The 8 Best Resorts in Nicaragua | Hand-Picked for 2025
We gathered the best resorts in Nicaragua that offer the ultimate combination of great service, high-end amenities, and pure relaxation in one of the most serene regions of the world.
Nicaragua, with its nearly untouched Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, is actually a surprisingly compelling option for travelers who want tropical scenery with a quieter pace.
As a matter of fact, unlike some better-known destinations, it’s still possible to enjoy the beach without elbow-to-elbow crowds.
Whether you’re craving remote barefoot luxury or looking for a budget-friendly retreat with a beautiful setting, Nicaragua’s got a range of options that are, frankly, incredibly underrated.
Table of Contents
Methodology
For this list of the best resorts Nicaragua has to offer, we took a detailed approach. We sorted through thousands of reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia, focusing on things like service consistency, property layout, and overall guest satisfaction.
In addition, our editorial team used a proprietary ranking method that weighs in on criteria like quality of amenities, food and beverage offerings, family-friendliness, and proximity to beaches or outdoor activities.
Each Nicaragua resort was scored, and the best-of-the-best are featured right here.
The 8 Best Nicaragua Resorts – 2025 Full Guide
8. Aqua Oceanfront Resort
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Tola, Nicaragua
Key Highlights:
- 60 private treehouse-style villas and suites
- Direct beach access to Redonda Bay
- Yoga platform with panoramic views
This hideaway in Tola, right along Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, is more or less made for nature lovers who want upscale comfort with serious privacy.
The 60 wooden villas are nestled just a little into the forest and practically hover over the coast. They come with plunge pools or terraces, and frankly, the views are downright hard to beat.
There’s a central infinity pool that’s just steps from the beach, plus an open-air restaurant that typically serves dishes made with organic and local ingredients.
Families are welcome, though it’s really more of a couple-friendly setup due to the layout and vibe. Guests can join guided hikes, paddleboard in Redonda Bay, or book yoga sessions at the oceanfront platform.
It’s quiet, it’s eco-conscious, and, in a way, it just lets you totally slow down.
7. Barcelo Montelimar – Most Affordable
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: San Rafael del Sur, Nicaragua
Key Highlights:
- Only true all-inclusive resort in Nicaragua
- 293 rooms and bungalows across 200 acres
- 3 outdoor pools and 4 restaurants
If you’re on the hunt for value, the Barcelo Montelimar is your best bet among resorts in Nicaragua.
It’s actually the country’s only all-inclusive property, which makes it kind of a big deal for families or travelers who don’t want to think about food costs or activity planning.
The place is huge, with over 200 acres, with rooms and cabana-style bungalows that are dotted along the property.
There are multiple pools (the main one is pretty massive), a buffet, snack bars, a la carte restaurants, and nightly entertainment that’s surprisingly lively.
The beach here is wide and typically very quiet, although the Pacific’s rougher waves make it more about sunbathing than swimming.
Families will appreciate the kids’ pool and playground, and couples can find a bit of seclusion in the bungalows further from the main building. It’s not luxury, but it’s incredibly practical and actually a great starter intro to Nicaragua resorts.
6. Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Key Highlights:
- 4,000-acre property with 15 bungalows
- Private half-mile beach
- On-site organic farm and wildlife hikes
Now, Morgan’s Rock brings a kind of eco-conscious luxury that’s surprisingly rare, even among the top Nicaragua resorts.
The resort is tucked into a massive 4,000-acre protected area, and the villas, each hand-built with sustainable materials, are perched up above a crescent-shaped beach that’s basically just for guests.
There are only 15 bungalows and 3 villas, and all of them come with decks that overlook the forest or ocean. You might, in fact, spot howler monkeys before you even finish breakfast.
The food comes partly from their on-site organic farm, and the farm-to-table vibe here isn’t a gimmick, it’s actually how they operate daily.
You can go surfing, kayaking, or take nature walks with guides who know the forest inside out. Morgan’s Rock is more about unplugging than socializing, but in a very satisfying kind of way.
5. Gran Pacifica Beach and Golf Resort – Best-Seller
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Villa El Carmen, Nicaragua
Key Highlights:
- 3.5 miles of stunning beachfront
- 9-hole golf course on property
- Wide range of condos, villas, and casitas
Gran Pacifica is, without a doubt, one of the most popular resorts Nicaragua has to offer, and for good reason.
With over three miles of Pacific coastline, you’re not going to run out of beach anytime soon. The property is sprawling and packed with villas, apartments, and casitas that are ideal for longer stays or families.
The 9-hole golf course is definitely a big draw, but it’s the mix of comfort and casual vibe that really keeps travelers coming back.
Guests often rave about the Salt and Sand restaurant, and the beach sunsets here are, quite literally, Instagram gold.
There’s a large pool near the main clubhouse, and you’ll find both digital nomads and retirees staying long-term, which says a lot about its overall appeal.
4. Mukul Resort
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Tola, Nicaragua
Key Highlights:
- 37 luxury accommodations including beach villas
- 18-hole David McLay Kidd golf course
- World-class spa carved into a hillside
So, Mukul isn’t just one of the best resorts in Nicaragua; it’s easily one of the most luxurious in all of Central America.
This resort caters to guests who want a quieter but still very high-end experience. Villas and bohios (standalone hilltop suites) are decorated with handcrafted furnishings and feature plunge pools, outdoor showers, and expansive ocean views.
The spa is a major standout, as it’s actually embedded into the forested hillside with rooms themed around Nicaraguan traditions.
There’s also a championship golf course, and the Guacalito beach is calm, golden, and typically empty.
Guests can also take private mixology or cooking classes arranged by the concierge, which adds a touch of personalization to each stay.
Despite its upscale atmosphere, Mukul remains grounded in Nicaraguan culture, featuring locally inspired architecture and handcrafted details throughout the resort.
It’s not exactly aimed at families with small children, but for couples or solo travelers, it’s seriously close to perfect.
3. Verdad Nicaragua – Top Value Pick
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Key Highlights:
- Just 5 casitas and 2 guest rooms
- Hilltop yoga deck with ocean views
- Outdoor gym and surfing nearby
Verdad Nicaragua is a low-key gem that’s priced way below what it delivers, making it our top pick for travelers looking for top value.
The retreat is perched just above Playa Escameca, offering wide ocean views and quick beach access, yet it feels like it’s off the radar.
Accommodations include five private casitas and two guest rooms, with each one minimal but stylish, with open-air bathrooms and personal decks.
There’s no air of pretension here; instead, there’s a saltwater pool, a casual bar area, and a yoga deck where classes happen with the sound of waves below.
Breakfast is included, and the nearby surf break is uncrowded and reliable, which is a big deal for active travelers.
Honestly, for the price point, you get a lot more than you’d expect, making it one of the best resorts in Nicaragua in terms of bang-for-your-buck.
2. Jicaro Island Lodge Granada
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Granada, Nicaragua
Key Highlights:
- 9 lakefront casitas on a private island
- Direct views of Mombacho Volcano
- Eco-luxury with off-grid comfort
Situated on a private islet in Lake Nicaragua, Jicaro Island Lodge is probably the most unusual yet peaceful of all resorts Nicaragua showcases.
The vibe is tranquil and exclusive, with just nine casitas lining the island’s edge. Each is constructed from reclaimed wood, and they feature split-level layouts with balconies that practically hover over the lake.
The meals are organic, the yoga pavilion floats above the water, and boat access means complete seclusion.
You’ll also get views of the Mombacho Volcano from the dining terrace, and activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and bird watching are always available.
This property is adults-only, by the way, so it’s especially quiet and really ideal for a digital detox.
1. Rancho Santana – Top Overall
See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Tola, Nicaragua
Key Highlights:
- 2,700-acre oceanfront property with 5 beaches
- 6 restaurants and multiple pools
- Wide mix of villas, rooms, and casitas
Rancho Santana stands out as the most complete and balanced option, which is why we think it is the best resort in Nicaragua.
This place stretches across 2,700 acres, giving guests access to five different beaches, hiking trails, a world-class spa, and even horseback riding paths.
The accommodations range from hotel-style rooms to sprawling private villas, which makes it very flexible for families, couples, or groups.
The property includes six dining venues, each with a different concept, from upscale seafood spots to laid-back poolside grills.
The beaches themselves each have a different character, some better for swimming, others better for surfing, and the staff can help coordinate everything from surf lessons to local art classes.
With thoughtful design, high-end amenities, and a vibe that’s both casual and elevated, Rancho Santana hits that rare sweet spot for nearly every type of traveler.
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