This Post was originally published on the Absolute Travel Blog
Absolute Travel’s Blaine Anderson skips a chilly NYC weekend and opts to head south to Nicaragua with her family and friends. Learn about her can’t miss hotels, the best way to start the day, and her attempt to join a local mariachi band.
An Easy Hop-Skip-or-Jump from most U.S. Cities
Sometimes lengthy flights with multiple layovers are required to get to those absurdly picturesque beaches and luxury hotels, but that is not the case for Nicaragua! There are direct flights from many major U.S. airports. It’s a quick 2.5 hour hop from Miami, 3 hours from Houston, and a measly five hours from Los Angeles. Translation: Virtually no jetlag, less time in airports and and more time relaxing.
Marvelous Weather
Whether you are escaping the snow or just need a little extra vitamin D in your life, Nicaragua gets the job done! With an average high temperature of 85 degrees and an average low of 75, there is not a bad time to visit! Although it is rainy season from June through September, it generally just rains quickly once a day, in a spectacular downpour and can actually be quite beautiful. Overall, most days are sunny and temperate. And if the temperatures soar, you will likely be close to a beach or lake where you can cool off!
Superb Hotels
Although there are many great places to stay in Nicaragua, I can vouch for what I believe are two of THE BEST places to stay:
Jicaro Ecolodge: Jicaro Island Ecolodge is Nicaragua´s most high-end nature eco resort located on a private island in Lake Nicaragua (the second largest lake in the Americas). The intimate lodge has nine casitas, all with water views, and some with spectacular views of the Mombacho Volcano across the lake. This is a great spot to start your trip and relax while enjoying the stunning surroundings, refreshing lake, and fresh Nicaraguan cuisine. Tip: Do not miss the ceviche—best I have ever had.
Mukul Luxury Resort & Spa: Prior to arrival I had heard nothing but raving reviews about Mukul. My expectations were sky high, and needless to say, I was far from disappointed! From the moment I arrived on the giant, perfectly-manicured grounds, Mukul exuded luxury and relaxation. From the personalized service, to the stunning beach-front accommodations, delicious meals, and pristine white sand beach, I never wanted to leave this Nicaraguan paradise.
Leave Healthier Than When You Arrive
We all know those trips that you come back from a few pounds heavier and feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation. And although Nicaragua does have amazing food and free-flowing rum, there are plenty of opportunities to get active! Many of the resorts offer yoga classes, a fun way to set a healthy tone for the day.
And what better place to practice yoga than overlooking a sparkling lake with views of a volcano in the distance? Speaking of volcanoes, there are also many hikes of varying lengths and difficulty levels that are a great way to not only get moving but see some local flora, fauna, and wildlife up close! Don’t forget to end your invigorating yoga session or long hike with a freshly made juice! Both Jicaro Ecolodge and Mukul offered fresh squeezed juices and smoothies – orange-guava was my favorite!
BONUS:
My bonus reason why Nicaragua is an unforgettable getaway is that with the help of Absolute Travel, you can create touching moments that your family, friends, and traveling companions will remember for a lifetime. During my family’s time in Nicaragua, my parents were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. Upon arriving at Plaza Colon Hotel in Granada, they received a personalized note with a bottle of champagne requesting they step out onto their balcony. When they stepped onto the balcony, champagne in hand, a mariachi band broke into song. Eventually our entire group joined the mariachi band on the street in front of Granada’s central plaza to dance, sing and celebrate. It was a touching surprise that the entire group enjoyed!
Learn more about our custom luxury trips in Nicaragua here, and feel free to contact Blaine to learn more about her luxury travel in Nicaragua experience!
Slider photo Ometepe beach in Nicaragua via Shutterstock
