Nekupe Sporting Resort and Retreat, a luxury countryside resort, has opened on a 1300 acre (526 hectare) nature reserve in southwest Nicaragua.

Boasting an intimate eight-room property, a luxury spa facility and a number of outdoor pursuits, the resort, located around 30 minutes north of the historic colonial town of Granada, aims to “foster a spirit of exploration, adventure and wellbeing.”

Nekupe’s spa, which will fully open in 2017, is set amid lush vegetation and will offer a series of native-based treatments using natural ingredients.

The resort’s wellness reserve has a yoga deck overlooking the Concepcion and Maderas volcanoes, while other offerings include a fitness centre, tennis courts, marimba classes, swimming, bird watching and stargazing.

Nekupe was envisioned as a private family retreat by Nicaraguan philanthropists and owners Don Alfredo Pellas and Dona Theresita Pellas. It has been designed under the influence of feng shui principles and its layout was conceived of by architect Iside Sarmiento, who suggested each structural element’s location for optimal flow and minimal impact.

Don Alfredo Pellas said: “We are excited to see Nekupe and Nicaragua evolve into destinations where guests will reconnect with nature and each other through relaxing and invigorating experiences.”