Along one beautiful coastline of Nicaragua runs the bright blue waters of the Caribbean, and on the west, the crashing waves of the Pacific. In between are some incredible volcanic landscapes, with lush, hardly-explored forests and breathtakingly underdeveloped islands and beaches. Nicaragua's history, too, reads like a novel and includes the founding of some beautiful colonial cities and towns. So choosing the best places to stay in Nicaragua revolves around the reason you want to visit this Central American beauty. Below, we have listed hotels in four main geographic regions, from colonial boutiques to remote ecolodges.
If you’re here for the history and drama of old Nicaragua, then the best places to stay are in elegant Granada, which is one of the country’s best preserved colonial towns. Or, if you prefer your history a little more dramatic, then vibrant, working-class León might be for you, with its revolutionary murals and architectural masterpieces now housing very work-a-day stores and offices.
If you’re here to surf then the Rivas Isthmus on the Pacific coat, to the south west, is one of the best places to stay in Nicaragua. It offers perfect sandy beaches and some secluded areas only accessible by 4WD. And if you’d rather snorkel, dive or muck around with boats then the Caribbean Corn Islands will entrance you, while for mangrove swamps, thick jungles and tropical ports, consider the Caribbean coastline itself. And if you’re here for the coffee and or tobacco, then the best places to stay in Nicaragua are in the Northern Highlands.
But one of the unique things about Nicaragua is how underdeveloped it is. It doesn’t take long for the tourist trail to ebb away and you’re on your own, exploring its wonderfully varied interior. Its amazing mountains hide volcanic lakes, unmapped jungles, pre-Columbian runs and old Spanish fortresses. Elsewhere you will find wetlands, remote farms, acres of empty beaches, and welcoming arms to visitors.
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Granada
A converted ancestral home in the centre of Granada. Colonial styled rooms feature dark antique furniture set against pastel hues. A central courtyard hosts a pretty pool to unwind by. Find two restaurants serving excellent continental dishes. The ideal base for city exploring.
Granada
A boutique colonial property set around a picturesque central courtyard. Traditional rooms feature high ceilings, exposed beams and dark antique furniture. Indulgent breakfasts are served and the pool provides the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the city. Very chic.
San Juan del Sur
A traditional ranch with stunning views. Rooms are traditional in style with cast iron beds, uneven walls and French doors leading onto the veranda. Spend days riding horses in the great outdoors or simply curl up with a book by the pool. Meals are served in a laid-back 'family style'. Rural bliss.
San Juan del Sur (1 Redonda Bay Tola)
A boutique property tucked away amidst the rainforest. A collection of luxury tree houses provides a fun and comfortable stay plus the treetop vantage point allows for spectacular views. Find a host of water activities for day time fun whilst evenings are tranquil and romantic. Fabulous.
Isletas de Granada
Set on the remote Jicaro Island overlooking Lake Nicaragua, this lodge is a tranquil island paradise. Made up of nine delightful casitas, everything is tailored towards relaxation with an excellent spa and a floating yoga deck. Made for honeymoons and romantic getaways.
Isletas de Granada
This private island ecolodge is located on Lake Nicaragua. Choose from treetop ranchos on stilts amid tropical vegetation, rustic-style bungalows or homely 'casitas' dressed in beautiful, locally-crafted furniture. Start your day on the yoga platform before an excursion; a holistic island getaway.
Ometepe Island (Correos de Moyogalpa)
A small eco-lodge boasting a spectacular position amidst the lush forest and overlooking a volcano. Rooms are natural in feel with thatched roofs, plenty of wood, crisp white linen and luxury bathrooms. Enjoy meals cooked with produce from the lodge's own farm. The perfect remote getaway.
LIttle Corn Island (Little Corn Island)
A picturesque palm fringed resort on the tiny Little Corn island. A laid back vibe prevails on the island's only luxury resort, offering elegant suites, hardwood floors and splashes of local art. The beachside restaurant offers seafood centric Mexican cuisine and the spa is absolutely fantastic.
Playa Santana (Popoyo)
A fantastically minimalist and laid-back luxe hotel on the stunning surfing beach of Popoyo. Simple and elegant rooms allow the glass wall overlooking the beach to take centre stage, and it is some view!! The restaurant Taberna uses organic produce to create local delicacies with a modern twist.
Popoyo (Playa Santana)
A seafront sustainable orchard is the setting for this eco-friendly surf hotel in Popoyo. Contemporary design blends with local culture in the hotel suites, which feature artisan tiles and glass walls showcasing native plants. Recentre yourself in the hotel yoga studio; a holistic retreat.
