Ventana al Mar

Your Staff:

Your maid, and the lady in charge of the house, is Catalina. She speaks only Spanish, but understands a little English if you speak slowly and clearly. Sign language helps!

Catalina has worked at Rancho Santana almost since its inception, and she has been here at Ventana al Mar since before the house was finished. She is friendly and helpful, and has been trained to cater to your needs.

Catalina is available Monday thru Friday from approximately 7 am to 3 p.m., and Saturday from about 8 am to noon. She can cook breakfast and lunch for you if you provide the food. She’s a fabulous cook, so be sure to take advantage of her while you are staying at Ventana al Mar!

If you wish to retain Catalina’s services outside those hours, you will need to make special arrangements for her overtime and transportation.

Your garden and pool caretaker also works Monday thru Saturday. If you require him to work on Sunday, you will need to make special arrangements. If you feel they have been helpful during your stay, both Catalina and the caretaker gratefully accept tips.

Linens and Laundry:

All bed linens and towels will be provided for your stay. Linens and towels are changed every two days. Laundry facilities are not directly available to guests. However, if you wish to have your laundry done, Catalina can do it for you. The cost of this service is $15 per load.

Television:

Ventana al Mar comes with Direct TV. Most channels are in Spanish, however some are in English. There are music stations as well.

Internet and Phone Communications:

There is wireless internet at the house. The speed is not lightning fast, but it works well enough for emails and light internet needs. Cellphones on the Movistar system work well here. There is good signal at the house and in various other places around Rancho Santana. You will be provided with a cellphone and five minutes’ talk time upon your arrival, and you may phone the property manager to add minutes if you wish.

The Rancho Santana Clubhouse usually allows toll calls from their phone.

Water, Security, and Lights:

We are in the third world, and as such we warn you that power outages are common. Ventana al Mar has a power backup system, which automatically kicks in when power is cut. You will not likely notice the change other than a humming noise in the ceiling fans. Water is a precious resource in Nicaragua and here in Rancho Santana. As such we ask that you try to conserve water usage as much as possible.

Rancho Santana has 24-hour Security. Uniformed guards with ID badges patrol the project, and you will likely see them around the house at times. If you see them, just smile and wave—they are protecting you.

However, we urge you to use the same precautions you would when in your own home: lock doors and sliders when you leave, lock your rental car, and do not leave valuables in the open.

Please note that all visitors to Rancho Santana must be registered with Security, or they will be denied access to the private areas of the project.

Medical Emergencies:

There is a clinic immediately outside the front gate of Rancho Santana. If you should need assistance, proceed immediately to the clinic. There is usually an attending physician or nurse on duty 7 days a week, during the day. Serious (hospital) emergencies require a trip to either Rivas or Managua.