Waves, Wellness, and Family Fun / Our Surf Trip to Rancho Santana, Nicaragua

surfer by the pool at Rancho Santana, Nicaragua

Last August, my husband Eric, myself, and our two-year-old son ventured to Central America for a special trip that combined work and play. We visited both El Salvador and Nicaragua to scout new properties and connect with our partners, but we also scheduled time for something extra meaningful—a family vacation at Rancho Santana to celebrate my birthday.

After our wonderful stay, I can confidently say that Rancho Santana isn’t just a resort—it’s a destination that invites you to immerse yourself in nature, adventure, and rejuvenation. Here’s a glimpse into our magical stay and why Rancho Santana is one of our favorite spots.

The Property

Rancho Santana aerial view with ocean, villas, and pool
photo courtesy of Rancho Santana 

Nestled on Nicaragua’s stunning Emerald Coast, Rancho Santana is a place where rugged natural beauty meets understated luxury. This sprawling 2,700-acre private ranch and coastal community is located just a 2.5-hour scenic drive from the capital of Managua, yet it feels worlds away from the bustle of everyday life. The sheer size of the property is astounding—it stretches across lush jungles and rolling hillsides, offering private access to five pristine beaches that showcase Nicaragua’s amazing surf breaks and secluded shorelines.

Poolside lounge with ocean views and surfing waves.
Rancho Santana courtyard with lush greenery and archway

Rancho Santana isn’t just a resort—it’s a thoughtfully designed community that welcomes both adventurers and those seeking a peaceful escape. Accommodations here range from a charming 17-room boutique inn to elegant beachfront condos and luxurious private villas tucked away along the coast. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family, or a group of friends, there’s an ideal space for everyone—from cozy casitas surrounded by tropical gardens to expansive ocean-view homes that feel like your own slice of paradise.

The architecture and design of Rancho Santana blend colonial charm with modern comforts, creating an atmosphere that feels both elevated and inviting. Picture terracotta-tiled roofs, colorful local art, and beautifully landscaped courtyards where tropical flowers and native palms thrive. This attention to detail extends beyond the accommodations to every corner of the community—from the winding dirt roads that lead to hidden beaches to the welcoming open-air spaces where you can gather, dine, and relax.

Infinity pool at Rancho Santana with palm trees
photo courtesy of Rancho Santana 

Despite its luxurious amenities, Rancho Santana retains a laid-back, unpretentious vibe that invites you to kick off your shoes, feel the sand between your toes, and fully embrace the rhythm of coastal life. The resort’s amenities cater to every type of traveler:

  • Three Restaurants and a Breakfast Café serving fresh, farm-to-table meals
  • Multiple Pools, including beachfront infinity pools with stunning ocean views
  • A Surf Shop with boards and expert coaches ready to help you ride Nicaragua’s fantastic waves
  • The Spa in El Bosque, a 6,000-square-foot sanctuary hidden in the jungle
  • An Open-Air Yoga Shala perched on a hill overlooking the coastline
  • An Equestrian Center, where you can book a scenic beach or jungle ride
  • Sports Facilities: Pickleball, tennis, basketball courts, and mountain biking trails
  • A Kids Club offering fun, nature-focused activities for little ones

While many visitors go for the great surf, there’s so much more to experience—whether it’s hiking through jungle trails, spotting wildlife, indulging in a wellness treatment, or gathering with loved ones for a sunset bonfire on the beach. Rancho Santana blends outdoor adventure with moments of serenity, making it a destination where you can both explore and recharge.

This combination of rugged beauty, thoughtful design, and warm hospitality is what makes Rancho Santana so special. It’s a place where life slows down, days are filled with barefoot simplicity, and every sunset feels like its own celebration.

The Surf

the surf at playa santana, nicaragua

For surfers, Nicaragua is a dream destination—and Rancho Santana puts you in the heart of it all. With 300+ days of offshore winds each year, the Emerald Coast is known for its remarkably consistent surf conditions year-round. For intermediate to advanced surfers looking for sizeable waves, the largest south swells arrive from March to September.

Nicaragua offers a variety of breaks—from hollow, punchy beach breaks and powerful reef points to more mellow waves perfect for beginners. Whether you’re chasing barrels or just starting to ride your first green wave, there’s something for every level of surfer.

poolside overlooking surfing waves at Rancho Santana
Scenic view of Rancho Santana coastline and waves

Rancho Santana’s expansive property gives you private access to five stunning beaches, three of which offer great waves:

  • Playa Santana: The resort’s namesake beach is a consistent beach break right in front of the main clubhouse and pool that serves up fast, punchy waves and barrels that go both left and right. It’s a favorite among experienced surfers who want to test their skills. 
  • Playa Rosada: This picturesque beach is home to a powerful left-hand point reef break. When the swell lines up, this spot offers long, clean rides that experienced goofy-footers will especially love. 
  • Playa Los Perros: This is the go-to spot for beginners and those looking for a mellow, playful wave. With smaller, user-friendly waves and a sandy bottom, Playa Los Perros is perfect for surf lessons, family fun, or practicing your turns. Rancho Santana’s on-site surf coaches are knowledgeable and patient, making it an ideal place to learn and improve.

For those who want to explore the breaks beyond the property, there are plenty of other amazing breaks within a short drive or boat ride from Rancho Santana. Whether you’re seeking iconic Nicaraguan surf spots like Popoyo or Playa Colorado, or hoping to discover a more off-the-grid wave, there are truly options for every type of surfer. 

Our Stay

Rancho Santana poolside lounge with ocean views
Rancho Santana courtyard archway
Child walking through Rancho Santana’s corridor

The moment we arrived at Rancho Santana, we were greeted with genuine warmth from the resort’s team and an instant feeling of serenity, thanks to the wide-open spaces, the sound of the waves, and the beauty of the landscape.

girl with surfboard on oceanview balcony

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We checked into the Pied-à-Terre Suite at The Inn, and it was everything I’d hoped for—spacious, comfortable, and wonderfully suited for a family with a young toddler. The suite has an expansive living area with large windows that open to an incredible terrace that overlooks the long stretch of golden beach at Playa Santana. We spent many sweet moments just hanging out on the terrace, playing with our son, and enjoying the stunning views and sunsets.

Beach and waves viewed through Rancho Santana balcony window.

During our stay at Rancho Santana, we took full advantage of the beaches and surf. We spent our days surfing as much as possible (cue the toddler trade-off) and fully enjoying the stunning property. When we weren’t in the ocean, we were playing at one of the resort’s gorgeous pools, soaking up the sun and savoring the views. 

I love that the property is a luxurious hideaway with lots of amenities, while simultaneously being a bit rugged and connected to nature – complete with dirt roads, horse stables, trails (for hiking, biking, and horseback riding), and a working farm.

One morning I visited the horse stables with our son, who was thrilled to meet and pet the friendly horses. The stable team was so kind and took the time to introduce us to the horses—it’s these thoughtful interactions that made us feel right at home at Rancho Santana. The next day, I went on a sunset horseback ride along the beach (which I highly recommend), and meeting up with the team at the stables was like meeting up with friends for a ride.  

Oceanfront lounge chairs overlooking waves and surfer
Tropical garden with palm trees
Colorful tiled staircase
Man with a horse in Rancho Santana stables

For my birthday, I treated myself to a morning of complete serenity. I started my day with an invigorating yoga class at Rancho Santana’s beautiful Yoga Shala, a hilltop open-air palapa with panoramic views of the coastline and jungle. The class was excellent (shout out to Angie!) and the setting surrounded by nature was so beautiful.

After yoga, I headed to The Spa in El Bosque (“the forest”). The spa is tucked into the hillside and feels like a hidden sanctuary among the trees. I slipped into a robe and enjoyed the contrast therapy pools—alternating between the hot tub and cold plunge—before a fantastic massage in a private cabana. The cabana’s open-air design made it feel like I was floating among the trees, with birdsong and rustling leaves enhancing the experience. Being a mama of a rambunctious two-year-old, having this peaceful “me time” was absolute bliss.

El Bosque spa lounge nestled in a forest sanctuary
The Spa in El Bosque ("the forest")
Tranquil spa seating nestled in a forest sanctuary.

For my birthday dinner, we dined at the resort’s signature restaurant, La Finca y El Mar. This open-air restaurant combines rustic charm with an elevated menu that showcases local ingredients and Nicaraguan flavors. We indulged in a delicious dinner of New York steak and grilled Pacific lobster, paired with a glass of wine and a view of the moonlight shimmering over the ocean. I was surprised with a lovely birthday cake, making the evening even more special. It was a wonderful ending to a beautiful day!

La Finca y El Mar open-air dining with ocean views
Decorative horse fountains

As someone who’s always seeking out the best food wherever I go, Rancho Santana’s dining options exceeded my expectations. A few favorites (besides the lobster), were the grilled Corn Island Langostinos and the Pappardelle de Costela 12h – their housemade pasta topped with a delectable braised beef short rib ragu. And as a taco aficionado, I have to give a special shoutout to the tacos at La Taquería—taco lovers, don’t skip this spot!

Pathway to La Taquería
La Taquería overlooks the beach at Playa los Perros.
Fresh guacamole prepared tableside with vibrant ingredients.
Delicious tacos served with lime and dipping sauce

The Magic of Rainy Season

Sunset beach view with waves and silhouettes

Nicaragua enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season, which runs from November through April, is known for its sunny skies, hot days, and typically smaller surf conditions that are ideal for beginners and intermediates.

The wet season, from May to October, brings a different kind of beauty. The days are warm and humid, with refreshing rains that rejuvenate the landscapes, transforming the hillsides into lush, vibrant green. Rainstorms during this time are often brief, happening overnight or in the late afternoon. (Surf-wise, sizable south swells arrive around March to September.)

We visited Rancho Santana at the end of August, right in the heart of the wet season, and it added an extra charm that we fully embraced. Mornings were warm and sunny, perfect for swimming, beach walks, and exploration. The late afternoons often brought dramatic thunderstorms that rolled in across the jungle and coastline like a cinematic show.

Child enjoying rainy ocean view from a balcony
Twilight view of boardwalk over serene beach

We loved hanging out on our terrace, watching the clouds gather and feeling the warm tropical breeze before the rain came and we watched lightning dance across the sky. The sound of raindrops on the roof was soothing, and it made for cozy, restful evenings—especially after our busy fun-filled days.

Family-Friendly Adventures

Family playing in shaded bocce court

Traveling with a toddler can be tricky, but Rancho Santana made it easy and fun. The property’s layout meant that everything—restaurants, pools, beaches, and activities—was just a short walk or shuttle ride away. We didn’t have to worry about packing up the car or spending time in transit to reach the next adventure. The Kids Club and organized activities for little ones are fantastic, and we loved that our son could enjoy unique experiences like visiting the farm, spotting monkeys, and, of course, meeting the horses at the stables.

The resort also offers babysitting and nanny services if you want some extra kid-free time. 

Why Rancho Santana Stands Out

Ocean view from cozy balcony at Rancho Santana.

Rancho Santana has something for everyone, whether you’re an avid surfer, a wellness enthusiast, or a family looking for a well-rounded vacation. Here’s what makes it truly special:

  • The Variety of Beautiful Accommodations: From beachfront condos to luxurious five-bedroom villas, the property offers accommodations to suit every type of traveler and group size.
  • Endless Activities: Beyond surfing, there’s horseback riding, mountain biking, sandboarding, yoga, and more. The complimentary weekly activity schedule includes unique experiences like farm tours and beach bonfires.
  • Farm-to-Table Cuisine: The property’s restaurants emphasize local, fresh ingredients (many of them grown on the property’s farm!), with menus that cater to all ages and preferences (and yes, they have a great kid’s menu).
  • Wellness Haven: The spa and yoga offerings are top-notch, making Rancho Santana the perfect place to recharge.
  • A Private, Safe Getaway: As a fully private estate, Rancho Santana offers security and seclusion, and I felt completely comfortable traveling here with my young child.

The Bottom Line

Oceanfront lounge chairs overlooking waves and surfer

Rancho Santana wasn’t just a vacation; it was a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and create special memories as a family. Whether it was surfing, spotting wildlife, or simply watching the waves roll in during a tropical rainstorm, every moment felt like a celebration of life’s simple pleasures.

We left with full hearts, and I can’t wait to return. If you’re dreaming of an off-the-beaten-path surf getaway that blends adventure, relaxation, and nature, Rancho Santana is it.

Until next time, Nicaragua.

Sunset over Rancho Santana beach and boardwalk

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