Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is set to operate its first property in Central America as part of its strategy to enter new markets, including Europe and the Americas.

The hotel operator has reached a deal with Miami-based real-estate investor Ophir Sternberg – who owns Lionheart Capital – to run the Aqua Wellness Resort on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast.

The property comprises 24 tree houses, accommodating 50 guest villas and suites. These are each connected to the beach, restaurant, bar, spa and yoga platform by lava-stone pathways and wooden bridges.

Lionheart Capital is expected to double the number of rooms at this resort to 110. There are also plans for Lionheart Capital to buy two more sites in Nicaragua and discussions are ongoing with Six Senses to manage those properties too.

“If one were picking new destinations that are becoming iconic, Nicaragua would have to be one,” said Craig Cogut, a founding partner of Pegasus Capital – the controlling shareholder of Six Senses.