By Angela Fairhurst
Located a bumpy two and a half hour ride from Managua is a sanctuary called Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge. Sitting on the cliffs of their mile-long private tropical beach, Morgan’s Rock is a luxury hotel with 15 private ocean-view bungalows nestled within 4,000 acres of jungle. The place exudes romance with its colorful nightly sunsets and ocean views.
RELAX & ENJOY
Although there are no televisions in the rooms, they do have Wi-Fi. For those addicted to their electronics and usually working during down time, Morgan’s Rock makes unplugging come naturally. Their Wi-Fi password says it best: “disconnect and enjoy.”
THE BUNGALOWS
Across a 50-yard jungle suspension bridge perched 30-100 feet on the cliffs above the beach and cove sits the bungalows. The sustainably constructed structures are open-aired, screened-in, and well thought-out tri-levelled homes designed to make guests feel at one with nature while having minimum impact on the environment. Every wire and pipe is cleverly hidden in artistically structured copper tubing, which extends to the plumbing of the bathrooms. They have natural raw botanical products made exclusively for them in Costa Rica, including a Lemongrass Insect Deterrent to protect guests from nature’s nightly visitors.
Each bungalow has a comfortable terrace where guests may enjoy a morning coffee, a glass of wine with the sunset, or a well deserved nap while soaking in stunning vistas and an unparalleled wildlife of howler monkeys and sloths hanging from the trees, and a variety of vibrant tropical birds.
THE FOOD
Their one and only restaurant is located on a shady platform overlooking the pool, private beach and cove. Diners enjoy a variety of authentic and delicious Nicaraguan specialties such as Gallo pinto, Nicaraguan rice and beans as well as other international dishes. Using only the freshest ingredients, with roughly 60% of its food products come from the large working farm on the premises with cows, chickens, fruit and vegetable gardens, and even a sustainable shrimp farm, one does not tire of the food. The seafood is so fresh; it takes and feels like it was just pulled out of the ocean. Local Nicaraguan beer and rum are also favorites.
EXCURSIONS
Excursions are plentiful on the vast property of government-designated reserve, tropical forestland and low-impact agricultural land. Options include horseback riding, hikes and jungle walks, fishing, kayaking, surfing, or breakfast at the farmhouse.
WEATHER
On the Pacific side, the rainy season runs from May to November, which is at its rainiest in September and October. The dry season is November to April. Average high temperatures range between 80s-90s Fahrenheit (25-30C) with some cooling at night, and not particularly high humidity for the tropics.
