Set on a private nature reserve where the tropical canopy forest meets the sea outside Nicaragua’s rollicking surf town of San Juan del Sur, Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge is one of the most unique hotel’s we’ve ever experienced.
Home to just 15 casitas, which are massive and enclosed entirely with screens only, so you fall asleep listening to the roar of the waves and the noise of the jungle, it’s a unique sleeping experience The vibe is somewhere between African safari and American National Park lodge, and completely relaxing. We loved the extra touches like the canopy over the bed that is actually a whisper soft air-con system delivering a cool breeze at night should you desire one. There is WiFi, but rooms don’t have TVs, as the concept here is on sustainability and digital detox.
While it is possible to arrange transfers to San Juan del Sur, the town is still 25 minutes drive away, and the property is not designed for off site dining, so it’s so plan to eat at the hyper local restaurant on site. The sustainable property has their own organic farm, and sources much of the food on the changing nightly menu from it.
It is easy to just spend your entire day relaxing, alternating between the casita’s porch and the hacienda’s private white sand beach with great waves for surfing or body boarding, there is plenty more to experience should you desire. Morgan’s Rock is set in the middle of a 4,000 acre property, of which half the land is preserved as a nature reserve of tropical forest that serves as seasonal sanctuary for many types of animals. This is not only good for the environment, but also for guests interested in exploring by foot on one of the guided nature walks. You’ll have the chance to see howler, spider and capuchin monkeys, sloths and many bird species. Beyond walking Morgan’s Rock offers opportunities to have “Breakfast at the Farm” where guests will pay a visit to the restaurant’s onsite farm to milk cows, gather eggs, visit with the animals and make fresh corn tortillas before preparing a hearty traditional breakfast. Our favorite activity is the sunset horseback ride that climbed to a fabulous viewpoint before returning to the beach for a canter as the sun sunk into the sea. The horses were well cared for and you didn’t feel bad about participating. Surf lessons and sport fishing trips can also be arranged.
Morgan’s Rock is 3 hour drive from Managua Airport, and is often visited as part of an organized priva-te tour to other parts of Nicaragua or Costa Rica with a local tour group like Namu Travel. A perk to using a tour company is that all your costs, like private transport, guided tours and even meals, can be included in the price you’re originally quoted at booking, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for in advance and not have to worry on the road.
