Nekupe, which means heaven in the Mayan language, truly is a slice of nirvana situated within the jungles of Nicaragua, less than an hour south of Granada.

This sporting resort that opened in 2017 sits on 1,800 acres of jungle reserve and allows visitors to connect with nature through volcanic and jungle views, outdoor activities, wildlife, and luxurious amenities. Families will love the unique and personalized experiences of Nekupe that can include things like horseback riding, meeting monkeys, swimming in an infinity pool overlooking the jungle and riding ATVs everywhere!

Every room at this all-inclusive Nicaraguan resort comes with its own six-seater ATV and a personal ranger who is ready to become a part of your family and lead you through the wonders of the Nekupe experience.

This luxury sporting resort — owned by the Pellas family who also own the Flor de Cana rum company — offers families a unique Nicaraguan experience that allows you to get dirty outside and rejuvenate inside in the beautifully designed villas, suites and clubhouse.

There are eight rooms total at Nekupe. There are four individual villas, and four suites are situated within La Residencia. The suites can accommodate between four and six people or the entire residence can accommodate 14 people. The villas can accommodate up to four people. A coffeemaker and mini-fridge filled with beverages and snacks are included in your rate and found in all of the suites and villas. Cribs are available upon request and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Villas

The Villas overlook the nature reserve and offer great volcano views. The villas feature a king bed, sitting area with a sofa that converts to a bed, flat-screen television and a standup shower and tub in the bathroom. There is a large patio area with a large dining table that's great for checking out the panoramic views.

Suites

The suites and grand suites are located within La Residencia. The suites can be booked individually and guests then share the amenities of the residence. Or, the entire residences can be booked as one (see below). The suites feature one king or two queen beds, high ceilings, personal infinity pools only steps away from the beds, coffeemaker, a fully stocked mini-fridge, indoor and outdoor showers and custom tubs, and a separate living room area with large sectional couches and a flat-screen television. The outdoor decks are expansive and feature two levels, infinity pools, lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas -- all overlooking the jungle with the sound of howler monkeys in the distance.

La Residencia

The 24,000-square-foot residence houses both the suites and grand suites and when booked together, families can occupy the entire residence. With the entire residence, families can enjoy a personal chef and two large state-of-the-art gourmet kitchens with subzero refrigerators, a large media room with cozy couch, a poker table, separate living room area with large couches and a flat-screen television, private dining table that seats 12, a second smaller dining table in the second kitchen, two pools and various bar areas.

Nekupe wants your family to have the best experience possible, so they like to personalize your activities and itinerary during your stay. Let them know at booking (or tell your ranger when you arrive) what you want to do at the resort or off-property and they will arrange the details. Your personal ranger will be with you for your entire stay; even if you leave the property to explore more of Nicaragua, your ranger is always ready to assist with anything.

Pool and Casa Club

The main pool can be found at the Casa Club, or the center of Nekupe, and is loosely considered the resort's lobby. This communal area looks more like a residence than a pool clubhouse. Here, guests will find a large pool area with sunken lounge chairs in the water and chairs and umbrellas surrounding the large pool deck and a fire pit. Inside, there is a large living room area with a large sectional couch, flat-screen television and plenty of seating areas.

Upstairs is a smaller lounge area that can be used for romantic dinners. Restrooms and showers are situated by the pool, along with a bar area. The suites at the resort also feature personal pools for guests staying there, but all guests are welcome to enjoy the Casa Club.

Kid Activities

The resort and your ranger will cater to whatever your child is interested in doing at Nekupe. For children ages 6 to 9, the resort offers horse and bunny feeding, reptile petting, farming activities, board games and swimming. For tweens and teens, there are bike rides, ATV rides, hiking, tennis, swimming and more.

Included Outdoor Adventure

There are numerous outdoor adventures to be had at Nekupe, and most are included in your stay. ATVs rides, horseback riding for all skill levels on the many trails found within the 1,800 acres, mountain biking on an hour-long circuit, bird watching the nearly 73 species of birds, farming in the gardens, hiking through the jungle and conquering the ropes course high in the trees are a few of the activities your family can enjoy.

Included Indoor Activities

Cooking classes, music and folklore classes, rum tasting and cigar rolling are available to guests. Painting classes are also available for kids and adults for an additional fee.

Wildlife

Families are surrounded by wildlife in this natural reserve, but your family may want to check out a few special friends. A few monkeys, who were domesticated and can no longer survive in the wild, live on the reserve and like to say hello to guests after being pampered themselves with a nice bath and brushing. Nearly 73 species of birds are found throughout the resort and ducks and chickens like to hang out by the resort's large pond area.

Recreation

Two tennis courts are onsite and complimentary to use. Lessons for all ages and skill levels are available by a professional tennis instructor for an additional fee.

Shooting Range

For an additional cost, guests can test their skills at the numerous shooting stations found around the resort. Clay shooting and target shooting are available with a variety of guns. There are a large variety of shooting stations and styles, putting Nekupe's courses on a globally competitive level. Experienced instructors are on staff to educate and guide guests through the sport and the courses.

Offsite Adventures

Offsite adventures like volcano sandboarding, sport fishing, surfing, tours of Granada, boat tours of Lake Nicaragua and visits to local villages and volcanos are just some of the adventures Nekupe can arrange for your family. Your personal ranger will accompany you on your offsite adventures, as well.

All meals and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are included in your stay. Guests are welcome to upgrade to a more premium level of alcohol. Much of the food served at Nekupe comes directly from its own onsite farm. The menus are seasonal and offer the freshest and most local ingredients. Any dietary restrictions or allergies can be accommodated.

Don Alfredo's

Located in the Casa Club, this small restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner is a four-course meal, with menus changing daily.

Al Fresco

Casual, picnic-style lunches (that are by no means roughing it) can be enjoyed throughout the resort. Lunch can be served under the trees or overlooking a volcano, and the food is divine.

All About the Extras

All Inclusive
All meals and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are included in your stay. Guests are welcome to upgrade to a more premium level of alcohol as well.

ATVs and Rangers
Each room comes with one ATV and one ranger, who is essentially a personal butler, activities coordinator, chauffer and excursion leader. You will have the same ranger during your entire stay and they will become a part of your family. They quickly get to know you and cater to all of your wants and needs. They will immediately become your child's best friend and they will know where all the fun can be had at Nekupe.

The 1,800 acres of this jungle resort require some alternate transportation and the six-seater, covered ATVs are the perfect way to get around the resort. Of course guests (with a valid driver's license) are welcome to drive the ATVs with the ranger inside. The rocky, dirt trails around the resort have hills and turns, but it's easy to navigate with the help of the ranger. Do keep in mind that the ATV kicks up dirt and dust (and mud during rainy season), but you won't mind getting a little dirty when there's so much fun to be had while driving.

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

Fitness Center
Guests can use the state-of-the-art fitness center, which features cardio machines and weights overlooking the jungle. A personal trainer is available upon request.

Boutique
A small boutique can be found in the Casa Club, where guests will find souvenirs, jewelry, clothing and Flor de Cana rum available for purchase.

Chapel
Located on the highest point of the property, the gorgeous wooden chapel is available for meditation, weddings or celebrations. There is a small pool outside the chapel that can be used for baptisms or other celebrations.

Babysitting
Babysitting can be arranged at the resort.

The Best Time to Visit

Peak season for tourists on the Pacific coast is also dry season, which runs from about November through April and is when Nekupe sees the most visitors. Low and rainy season runs from May through October on the Pacific coast and is a shoulder season for Nekupe. It can be a bit more chilly and muddy during rainy season at Nekupe.

Getting There

The international airport, Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport, is located in the capital city of Managua and is less than two hours from this hotel. The resort does offer the option of helicopter transportation from Managua to the resort, as well as a shuttle.

Getting Around

The resort is situated on 1,800 acres of jungle and trees. There are dirt and rock trails up and down hills and around sharp turns to reach most areas of the resort. The ATV provided with each room is the only mode of transportation capable of getting guests around the resort. The six-seater ATVs (which may be the highlight of the entire resort for the kids) are safe and have seatbelts, but the ride can be bumpy and dirty at times.

For Mom and Dad

Spa
A beautiful spa situated among the trees of the jungle offers massages, facials and a variety of other spa treatments to guests.

Yoga
Two complimentary yoga classes take place each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Meditate and practice your stretches while overlooking the jungle and volcanos of Nicaragua.