Rancho Santana

Nicaragua

Rooms

Floors

Pools

Restaurants

Location

beachfront

key features

Kid-Friendly Grounds

Kids Club

Kitchens Available

Spacious Rooms

Delicious Food

An immersive ranch and surf experience in Nicaragua, set on a 2700-acre property with five unique beaches, community connection, and a plethora of outdoor adventures.

One-bedroom suites start around $420 per night

Why we like it for families

IT’S THE COMPLETE PACKAGE. Families seeking a luxury vacation with kids that strikes the balance of adventure and ease will find it at Rancho Santana. This 2500 acre luxury ranch offers two miles of shoreline along Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast; activities for all family members; amazing home-grown food; and a staff that will make your stay with warm smiles and a genuine willingness to assist.
THE VALUE.With accommodations ranging from family suites at the inn to luxury villas, Rancho Santana is a great value for a luxury property. Even over the holidays, prices aren’t inflated, which is a rarity and music to our ears.
THE VIBE. Think rustic luxury at its best — an oasis that will captivate you with its charm. The resort has an outdoor and wellness focus, known for its surf lessons, making it perfect for families who want a luxurious and adventurous experience. But with the classic resort amenities, including a kids’ club and all-inclusive packaging, it appeals to families who want that adventure to feel easy.
THE FOOD. Your family vacation to Rancho Santana will positively overwhelm your senses, including your taste buds. The dining is exceptional, with four onsite restaurants serving farm-to-table meals sourced from the resort’s gardens. While there are no dedicated kids’ menus, the resort staff is flexible and will accomodate your family favorites. Plus, there’s an onsite market. The Garden Tour lets kids explore the property’s gardens and orchards up close, enticing them to try new foods and dishes.
THE ROOMS. Rancho Santana has villas and suites for families of every size. Smaller families will appreciate the suites at the Inn, with many resort amenities within walking distance. Those needing more space will enjoy the fully equipped kitchens and separate bedrooms at the Residences, Puerto del Mar Villas, or Garden View Casitas. Larger groups and multigenerational families can opt for an Ocean View Home, offering everything you need plus extras like infinity pools, soaking tubs, outdoor showers, swim-up bars, separate guest houses, and more. Each villa and home is uniquely designed and decorated, offering your family a one-of-a-kind lodging experience.
THE BEACH(ES). Known as Las Cinco Playas, Rancho Santana offers not just one but five beautiful beaches, each with its unique charm. Swimming, surfing, and sandboarding are all possible – just pick the beach and vibe that appeals to your family.
THE KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES. We absolutely adore this resort for families because it’s packed with fun for both kids and parents! With so much to do, tablets will become a thing of the past. In addition to swimming and beach time, kids can enjoy birdwatching, sandboarding, surf lessons, horseback riding, garden tours, hiking, mountain biking, family bonfires, and even monkey-scouting adventures! The Kids Club is a bit hit for ages 5-12, giving parents a chance to sneak off for treetop yoga, to hit the trails, or to ride the waves. And for the little ones who can’t enjoy the Kids Club yet, bilingual babysitters are available to keep the fun going.

Location and Activities

Nestled along the tranquil Southwest Pacific coast pf Nicaragua, a sprawling 2700-acre residential community awaits. While the journey to Rancho Santana requires some effort, it’s truly worthwhile for those who like discovering travel’s best kept secrets.

After flying into Managua (MGA) from Houston or Miami, enjoy a smooth 2-2.5 hour transfer, easily arranged through Rancho Santana.

Alternatively, if you have a direct flight to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), resort staff can arrange a 3-hour transfer across the border. For added convenience, consider taking a small plane to Costa Esmerelda, just a 10-15-minute drive from the resort.

Once you reach Rancho Santana – especially if staying in a villa – we recommend renting a 4×4 vehicle for easy access to the resort activities and beaches, which are spread around the community. You can conveniently book your rentals right on-site.

Tour of Amenities

Dining

Rooms

For Kids

Activities

Adventure begins as soon as you land in Nicaragua, with a scenic 2-2.5 hour transfer through picturesque landscapes and charming small towns. When you arrive at the property, prepare to be wowed by the views and the staff’s warm hospitality. You’ll be welcomed with a cold towel and refreshing drink before receiving some logistics, then whisked to your incredible accommodations.
With 89 total properties at Rancho Santana, your family will easily find one that suits your needs. If you prefer walkability to restaurants and activities, consider a family suite at the Inn or a stay at The Residences. The Inn features cozy rooms decorated with luxurious artisan-made furniture and private terraces. For more space, The Residences offers airy accommodations with fully-equipped kitchens, upscale finishes, and stunning ocean views.
The Ocean View Homes at this Nicaragua family resort are the perfect choice for a more secluded vacation vibe. Spread across the property, each home features unique characteristics, amenities, and decor. If you have specific preferences, you can easily find your perfect abode by selecting the number of bedrooms, location, and desired amenities right on the website.
If you’re not staying at the Inn, we highly recommend a 4×4 vehicle to easily explore our expansive property. This interactive map will be your guide to the property’s restaurants, activities, and beaches.
Enjoy fresh, locally grown produce and sustainably sourced seafood and meat at the four onsite restaurants at Rancho Santana. Visit El Cafe, where you can grab a delicious smoothie, hearty breakfast, or tasty lunch sandwich- conveniently located at the Inn. After surf lessons, swing by La Taqueria for mouth-watering table-side guacamole or fresh ceviche, or grab a quick bite at the pool bar. For dinner with a view of Playa Rosada, La Boquita offers a casual vibe with options ranging from wood-fried sourdough pizzas to sushi and paella.
If you’re in the mood for fine dining, check out La Finca y El Mar (open all day) in the clubhouse, which serves local seafood and meats in a more intimate setting. For a special treat, consider an in-home dining service or book a private dinner at one of three stunning spots- Playa Rosada, The Lawn, or under the tamarind tree at The Clubhouse.
It’s likely that you’ll stay on property for most of your trip to Rancho Santana with kids – there’s just so much to do. Recognizing this, the family resort does offer all-inclusive pricing as well a la carte dining, so you can pick the best meal plan for your family.
Much of your time at Rancho Santana with kids will be spent experiencing the Five Beaches. Playa Santana, the closest to the Inn and Residences, is perfect for a relaxing day on the sand. Surfers will love Playa Rosada, an exclusive spot for resort guests to catch a left break. Kids can swim, build sandcastles, or take surf lessons at Playa Los Perros. For a quieter experience, head to Playa Escondida, the “Hidden Beach,” where you can do yoga, try guided SUP, or witness sea turtles hatching. If you’re looking for adventure, hike to Playa Duna for a thrilling sandboarding experience. With such a variety, there’s a beach for everyone to enjoy.
But even beyond the beach, Rancho Santana is a fantastic vacation spot for kids, packed with nature, adventure, and animal activities. Available activities include hiking, biking, and even spotting monkeys or watching sea turtles hatch.
Children will beg to spend time at the Kid’s Club, located at the Inn. It’s stocked with art supplies, games, and movies and provides engaging programming, camps, and excursions. Babysitting services are available for younger children who aren’t old enough to join the club.
While the kids are entertained at the Kids Club, parents should definitely take advantage of the 6,000-square-foot spa, take a yoga class in the treetop palapa, or indulge in a breathtaking sunset horseback ride. Embrace your adventurous side without the kids by sandboarding, surfing, or mountain biking.
Kids’ activities at Rancho Santana are ramped up during school holiday, promising endless fun for little ones. Think family bingo, gel blaster battles, Easter egg hunts, fireworks, and spa sessions especially designed for kids.
While there’s no shortage of on-site activities, consider venturing off to explore more of Nicaragua. Discover stunning volcanoes, zipline through the canopy, tour San Juan del Sur, indulge in a luxury catamaran, or connect with the local community for an unforgettable experience. We can help you curate the perfect itinerary to relax and enjoy Nicaragua with kids, with Rancho Santana as your homebase.

Best Rooms for Families

The hotel has many categories of rooms, ranging from Guestrooms to Ocean View Homes, but these ones have the best room configurations for families.

Child friendly rooms at Ranch Santana in Nicaragua

PIED-A-TERRE SUITE AT THE INN

Best for families of 3
Suite with king bed
Living area with pull-out, separated from king bed by curtain
Bathroom with shower only
Private terrace with wraparound ocean views

View on Hotel Website

Family friendly suite at Rancho Santana in Nicaragua

FAMILY SUITE AT THE INN

Best for families of 3-5
Pied-A-Terre Suite with connecting King Guestroom
Suite with king bedroom
Living area with pull-out, separated from king bed by curtain
Connecting King Guestroom with king bed
Two bathrooms with shower only
Two private terraces with wraparound ocean views

View on Hotel Website

Large Room for Families at Rancho Santa with beach access

RESIDENCES

Best for families of 6-8
Luxury condo-style unit
Three Bedrooms (King / King / 2 Twin OR 2 Bunk)
Separate living room with couch (no pull-out)
Fully equipped kitchen
Separate dining area
Three to three and a half bathrooms (showers only)
One to two private ocean-view terraces

View on Hotel Website

Kid-friendly casita at Rancho Santana in Nicaragua

GARDEN VIEW CASITAS

Best for families of 4-6
Two bedrooms (Various bed configurations)
Separate living room with couch (no pull-out)
Fully equipped kitchen
Separate dining area
One to two bathrooms (showers only)
Terrace or patio

View on Hotel Website

Family friendly rooms at Ranch Santana in Nicaragua

PUERTA DEL MAR VILLAS

Best for families of 4-7
Unique condo-style units
Two to three bedrooms (Various bed configurations)
Separate living room with couch (no pull-out)
Fully equipped kitchen and dining area
Two to three bathrooms (showers only)
Private or covered terrace
Oceanfront or ocean view

View on Hotel Website

Large rooms for families at Ranch Santana in Nicaragua

OCEAN-VIEW HOMES

Best for large families or groups
Three to nine bedrooms
Separate living rooms, kitchens, and dining spaces
Various outdoor space types
Some have soaking tubs
Some have private pools
Ocean View

View on Hotel Website

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Traveler Reviews

This place is a gorgeous oasis. We watched Pacific sunsets from the pool, rode horses along coast, watched monkeys play in the trees, and dined almost every night at the amazing restaurants. We were lucky enough to stay in one of the nicest houses on the property, Villa Escondida, which was certainly spectacular. Whoever planned all this really put some thought into it. But what was most impressive about the ranch was the team that keeps it running. Every staff member we encountered was intuitive, friendly, and incredibly warm and welcoming. This place is charmed… would definitely recommend!

★★★★★ 5/5

Reviewed by John F, Aug 2023, via TripAdvisor

My family had a fantastic time at Rancho Santana. We took full advantage of all the activities offered at this stunning property and had some unforgettable experiences, and we all improved our surfing! The service is friendly, the accommodations elegantly simple yet luxurious and the food is fresh and local. We will be back!

★★★★★ 5/5

Reviewed by amandaZ2316LE, Nov 2022, via TripAdvisor

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Other Hotels and Resources

Want to see more of what Nicaragua has to offer? Our complete Nicaragua Collection is coming soon. In the meantime, explore Belize, one of our other favorite destinations for families.

Rancho Santana

Rooms

Floors

Pools

Restaurants

Location

key features

Kid-Friendly Grounds

Kids Club

Kitchens Available

Spacious Rooms

Delicious Food

Why we like it for families

Location and Activities

Tour of Amenities

Dining

Rooms

For Kids

Activities

Best Rooms for Families

Is this the one for you?

Let’s get you there.

Traveler Reviews

Other Hotels and Resources

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