Marilyn is off traveling the world again … this time on a WOW! Travel Club journey to Baja with a small group of adventurous travelers.  They’re visiting the artsy town of Todos Santos, swimming with whale sharks off the coast of La Paz, visiting Magdalena Bay to interact with baby whales, and many more exciting adventures.  Stay tuned for pictures and details when she returns!

I’m Whitney Chen, one of Marilyn’s Program Managers.  While she’s away I’m taking over her blog to share photos from my recent vacation to Nicaragua.

I can’t say this often, so I’m going to take a second to make it known that I visited a country neither Marilyn nor Gabriel has visited yet.  As you know, that is quite the rare feat.

When it came time to narrow down a vacation destination, my husband and I decided on Nicaragua for a variety of reasons:  beautiful beaches, great surf, affordable, safe, off-the-beaten-path, adventurous. Add in the relatively short flight from LA, and it was the perfect choice.  We wanted more than just a beach vacation, so over the course of 2 weeks, we planned to stay in 3 very different areas across the southwestern part of the country.

To give you a visual:

First stop – TRIBAL HOTEL, Granada

This unique, 7 room hotel is walking distance from the main square of colonial Granada.   The chic -meets- rustic -meets- authentic Nicaraguan style makes you feel as though you’re sleeping in a New York interior design magazine.  Each room has a private terrace where they serve you light breakfast in the mornings.  We only stayed one night, however I highly recommend at least two to fully explore the area.

Granada is a sight to see – with its brightly colored houses, colonial architecture and charming horse drawn carriages.  A visit to the Iglesia de La Merced church is a must!  You pay just $1 USD to climb the bell tower for sweeping views of the city and Lake Nicaragua.

Next stop –  THE INN AT RANCHO SANTANA

Rancho Santana is such a special place.  You truly get the sense that you are away from everything … no stress, no crowds, no responsibility, no distractions, no TV’s (but the WIFI is great) … just the sound of the ocean and a peaceful place to explore and make yourself at home.

As a “complex,” Rancho Santana has been around for a while, but as a group of rental properties.  Exactly one year ago in March of 2015, they opened a brand new, 17 room Inn and branched over into the full service hospitality world.  The property still looks as if it opened yesterday.  Each spacious room has a view of the ocean, a generous patio and beautiful locally-crafted wood furniture.

Then, there is the restaurant – Finca y Mar.  It was by far one of the best restaurants I’ve tried.  period.  If you could care less about the new facilities, or the amazing staff, or the location… trust me, come here for the food.

(and the sunsets.)

Rancho Santana has 5 different beaches spanning the coast of the property.  The middle of the 5 – Playa Escondida – became a popular beach for turtles to visit and lay eggs, so they started a turtle conservation project to give those little guys a better chance of survival.  On our way to breakfast one morning, the Inn’s Experience Coordinator invited us to join a release that was happening right at that moment.  We figured breakfast could wait!

 

Just up the beach is a funky, surfer’s haven called Magnific Rock, or “Mag Rock” for short.  It might be a little rough around the edges but they have a sunset happy hour that promises cheap drinks and an amazing view of its namesake landmark.

 

Site inspection – Mukul Resort

Mukul Resort, just 30 minutes south of Rancho Santana, opened it’s doors about 3 years ago and was the product of a major investment made by the Pellas family.  Vivian and Don Carlos Pellas have an amazing legacy, and care deeply about their country.  They invest a substantial amount of money into the development and betterment of the infrastructure within Nicaragua – increasing jobs, supporting growth and education within the local communities.

Not to mention this place is breathtaking!  Truly a 5 star, luxury resort.  Each of the 23 cliffside “bohios” comes with a private plunge pool and floor-to-ceiling windows so you can take in every inch of the sweeping ocean view.  If you want to get a bit closer, there are also 2-bedroom Beach Villas available.

 

Last stop – Jicaro Island Ecolodge, Lake Nicaragua

After saying “adios” to the beach, we headed back through Granada to a small port on Lake Nicaragua.  From there, we hopped on a boat and transferred to our final stop – Jicaro Island.  After about a 10 minute ride, we arrived at a small island, surrounded by what seemed like hundreds of equally small islands.  Two ladies waited on the dock to greet us with traditional drinks, and lead us on a tour of the property.

I’ve never experienced a place quite like this…

The resort is made up of 9 private, 2-story casitas – all built with wood recycled after a hurricane.  The architect carefully designed the property around the natural elements of the island, minimally disturbing the rocks, trees and native plants.  There’s even a lookout tower in the center offering a panoramic view of Mombacho Volcano and the surrounding isletas.  You feel as if you’re staying in a Swiss Family Robinson tree house!

Jicaro Island offers a variety of excursion options – from relaxing tours to adventurous activities.  James and I opted for zip lining and a Mombacho Volcano hike – one of the few volcanoes in Nicaragua that is not currently active.  The guides are all employees of the resort (you may see them at the restaurant or at the registration desk too) and are extremely knowledgeable about the local area.  Because there are only 9 casitas, there’s a good chance you will end up on your own private tour!

(It’s a little too foggy to tell, but in the last image, you can see the string of isletas where Jicaro Island Ecolodge is!)

 

We left Nicaragua feeling as if a small part of us stayed behind with it.  There is so much beauty and diversity packed into this small area.  The people are welcoming and have so much pride in their country – for good reason!  They are eager to show travelers exactly why they love Nicaragua, and what it means to them.  This country has been through a lot, however it’s come a long way from the war-torn past many still associate it with.  From what we learned and experienced, this place will change quickly …  very quickly.  There is already another luxury resort in the works and a new airport on the southern coast that currently only takes small 12-seater planes, but is planning to expand the runway to welcome more travelers at once.

Even with the changes and new infrastructure in the works, Nicaragua is, and will continue to be an authentic and dynamic destination to visit.

Have you been?

Do you want to go?

Comment and let us know!