Nicaragua

A passion project for a savvy Nicaraguan businessman, Mukul is a stunning, remote property on the Nicaraguan coast that provides the utmost in luxury while still being low-impact on the environment and providing long-term benefits for the local community.

One of the many elements that make Aqua Wellness Resort so special is its staff. Consisting of a wide array of multi-talented ex-pats, they resemble a family (and by the end of your trip, they will feel like your family). The Director of Sustainable Systems is a Vermont-educated farmer. The Managing Partner who originally hails from British Guiana is also a Manhattan hedge fund manager. The Wellness Director having “broken up with winter years ago,” spends her winters in Nicaragua and summers in Canada. The General Manager who is developing the spa into a world-class program, was born in the Ukraine. The German architect is married to the Managing Director (ask about how they met: she was a tourist in Manhattan’s Central Park, he offered her directions, they fell in love…) The English chef biked around Asia for two years perfecting his craft.

An eco luxury property comprised of 25 tree houses, Aqua Wellness Resort sits on the protected Redonda Bay on the Pacific coast. The resort emphasizes nature, in particular the stunning ocean at its feet. The houses, built on pilings amid the tropical forest and made of sustainable local wood and stone, feature rain showers and un-chlorinated private plunge pools. Ideal for families, the tree houses can accommodate several people and even have full kitchens, dining rooms and lounge areas. The Nicaraguan furnishings are comfortable and the views of the rainforest and ocean act as the world’s most spectacular decoration. One of the directors described their mission: “We’re intentionally taking people out of their comfort zone and bringing them back to basics. We’re in nature, but in a luxurious way.”

Activities include hiking, surfing, fishing, kayaking and yoga. The 1,100-square-foot yoga platform overlooks the ocean and the instructor also offers a raw-food cooking course. The protected nature of the bay allows for snorkeling and swimming in the very warm and gentle ocean, and phosphorescent sea creatures are visible at night.

The food at Bromelia restaurant is a balanced mix of American (omelets, fajitas, pasta, and sandwiches) and Nicaraguan (ceviche, locally caught seafood, churrasco, gallo pinto and curry). All food is locally grown as the resort works closely with the farmers in the nearby town of Rivas. Also on offer is an extensive menu of smoothies – all of which include all-natural, locally grown ingredients (a great post-yoga treat).

The distinctly gadget-free rooms at Morgan's Rock were all designed by British sustainable designer, Matthew Falkiner (the same designer who helped create Jicaro Eco-Lodge), with the emphasis on featuring reclaimed wood interiors, natural stone details and local crafts. The bedrooms, outdoor showers and swinging-double-chaise lounges are protected but allow guests to feel completely at one with their surroundings.

The property sits on 1,800 acres of farm and rainforest, and resort guides can lead tours to spot howler, white-faced and spider monkeys and dozens of species of birds. The farm includes cashew, avocado, mango and citrus fruits and 55% of food consumed at the resort is produced on the property. Kids and their parents will love the Farm Breakfast which includes milking the cows and picking up eggs from the chicken coop, then having breakfast cooked for you in an authentic adobe house with dirt floor. Needless to say, the resort takes pride in the certified-organic food.

Guests can relax on the one-and-a-half mile private beach with adorable cabanas or in the salt-water pool, which boasts breathtaking views. Other activities include kayaking through the property’s estuary, horseback rides on the beach and nature walks and hikes. World-class surfing at Maderas beach is just a fifteen-minute drive away.

Morgan’s Rock, like most Nicaraguan hotels and resorts, is highly concerned with supporting the local communities and economy. This resort alone supports six schools (educating a total of 250 students) and even comes in to teach lessons on such subjects as recycling and health. They are currently running a program teaching local women candle-making (the resort will buy their products to keep their electricity use low.)

The resort does not have a spa but can arrange for an in-room massage. The staff is all local and most live on the property making for a very warm and welcoming atmosphere.