Rancho Santana

Family of four (kids 7 and 10) visited for 6 nights over the Christmas holiday. - Pied de terre suite at the Inn was fantastic - spacious, well appointed, large bathroom, shower with excellent water pressure, and beautiful view from the patio. - We didn’t care for the main pool. The landscaping makes it difficult to see the ocean when seated, and the music played at the pool was not to our liking. We preferred to walk over to the townhomes nearby and use that pool. - Food good to very good. There are inconsistencies in how things are prepared, particularly when it comes to the house cocktails. Nothing particularly stands out that we loved. - Massage at the spa with Johanna was fabulous, as were the hot and cold pools before my massage. - Onsite activities were excellent! My kids loved the sandboarding, monkey scouting. Day trip to Granada with Jafet and Gustavo was so much fun! We loved the ziplining and boat tour around the isletas. Skip the chocolate place - it was very weird energy, pushing you to buy things, and we all felt uncomfortable. - We had one negative experience with a private surf lesson, as my daughter’s instructor was getting obviously frustrated that she wasn’t able to stand. The surf was much too intense for a young beginner. This was the one activity I wish we had not paid for, as my daughter ended up crying from being pummeled by the waves and not wanting to continue. This was a very different experience than what we’ve previously done in Hawaii, much better for beginners. - A few things to bring with you: bug spray (I got eaten alive!), your own refillable water bottle (they have them available for $45). Also, know that gratuity is included on yours. We ended up double tipping. All in all, we loved this very special property! It’s relaxing and can be as busy (or not!) as you like!

Great place for family. Beautiful property with a lot of activities for kids. Horse riding is so much fun here. The crew was so helpful and friendly. The house riding really made the trip for the kids. All of the food is really fresh at all of the restaurants.

A massage in a hillside cabana with the relaxing sounds of birds and Pacific breezes? Yes, please! The setting for the spa at Rancho Santana could not be more breathtaking. I had the signature massage plus mini facial one day, and a cacao and coffee body scrub another. Heavenly! Attentive, courteous staff. Overall a great experience.

Rancho Santana is such a beautiful resort- a true gem. From the landscape, to the staff, and the entire community. But one thing I especially look forward to during my visits are trips to the spa! This visit, I opted for the Signature Wellness massage and my massage therapist was Melina. From scheduling the appointment with the help of the wellness director, Eva, to my arrival and all through the treatment, it was a heavenly experience. I was greeted with such a welcoming smile at the spa reception desk, provided a deliciously scented cold cloth and offered one of 3 beverage options (green juice, water, or tea). After changing and storing my personal belongings in the locker, I relaxed on the swinging couch and waited for my treatment time. My therapist then escorted me to a beautiful treatment cabana nestled up a stone pathway in the treetops. Lying on the massage table, I could hear the relaxing music combined with the wind rustling through the trees. So relaxing! My massage therapist was excellent - she had just the right amount of pressure and I think I was so relaxed, I fell asleep! After rising off in the shower, I was able to relax more on one of the many lounge chairs, overlooking the woods, enjoying the wildlife and hearing the birds. The spa is an experience not to be missed and the staff is incredible. They clearly work on providing a unique and relaxing experience and they work so hard on being able to speak English, which as a tourist, I appreciate so much. I never miss the opportunity to spend time at the spa and this trip was well worth it! My only suggestion would be to include the cost of the treatment on the tip card, so I easily know how much to tip. Other than that, I’m not sure anything could be better!

Absolutely gorgeous!!!! Nicaragua is a hidden gem! The people are friendly and the food is phenomenal. Beautiful place and very safe for tourists!! So many things to do, the beaches are gorgeous, volcanoes are breathtaking and also kid friendly!