A Week at the Best Resort in Latin America
The year was 1995. My sister, my dad, and I stood on a cliff, looking out at the ocean. The hot wind whipped our hair. Waves crashed on the rocks below, and my breath was suspended as I squinted through the sun.
Our guide explained in broken English what we were looking at: Costa Esmeralda, the Emerald Coast.
So you can get the full picture, let me give you a little background.
Going on a trip with Dad was special. Since he worked so much, we didn’t get to see much of him, so joining him on a trip was a fun way to discover his world.
We three had flown from Baltimore, through Florida where we stayed a day and got sunburnt on the beach, then on to Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. From there, we drove along bumpy, unpaved roads for 4 hours, till we arrived at a place called Santana.
It was a 2,700-acre property for sale, which Dad, being an adventurous entrepreneur, figured might be an interesting project.
In the ensuing years, we went back to Nicaragua many times. We met the locals. We made friends. A house was built. Our friends introduced us to the culture, took us to local craftsmen to find furniture, and trained our cook.
Back then, there was limited electricity and running water. We spent all day riding horses, learned Spanish and swam in the surf. Our family developed relationships and a connection to the Ranch. Recently, my eldest brother’s wedding was officiated by my younger brother on Playa Los Perros. And this year, the foundation will be laid for a chapel dedicated to Santa Ana, in honor of our grandmother, and the patron saint of the Ranch.
Aside from my personal experience since I first stood on that lookout point, things have changed immensely at Rancho Santana. It is remarkable to see how the kernel of an idea has grown into a successful resort, the best in Latin America.
Just last month, I returned to the Ranch for a new experience: a week at the new inn on Playa Santana. Like the clubhouse, it was designed by a top Californian architect.
It was my first time staying at the inn, and I was charmed by the comfort, service and loveliness of the décor.
One of my favorite things about the Inn is the art, both on the walls, and in the art gallery. Each time I visit the gallery, something catches my eye, and I want to take it home with me. There are also several pieces that hang throughout the Inn. I never tire of looking at them. Like a book, a piece of art can become like an old friend, and there’s a familiar cozy feeling that comes with seeing it over and over again.
The gallery in my opinion, is part of what makes Rancho Santana so unique. Taste and sophistication are set amidst a warm, and welcoming backdrop. A combination I find appealing and reassuring.
In addition to the treats for the eyes in the gallery, there’s the spa where one can enjoy all manner of treatments for the body. I had a manicure and pedicure, a hot stone massage, and a facial. A special perk is the fresh coconut water with crisp white chunks of coconut pulp.
A short walk from the Inn and perched on a hilltop is the yoga studio, which offers daily classes. And if you want extra attention, the instructors are also available for private lessons.
Another favorite spot of mine is the surf shop and taqueria at Playa Los Perros, just a short walk from our home. I have fun browsing their selection of baseball caps and swimsuits. Then I’ll grab a passion fruit margarita, and fresh fish taco for lunch.
“La Tienda”, is the ranch store, where you’ll find a bottle of my father’s Argentine wine sitting on a shelf. I like to pop in for a “real” coke after a long dusty horseback ride!
Finally, after a busy day, I recommend sinking into a comfy chair at Playa Santana, cocktail in hand, to take in the end of the day, the sunset. The sunset is one of the beautiful things about the ranch. It has not changed. There was no way to improve it!