SUMMER/ Fall, 2013
Summer/ Fall, 2013 | tres ceibas
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5 CONTENTS 2
Letter from the CEO Our Vision in Focus
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Bringing more to the table than great food Meet Krysthel Ruiz
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Summer fun Hot ideas for cool family fun A luxury adventure untapped
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The first day in my new home at Guacalito de la Isla Home is where the heart returns
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Spa Tip Secrets
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GOLF STORY The purest part of nature built the greatest game of golf
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NIght Sky Preserving our pristine night-sky for future generations
LUXURY RESORT RESIDENCES AT LAS TERRAZAS INVEST IN YOUR LEGACY....
DEVELOPED BY...
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E: info@guacalitodelaisla.com W: www.guacalitodelaisla.com P: + 505-2563-7150
tres ceibas | Summer/ Fall, 2013
2013’s HOTTEST NEW HOTEL IN THE WORLD – CNN
-letter from our
CEO
Dear readers, Welcome to the fifth edition of Tres Ceibas, your source of information about Guacalito de la Isla. This summer I invite you to discover why Mukul, our boutique hotel in Guacalito de la Isla, is 2013’s Hottest new hotel in the world, according to CNN network (2013 Hottest new hotels in the world - Dragun, Natasha 25 Feb 2013) or better yet. I invite you to discover why, in its June edition, the prestigious magazine Travel & Leisure appoints us as one of the 61 best new hotels of 2013, a selection made by its editorial staff choosing among thousands of new hotels opening their doors around the world. And if these media and expert opinions are not enough to arouse your curiosity, I invite you to read on these pages the top 10 reasons why you should spend this summer in Mukul. They are all extraordinary! All the media recognition lavished on Guacalito de la Isla and Mukul, is a deep source of pride for us, and a solid new milestone in Nicaragua’s position in tourism. Without a doubt, the best rewards will be the financial gains to be realized by the owners and founders of the project for having believed in the dream and shared the vision. If you are still trying to make up your mind, this might be just the right time to come and see for yourself why it is that we are building the most impressive, innovative and sustainable beach community of the region in recent times. Of course whenever I can, I take the opportunity to repeat again and again that the pillar of Guacalito is inclusiveness and the development of opportunities for the local communities through responsible tourism. In this issue of Tres Ceibas, such inclusiveness is reflected in the special glow of a young woman called Krystel, a beautiful and cheerful Nicaraguan. She lives in a neighboring coastal community, and today she belongs to Mukul’s staff. I invite you to discover her story in these pages. Pellas Development Group is proud of the impeccable service provided by its staff, which is 100% Nicaraguan and comes from the quaint local communities. Today, they integrate their culture and authenticity into the great family of Guacalito de la Isla and Mukul hotel. Finally, the summer vacation is almost here, and it is the perfect time to share with your family and to create unforgettable memories. Guacalito is ready for you with its refreshing sea breeze, its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, the lush flora and fauna, the 18-hole golf course from David McLay Kidd, the most fascinating Spa in the region, the nouvelle Nicaraguan cuisine of the famed Executive Chef Cupertino Ortiz, so… why delay it any longer? Come spend some time with us. Bring your family along. Come and discover paradise on the Emerald Coast of Nicaragua… Guacalito de la Isla.
Sincerely, Carlos Hérnandez García President and CEO, Pellas Development Group chernandez@pellasdevelopment.com +505 2274-4250
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Bringing more to the
food
table than great
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ntegrating local cultural heritages with large scale development is an invested commitment of Guacalito de la Isla. With local and regional partnerships and a focus on education, health, culture, environment, and employment, the long-term results are as rewarding as the project itself. Meet Krysthel Ruiz. She lives in the bordering Nicaraguan village of Las Pilas, which is home to about 500 people. The community, which is largely based in agriculture, was typical in that most residents lived on less than $2 a day, many had never worked outside the family farm, and the level of farming could best be described as subsistence. Krysthel grew up with 5 siblings and a passion for dance and learning.
I’ve been around positive energy my whole life, She was referring to the influence of her mother Azucena, a respected community leader and Assistant Director to the pre-school Amelia Cole.
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My inspiration to learn about other cultures and share the joys of native dancing have come from the deep roots of my family Krysthel’s future took a turn toward her passions at age 16, when she became one of the 8 students out of 45 applicants, to receive a hospitality vocational scholarship offered by Guacalito de la Isla. When she graduated, the scholarship included another 1.5 years of full-time courses at the National School of Hoteleria in Managua, which ultimately lead her to the training center of Mukul where she specialized in tourism, food, cultures and English.
After the opening of Mukul’s restaurant in 2013, Krysthel became Asistente de Mesero, overseeing details important to waiters and serving fine culinary cuisine to discerning guests.
Experience the magic of Nicaragua through its’ people
It’s more than just serving the guests, explains Jon Thompson, Director of Corporate Responsibility. “It’s about the cultural heritage and native spirit that these people give back to the community. It’s about the connection and the lifelines they provide. These people will become the ambassadors of the cultural heritage of Guacalito de la Isla.” In addition to her passions, Krysthel currently holds five beauty pageant crowns including regional and national. The competitions, based on talent, beauty, public speaking and dance have given her the opportunity to make a difference. “In the WISPAM regional pageant, my native dress featured a mural of the indigenous heritage of Nicaragua,” she said. “It was made of pop-tops from cans, plastic bags, and other recycled materials. I wanted to represent the history of Nicaraguan culture as well as the importance of future conservation.” Krysthel won the pageant. At Mukul Beach, Golf, and Spa, the opulence brought to each table is more than the great food. It’s more than the excellent service. It’s the genuine gift of the people themselves.
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Hot Ideas for cool family fun A luxury adventure untapped
Multi-generational. Something for everyone. . .
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poil yourself to an experience beyond all others as you indulge in a sense of adventure, driving fun and relaxation to the very core of your soul. And the best part,you can share it with your family.
MUKUL, Beach, Golf & Spa offers an unprecedented location along Nicaragua’s pristine Pacific coastline, weaving into its’
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tres ceibas | Summer/ Fall, 2013
magic a family legacy, cultural art, and first class amenities. Stories of interest and intrigue await your discovery. MUKUL’S summer season offers endless opportunities for reconnecting to your children, your spouse, your parents… and yourself. Explore and enjoy our luxury retreat, where something simple becomes so much more.
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reasons for taking your family on vacation to Mukul:
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Golf for everyone. Play golf on a
world-class David Kidd designed course or, learn to play utilizing SNAG (Starting New At Golf). This fun, cutting-edge system yields immediate, positive results for all ages in a non-traditional approach.
Natural amenities. Miles of forest and seashore. Four pristine beaches. Contrasting mountains and rivers. Abundant wildlife. Spectacular sunsets. These are only a few of our natural amenities. Hike with our rangers for your own discovery of howler monkeys, native birds, colorful iguanas, and terrain embedded with geological stories and cultural treasures. Stargazing, bonfires & dreams.
Gaze at billions of brilliant stars that look so close you’ll want to pick them out of the sky. Lay back as you listen to the cackle of a bonfire on the beach and watch embers flicker out to sea. Send your dreams into the night- time sky with a glowing Cantoya Balloon then toast up some more smores on the open fire. Yummmmm.
Sea turtles. Witness endangered or threatened sea turtles laying their eggs in the sand, an unforgettable memory for your family. As part of a conservation opportunity, partake in the release of “hatchlings” (baby turtles) back to sea. It is believed that the babies will one day return to the beaches from whence they came. Water activities. Embark on an exploratory journey of the ocean by kayak or stand- up paddle board as you follow the rugged coastline to Guacalito Beach. Surfers can enjoy Pacific swells all day long plus an incredible left point break for those with experience.
Summer/ Fall, 2013 | tres ceibas
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Simple pleasures. Luxury adventure. Family. Beach cinema. A blanket of stars invites you to relax and snuggle up as you watch movies on the beach... complete with fresh, hot popcorn and gentle ocean breezes. Picnic with a view. Savor breathtaking
views of Anciana Island between each bite of an old-fashioned picnic with your family. With miles of pristine beaches to roam, there is abundant opportunity for privacy and quality family time, especially along the secluded cove of Guacalito Beach.
KuL Kids Club. Creative and fun things
to do throughout the day enrich youthful minds and inspire curiosity. Activities are designed to nurture growth, imagination and creativity under the supervision of dedicated, skilled staff. The Activity Schedule changes daily to ensure a variety of stimulating arts, crafts, games, and exploration in a safe environment.
Mother & Daughter Spa experience. Soak up the pleasures of relaxation in your own private spa suite for two. Restore a sense of well-being in an atmosphere of luxury pampering for the both of you. Stay as long as you wish, from three and a half hours to a full day including treatments and spoil-yourself leisure time in your own secluded garden. Father & Son fishing experience. An angler’s paradise for guy-time! Come aboard a local panga (wooden fishing boat) or upscale yacht for a customized fishing trip along Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast. You may not see another boat all day as you reel-in tasty grouper, snapper, dorado (mahi-mahi), and sierra mackerel. Catch trophy fish with land still in sight, including sailfish, marlin and wahoo.
We invite you to share our
Summer Package 7
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the nicaragua you’ve never known, is the one you’ll never forget. An unparalleled luxury resort warmed by nature’s permanent embrace. Allow us to share our story, info@mukulresort.com Guacalito de la Isla, Emerald Coast, Nicaragua.
Check our
Summer Offers At mukulresort.com
TOLL FREE: 1800-390-8844 | LOCAL: +505 25 63 71 61 Developed BY
first
The
day
in my new home at Verdemar, Guacalito de la Isla
Yesterday, I was in a crowded, bustling city with my family. I woke up to an alarm clock and a view of closed curtains for privacy. This morning, I opened my eyes to a spacious, luxury master bedroom suite with welcoming warm-wood ceilings, sheltering over me as they framed the most beautiful view of the Pacific ocean. Paradise. I’m here, finally in my new home, my ocean-view villa at Verdemar... with my family. It’s 6 a.m., and the quiet world is all mine. I open the sliding doors to my private veranda where the infinity pool pool spills over the edge, blending with natural beauty and sea-blue waters. I am on a cliff, surrounded by trees for privacy, yet there is enough space to see the waves rolling in below. My senses feel alive with the touch of fresh air from the early morning breeze. Yawning with relaxation, breakfast comes to mind. Nicaraguan coffee on my private balcony? Or, shall I wait and join the family at the clubhouse terrace restaurant. “Maybe both,” I thought.
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I heard the kids rustling. I wondered, what would they like to do today? Maybe we would all like to hang out at the Beach Club, or go surfing, fishing, kayaking... a round of golf for the group? No, maybe that’s too ambitious for one day... perhaps relaxing in the hammocks under a canopy tree... plus a Flor de Caña rum drink at sunset. Yes, that’s a good choice. On the other hand, perhaps the kids would like to go to the Kul Kids club and I’ll treat my wife and myself to a massage at the Crystal Spa. “Yes, this is a really good idea,” I decided, as I stretched out my muscles. There was a card on the table. “Welcome home.” It was part of a house warming gift from Guacalito de la Isla. “Cuisine for your family, prepared and served in your home,” it read. “Compliments of the new Cocina NiKul of Mukul.” I imagined the aroma of flavors taunting me to the table and luring my family together over each delicious bite.
home is where the heart returns...
I picked up the menu of Cocina NiKul that was included in the gift basket, and browsed the dining fare. The ingredients were local. “Organic Nicaraguan grass-fed beef,” it read. Hummm... no preservatives. Healthy. Good for my family. “Produce grown by nearby farmers and fish caught by fishermen in the neighboring village of Gigante.” That means it is “fresh”, not “fresh-frozen.” Much better. There was information about their award winning Chef Ortiz and his internationally acclaimed, eclectic culinary background with Mexican, Italian, French, Mediterranean and even Asian accents. Like what? I questioned. I followed down to the menu items: “Dover Sole Sashimi with Japanese Rice Croquette and Ponzu Foam,” it read. Or, how about “Homemade Pappardelle with Wild Mushrooms, Cream, Veal Cheeks and Truffle Oil?” That sounds good too.... The list continued to include “Lobster and Sweet Corn Soup with Corn Gnocchi, Basil plus Vanilla Bean Custard and even Steamed Black Mussels with Coconut Water, Cilantro and Rum Flor de Caña Gran Reserva.” I read in a brochure:
Dedicated to preserving and protecting Nicaragua’s bountiful natural riches for future generations. That’s what the brochure said. I looked around and thought: they built what they promised. My wife joined me as our children ran in to greet us. I embraced them all and simply said, “Welcome home.” Verdemar homeowners and their families will celebrate the delivery of their new villas by late Summer 2013. The 28 ridge-side villas are part of Guacalito de la Isla’s 5-star luxury, relaxed lifestyle, wrapped in the warmth of a family estate. Verdemar, part of Guacalito de la Isla is located on the Pacific coast in Nicaragua and embraces the beauty of a private, low-density oceanfront community surrounded by nature in its most pristine form.
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Spa Tip Secret
Relax your body in an herbal bath. Did you know that herbs, such as ginger, lemongrass, neroli, mandarin and roses in a hot bath help relax a stressed body? These herbs are known for the following massage and aromatherapy properties: 11
Lemongrass
stimulating and balancing to inspire fresh energy and clear the mind.
Ginger
a woody, warm, and spicy aroma that is stimulating and uplifting.
Neroli
known for its soothing effect on the nervous system as it relieves tension and anxiety and increases circulation throughout the body.
Mandarin
reduces depression and anxiety while uplifting the spirit.
Roses
promote relaxation and a soothing effect while decreasing blood pressure and breathing rate.
Try our special bath oil blend at the Crystal Temple Spa or in the luxury of your home, where warm, reviving, relaxation is only a splash away. 12 12
Sustainability of nature’s gift
purest greatest
The
part of nature built the game of golf
“The course routing was well thought out,” explains Andrew Gilchrist, Director of Golf at Guacalito de la Isla. “It tells a story.” He points in the distance from a golf cart tour. “It starts out slow and ends up drama at the beach. Crashing waves become the crescendo of the drama.”
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After driving the golf cart along winding paths of hand-laid volcanic stone, we stopped at the 8th hole. Standing there in the shade of majestic trees, with an offshore ocean breeze, we watched a baby howler monkey cross the green to join his family. “It supports our theme,” laughed Andrew. “Family.”
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t was late afternoon and the monkeys were chattering as they welcomed the baby home. There was a faint background of crickets, parrots flying overhead, and yet, in the midst of these senses, you could hear a pin drop. It was a gentle reminder of feeling connected back to the earth. “Don Carlos Pellas envisioned saving all the trees, including the ones on the course,” Andrew explained. Instead of destroying the natural environment, Don Carlos Pellas insisted on using the lay of the land to carve a course to nature’s exacting standards. David McLay Kidd, international award-winning course designer, accepted the challenge of bringing the Pellas vision to life.
Utilizing existing, meandering arroyos (rivers) for natural drainage, monumental trees that remained untouched, and raw materials from the land, such as river rock and wood debris for building bridges, the result was a course that felt as though it had been there forever. A forever legacy of the land. To preserve this legacy, all trees were numbered and inventoried in an effort to sustain and protect them from dangers of extinction.
In Scotland, where golf originated, it is traditional to name the holes. At Guacalito de la Isla, the compromise was to name each hole after its’ landmark tree. Hole #8 was a tough choice, but in the end the Madrono tree was chosen. It is the national tree of Nicaragua. We walked across a suspension bridge with a wood slat floor. “It’s probably the only one on a golf course in all of Latin America,” exclaimed Andrew. The sisal-type rope, covering the railing cable, was handmade by a local Nicaraguan craftsman who agreed to make all 500 meters for the bridge. He took a bus to his home in the mountains of Esteli and returned by bus with the rope in hand. Other local craftsmen came to Guacalito de la Isla for work. They arrived by bicycle, oxen cart, and/or family mule with no knowledge of operating a motorized vehicle. Combining farming heritage with vocational education, these craftsmen became highly skilled at operating state-of-the-art golf course machinery. Now, they maintain the grass to world class standards.
It’s about the detail. This course supports our vision of sustainability in every way... environmental, economic and social, Andrew concluded in his Scottish manner.
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Preserving
nightsky our
for
Preserving the environment today is the only way to guarantee that present and future generations will be able to lift their eyes and see wonderful starry skies, like those that can be admired in the stunning nights at Guacalito de la Isla. The following includes a summary of must-see stargazing events expected during the dates of our Summer Package:
June 23
Largest full moon of 2013
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May
24-36
May
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“Dance of the Planets” Mercury, Venus & Jupiter
“Ring of Fire” annular solar eclipse
August
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Perseid meter shower
October
18
Penumbral Eclipse of the moon
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Guacalito Directory Guacalito de la Isla Real Estate Sales
Jeff Lawrence + 505 2563-7155 jlawrence@guacalitodelaisla.com Andres Valldejuli + 505 8539-8785 avalldejuli@guacalitodelaisla.com
Mukul Spa Beach & Golf Sales & ReservationS
reservations@Mukulresorts.com 1-800-39 08 844 + 505 25 63 71 61
Guacalito de la Isla Golf Course Tee Time Reservations
Andrew Gilchrist agilchrist@guacalitodelaisla.com 2563 7100 ext 5226.
© Guacalito de la Isla, 2013