mukul. Families can dine at the restaurants, which include casual and fine dining options. Pool or beachside service is available, along with in-room dining. A beach picnic can also be arranged.

Palapa Lounge Living Room

Considered the "lobby," but called the Living Room or the heart of the resort, this large open-air area is situated under a large palapa. There are couches, rocking chairs and excellent pool and beach views to take in while enjoying a cocktail or snack.

La Terraza Restaurant

Located next to the Living Room, this casual restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some breakfast items include pancakes, eggs, waffles and French toast. A few lunch and dinner options are ceviche, tacos, soups, pork, beef stew, fish, shrimp, rack of lamb, lobster, risotto, pasta and more. A kids' menu is also available here.

Tres Ciebas Beach Club

Located at Playa Manzanillo at the Beach Club, this indoor and outdoor restaurant is situated right next to the pool at the Beach Club. Open for lunch, dinner and cocktails, this restaurant provides beach and poolside service as well. Some menu items include ceviche, tacos, sushi, salads, burgers, pizza, fish and more. A kids' menu is also available here.

All About the Extras

Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort

Babysitting
Babysitting or nanny services can be arranged in your room for an additional cost.

Boutique
The small shop, situated not far from the Living Room, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fitness Center
The fitness center with cardio and weight machines is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Best Time to Visit

The Pacific or Emerald coast of Nicaragua features six months of a rainy season and six months of a dry season. Peak season for tourists, which is also dry season, runs from about November through April. Low and rainy season runs from May through October on the Pacific Coast. Mukul's low season runs from about May through September.

Getting There

The international airport, Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport, is located in the capital city of Managua and is about two and half hours from Mukul. This is the only Nicaraguan airport available to international travelers.

Getting Around

There are a variety of ways to get around this expansive resort. Guests can easily walk to and from the villas to the Living Room. From the Living Room, guests can hop on a golf cart or bicycle or request a vehicle to take them to the beach or anywhere in the resort. Golf carts are always ready to transport guests, so just give a call whenever you need a ride.

For Mom and Dad

La Mesa
This fine dining experience features a chef's tasting menu paired with wines. Guests can choose from three, five or seven courses for dinner only. Reservations are suggested.

Spa
The six private spa treatment rooms at Mukul are like no other and there are several unique, international signature spa experiences from which to choose. This spa has been named "best spa in the world" by several media outlets and we do not disagree! The spa rooms are called Temples and each is uniquely designed with crystal chandeliers, mosaic tiles, colorful fabrics, plunge pools, private outdoor terraces with lounge chairs and pools and much more. The spa temples are your guestroom away from your guestrooms and the experience is like no other!

Yoga
Overlooking the beach and ocean, daily yoga sessions are offered at no cost.

Golf
The 18-hole Guacalito Golf Course, designed by a world-famous Scottish golf architect, is an excellent choice for the adults looking to hit the links. The course features a clubhouse, putting green, driving range, and pro shop among other things.

Rum and Cigars
Located in the Living Room, adults will find a rum tasting room, as well as a cigar room.