Adventure Awaits, Serenity Follows in Nicaragua’s Hidden Paradise.

August 31st – September 1st, 2025

Nicaragua doesn’t come wrapped in glossy packaging. The country is raw and restless, with people often crammed together when traveling. Throughout our journey we saw children sandwiched between adults on motorcycles meant for two, buses so crowded you wonder how the air gets in and truck beds filled with people.

Furthermore, Christmas lights glow not just in storefronts but even across the backs of cars barreling down unlit roads. It’s a country of contrasts: open-air homes and shops because central air is a rarity, roadside vendors selling fruit even in the shadows, and motorbikes weaving past pedestrians walking dark highways with no sidewalks, no streetlights, and no hurry.

Even a simple taxi ride is a thrill ride — lurching potholes, sudden construction stops, and drivers who think nothing of passing ten cars on a one-lane road. By the time I arrived in San Juan del Sur, following my approximately two-hour rollercoaster ride with white knuckle grips, I was a bit queasy, yet wide-eyed, because I couldn’t shake the thought, “this must be the sacrifice needed to get closer to paradise?”

And then I stepped into La Santa María Boutique Hotel, where the chaos melted into calm.

Between Wild and Refined

Perched above the fishing town, the hotel feels both connected and removed. From the infinity pool, you can spot the fishing boats below and the volcanic silhouettes beyond, yet up here it’s just the hum of macaw birds and the occasional peacock wandering the lawn. The architecture leans into the landscape where no villa blocks another’s view of the Pacific with some featuring plunge pools, but all enjoying smart TVs and fresh coconuts to drink waiting in the fridge.

Still my room wasn’t flawless. The bathroom hummed like an airplane cabin when I flipped on the light. Outlets were vacant where you’d expect them to be. Hand towels weren’t in the usual spots either. But what stands out is how quickly staff responded: whatever’s off is fixed within minutes, and always with warmth. It felt less like a boutique hotel and more like a community that genuinely cares you’re there.

Adventure at the Doorstep

What sets La Santa María apart is the way it draws you beyond its gates, although not before you’ve indulged in an hour-long massage on site. From there, the adventure begins. Rent an ATV or motorcycle and within minutes you’re rumbling down dirt roads toward beaches that feel undiscovered. Greet the day by surfing at sunrise, then close it out riding horseback along the shore at sunset. Venture inland and you’ll find volcanoes, crater lakes and jungles hum with wild rhythm. One day you might be ziplining through canopies with neighboring Howler Monkeys, the next eating $5 ceviche at the local market so fresh it still tastes of the sea.

That chaos, adventure and beauty is Nicaragua. La Santa María doesn’t hide it; it frames it. You feel the grit of the streets below and the grace of the sunsets above, and somehow the two make each other better.

Beyond the excursions, you’ll also find the eclectic offerings for authentic Nicaraguan dining. You can eat out by the water at Tuani’s or try one of several other great suggestions by the hotel, including Ikal, The Art Warehouse, Simon Says, El Timon or Dale Pues. Menus often celebrate the country’s staples like rice, beans, potatoes and plantains, while also serving up fresh lobster, shrimp, flavorful steaks and even their own take on seasoned fries. Tropical touches shine through in their array of cocktails and mocktails, pairing nicely with crepes at breakfast and carrying through to desserts, which peak with indulgent creations like their take on Bananas Foster.

A Country Still Untamed

San Juan del Sur is a site to behold, farmers on bicycles bringing fresh eggs to restaurants, fishermen hauling in the day’s catch on motorbikes and backpackers sipping early morning cocktails on the sand. It’s a town that feels like Costa Rica thirty years ago, still untamed and unpolished. And La Santa María offers a viewpoint to experience it without losing comfort, a place where wild beauty and refined living actually coexist.

In the Future

Looking ahead, owner Julio Arguello describes La Santa María as “experiential real estate,” a mix of a boutique hotel, private residences and a living community. The vision goes beyond vacation: it’s about creating a space where travelers connect with Nicaragua while still enjoying elevated comforts. Plans are already underway for a wellness-focused expansion, with yoga, saunas and cold plunges designed to attract retreats and health-conscious travelers. A nine-bedroom estate is also in development, complete with butler service and private chefs for those who want ultimate exclusivity.

Final Word

Nicaragua demands patience. The rides are bumpy, the roads unpredictable, the pace anything but smooth. But if you’re willing to surrender a little comfort, what you gain is rare: authenticity. La Santa María Boutique Hotel gives you the best of both worlds, a sanctuary above the noise, and a front-row seat to a country still finding its balance between grit and grace. This is where you can truly unplug.

It’s a reminder that paradise isn’t always easy to reach, but that’s exactly why it feels so real once you’re there.