NICARAGUAN LUXURY AT PACAYA LODGE AND SPA

Wake up to the sounds of the pacific parakeet or spot a great green macaw while lounging back on your balcony lounge in your very own luxury lodge. The Pacaya Lodge and Spa is perched in central Nicaragua and overlooks a jungle teeming with native wildlife that extends to the Apoyo Lagoon in the volcanic crater below.

Guests will indulge in one of 26 rooms, all offering stunning views of the lagoon with Grenada and Lake Nicaragua visible on the horizon. The lodges occupy an art décor sourced from local artisans, which allows guests to merge with the authentic Nicaraguan feel of warmth emanating from the wood and an array of vibrant colors that add vitality to the room. Each room is complete with in-room amenities such as WiFi, energy efficient climate control, indigenous bath products, local artisan made woodwork furniture and a private balcony, or if in the king rooms and Pacaya suites, a large hammock for a unique experience.

Nicaragua is known for its culture and the beautiful landscape making it an unforgettable experience. Take advantage of the sights with daily excursions available through the lodge which include an English speaking tour guide and driver. If you have a taste for adventure, paddleboard through Las Isletas de Granada, a haven made up of over 360 small islands just off the coast of Granada in Lake Nicaragua. Participants will get the opportunity to get up and close with howler monkeys and many tropical birds.

Nicaragua's most famous island is Ometepe, and you will have the chance to tour this volcanic marvel as you discover the Ceibo museum where the history is explained. There will also be many tour stops including the Charco Verde Reserve, known for its rich birdlife, howler monkeys and butterflies. Follow up the day with a swim at the Ojo de Agua, a natural spring rumored to have healing properties. Tour the Volcanic Masaya National Park for another great volcanic adventure. An expert guide will lead you through the park, explaining its geological history, as well as the ancient folklore that surrounds the crater. With stunning backdrops, this tour serves provides the perfect photo moments and best sunset activity. If volcano surfing is on your bucket list, why not try it on one of the youngest volcanos in the world, Cerro Negro. Guides provide participants with volcano surfboards, which you can do standing up or sitting down.

Granada is hailed as the cultural gem of Nicaragua and as one of the oldest and best-preserved cities in the new world, it's easy to see why. The colorful and rich history haunts every corner and crevice in this charming city. Guests can browse outdoor markets, stroll through the Plaza Central and admire the city's iconic sites on foot and horse-drawn carriage. Explore Nicaragua's historic capital, Managua, or island hop and discover the rich Columbian history including ancient archaeological sites, petroglyphs and the islands' best kept secrets and folklore all through local experts.

After a long day of exploring, satisfy your hunger with a unique culinary experience in the open-air Restaurant Guardabarranco. The menu incorporates a blend of traditional flavors and contemporary style dishes to bring you the best in seasonal and local produce. Wake up to a seasonal fruit basket or a typical breakfast consisting of gallo pinto sweet plantain, 2 eggs cooked to order, cheese and pico de gallo. For dinner revel in a 10-ounce rib eye steak served with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes or opt in for the 8-ounce corvina filet in caper sauce, served with vegetables and mashed potatoes.

The on-site spa is the perfect spot for some down time. Guests can nourish their bodies with signature treatments in a tranquil full-service spa. Some of the services include a deep tissue massage designed to target stressed muscles and unlock tension, a lomi lomi coconut oil massage, perfect for revitalizing and rejuvenating the skin, mud therapy mask for exfoliating and papaya therapy to polish the skin leaving a healthy glow.

Pacayalodge.com