Nicaragua Beach Real Estate

Surf Shots & oh ahh... a big sorry!

2009-05-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

OK blogger followers of Iguana,

I owe you an apology! I do a couple of cool blogs from Flamingo Marina Resort and boy do I hear it from you Iguana fans....hey Ulrik "What about Iguana Beach, the golf tournament, and how has the surfing been?"

I will point out my heart is always with Iguana! I met my wife there! We feel in love there. One might say that I saw it from the very beginning much like a father sees a child in from its birth to its diapers and then lately I have seen it off to college!

But in all honesty and my defense for Flamingo, I have to say for those that do not know I was raised in Flamingo! In fact I went to the local school in Brasilito for sixth grade (officially, I can now tell you I was supposed to be in 7th grade, please do not call up my high school and get my credits reversed...it is not like I am Eliot Spitzer!) So yeah I also have a true love for Flamingo. It too went off to college and now I am home to supervise its new marriage!

Ok back to Iguana...Tony Robert sent me these shots for you surfers to wet your whistle and give me a chance to get an update on the Golf Tournament!!!

Iguana's New Family Member & Condo Tour...

2009-05-01T18:52:00.001-07:00

Dear Iguana Owner, Member, and Fan;

Allow me to introduce our newest family member Mr. Eric Blau! Eric has an impressive background in the hospitality industry and he is well known to us as the manager from the competition down the hill here in Flamingo. Eric worked at our competitors hotel in The Flamingo Beach Resort for ten years. He also has worked for ten years with Ecoplaya Resort and two years with The Tabacon Resort. We are glad to have Eric on board and the experience he brings to the table can only add to our Iguana Management group!

Eric...I will definitely take pointers from you and welcome on board!

To contact Eric Blau please email him at:
eric@haciendaiguana.com

Villa Rio Dulce Condos are on line!
They are now available and ready to rent!
I have added this virtual tour for you to enjoy....
World class surfing,
challenging golf,
and relaxing in this condo...
just watch....you will see....

Please let us know what you think of the virtual tour...write us at:
tim@flamingomarina.com
or yours truly....
ulrik@haciendaiaguana.com

This weekend are we having our Managua Invitational Golf Tournament! I will follow up with a story and great shots as usual.

Nica Times blows wide open Nicaragua's best kept secret!

2009-03-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Iguana Golf Course made the front page & page two yesterday in the Nica Times and what an article it was!

The first golf course to open on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua officially opened just slightly over two years ago, but unfortunately as a friend once told me, "Ulrik do you realize that this place is Nicaragua's best kept secret!?" Well with a great article from Tim Rodgers the secret is no longer a secret and who could blame him. A round of golf for a member is still only $10! Compared to the other golf courses in the neighboring Guanacaste at over $100 for green fees, I am wondering what am I going to do after tonight's soccer match between Costa Rica & Mexico?!?

The article lifted my spirits so much in fact, I said to my wife I am packing my golf bag tonight and we are headed to Iguana first thing in the morning. From Flamingo Beach, it is an easier drive and far more pleasant trip to Iguana Beach rather than driving from Flamingo to San Jose and from Dagmar's point of view she does not mind the shops on the duty free side of the Nicaraguan border as they have got great perfumes, chocolates and even great deals on liquors. Upon our arrival we will be greeted by the staff with open arms and whisked off to our luxury condo right on the beach.

The newly opened and now renting, Villa Rio Dulce, condominiums is in front of the famous surf break of the Colorado River.... yet another soon to be lost secret in Hacienda Iguana!

Be sure to go out and get your Nica Times & Tico Times paper to read more about the golf course!

Golf Tournament in Nicaragua goes for an all time high!! 2008 Iguana Beach

2008-11-26T11:19:00.000-08:00

Seldom we are able to see or are we even given the opportunity to see a good deed done in one day, yet twice…more you say? Well I can say I saw more than one good deed was done in one day on the golf course! What is this good deed? One good deed was the charity golf tournament, which raised over $6,780 for Iguana’s Children School. The 2008 Iguana Pro-Am hosted over 11 teams from differing countries. The winning team was yours truly, but that is insignificant compared to the good deeds done. We had a gentleman whose wife had knee surgery and yet he told his favorite golf professional Manuel Morera that when the dates are set pencil him in!

“Where did Mr. Roger Martin come from?” I asked. “All they way from Belgium!” Manuel said.

Ok great to say someone came from Europe to play again in our tournament. What else can you come up with…Ulrik?

Did I mention that on the winning team there as a 9 year old girl, Daniela Gutierrez whose mom saved up her hard earned cash in these trying days to come all the way up from Costa Rica with her little sister to participate in her very first tournament?

Did I mention that the winner of the closest to the pin was Canadian home grown and raised Sherri Eve Grbavac from Rancho Santana? Sherri also played on the winning team…”Team Iguana UNO!”

Did I mention we had a player from Panama ride 8 hours on a “Tica Bus” from Costa Rica to make the tournament? Juan Carlos Chavez was on “Team Costa Rica” (A.KA. Team Pinilla), by the way that team won second place.

Did I mention the staff worked until 1 AM on Saturday morning to make sure everything was set in place for a smooth tournament? A special thanks goes out to all whom worked so hard to make it such a great success along with our sponsors and patrons.

Did I mention an amateur won longest drive from Team Nihapa in Managua? Pancho Caledron with a 25 handicap and not a scratch player took home that trophy along with a bottle of 18-year-old rum.

Just when I felt like all those warm fuzzies were done and awards being handed out and the top raffle prize of a lifetime membership going out to Thomas Kirkvang from Team Vamos Group in Iguana, then Thomas did the most amazing thing! He asked me for the microphone and announced his prize of a $10,000 golf membership would be auctioned off right there on the spot with the proceeds going to the school benefit! For $1,850 the membership went to his buddy Soren Hasholt of Vamos Group!!!

OK…So now the original amount of $6,780 just broke last year’s fundraiser with Thomas’ generous feat along with Soren barking his final offer! $8,630 is the total amount raised for Iguana Children’s School. I cannot have dreamed a more Walt Disney fundraiser type event!!! I am proud of this event and all of our friends whom helped make this dream a reality! Thanks to everyone!!!

Pro Am Golf Tournament Next Week November 21 and 22!

2008-11-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

Local Elections, Roads, Heavy Rains, & Golf Tournament!!!

2008-10-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

While the economy splutters along and the U.S. elections are around the corner, the finger pointing continues and the blame game goes on! But this one is clearly on Mother Nature! Heavy rains have caused power outages, road blockages, and communication breakdowns for most of the Central American pacific coastline. The state of the roads between the mountains in San Jose and Puntarenas (Costa Rica) forced many travelers back to where they came from.

Back on the ranch finally power was restored on Saturday evening here in Iguana. We were without power, access, or even communications for over two days. "TD 16" is what the weatherperson blamed here locally. Tropical Depression #16 was the most rain I have ever seen in this region in less than 24 hours in the entire past 4 years of living here and 12 years in Costa Rica! The rain gauge only registers 6.5 inches at its maximum capacity and by 7 am on Friday morning it was already overflowing. I called to the golf cart barn to send the tractor to pick me up so I could assess the damage. They say Katrina was bad, fortunately this time around there was no loss of human life. My head of security that dared to venture out past the rivers tells me that the roads are being repaired today.

The good news it that the golf course drainage once again held up remarkably and with less than four weeks to go the 2nd ever golf tournament it is still a green light! We still have room in the tournament for individuals or teams to sign up! Please contact us if you have not already done so. The trophies and awards are here in the pro-shop and available for your viewing and serve to tease those of us whom long to take one home!

Hurricanes, Rain, & Golf Gournament In Nicaragua On The Horizon?

2008-09-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

Wait did someone ask about golf today? I am sorry Greg! You and your buddy will have no golf today we have had just too much rain! Last Night alone the rain gauge registered 4 inches of rainfall!!! In fact I have had the golf course closed for the past week and it does not look any better for golfers or surfers with three hurricanes on the Atlantic and Caribbean. Whilst these hurricanes are on the other coast it does affect Iguana immensely with rainfall. For some reason the storms on the other coasts bring in a tail effect of rains thereby causing us to shut down. Our resident engineer Juan Carlos called me this morning to say he would not be making it into the project, as the river is just too high and not passable! This is the earliest heavy rain I have seen in late August and early September. Just check out these amazing waterspouts, which tell us how dangerous it can be out here for the months of September. Remember October is yet to come! So while I sit stuck out here I decide to move forward and plan for Golf!

"But Ulrik you did say there would be golf!" Yes I did! It is now set, Hacienda Iguana's Golf and Beach Club 2nd annual golf tournament benefiting the Iguana Children’s School! The dates are set for Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of November 2008. Last year we had over 80 people in attendance with 50 golfers of all skill levels along with 5 professionals and this year we anticipate approximately 70 golfers and around 100 attendees! While Iguana has double in condos and homes since our last tournament we are anticipating a full house so space will be limited. Please reserve your spots now by calling Humberto Sanchez at humberto@haciendaiguana.com or calling (505) 855-7906. IF you cannot attend we are still taking donations and sponsors. Hopefully two major liquor distributors will take part this year! We already have commitments from Costa Rica teams!

We have already seen Dexter make a hole in one.... can someone repeat that task this year to win a golf cart, will some out drive last years longest drive champion Tim Baker, and will Team Vamos hold on to defend there title as tournament winners or will there be a new team from Costa Rica to take the trophy across the San Juan river? Will Ulrik keep the worst golfer trophy or does he get to hand it off to someone in his class? All these questions to be answered soon....we look forward to seeing you very soon!

First Hole In One In Iguana Beach, Nicaragua!

2008-08-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

A big congratulations goes out to Dexter Wilson for the first hole in
one at Hacienda Iguana Golf & Beach Resort!

On Saturday August 2nd 2008, who would have thought that Dexter would
sink it for his first time for the first Iguana hole in one on hole
number six!

"I saw the ball land on the green and roll towards the hole then it just
disappeared!" witnessed Humberto Sanchez. Later when asked how many
rounds of drinks he had to fork out Dexter replied, "I had no idea I had
to buy drinks....I thought I would win a golf lot or something.... today
I am broke! Does Tiger have to treat players when he wins?"

All laughter aside, I am truly jealous of this young mans talent and
determination. Maybe some day when I am good and old, I will be able to
tell my kids, "Yeah not only your grandfather made a few holes in one,
but so did your dad.... and oh uh yeah a young Dexter Wilson, Bar and
Restaurant Manger of Don Eloy"s in Hacienda Iguana made the very first
hole in one in Iguana!

CONGRATULATIONS DEXTER!

Restaurant in Iguana Beach Now Open!!!

2007-10-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

Don Eloy’s Nica Bar y Restaurante is now open and bustling at Hacienda Iguana, Nicaragua.

Don Eloy’s is decorated with Nicaraguan cultural items and provides full restaurant and libation services.

Don Eloy’s welcomes you to join Dexter Wilson Bar and Restaurant Manager, Holvin Hurtado Head Chef and the rest of the Staff for an enjoyable drinking and dining experience.

Don Eloy’s Bar is fully equipped and the Restaurant provides daily menus with a variety of Soups, Salads, Sandwiches and Entrees.

So come and enjoy the atmosphere at Don Eloy’s.

Open daily from Noon till close
We are not at home on Tuesday

For more information or reservations email us at don.eloys@haciendaiguana.com
Or call
(505) 421-9191

INAUGURAL HACIENDA IGUANA PRO-AM GOLF TOURNAMENT

2007-09-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

Long over due has been Hacienda Iguana’s Blog! So many exciting things have happened over the past three months. Here how it all went:

The first month since June 19ths last Blog, I went to Cancun Mexico for Phillip Jenning’s Turf Grass seminar held at The Moon Palace Resort. Attendees were from all over Latina America and the Caribbean. Dr. Ronny Duncan was the expert lecturing on Paspalum Sea Grass. The seminar was very informative and educational. I had to ride in a golf cart from the reception to my room. Better remember the name of the building you are staying in or you will get lost. Mine was La Pina next to El Mango…. nice room but lacking that personal touch which I have come to love about our homes here in Iguana.

After that week of turf management training, I was off to Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas for a tradeshow promoting tourism to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. I made some great contacts for both Hacienda Iguana and our sister project in Costa Rica, Flamingo Marina Resort.

Following the tradeshow, it was off to Europe for some time off, rest and relaxation. England and Denmark were my two destinations. Whilst I enjoyed the Phantom of the Opera in Piccadilly Circus, I quickly discovered my Dollars, Cordoba’s and Colones were not going to carry me very far; so, it was a quick exit to Copenhagen. There I was able to unite with friends and family that I had not seen in over a decade!

Upon my returns to Hacienda Iguana, I noticed many improvements to the golf course in terms of plants, flowers, and even wild life! It was nice to be home at last. Unfortunately, for most of the month of August, Iguana and all local V-Sat systems were down with Internet. I was told many stories but the most important one to me was we are now back up and running for the past two weeks with some minor glitches!

So many of you have written to me asking for Iguana updates and I appreciate your patience. So here is what has been happening…

1. Don Eloy’s Nica Bar Y Restaurante is days away from preliminary opening. Jim tells me that he will have drinks, lights snacks, and hoagie sandwiches for the first week and in about three weeks the full service menu up and running. They will even offer delivery service to all homes and condos inside Iguana. He mentioned that is why they have a golf cart and a Blackberry cellular phone.
2. The Super Market has been sold and will hopefully be open in December. They will offer breakfast and even grocery delivery service to your home or condo in Iguana. Your grocery list can be ordered online and delivered to your place and in your refrigerator before you even arrive!
3. The first town house in Villa Las Colinas is complete and the punch list has been done. Furnishings are underway and should be complete in 10 weeks.
4. The first residential unit in Plaza El Pozo was completed last week and is ready for rentals!
5. Roofing on Villa Rio Dulce Condos has commenced and grey work completion is scheduled for Oct 15th, 2007.

The school has been completed, painted and is ready for furnishing and supplies. With that being said, I am proud to announce the following…. INAUGURAL
HACIENDA IGUANA
PRO-AM GOLF TOURNAMENT
PRESENTED BY:

BENEFITING THE IGUANA CHILDREN'S SCHOOL
*FRI-NOV.30 17:00: MINI-CLINIC FOLLOWED BY PAIRINGS PARTY @ DON ELOY’S
*SATURDAY-DEC 1ST:
2 SHOT GUN STARTS—TEXAS SCRAMBLE
FOLLOWED BY GOLF CLINIC AND TRICK SHOT SHOW BY PGA CHAMPIONS TOUR MEMBER—STEVE THOMAS & SUNBELT SENIOR TOUR MEMBERS----GREG HAYS, JAVIER SANCHEZ & DERRE OWSLEY

AWARDS CEREMONY & DINNER TO FOLLOW @ DON ELOY’S

TEAM PRIZES*LONG DRIVE & CLOSEST TO PIN CONTEST*DOOR PRIZES*REFRESHMENTS
For tickets please call:
855-7901
Or email us at:
info@haciendaiguana.com

Golf, Good Weather, and Good Things at Hacienda Iguana Golf & Beach Club

2007-06-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

Rainy season has finally come to Nicaragua. For the month May Iguana received 10.5 inches of rain. Just last Friday night we received 1.3 inches and of course lightning knocked out two cellular towers which was repaired in two days. One cannot complain that the weather Gods have been on our side. During the day time mostly sunny and cloudy in the afternoons to squeeze in a cool round of golf. While I sit here and bring you Iguana Beach updates I look out my window and see four golfers saddling up for a cool round of golf. Rains have been mostly at nighttime! So many things going on that here are a few things worth mentioning:

1. I am told “Don Eloys Nica Bar Y Restuarante” is ahead of schedule and is probably ready in August. Furniture is already arriving and windows are days away from installation. Here is a picture celebrating the roof going on the restaurant with both the founder and owners.

2. The roof for the public school is going on. I am told that inauguration is likely at the end of July!

3. Iguana has four resident touring professional golfers. They have been winning a few tournaments and we are planning for a golf school clinic in August.
There names are:
Greg Hays--Sunbelt Senior tour, Florida Senior Tour
Steve Thomas--PGA Champions Tour, Sunbelt Senior tour, Florida Senior Tour
Javier Sanchez--Sunbelt Senior tour, Florida Senior Tour, Tight lies Tour
Derre Owsley--Sunbelt Senior Tour--PGA member
John Mcgough--PGA Champions Tour, Sunbelt Senior tour, Florida Senior Tour

4. Plans are underway for two golf outings. One will be for all realtor friends of Iguana. The other will be for a fundraiser for the public school. More details to come in the follow update.

5. Ground breaking for the Garage Storage Units, called “Garondo’s” commenced three weeks ago.

6.As we turned over the “Old Clubhouse” two weeks ago we held our final employee party at the old Clubhouse honoring Nicaraguan Mothers day by having a wonderful spread. Furthermore, plans were approved for the New Beach Club at Rio Colorado! We are awaiting final bids and expect to commence construction within a month’s time.

7.Villa Las Colinas first townhouse (#1) will be complete within six weeks and we have sold the top unit and have begun the permitting process for all the units now.

8.Cable TV is now being installed all over Iguana so as to bring better channels and also more variety and of course at a lower cost.

9.Membership ID cards have been ordered and for those members in good standing on Property Dues and Golf Course Memberships will receive their cards in a few days.

10. Iguana has begun construction on the main entrance and on plans it looks fantastic.

11. Villa Rio Dulce is now on the fourth floor. We have two full time cranes working away!

Public School underway for Iguana Beach Nicaragua!

2007-05-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Iguana Reader,

I have been blogging about all the progress at Iguana, but for me the best update for me is to announce Iguana's public school received its permits from the Tola Municipality yesterday! The land, labor and materials are coming from the developers of Iguana! The school is to be located inside of Iguana's two main security guard gates. Juan Carlos Brenes, Iguana's Resident Engineer, tells me that ground breaking is to commence in the next 10 days! The supply shed is done and we await the heavy equipment to put the terrace in.

This week 15 more electric golf carts arrived: four carts for the golf course rentals, one six passenger cart for touring the project and ten private carts with full extras! We now have enough carts to host a full golf tournament…call us en we will arrange your very own personal private tournament!

Today we had a visit of 24 university students that are studying tourism from the Universidad National de Costa Rica in Liberia! Yes, Costa Rican students studying tourism came to visit Iguana. Iguana raises the bar once again!

On another note our second Flamingo trip was a success! Friends from Playa Flamingo came up to see Hacienda Iguana Golf & Beach Club for their first time. Although no golf was played, the course and differing projects were toured. All little bit of poolside BBQ-ing was done and even Jacob got in a surf session! Thanks for the visit Flamingo…next trip is Iguana’s turn to come down and share good company.

New Family Member & More!

2007-04-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

Iguana is proud of its latest family member and addition….”Mixty” This young colt was born Tuesday April 2nd 2007. Isabella named him “Mixty” due to his wide assortment of colors!

Cellular communication is now a reality in Iguana! The tower is up and running, since last week! HOWEVER, a word to the wise, if you are going to buy a cellular phone from Enitel, make sure your phone has both bands of 850 & 1900. I found out the hard and long way! My phone was working fine in Managua (1900) but not out here in Iguana (850). My best recommendation is get one that has all 4 bands incase you want to use it in Panama & Costa Rica with the Roaming feature.

The new practice putting green is now in at the wooden clubhouse! Jose has been extremely busy with now more and more regular golfers! He adds, “We are seeing more and more regular rounds be played from owners and renters from our condos, we even have outsiders coming in. The second group of golfers is headed up from Flamingo this Thursday!” Well done…. Jose!!!

Owners will be glad to know that our bi-annual interior road maintenance has commenced and will be done from Iguanas first main gate and all interior roads as well.

Communication even more reality at Iguana Beach!

2007-03-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

Interesting thoughts from a developer... I arrived back in Iguana the other day and Enitel has already installed the structure for the cell phone tower! I ask myself what can we come up with next for Iguana? Garage Storage Units for Sale? Yes we will have that too! Well then how about spec houses? Spec house plans are in. I guess three for three is not bad!

If you are interested in spec houses or "Garandos" please contact David Smith at david@haciendaiguana.com

To see more spec house floor plans please go to http://www.haciendaiguana.com/construction_services/
Or contact Francisco Wheelock at francisco@haciendaiguana.com

Once power is up in the cellular tower we will send out another Blog! Soon to come.... Iguana’s Bar and Restaurant called "Don Eloy's Nica Bar y Restaurante" Be sure to see our exciting new golf packages. For a flyer please email us!

Iguana Beach's first road trip to Flamingo's Famous "Monkey Bar!"

2007-02-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Iguana Friends, Family, & Owners,

Two weeks ago Iguana full time residents made the first official road trip to the Flamingo Marina Resort's World Famous "Monkey Bar" for the 12th annual Monkey Bar Super Bowl Bash!

Iguana full time resident, Jim Tracey spoke about the idea, "Since we are awaiting Iguana's first bar and restaurant to open up at Plaza El Pozo we decided to make a special road trip to visit to our sister project down south of Nicaragua to Costa Rica! We also had to let Steen know he will be facing some serious competition once I get our place up and running; besides we want him to know we still love the Monkey Bar!"

VILLA RIO DULCE PROGRESS...Foundations have been poured and walls are going up!

Private home being built on B section....

Enitel cellular tower base installed! We are awaiting the metal structure and electrification. I am told one month away from cellular coverage in Iguana becomes a reality. Enitel is also studying the possibility of bringing fiber optic cable to Iguana from Tola.

Roof going up on Plaza El Pozo....

Second floor view from a Villa Las Colinas town house.

Roofing is going up on VLC unit #1!

First Golf Group at Iguana

2007-01-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

Someone once whispered, "Build it and they will come!"

Well I say, "They have arrived!"

Iguana's very first golf group arrived this morning courtesy of Swiss Travel and the Ms. Euorpa cruise! 16 German golfers played 9 holes.

Afterwards I asked them what they thought. Elisbeth Schulten-Faust of Faust Golfreisen Tours said, "After coming down this road I was thinking to myself where are we going, now I am amazed!" One gentleman said that he has to ask Niels what was his line of thinking on number 9? I asked him if did he not like it? No! It is very nice and unique with a crossing fairway. He told me that you only see this style on old golf courses in England and Scotland!

Hopefully I will have an answer will be on my next Blogg.

Rather than going on and bragging here are the pictures!

Grand opening coming soon!

Happy 2007 from all of us at Iguana Beach Nicaragua!

2007-01-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

Message for Marco, Gregorio, Juan y David and all our other Iguana Owners and friends... "You must come down to see what’s been happening! Yes, I have been real negligent in doing my monthly Blog! Call it writers block, call it holiday blues or just call it busy; anyway, here is my long overdue Blog! Things really have been so busy; I simply do not know where to begin. My best suggestion is for you to come down see everything with your own eyes."

1) Two weeks ago Lacayo commenced construction at Villa Rio Dulce…the newest condo project located at the South end of Iguana beach. What is commonly referred as Rio Colorado Surf Break.

2) Employee Christmas party was held in the new golf bodega and there was much dancing, food and of course cerveza!

3) New Golf Course Bodega is complete with new office for Golf Course Superintendent, showers, machine room, fertilizer storage, and even a mezzanine! (Jose could not wait to put up all of his awards and certificates for his office…maybe I can sneak my only one from Colombia in?)

4) Plaza El Pozo construction is well under way and is on the second floor for building I!
5) The ball washers have been placed on the course and final supplies and attire for the golf Pro-shop and administrative offices arrived. Our goal is to move into the wooden clubhouse next Friday! I will have pictures.
6) Villa Las Colinas building I is also under construction and now on the second floor.
7) The old bodega is being taken down
8) Electrification is nearly complete for the final section of Iguana!
9) The annual New Year’s Eve Owners Party was a blast and well attended. All went well with plenty of food, spirits, and traditional Nicaraguan celebrations on the beach…Sorry I forgot the camera...I was way too busy getting the Turkeys ready!

Who ever said a picture is worth a thousand words? We also missed photo options with yesterdays whale sightings and the turtles…sorry Charley no Tuna’s! Seems as if us “Vaquero Fans” will have to wait until next year.

Happy New Years to you all from all of us in Iguana!
Ulrik Oldenburg
Project Director

Nicaragua has spoken and Iguana reacts!

2006-11-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Iguana Reader,

Over the past few days I have received many emails asking an overall opinion on the Nicaragua elections and I have seen many posts with varying reactions. First and foremost I would like to direct your attention to the following New York Times article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/world/americas/08nicaragua.html_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1163095816-ZnEWClEmMwZ1NQmOOxxMJg

We at Iguana are going ahead with many projects. Two weeks ago we commenced construction on Plaza El Pozo (our boutique hotel and commercial center), construction has also started on the town houses on the hill called Villa Las Colinas plus two private home sites. We are set to commence Villa Rio Dulce in December, and our sister projects on the golf course have assured us that they are going forth in their condominiums, town houses and commercial plans.

I would like to add that just this week alone Iguana has sold three properties at a considerable price. We received an email from a client asking to buy any scared investors' property at a huge discount, of course, I suggested that he shop elsewhere. I even hear from our neighboring developers that sales picked up immediately after the elections.

For us business will proceed as usual, my guess is that Nicaragua will go at it in the same manner. With a four party house in the legislature Nicaraguan politicians will have to work with Daniel Ortega and vice versa. Even the United States elections have been an eye opener to politicians. As my old boss Scott Larsen used to say to me: "Ulrik, if you cannot change the person, then change the person!" The people have spoken.

Illiteracy among foreigners visiting Nicaragua!

2006-09-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

Recently released clinical studies from the Iguana Illiteracy Organization (IIO) shows that foreign surfers still have yet to increase their literacy rates. "We have been working on improving the illiteracy rates out here but more funding is needed due to the fact that some of these foreign surfers are not bilingual and therefore just plainly refuse to read!" says Iguana's Illiteracy Organization Director, Ulrik Oldenburg. "My goal by the year 2007 to eradicated surfer illiteracy. Furthermore, that they read and understand what driving on the beach does to the environment and the mere hazard it could create for themselves and even possibly their rental car."

Final Turf Shipment Arrives

2006-08-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Iguana Fans, Family, & Owners,

Yesterday our final shipment of Paspalum Sea Isle turf arrived! Holes 6, 7, 4, & 2 were seeded in record-breaking time. The semi-tractor trailer arrived at 1:00pm and the final sack of turf was laid at 5:40pm! Nearly 80 employees worked on the final golf holes. Santiago and his crew are to be applauded for a fantastic job. Golf Course Superintendent, Jose Paniagua, says "With some good rain we will have the entire course ready by December. This shipment of turf from Four Seasons yielded 500 sacks and gave enough seed to sod the remaining holes!" I personally am very proud of our crew and thank them from the bottom of my heart for all their efforts.

Three homes are being completed in the up coming days as well as our additional staff rooms, lounge, and kitchen.

Large & magnificent palm trees have been planted at Villas Iguana, future Beach Club and the former clubhouse.

A new section of golf lots have opened up. Please contact David Smith for details at david @ haciendaiguana.com

>

Iguana Guards Caught On Film Sleeping!

2006-06-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

Sadly enough IguanaÂs two newest guards we caught sleeping on duty and action must be taken.

Whilst David brought in Chunche and Coquito to beef up security issues at the old clubhouse, he never suspected IguanaÂs very own administrator, Ulrik, would catch his newest and highly trained elite guards on film! When David was asked why did you bring these slackers on board? He simply replied, "I was not sure who it was that keep stealing my whole grain bread. So, I figured these two guards might catch the bandidos doing it!"

Okay, all kidding aside. I have promised you an update and two months is too long to keep you out of touch. So much and so many things have been going on that I cannot wait any longer.

Recent major events:

1. The big lakes are in and installed! Filling begins this week.

2. Fairway 5, Greens 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 10 have been seeded along with their collective tees. In two weeks Iguana will bring the final shipment of Paspalum Sea Isle Turf from Costa Rica. Golf Course Superintendent, Jose Paniagua, says that this shipment should bring us enough turf to seed the entire golf course for December 2006.

3. Earth movement begun on the beach CondoÂs ÂVilla Rio Dulce,Â Hotel & Shopping Center ÂPlaza El Pozo,Â and Iguana's Main Golf Bodega a couple weeks ago.

4. Phase III golf course lots opened up sales three weeks ago (Section G & L). Two lots have already been sold. For more info please contact our Marketing & Sales Director, David Smith. David can be reached at david @ haciendaiguana . com

5. 10,000 trees for reforestation were ordered 6 weeks ago. 4,000 of them arrived just last week and the ministry of Forestry and Agriculture is working out here daily with Iguana Staff to plant them. They are being replanted throughout the entire project and the ministry of environment, Marena, gave us the thumbs up for being a proactive project. By the way these trees are recorded and noted in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (INAFOR).

Surfing has been awesome. Can you say double overheads...Marcos (real name protected) tells me that tomorrow is supposed to even get better, something to the extent of triple overheads! As the old Tuna commercial goes...."Sorry Charley!" Maybe next time you will make it down with the boys. So long from "The Night Of The Iguana's!"

Easter Week Action!

2006-04-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

A Big Hola to all Iguana Blog Aficionados,

This weeks Easter Action could not have been a better blessing with all the wonderful things going on. I mean not just holiday for me and the crew relaxing by the pool and watching the children play when someone yells out, "Turtle!"

"Okay kids lets not run up on her and scare her away!" I say. Jose adds, "Let her make her way out then quietly we can come up behind her and watch how she lays her eggs. After that we can cover up her tracks to prevent any harm from coming to them." Isabella asks, "Daddy, can we bring one home as a pet?" "No! She needs to ocean to survive!" I explain to her. Rodrigo, the guard, tell me that she laid around 90-100 eggs at his best count.

Some of you asked to see pictures of the pool at Villas Iguana. It was finally filled two days ago and judge for yourself. Building five was completed last weekend and we already have some tenants moving in.

Surfing news ....Mugi tells me that the surf has been "Killer!"

Golf Course first four holes ready (almost!)

2006-04-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Iguana Fan and Member,

I am long over due for another post. Sorry. That means we have been very busy or I have been slacking.

Iguana is coming out with five new projects all at once!

1. Residencias De Golf (Condos on the golf course)
2. Las Colinas (Town homes on the hill)
3. Plaza El Pozo (Hotel and Commercial Center)
4. Villa Rio Dulce (Beach Condos) Construction commenced this week!
5. Beach Club & Golf Memberships

If either strikes your fancy please contact our Marketing and Sales Director David Smith.
He can be reached at david @ haciendaiguana .com

Now onto golf course development, the first four holes are ready (almost!). Whilst we are still under-construction we ask you contact us for practice play at supergolf @ haciendaiguana .com . Jose Paniagua is the Golf Course Superintendent and he will advise on availability and practice times. Two spectacular new lakes are going in and shall be complete by the end of this month. The first ten golf carts have arrived. Flagpoles are in. To top it off five new bridges are under construction. And to think it was said "It could not be done!" :-)

Golf Course Phase III

2006-01-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hola Amigos,

Just figured it was time to get out there and write a little on what has been happening the last week...

Iguana rented the D-5 bulldozer / tractor so our Shaper, William, could complete the rough shaping of holes 8 & 9 and also the newest area the Practice Range and Equestrian Area. Yes, Iguana is expanding in Phase III to add one more hole, another practice range and equestrian area. When Niels was asked why the additional hole was needed, he responded, "I needed the golf course to have more fluidity. It was a nice 9 holes, but the area between holes 9 and 1 was too distant. Now one can play 18 holes repeating some holes from different Tee's and one hole gets to change from a challenging par 3 now to a monstrous par 4!" When the golf course superintendent, Jose, was asked of this change, he simply chuckled and said, "Many of us developing the course already felt challenged by the course and now we are afraid of getting out our clubs certainly raising our handicap. We will just stick to managing and developing at Iguana." Once the newest section is approved and plotted out on the map, we will post a new plan for you all to see.

Permits for Villa Rio Dulce condominiums have been turned in and we are told it is a matter of a week or so for approval. Here are the latest 3-D drawings!

Wild life keeps coming! When I started writing this today Luis came into the office and said, "Are you busy?" I was wondering what is it this time, when he further explained that I needed to break out the camera.... This magnificent sea turtle came ashore to lay her eggs. Luis continued, "We have to keep a watchful eye out for her! One of the guys down the beach is watching and waiting. Later we will remove the eggs and burry them where no one will find them! These eggs have a chance!" I could not agree more...Good thinking Luis.

By the way, surf is looking good....just look at the wave behind Selina the Sea Turtle. Steve says, "At least we know she is a girl!"

A Happy New Years for 2006

2006-01-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Iguana Family Members,

We wanted to take the time to send everyone a Happy New Years for 2006 and wish you all a prosperous one too!

While you were probably enjoying the holidays with friends and loved ones, well, lets just say we were here with ours too. We had a wonderful employee Christmas Party at the "Old Beach Club House." We served over 120 friends and watch them dance until the sun went down. While the DJ was a little short on varying his music, we all managed to sneak in a dance or two with our friends and colleagues. This one will truly go down in my fond memory bank!

After the Christmas holiday came time to prep for the New Years Celebration between friends, neighbors, owner, employees, family, and all of which are loved ones. The girls, Isabella, Melanie, and Ariana put on a special New Years Eve performance for all ages. There was such an applause that an encore was demanded and one was gladly granted. I am proud off all three!

Later on we headed down the beach for a spectacular fireworks display. Back to the clubhouse for some more dancing and I was taken back by the moves Stoooie's mom showed me...

Ruth, I hold next years gala the right to have the first dance with you! Thank You!

After all the holidays, it was time to get back to work. Everyone was packed up and ready to head home, but wait Vladimir came running up to the van as the kids were getting in, “There is something the kids needed to see in the pool!” he exclaimed. "Get the camera," Jose shouted. Vladimir jumped in the pool, clothes and all, and pushed the sea turtle out. The kids were so excited to help get this lost sea turtle back on track. Humberto strolled over to tell me that this turtle must have had her bell rung as last night she took a dip in the pool and he had to assist her in getting out. Later, I am told the chatter on the morning shuttle heading back to Costa Rica was quite an emotional one with all that happened at Iguana. The girls gave each other hugs and did not want to let each other go.

This week in Iguana…

The wireless Internet tower was moved to improve signal throughout the property. More repeater towers were installed, but are now awaiting electrical hook up so signal should cover the entire project!

The Exotic Papaya that was seeded has sprung to life and the plants are now two to four inches tall. “Every single bag sprouted!” Marcos tells me with pride. I had to go take a picture for you to see it for yourself.

Last night on our way into the project I spot what appears to be a wild little bobcat, but my eyes can’t be certain, never the less we spring into a conversation on wild cats seen here. No one really believes me. When we get back to the house in our usual chat session one of our new guests asks me, “Ulrik, why so much now on vegetation trees, don’t you already have enough wooded tress?” I tell him the ministry of forestry informed us in a study that we have done plenty of planting but now recommended fruit and vegetation trees, to attract even more wild life. Boy, did I get an approval on that budget from the bosses fast! Anyway, spend a few nights out here at Iguana and I can assure you will see many things you will not see back in New York or if you are a New Yorker living in Florida. We will be glad to entertain and show you a warm Hacienda Iguana welcome.