Plan South America | Field Notes | Venetia Martin On Nicaragua’s Private Island Escapes
Plan South America | Nicaragua | 12.01.18

Venetia Martin On Nicaragua’s Private Island Escapes | Plan South America

Nicaragua

PSA promises to keep expanding our offering of the hottest private properties across Latin America, and 2018 is no different.

Whether planning a party, a romantic getaway or a special occasion, we have you covered. On a recent research trip to Nicaragua, PSA’s Venetia Martin explored the beautiful private islands of Lake Nicaragua, sourcing some stunning private properties to share with our clients…

Plan South America | Field Notes | Venetia Martin On Nicaragua’s Private Island Escapes

Part of the beauty of Nicaragua is that at its very essence it is wild and undiscovered. The locals tell tales born of the country’s rich history, that the vacant traveller will only glimpse at. My week with Mr Pellas, philanthropist and owner of the spoiling wellness retreat Nekupe, allowed me an insight into the beauty of this country, and he invited me to his private island to truly appreciate it.

The journey to the island is an experience in itself. We boarded a well-stocked boat from the small private port, passing smiling fishermen in wooden boats accompanied by children hiding under parasols, and waving ladies artfully hanging their washing between trees. At this time of day, the sky is a haze of yellow and the water, a mirror reflecting waves of heat. With the speed of the boat casting blasts of fresh air across our faces and the faint sound of macaws and spoonbills welcoming the morning in the distance, I was completely captivated by my surroundings as we ventured towards the heart of Lake Nicaragua.

We reached the island and Don Alfredo showed me around. There are a number of indigenous trees that form a small, but beautifully-kept garden, and I noticed the black lamp posts lining the pathways resemble a cross between Victorian London and Narnia. The 4-bedroom house is spacious and airy; perfect for a weekend hideaway. Michelada in hand, we sat back in chairs designed to resemble peacock feathers and appreciated our surroundings, watching the clouds form around the top of the majestic Mombacho Volcano – the area is blessed with a blissful tranquility. I was imagining all of the scenarios in which I could share this experience, from an intimate lunch under tropical fruit trees to a romantic weekend getaway with a sunset boat cruise through the mangroves.

 

Plan South America | Field Notes | Venetia Martin On Nicaragua’s Private Island Escapes
Plan South America | Field Notes | Venetia Martin On Nicaragua’s Private Island Escapes

Returning to the colonial streets of Granada, the magic of the islands resonated with me. We escaped from the rising heat into the Pellas’ family home overlooking the central plaza, greeted with a cool lemongrass drink. The colonial style cloisters encircle a colourful garden and the walls are patterned with contemporary art by Latin American artists. While I marvelled at the marble bannisters framing the majestic staircase, Don Alfredo told me “We’ve had Vogue shoot their front cover on that staircase.” The house is so beautifully traditional and as I watched from the window as the horse and carriages trotted across the cobblestones, I was convinced I had just experienced two of Nicaragua’s best kept secrets…

 

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