Ever since Rancho Santana was founded in 1997 by a group of American surfing enthusiasts in partnership with a local Nicaraguan family, it has grown from a hidden surf retreat into one of Central America’s most celebrated coastal resorts. Could you walk us through some of the key milestones in its journey—from those early days to today—and how they’ve shaped the resort’s identity, philosophy, and guest experience?

Having been open for 28 years has given us time to evolve through several distinct phases. When Rancho Santana opened in 1997, the original vision was to “live in paradise like a millionaire,” while remaining accessible to retirees seeking a higher quality of life. During the first decade, it functioned primarily as a quiet residential community with limited amenities.

The next phase focused on developing resort infrastructure—adding a hotel and positioning Rancho Santana as an international destination while preserving its strong sense of community. We invested heavily in building our own woodshop and construction company, as well as a three-location farm and garden program to ensure quality and self-sufficiency. Partnerships with local NGOs and vocational schools allowed us to hire and train locally, creating a sustainable, community-driven model. The pillars of our success have always been sustainability, community, and the natural beauty of Nicaragua.

Rancho Santana now offers over 100 homes, 45 condominiums, 17 casitas, and a 17-room boutique inn. Could you share some performance indicators that reflect the resort’s growth and success in recent years?

Our guest satisfaction scores are currently around 97%, the highest in our history. Occupancy is projected to grow approximately 40% this year compared to last year. On average, general vacation rentals run at about 30% annual occupancy, while the hotel operates closer to 60%.

Real estate performance has also been strong, with approximately USD 19 million in transactions last year alone. In fact, the past three years—2023, 2024, and 2025—have been the most successful in Rancho Santana’s history.

Following Rancho Santana’s recognition in the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, how do you plan to sustain this momentum? What truly sets “The Rancho” apart?

We continually refine our offerings, guest experiences, and overall lifestyle value. What truly differentiates Rancho Santana is the scale and diversity of the property: five distinct beaches, four restaurants, a spa, an equestrian center, more than 38–42 kilometers (over 25 miles) of trail networks, a yoga platform, and a robust fitness and wellness program.

Equally important is the atmosphere—it’s warm, welcoming, and social. Families connect, friendships form, and many guests return year after year. Our primary market remains North America, particularly California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Colorado. Approximately 80–85% of our guests come from the U.S. and Canada, about 10% are domestic Nicaraguan visitors, and the remainder come from Central America, Europe, and South America.

Rancho Santana has deeply integrated sustainability into its operations, from its on-site farm and gardens to the sea turtle sanctuary. How do these efforts align with the resort’s long-term mission?

Sustainability is foundational to our long-term vision. We focus on environmental preservation, renewable energy, and local sourcing. More than 80% of the ingredients used in our restaurants come directly from our farm or from trusted local partners. We generate a significant portion of our electricity through solar energy, and we produce our own wood and ironwork on-site, supporting local artisans and craftsmanship.

Perhaps most importantly, we employ over 800 permanent staff members. This creates economic stability within the region, and guests feel the difference—engaged, proud employees deliver authentic hospitality. Experiences such as witnessing sea turtle hatchings or harvesting produce from the farm make sustainability tangible and meaningful for our visitors.

As one of the largest employers in Rivas, Rancho Santana plays a major role in local development. How do you approach community engagement?

Our greatest social impact comes through job creation and long-term training. By partnering with local schools and NGOs, we help develop skills that lead to stable employment. This not only improves quality of life in surrounding communities but also strengthens our connection to them. Rancho Santana’s success is inseparable from the success of the people who live and work around us.

Looking ahead, what notable developments are planned for the next three to five years?

Several exciting initiatives are underway. We are launching a full-time wellness program with international partners beginning this November. We also plan to expand our farm and garden operations closer to the hotel to create more interactive guest experiences.

On the real estate side, we are introducing fractional ownership opportunities in luxury homes, building on the success of our co-ownership model. Development of the Playa Los Perros neighborhood will continue, with new amenities designed to enhance both guest and resident experiences.

Regionally, Nicaragua is investing heavily in infrastructure, including the Punta Huete International Airport, scheduled to open in 2028, and the USD 400 million Costanera coastal highway—both of which will significantly improve access to the region.

You’ve served in many roles before becoming CEO. What accomplishments are you most proud of, and what legacy do you hope to leave?

I’m most proud of how Rancho Santana has navigated major challenges, including the pandemic, and emerged stronger—recognized globally while staying true to its authentic roots. This success has been a collective effort across every department, from marketing and architecture to hospitality and operations.

The legacy I hope to leave is one where Rancho Santana continues to thrive as both a world-class resort and a genuine force for good within the community.

To Los Angeles Times readers, I would say this: Nicaragua offers safety, authenticity, and a deeply rich culture. Rancho Santana brings all of that together in an experience where natural beauty, community, and thoughtful hospitality coexist in a truly meaningful way.