The Emerald Coast
I came to Nicaragua seeking a destination that was off the beaten path, warm, and not too far from Southern California. From the airport, this is a minimum 2 hour car ride through very rural areas of the country. If you are looking for a really secluded place nestled in the hills and by the water, check out Aqua Wellness Resort. I came here for peace and yoga. They offer yoga classes daily on a yoga deck overlooking the waters of the Emerald Coast (pictured below). The rooms are situated on different levels of the hills and have their own private jacuzzi. You can hear the ocean waves every night. They can also provide transportation to a local family who offer horseback riding on the sand. One word of caution- there are a lot of insects and other critters that come out in the evening, so watch where you're stepping!
Yoga deck overlooking the coast. Namaste.
I came here for peace and solitude, and I received it.
Private plunge pool outside your room.
Where I had my meals every day - and where I also took some time to unplug from the world and reflect.
I am a believer that you should take the time to write your thoughts down on a journal - one day it'll be a time machine which transports you to your younger self.
Because my room was higher up in the forest, I had to take these steps at least 3 times a day down to the water. There are probably 500 steps each way. Initially, I had to stop to catch my breath, but by the end of my stay, I could do the climb without stopping. Great exercise. Also, the bottom-most steps were covered with critters at night!
Me and a local guide on horseback by the ocean!
Yes, riding horseback for a prolonged period of time really hurts the bum!
If you head another 1.5 hours south, you will find beach town San Juan del Sur. This is where you will find the teeming night life. Make sure your time here falls on a Sunday because they have an actual "Sunday Funday", which is a debaucherous beach party and pool crawl. Make sure your electronics are waterproof or simply don't bring any - because you may not remember where you've left it after your night!
