Nicaragua

The clamor of Metrocentro Mall is instantly silenced by double-glazed windows, as Malcolm Berg’s philosophy of "dissolving boundaries" is performed like a spatial magic trick within the InterContinental Managua. An eyebrow-like canopy stitches the indoor air conditioning to the tropical outdoor breeze, while a dual-facing hub bar shatters the physical wall between business and leisure, allowing your gaze to drift seamlessly through the glass curtain to the Argentine grill at Factory Steak & Lobster as you sip a mojito. There is no traditional hotel isolation here, only a fluid vitality akin to skyward-growing ferns. Push open the door to your room, and the cool touch of 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and the herbal scent of Agraria amenities instantly envelop your senses; total blackout curtains filter out the tropical sun completely, leaving only a pure cocoon for sleep.

At The Market, the heat from the open kitchen intertwines with the lime-infused aroma of ceviche; you are no longer a passive diner but a designer holding the reins of your ingredients. Meanwhile, at Nau Sushi Lounge, the chill of a saketini syncs with the rhythm of live music, mixing the Managua night into a tipsy cocktail. For a deeper connection, the artisans at Artisan Pasta are kneading the shape of the 36th type of pasta by hand, each bite a precise calculation of flour and sauce.

As you approach Calala Island, you could be forgiven for thinking yourself a true castaway, about to be left in the middle of the Caribbean. But as you sail closer, thatch roofed villas and a shimmering infinity pool emerge among the palm trees. By the time you’re greeted at the jetty, you’ll be a willing Robinson Crusoe, ready to begin life on this private island retreat.

On Calala Island, your exclusive hideaway will be one of just four beachfront suites, styled after a traditional Caribbean palapa. With open ocean views in front and palm forest behind, each one is completely private. Spend your days lazing in the hammock or taking hand in hand strolls on the beach after your morning mimosas, naturally. Enjoy a massage in one of the private pavilions beside the sea. Then look forward to a bespoke menu of fresh off the fishing line seafood and organic, island grown produce.