We arrived at night and were very pleased the staff waited for us. The place is not easy to find since there is only a small yellow sign informing you where Punta Teonoste turn off is from the main road (so ask for directions before hand). Once you make the turn it is basically another 20 miles of mostly dirt road. The road is under construction, so in a year or two it will be a smooth drive. Once you arrive the view is speculator and will take your breath away.
I read the reviews and most are accurate with the description and expense. For an upscale establishment one does expect more, but that did not deter us from having a wonderful time and experience. We did pretty much have the place to ourselves. Maybe because of the time of year or the distance from the town is what prevents more people from staying. The hotel we were informed is under new ownership and slowly upgrading/improving the place and staff. It was obvious with the staff, rarely were we asked if anything was needed. Once the meal was served no one ever came back unless you asked them over. With the all inclusive package, no alcohol beverage is part of the amenities, but at least they make it up with the food variety.
Some of the staff member do go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and pampered and will gladly accommodate most requests you have.
I highly recommend taking the trip to the Hot Spring Pool. Better go now before the place is eventually turned into a resort area. Such a delightful package...the natural hot water, the pate, bread and wine. Since we were the only ones, we were allowed to stay longer which was phenomenal.
The bungalow we stayed in was a bit unusual. The bedroom is up a rounded staircase and there is absolutely no privacy if you want to change, so leave your luggage downstairs. It would be more appropriate if there was a screen and curtains, but the bedroom balcony is all open to the outdoors. As for maid service, only if you ask for it.
It’s still a wonderful place and well worth the adventure. We did get a discount because of the off season; otherwise for the expense, the establishment is quite high for the area and amenities.

1. The beach and the sights are amazing. The scenery's tranquility is only interrupted by the crash of waves and the singing of colorful finches. The cliffs very cool and there are tons of places to walk. If you want to surf give it a shot, but be careful as the tides can become quite violent. Also, I have never seen more stars in my life. I believe I counted 5 shooting stars in one night.

2. Biking around the immediate area is recommended if you are adventurous. They need to get new bikes (the ones they gave us were old and did not work well at all). There are a ton of very strange, but quite excellent looking mansions around the area. There are also some of the poorest, but nicest people you'll ever meet. (do speak Spanish)

3. The food is so-so. Some meals were splendid and some were quite lacking. There are few options for vegetarians. Drink lots of Tona (which is a beachy, crisp lager full of flavor)

4. The lodge and the Cabanas are flat out awesome. Well constructed, each cabana affords amazing views of the foamy surf. Often times the horses will feed just outside your room affording some great pictures. While we were there we had them move the main bed to the second floor (northern cabanas). The outdoor showers is very cool also. The rooms are quite clean and very comfortable.

5. The service is very good. They are obviously new at the whole resort game, but they work very hard to please you. At times they seemed terrified.

6. Walk the nature trail. While it comes to a dead end, it is cool to see what they were originally going for but failed to complete.

7. Check out the hot springs. You'll hang around some locals and the staff of the hotel will make you feel special with tiki torches and wine.

8. Watch out for the turtles. They are ever present and very cool to see.

9. Ride the gentle, well-kept horses. Watching the Sunset on horseback is extra special here.

10. I really would like to know more about this place. It is interesting in the sense there are some plans that were attempted but never completed (the nature trail). I understand this, in parts, is a Swiss owned venture. I would not be surprised at all if this was a front for a money laundering operation.

I'm Italian and I've been there with my family for a holiday in September 2011. I discovered it by accident and initially I wanted to stop for one night but then I decided to stay for another 3 nights. The staff is excellent, very helpful, by the owner, a lady famous French chef with various medals Nicaragua. The person who has been at the heart of my son is Mr. Alberto who made himself available for every need and that has worked hard throughout. We loved the release of sea turtles in and contributed directly. It 'been a great, unique and unrepeatable, like the beach, the sea and its people very hospitable. the place is ideal for newlyweds and families.
Patrizia Dettori & Federico Simonti
Son Cosimo Simonti

We REALLY wanted to like this hotel and stayed for one night before getting out of the place the next morning.

With a few minor fixes in the huts and better-trained staff, this place COULD be fantastic.

The good:
One of the best secluded white beaches in Nica, utterly gorgeous.
Incredible unspoilt location.
Turtle hatchery.
Staff friendly and try to be helpful (when asked).
Gorgeous clubhouse and views over pool to sea.

The bad:
Rooms look good but designed badly/dysfunctional by luxury standards.
LOTS of bugs. We had to ask for the (seemingly decorative strips of) mosquito netting to be added to the 4-poster bed, only to find that the central fan had been fixed so low in the ceiling that the netting had to be left open above the bed to allow it to spin round (!)
Bug quota not helped by the smelly stagnant water nearby, which clearly attracted lots of mosquitoes.
Lacking in atmosphere - we were the only guests and only stayed one night.
Menu is horrifically expensive even by London standards...fancy European style food and there's no alternative but to eat there as hotel's so remote (steak for $43, shrimp pasta for $17).
Service culture unfortunately lacking - staff were really helpful when asked, but didn't really foresee guests needs...we were the only 2 guests and despite there being a number of staff hanging around, we had to carry our own heavy bags when we arrived and were initially offered one of the second row huts, with no view and in a shaded area with lots of mozzies. When we swum in the pool (watched by all the staff!) we had to ask for pool towels. We were given the wrong key to room, had to wait an hour for room to be cleaned despite being only guests and arriving at 4pm, etc.