Ocean, Caribbean, hammocks & secret islands See Nicaragua and stay in exceptional accommodation

There is the sky, the sun and the sea (the Caribbean Sea). But there is also an energetic ocean, a huge lake, volcanoes, dense, rich, wonderfully tropical vegetation, and superb islands, salty and sweet - so much that you won’t know what to do with it all. Luckily, we have a few ideas. At a glance, it's the perfect setting to disconnect and play the adventurer. Long overshadowed by its neighbour Costa Rica, Nicaragua now welcomes visitors with taste, intelligence and environmental awareness - they want to disturb the environment as little as possible. This is the spirit of this trip: to give you access to a Nicaragua that is natural, but also elegant and comfortable. In the Corn Islands, a pair of islands floating off the eastern coast, when you leave your beloved hammock, it is to better explore the surroundings, on foot or by boat, or to go in search of coconut bread. It must be said that the Caribbean always delivers on its promise of sunshine and turquoise waters. In Popoyo, the Pacific coastline reveals some of its most beautiful surf spots. Here, surfing is a way of life, and life moves to the rhythm of the waves. The cool spirit extends beyond the waves onto the warm sand, onto yoga mats and onto terraces where you can enjoy seafood and grilled fish. As for the forest, it is never far away. Then we leave the salt water for the calmer waters of Lake Nicaragua, the largest freshwater lake in Latin America. The temperamental Mombacho volcano scattered debris into Lake Nicaragua, forming the Islets of Granada, a string of 365 islets, one for each day of the year. Nature, which seems to have never lost its rights here, expresses itself in fifty shades of green. You can drift at will between the islands, paddling at random and encountering a fisherman casting his net, a water bird taking flight, or a beach where you could relax for a little while. But it's already time to settle down in Granada, Nicaragua's colonial gem. Granada tells part of the country's history, against a backdrop of arty charm and an inspiring lifestyle. Long after the Conquistadors, you will be conquered. 

Your trip

Getting away from it all, even in unfamiliar territory, shouldn't be stressful. That's why this trip has been designed so that you don't have to think about anything. Except yourself. Everything - flights, boat trips, private transfers and accommodation - has been carefully arranged. As a bonus, given the small size of the country, travel times are never very long. This means you have plenty of time at each location to explore, even get lost, and fully immerse yourself in the experiences we have included in your itinerary: a sunset boat trip in the Corn Islands; a stroll in good company in the gardens of your superb lodge and a private surfing lesson in Popoyo; not to mention a kayak trip and a romantic dinner in the Islets of Granada. If that's not enough, or if something else takes your fancy during your trip, you can contact our on-site Concierge to help you make them happen. 

Your hotels 

Big Corn Island
Tropical nature is everywhere.  You can make the most of it without disturbing it.  Your garden is right on the beach, and you feel like you can reach out and touch the sea from your bed. Inside, everything is comfortable and bright. In addition to a spa and a restaurant that pays tribute to local cuisine, you have a small private swimming pool all to yourself. The days always begin with a panoramic view of the sea and the sound of waves lapping on the sand. They end in the same way, yet nothing here ever grows tiresome. 

Popoyo
Local artists and artisans have been called upon to make your room an ode to Nicaraguan life; your terrace overlooks the ocean. You can enjoy peaceful moments here before succumbing to the call of the outdoors: the tropical forest and its colourful wildlife - iguanas, howler monkeys, sloths and birds - the legendary waves of Popoyo, the incredible property where vegetables, fruit and herbs are grown, with a strong focus on sustainability. At the end of the day, the spa and the bar give you the feeling that your day could last forever.

Islets of Granada
On one of these adorable islands, large, beautiful huts on stilts have been built on the edge of the lake. It is tropical, elegant, spacious and perfectly integrated into its surroundings: the work of an architectural firm renowned for its ecological commitment. The wood used is actually recycled wood that fell during Hurricane Felix. An inspiring retreat, on the edge of reality.

Managua
Colonial city, colonial hotel. Neo-colonial, to be exact. A charming house that surrounds five patios covered in green plants and a swimming pool lined with hammocks and cosy beanbags. An ideal place for reflection, there is even a spa.