Hello friends — Linley here. I’ve been excited about sharing this post all week: my recent trip to NICARAGUA. I’ve been home nearly two weeks and I still find myself dreaming about the trip. There’s so much to say that I could write multiple posts, so I’ll focus on the highlights: the yoga retreat on the coast and the three-day visit to Granada.
Travel has always been my first love. My parents traveled often when I was young, and my first international trip was to Hong Kong in seventh grade. Since then I’ve taken every opportunity to get on a plane. I love exploring, learning, and the freedom of having no strict plan. I’m grateful to have a job and colleagues who value travel, which lets me step away from work and truly recharge.
The retreat was organized by my uncles’ yoga studio in South Minneapolis, TaraNa Yoga, which runs retreats regularly. When they announced a retreat to Nicaragua, I knew I wanted to go. I invited two close friends and we signed up immediately. The retreat we attended was a seven-day program in El Viejo Chinandega, a small beach town, and several of us decided to add a few days in Granada to explore more of the country. One of our instructors, Randy, had been to Nicaragua before and recommended Granada — it did not disappoint.
I’ll cover the yoga retreat first and then share what we did in Granada.
El Viejo Chinandega, Nicaragua
I didn’t realize how much I needed a yoga retreat until I was on one. TaraNa hosted our retreat at Coco Loco Eco-Resort in Nicaragua, a relaxed, community-focused eco-resort created by four friends traveling Central America. The resort emphasizes sustainability and gives back to the local community.
The property consists of individual sustainable bungalows, a large communal dining space, a yoga studio, and a lovely pool and patio — all a short walk from the beach. Our host, Ben, took great care of our group: he planned meals, organized activities, and helped with any small injuries or issues that came up.
Daily life at Coco Loco was deliberately slow and restorative. The instructors — including my uncle Jeff and Randy — taught twice-daily classes. Both are experienced teachers who understand anatomy and give excellent adjustments. By the end of the week I felt stronger, calmer, and lighter. The combination of movement, mindful practice, and time to breathe was transformative.
Here’s a typical day at the retreat:
Typical Day
- Coffee and light bites to start
- 2–3 hour morning Vinyasa class
- Second breakfast
- Pool time and relaxation
- Lunch
- Restorative yoga in the afternoon
- Beach swim
- Cocktails and dinner
The food at Coco Loco was healthy, flavorful, and thoughtful — exactly my kind of cuisine. Dishes included spiralized pad thai, energy balls, raw brownies, buddha bowls, and freshly squeezed juices. Beer and other refreshments were available too.
Between classes I took advantage of many activities: surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, horseback riding, massages, a chocolate-making class, and even watching the Super Bowl at a local bar. I also spent a lot of time reading by the pool.
What made the retreat truly special were the people. Our group of about 20 quickly became like family. Early-morning yoga sessions and poolside conversations created connections I won’t forget.
Granada, Nicaragua
Before the retreat, six of us spent three days exploring Granada. The city is vibrant, colorful, and full of colonial character — a lovely blend of Central American life with Spanish colonial architecture. We loved the cobbled streets, bright facades, and the lively atmosphere.
Where to Stay
If you visit Granada, consider staying at Hotel con Corazon. This boutique hotel invests its profits back into education and community programs in Granada. The hotel feels like a hidden gem: plain from the street, but behind its doors lies a lush courtyard with hammocks, flowers, and an inviting open-air dining area.
The courtyard pool was our favorite spot: comfortable lounge chairs, sunshine, and attentive poolside service. Rooms are simple, clean, and air-conditioned, and the staff were consistently helpful and friendly.
What to Do
We booked all of our Granada activities through Hotel con Corazon, and the staff’s local knowledge made each outing effortless. In three days we managed to see a lot:
- A walking city tour that included churches, a cigar factory, the local market, and views of Lake Nicaragua.
- A visit to a local leather factory.
- An evening trip to the top of Masaya Volcano to see glowing lava — a dramatic and memorable sight.
- A challenging hike up Mombacho Volcano. The 5.5-mile route is steep but rewarding: we explored an old crater, hiked through rainforest, and spotted monkeys and a sloth.
- Multiple relaxing massages at PUR Yoga, which came highly recommended for skilled therapists.
Where to Eat
Hotel con Corazon provided hearty breakfasts every morning. You could choose the local Nica breakfast — gallo pinto with eggs and tortillas or tostones — or a lighter fruit-and-granola option. Fresh coffee and juice were daily staples. Evenings often included happy hour specials, local beer, and small plates.
We also followed local recommendations for street food and restaurants:
- Vigorón at the local market — a favorite: yucca, chicharrón, and cabbage wrapped in a banana leaf.
- The Pita Pita — Mediterranean-inspired plates perfect for sharing; the baba ganoush stood out.
- The Garden Cafe — a sustainable spot with an inviting patio and healthy menu options, ideal for coffee and reading.
- Miss Dells Kitchen — a newer restaurant with great ambiance and tasty dishes.
- La Hacienda Granada — a quirky spot good for drinks and a casual evening.
This trip was a true reset and an unforgettable experience. I’ll definitely join another TaraNa yoga retreat in the future.
