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VIVA NICARAGUA Exploring Central America’s most luxurious secret. By Wing Sze Tang
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s far back as 1866, Mark Twain was waxing poetic about Nicaragua’s lush rainforests and spectacular volcanoes crowned by billowy clouds. But the destination has remained Central America’s least tourist-trodden. Known for its pastel-hued colonial architecture and sleepy beach towns, Nicaragua has been lauded largely by thrifty backpackers and surf seekers — until now. With Mukul Resort, Golf & Spa marking the start of a luxury travel scene in the country, word is finally getting out to off-the-grid jet-setters. Mukul — Mayan for “secret” — is Nicaragua’s first five-star resort, luring the likes of Beyoncé, Madonna and Michael Fassbender to the stunning Emerald Coast. Set in the 1,670-acre private community of Guacalito de la Isla, this $250-million oceanside haven is the dream-come-true of Carlos Pellas, scion of the Flor de Caña rum empire and the country’s first billionaire. Mukul’s doors opened in 2013, and with the recent launch of Costa Esmeralda Airport — a joint venture between Pellas and the Nicaraguan government — the resort’s guests are now just a 15-minute drive from touchdown to check-in. >
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