The first time I travelled to Nicaragua was in March of 2018, a friend and I were scoping out new locations to host yoga retreats and Villas Playa Maderas was our first stop. Driving up from the border, I was stunned by the gorgeous Lake Cocibolca and the island of Ometepe, its two volcanoes rising up into the misty clouds. We winded up the dirt road, leaving behind the busy town of San Juan Del Sur and passing quaint homesteads nestled in between farm land and jungle, until arriving at Playa Maderas, catching a glimpse of the world-class surf break just a few minutes walk from the Villas.  Then there it was - the iconic shark-fin rock emerging from the tide, jutting out from the jungle cove. 

Four yoga decks offer breath-taking views of the Pacific where we could practice to the sound of the waves and feeling the ocean breeze on our skin. 

Besides the obvious beauty the staff at Villas Playa Maderas are incredibly accommodating, housekeeping and maintenance always up to par and a cook is available per request to create delicious local Nicaraguan cuisine made with the freshest ingredients and lots of love. The Villas provide comfortable amenities such as full kitchens and grills, air conditioned rooms, wifi and tv, and 24 hour security that give us and our guests the safety and peace of mind needed to completely relax. 

Nicaragua has one of the lowest crime rates of Latin America and tourism in Nicaragua has grown considerably in the last decade. Hosting our yoga retreats and trainings at Villas Playa Maderas means we are helping to stimulate the local economy, not only the tourism industry but the agricultural, commercial and construction industries as well.

Nicaragua has easily become one of my favourite countries and Villas Playa Maderas is a home away from home that I will return to again and again.