Nicaragua’s Sustainable Beachy Jungle Gem: Morgan’s Rock
Morgan’s Rock in Nicaragua provides an unspoiled setting in which you can find yourself connected once more to nature. Whether you’re looking for beach or jungle, Morgan’s Rock has you covered.
The view from a bungalow at Morgan’s Rock (photo courtesy of Dominique DeBay Collection)
We’ve all spent a lot of time indoors in recent months, and the idea of reconnecting with undisturbed nature is something that appeals to many at the moment. Located on a 4,000-acre expanse of pristine Nicaraguan jungle, nearly half of Morgan’s Rock is a private protected reserve, one of the last large natural sanctuaries along the Pacific Coast of Central America. It is a crucial part of the area’s conservation as a habitat for local wildlife and a wonderful place for mindful travelers to get back to nature.
The spa on the beach at Morgan’s Rock (photo courtesy of Dominique DeBay Collection)
This solar-powered jungle hideaway sits on a mile-long stretch of beach and is home to a secluded cove where hatching sea turtles find sanctuary. The property has its own sustainable farm (with shrimp for fresh seafood), so you can bet that all your meals in the restaurant, which overlooks the beach, will be fresh and delicious.
The bungalows and villas are made of reclaimed wood and bamboo, many featuring private plunge pools. With over 25 onsite activities and lots of options for offsite activities as well, you’ll be at no loose end as to what you should do to occupy yourself during your stay. Alternatively, you can choose to simply relax in your little slice of jungle/beach heaven, on the beach with a tropical cocktail from the Beach Bar, at the pool overlooking the ocean, or perhaps with a visit to the spa on the beach.
From Bungalows to Beach Houses
This eco-friendly resort features only 19 accommodations, making it perfect for a world that is conscious of social distancing and having plenty of space. There are Ocean View and Forest View Bungalows, several with their own private plunge pools, along with three Ocean View Two-Bedroom Villas and an even larger Three-Bedroom Beach House, which comes equipped with its own stunning kitchen and a private pool.
The Bungalow options would be perfect for a couple (perhaps with one child as they do come with queen-sized sofa beds along with a king-sized bed), but the Villa and Beach House options are swell for families. The Beach House in particular is unseen from the beach, so you will feel truly tucked away with your loved ones in paradise.
Eating and Drinking in Paradise
You’re in for a treat when you dine at Morgan’s Rock. Thanks to its large working farm and shrimp farm, most of the food you eat at the resort will have been produced right here on property, ensuring that all of your meals are as fresh as can be.
La Bastide Restaurant is a comfortable outdoor venue, located on a shady platform overlooking the pool and surrounded by forest, with a stellar view of the private beach and cove. Here, you’ll enjoy a variety of special Nicaraguan dishes as well as an array of international flavors. Sit back with a glass of wine, savor freshly-caught seafood, and admire the nightly indulgence that is the stunning sunset.
Just next door to La Bastide, you’ll find Commodore Bar, where you can enjoy a variety of special Nicaraguan cocktails, beers, and rum, along with other international spirits.
La Bastide and Commodore at Morgan’s Rock (photo courtesy of Dominique DeBay Collection)
The Beach Bar features modern and airy nautical décor with light woods. This is where you can enjoy the Pacific Ocean sunset right on the waterfront, sipping cocktails from the rustic beach bar as you do so.
Activities to Enhance Your Stay
With over 25 onsite activities and several more offsite options, there are truly too many activities available at Morgan’s Rock to tell you all about them, but as you would imagine in this spectacular setting, many of the activities provide a chance to connect with nature. Aid in the reforestation efforts by setting out on an excursion to plant a tree, take a birdwatching walk with a guide just after sunrise, bike or ride horseback through the jungle terrain, watch baby sea turtles hatching (in season), catch your own shrimp, or explore the estuary and mangrove forest in a kayak. And this is only naming a few of the many activities available.
Top tip: we recommend definitely partaking in the Breakfast at the Farm experience, in which you will explore the working dairy farm and learn the work that goes behind the “farm-to-table” concept. Milk cows, gather eggs, visit the animals, and make fresh tortillas. You will then prepare and enjoy a hearty traditional breakfast, the perfect reward for your work on the farm.
Sustainability Efforts at Morgan’s Rock
Discerning travelers know how rewarding it feels when you can travel somewhere that is gorgeous and life-changing, all while knowing that the place you’re visiting takes their impact on the environment seriously. Sustainable travel is something a lot of us are thinking about, and of course it’s best when you don’t feel you have to give up the things you love about travel in order to achieve that sustainability.
As we mentioned before, Morgan’s Rock plays a key role in the area’s conservation efforts. The reforested lands here host a variety of wildlife with species such as howler monkeys, sloths, white-tipped deer, sea turtles, and most of the birds native to the subtropical region.
Sustainable farming at Morgan’s Rock (photo courtesy of Dominique DeBay Collection)
Part of the property is also low-impact agricultural land, which provides approximately 60% of the basic food used at the lodge. The organic shrimp farm we mentioned provides fresh, sustainably-farmed seafood. Furthermore, sustainability has been kept in mind even with the construction and design of the lodge itself. Morgan’s Rock’s interior design features work by local artisans and artwork inspired by indigenous cultures, and its furniture and infrastructure include sustainably-sourced wood.
COVID-19 Requirements
Borders to Nicaragua are open to foreign travelers who can present a negative COVID-19 test from within 72 hours of your departure. For all up-to-date information on travel to Nicaragua, along with their helpful Q&A COVID-19 page, check out Visit Nicaragua.
Morgan’s Rock from above (photo courtesy of Dominique DeBay Collection)
Poe Perks
Because Morgan’s Rock is part of our fabulous Virtuoso network, we are able to extend some lovely little Poe Perks for you, our beloved client!
Our Poe Perks at Morgan’s Rock include:
Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
Complimentary daily a-la-carte breakfast for two guests per bedroom
$100 USD equivalent spa services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
One bag of 100% pure Nicaraguan gourmet coffee (yum!)
Early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
If you would like to get away to Morgan’s Rock (or anywhere else in the world), simply contact us, and we will set you on your way.