A jaw-dropping villa with custom-designed furniture, bespoke lighting, and a sumptuous, palm-fringed courtyard with an al fresco shower and pool, peacefully secluded in Granada’s historic centre.
  • Sleeps: 6
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 4
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights

Originally constructed in 1930 by a prominent Nicaraguan family, Bao Bei is a jaw-dropping example of colonial architecture, beautifully restored by the current owners into an exquisite villa with a large, oasis-like pool.

You’ll find the private retreat in Granada’s historic centre, secluded on a quiet street with the city’s best-loved attractions just a short stroll away.

Rich in heritage, the villa’s original architectural details have been beautifully restored – think soaring palatial arches and grand columns – and complemented by locally-crafted furnishings, custom lighting, and heady local flora, to create a holiday ambience that’s quite unlike any other.

Inspired by the Japanese art of wabi-sabi, the style throughout is both minimalist and beautiful. Furniture is carefully chosen to tell the villa’s story and reflect an authentic sense of place, including the custom-designed four-poster beds and teak-and-wicker closets you’ll discover in each of the three elegant bedrooms.

Artisanal cement tiles, designed by the owners and crafted in Granada, adorn the floors, while the sculpted poolside bar is lit by atmospheric pendant lights, custom- designed to accentuate the beauty of the space, and delicately handcrafted in the local village of Catarina.

The jewel in Bao Bei’s crown is its travertine central courtyard, which houses the shimmering pool and an indulgent al fresco shower secluded amongst the garden’s lush palm fronds. You’ll feel like you’re relaxing in your own private paradise as you take a lazy afternoon dip, or simply curl up on the daybed against the fountain’s soothing soundtrack.

The loggias surrounding the pool feature beautiful painted walls and natural furniture, making them perfect for relaxing with a good book before dinner, served at the large wooden dining table…

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At a glance

  • A grand colonial building, sensitively restored and beautifully styled into a sumptuous villa with a private pool, secluded in the centre of Granada, Nicaragua.
  • The villa sleeps up to six guests in three double bedrooms on the first floor, which also includes a dedicated exercise space.
  • Each bedroom boasts its own private balcony, and there is a central terrace that’s perfect for morning coffee.
  • The courtyard is home to the pool and an al fresco shower. There is a poolside bar and furnished loggias to relax in.
  • The neighbourhood is friendly and the city very walkable, with shops, restaurants, and attractions in easy distance. A concierge service is provided.

Features

  • Adults Only
  • Swimming Pools

Facilities

Lounge with custom-furniture, full kitchen with wooden dining table and chairs for 6. Central courtyard with loungers, large pool and fountain, al fresco shower, furnished loggias, sculpted bar area with seating and bespoke lighting. Handcrafted staircase to upper level: 3 kingsize bedrooms with bespoke four-poster beds and closets, private balconies, central terrace with seating, dedicated exercise area with TRX bands, kettlebells and yoga equipment. 4 bathrooms. Dedicated concierge, cleaning, and security services.

Local Activities

Walking, culture, museums, shops, churches, day trips, restaurants, bars, family attractions.

More information

…or why not treat yourselves to an evening of fine dining? The owners’ favourite restaurant, NuMu, comes highly recommended, and there’s that sumptuously-furnished living room to relax in – perhaps with a digestif – when you return. Oh, and along with the bedrooms there’s a dedicated exercise space at the top of the handcrafted steel-and-wood staircase, should you wish to burn off any extra calories!

After a sound night’s sleep, take your time over morning coffee on your bedroom’s private balcony, or the scenic central terrace, savouring rooftop-and-city views that overlook the imposing Mombacho Volcano.

If you’re heading out, you’ll find the neighbours friendly and the city itself extremely walkable; dotted with churches, museums, and buzzy restaurants as well as historic places of interest. You’ll also have a concierge service to help with local recommendations and bookings. In fact, when it comes to dream holidays, who could ask for anything more?

Things to note

Check in after 3pm, check out before 12pm. Pets are not permitted to stay. Along with a full concierge service, guests will receive a daily cleaning service and night security.

Where you'll be staying

Granada

What the guests of Bao Bei say

“Elegance and grandeur abound at the Bao Bei Villa. A true architectural gem that I feel so lucky to have experienced. I planned our trip to Nicaragua on the fly, maybe only two weeks before arriving. With no real expectation of what I would experience I was completely awe struck at every detail of this gorgeous newly renovated colonial home. We were graciously welcomed by the hosts and felt an immediate sense of comfort and safety. Inside beauty lies everywhere your eye lands! From soaring exquisite ceilings, massive ornate doors, loggia surrounding the center courtyard and pool, lush gardens throughout, iron work, incredible staircase, perfectly layered lighting, on and on, every fit, finish, and furnishing meticulous and dreamy! If you travel to Bao Bei take the time to meet the neighbors on this street who are equally delightful. Granada is a safe and walkable city. A trip to Masaya Volcano at night is an unforgettable experience and your stay here will be too!”

“Absolutely speechless at this home the moment we stepped foot inside. Hosts were extremely responsive, kind, and gave a tour of this architectural masterpiece. The photos are beautiful but when you see this home in person, it is perfect! Our stay was magnificent, the location was great, and we felt the Nicaraguan culture. Thank you! We will rave about our stay for a long time! Highly recommend.”

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