TORONTO — What can travellers expect to see while in Nicaragua? Unspoiled natural beauty, crystal clear beaches, and an exceptionally welcoming culture that make this Central American country a must-see destination in 2019 and beyond.
For those in search of some serious R&R, Visit Nicaragua has compiled a list of the country’s very best places to recharge, rejuvenate and recalibrate:
THE CORN ISLANDS
If your clients are looking to get away and unplug, then a trip to the remote Corn Islands is a must. Once a refuge for pirates, Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island are now a secret hideaway for many Nicaraguans and visitors from around the world. White-sand beaches, swaying coconut palms and clear turquoise waters are par for the course on both Corn Islands.
Little Corn Island is a quiet and verdant jewel surrounded by calm cerulean waters. The gentle waves and supple sands lend themselves to world-class scuba, sailing and fishing, while the charming amenities of The Village offer an escape from the mainland bustle. Unassuming Little Corn may be out of sight, but this idyllic escape deserves to be top of mind.
YEMAYA ISLAND HIDEAWAY
Named after the goddess of the sea, Yemaya Little Corn caters to wellness enthusiasts who seek out tranquility in natural locales. This unique island hotel offers 16 oceanfront rooms with stunning sea views, exquisite white sand beaches surrounded by lush jungle and a pristine reef teeming with sea life.
Do not expect marble foyers or uniformed bellhops here: the decor is both locally inspired and tasteful. The organic garden that supplies the resort’s kitchen adds a healthy and authentic touch to the delectable cuisine. yemayalittlecorn.com
MALIBU POPOYO SURF RESORT
Malibu Popoyo is what you get when you cross a luxury surf retreat with an adventure sanctuary. This all-inclusive, eco-friendly boutique surf resort and retreat centre caters to surfers, yogis and adventurous souls. Located beachfront in the heart of Popoyo, the resort is grounded in Nicaraguan culture and is a neighbor to more than 10 world-class surf breaks.
With stimulating experiences for all walks of life, this high-end accommodation will indulge the senses without breaking the bank. malibupopoyo.com
JICARO ISLAND LODGE
Relaxation and wellness at Nicaragua’s ‘Tourism Triangle’ on the west coast are easily within reach when visiting Jicaro Island Ecolodge. Located on a private island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua and just a short boat ride from the colonial town of Granada, Jicaro is a serene alternative to the bustle of the nearby historic city. The ecolodge is comprised of nine private two-story casitas, many with a glorious view of the lake and nearby Mombacho Volcano, and offers year-round yoga and wellness retreats that combine exceptional yoga experiences with opportunities to learn about the destination and its culture.
The wellness center at Jicaro, overlooking the lake, features two open-air rooms and private showers for spa treatments. A highlight at Jicaro is the floating yoga deck accessible by boat, a serene location where guests can enjoy sunrise yoga, afternoon meditation and sunset dinner. jicarolodge.com
AQUA WELLNESS RESORT
Nestled among the treetops and overlooking a private white sand beach along Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast is Aqua Wellness Resort. This Rainforest Alliance-verified resort maximizes the beauty of its natural surroundings by offering tree-top villas, the perfect choice for travellers keen on seeing a variety of flora and fauna, not to mention monkeys, birds and butterflies. Additionally, Aqua rests on a turtle-nesting beach that affords frequent sightings of the majestic animals. Other highlights include daily yoga on an elevated, open-air platform that overlooks the beach, and The Aqua Spa, featuring treatments that draw inspiration from Nicaragua’s natural resources such as local fruit and cacao. aquanicaragua.com
COCO LOCO RESORT
Coco Loco Resort, a community-focused eco-resort in northern Nicaragua, offers guests a very special travel experience. Since 2009, it has worked to improve the quality of life of the local community through education programs, development initiatives and volunteer efforts. Over the past 10 years, Coco’s Waves of Hope foundation has invested over $400,000 into projects and initiatives focused on education, infrastructure, health care and the environment.
After giving back, guests can nurture themselves with yoga retreats, private classes and a teacher-in-training program. They can also take up surfing at all levels. Accommodations include eight palm-thatch cabanas on the main property and three boutique rooms in the new beach house. cocolocoecoresort.com
