by Michelle Tchea
A country perhaps best known to North Americans as a past extraordinary backdrop to the reality TV show Survivor, Nicaragua is not commonly thought of as a dream destination.
But things have changed in this Central American travel spot.
Touted as one of the world’s top 10 happiest places to live, Nicaragua has reinvented itself as a tourist destination—and five-star health retreats, eco-lodges nestled on private islands and boutique wellness hotels are just some of its calling cards.
Beautiful beaches entice surfers to catch waves before breakfast; hikers are invited to trek around dramatic and still-active volcanoes; the 300-plus islands that make up Nicaragua’s archipelago are overflowing with activities that will keep adventurers of all types occupied.
Despite its sometimes rocky history, Nicaragua is now affordable, friendly and safe. In fact, not only has it become the second-safest country in Central America, according to a Global Peace Index study, but it’s a bargain for wellness-inspired travellers.
Eco-Friendly
A short boat ride will get you to Jicaro Island Retreat, where sustainable living is taken to a whole new level. Literally. During Hurricane Felix in 2007, over one million hectares of rainforest were destroyed.
Builders and designers worked with indigenous communities to help make the best of all the destruction, producing the Jicaro Island Ecolodge. All nine tiny houses (known as casitas) are suspended in trees, with natural volcanic sediments forming the resort’s foundation.
For foodies looking for more adventure, head straight out into the water. Not only is fishing a skilled sport in Nicaragua, but small-scale commercial fishing includes mussel and lobster safaris, as well as hand-spearing your lunch the old-fashioned way.
Splashing Out
The country may be better known for its strong link to coffee, but you can’t leave Nicaragua without tasting the national beverage: rum.
The Pellas family, owners of one of the biggest rum distilleries in the region, have the vision to put Nicaragua on the map, opening the country’s first luxury resort, Mukul Beach, Golf and Spa Resort, which features spacious accommodations, each with its own ocean view, pool and private staff, not to mention an 18-hole golf course and private spa-house.
Despite all the luxury surrounding the villas and fancy tree-top casitas, the Pellas family built the resort with the idea of connecting the land, people and culture of Nicaragua for international growth and development. “
“We are creating a catalyst that will put our country on the world tourism map. We are doing everything at Mukul to the highest standards so that we can attract the most sophisticated travelers in the world. I want them to feel like guests in my family’s home as they discover the Nicaragua that I love.”
– MUKUL RESORT Owner Carlos Pellas
Tranquil Boutique
Tribal Hotel, the vision of NYC restaurateurs Jean-Marc Houmard and Yvan Cussigh, has been touted as one of the best boutique-design destinations for honeymooners.
Located in the colonial UNESCO-protected city of Granada, this curated beauty has captured both designers and luxury travellers with its unassuming façade and modern concepts in each of the five deluxe rooms. And the Nicaraguan artisanal touches make it home-away-from-home.
Eating Locally
Though Nicaragua is rich in wildlife and vegetation, Nicaraguan cuisine is quite humble. Influenced by Spanish and Creole cuisines, the flavours are wonderfully unique and traditional dishes differ by the coast—the Pacific’s main staple is heavy on local fruits and corn, while the Caribbean side favours seafood and coconut.
Jessica Schugel, the owner of Buen Viaje Tours, strongly believes that despite the country’s economic struggles, it remains rich in a culture centred on family and food. “Nicaraguans find something worth celebrating nearly every day of the year,” says the longtime Nicaraguan resident.
“Our well-crafted food tours explore the distinctive flavours and recipes infused with history and tradition. Nicaragua is bountiful when it comes to food and good times.”
…Without Leaving your Hotel
Cheap and cheerful street eats are a great way to experience Nicaragua’s true culture and meet its vibrant people, but hotels also offer healthy, locally sourced farm-to-table dishes.
Jicaro Food and Beverage Manager, Diamanda Jiménez, loves El pollo tapado, especially the one prepared by the head chef at his resort.
“Our guests are interested in trying local flavours and our kitchen philosophy is to serve healthy dishes for our guests to enjoy. At Jicaro Island Ecolodge, we are inspired by our commitment to sustainability and the opportunity to connect guests with this approach through our culinary offerings. Our location provides us with daily inspiration—the lake is never the same from one day to the next!”
– Jicaro Food and Beverage Manager, Diamanda Jiménez
Mukul Chef Cupertina Ortiz works his magic, bringing what he calls ‘Cocina Nikul’—Nicaraguan meets Mukul with global flavours and local influences. Think cheese dumplings with soft polenta and fresh jumbo prawn salad with just-picked avocado to grace your table.
Street Eats
What to look out for in your travels.
- Gallo Pinto: Considered a national symbol, Gallo Pinto is eaten daily by locals. A combination of fried rice, beans, onions and garlic, it’s a delicious breakfast to wake up to.
- Nacatamal: One of my favourites. Almost a dough/fritter topped with pork or chicken, rice, potatoes and fresh vegetables.
- Vigoron: Originally from Granada, local ingredients like yucca, chicharrón and a salad made out of cabbage and tomato are wrapped in a plantain leaf.
- Quesillo: The perfect end to a hot Nicaraguan beach day, this dessert is almost like a flan but silkier and creamier.
- Sopa de Mondong: There are variations of this soup, but traditional dishes almost always have tripe and local vegetables like chayote, quequisque and corn.
Michelle Tchea is the Managing Director of The Collective by Popintel Group, a branding intelligence and strategy firm measuring customer experience for luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants, as well as the author of three best-selling books on food and travel. She loves discovering new hotel amenities and is watching the luxury market with intrigue.