Top 7 resorts and ecolodges in Nicaragua

With coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, a giant freshwater lake with its own islands, and active volcanoes in the middle of a jungle landscape, Nicaragua is a dream vacation destination. The country may be a developing nation, but there’s a real offer of luxury hotels and charming residences. The capital Managua has no real appeal, but it’s where all travelers land and begin their journey. More and more people are now entering Nicaragua by land via the border with neighboring Costa Rica, thus avoiding the need to pass through Managua. The Emerald Coast runs along the Pacific Ocean and begins just north of the land border with Costa Rica. The best-known town in the region is San Juan del Sur, and around it are numerous beaches and a number of atypical accommodations and charming hotels. From the south, it’s easy to get to other parts of Nicaragua, including Granada and Lake Nicaragua, where you can discover a freshwater lake, a cultural experience and unique ecolodges. Further afield, off the Caribbean coast, Little Corn Island is an even more relaxing experience. There are always pleasant surprises in Nicaragua, and here are our top 7 ecolodges:

Jicaro Island Lodge, located on a private islet in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, near the colonial town of Granada, is a truly special place. This small ecolodge offers unique accommodation: small casitas built amidst the vegetation of the islet. The rooms are superb and not air-conditioned; a fan and the refreshing air from the lake are more than enough. There’s a beautiful infinity pool facing a breathtaking panorama, a yoga deck and small terraces where quality dishes made from local produce are served.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic vacation or a family getaway, Morgan’s Rock is the place for you! Located in a private reserve, next to a long, beautiful sandy beach near San Juan del Sur, this ecolodge offers accommodation and cabins of a certain luxury and charm. Of course, there’s a lovely swimming pool and nicely landscaped areas. The open-air restaurant is of the highest quality. The service is impeccable and the team will do everything to please you, right down to organizing a horseback ride on the beach for the sunset or surfing lessons.

Located in the popular surf town of San Juan del Sur, Pelican Eyes Resort & Spa is just two kilometers from the sea. The resort is built into a hillside overlooking the ocean. The hotel offers a mix of rooms and villas. Rooms feature luxurious rustic decor and tiled beds. Some are also equipped with a kitchenette, an advantage for families traveling with children. Villas are even larger, with two floors and several bedrooms, two restaurants and three infinity pools. If you need a massage or facial, a spa is available on site. All kinds of activities can be organized, including sailing excursions on the hotel’s own boat.

The private island of Calala, located in the Pearl Cays off the Caribbean coast, is only accessible by boat or helicopter. Once you reach this secluded 10-acre island, you’ll be treated like a barefoot luxury hotel. There are just four suites, which can be rented individually, or you can book the whole island for a multigenerational family vacation or small destination wedding. The property is all-inclusive, and meals can be served either in the in-house restaurant or on your suite’s terrace. Dinner consists of four courses. There are also beach barbecues and other rotating culinary events. For activities, you can kayak or SUP, snorkel or simply read a book while relaxing on the white sand beach. The island is also a nesting ground for turtles.

Located at the tip of Little Corn Island in the Caribbean Sea, Yemaya Island Hideaway sits on a beautiful white sand beach and is only accessible by boat. This boutique property is the island’s most upscale accommodation and is an ideal choice for couples looking for a romantic vacation. Choose from spacious suites or beachfront casitas, all featuring locally crafted wooden furnishings and stone bathrooms with rain showers. The hotel also offers five villas with private swimming pools. Services include daily yoga classes in an open-air studio and a wonderful spa offering reiki and aromatherapy treatments, as well as traditional massages. The hotel also has a restaurant, and you can rent kayaks, SUP boards and snorkeling equipment free of charge. Wi-Fi is also good, which isn’t the case with everything in Little Corn.

Located just north of the Costa Rican border, the Aqua Wellness Resort is on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, which has a small airport with regular flights from Liberia in Costa Rica. This boutique ecolodge has a luxury wellness atmosphere and is set in a pretty rainforest setting. Accommodation is in tree houses, which is pretty impressive as you get a stunning view of the Pacific sunset from the trees. This construction method is also environmentally friendly. And you can fall asleep listening to the calls of the howler monkeys that live in the surrounding forest. Treehouses also feature private swimming pools on spacious terraces.

About two hours from Managua, on Nicaragua’s southwest Pacific coast, in Tola, Rancho Santana is a hidden gem. Situated on three kilometers of coastline comprising five different beaches, there’s no shortage of surf and sand in the area. You can sunbathe and splash in the sea, or if you prefer surfing, there are some great spots nearby. The property covers some 2,700 acres, which you can explore on foot, by bike or on horseback. Rancho Santana is a family-run complex offering rooms and suites of various sizes. Some offer ocean views and feature a kitchenette. All are decorated in a contemporary style and feature large windows, balconies and wooden furniture. Hotel facilities include a swimming pool, gym, restaurant and spa. A kids’ club is also available, and a babysitting service can be arranged. If you need to hire a car, this can also be arranged.