The Best Spa Hotels in Granada, Nicaragua

Relaxation is the focus at this hidden-away boutique hotel where Scandinavian minimalism complements the Spanish colonial exuberance of the building. Inside, a soothing palette of subtle colors, chessboard floor tiles and quirky local artworks enhance the air of tranquility. You can swing in the hammocks on the patio, lounge by the swimming pool under the shade of a giant palm or take a refreshing dip between trips around town. An onsite spa offers massages and beauty treatments, all complemented by the hearty-but-healthy Nicaraguan and fusion food served with fine wines or cocktails in the central dining area.

This leafy bolthole on the Mombacho volcano slopes is perfect if you want to reset and immerse yourself in nature. This two-storey ecolodge was built by a French chef and his Hungarian partner who dreamt of a sustainable life in the forest. Wellness comes in the form of volcano hikes, private yoga classes and massages, while views over the volcano, the city of Granada below and the wide expanse of Lake Nicaragua is sure to make you beam.

Puerta del Cielo is an eco-friendly resort perched above a dramatic crater lake at the foot of Masaya volcano, about an hour’s drive from Granada. Choose from simple rooms and stylish suites or casitas; the latter come with private decks and hammocks with jungle panoramas. Massages and spa treatments are available al fresco or in your room, and there’s a meandering lazy river for chilled days.

Many visitors to Granada lodge in the city and take a day trip to Las Isletas – the 360 or so tropical islands offshore. But for the full island experience, stay in one of the nine sustainably built casitas at this five-star ecolodge – spectacular views of Mombacho volcano included. Activities include yoga classes, massage treatments and islands tours, while food is created from organically grown, local produce.

There’s a hippy-chic vibe at this laid-back ecolodge in Las Isletas where the palm-thatched yoga deck, cool pool and rustic-luxe treehouse rooms overlook the forested slopes of Mombacho volcano. The eco-credentials here are strong: the chef uses organic veggies from the on-site garden, the water is filtered to reduce the use of plastic, and power comes from solar panels. Massages are given al fresco in the shade of the mango trees, home to monkeys and tropical birds.

Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Laguna de Apoyo crater lake, this smart, luxury spa hotel is packed with health-giving activities. Swim in the split-level infinity pool or take a complimentary trip to the crater lake, which you can explore with hired kayaks and paddleboards. Spa treatments include massages with mineral-rich volcanic mud or soothing papaya. Meals at the Guardabarranco restaurant include gourmet takes on traditional Nica fare, fusion food and international favorites, with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients. A bar menu makes the most of Nicaragua’s fine Flor de Caña rum, including the national cocktail, the macuá (white rum, lime juice and guava.)

A few blocks northwest of the central plaza, this modern spa hotel, with two-storey mustard-colored buildings set around a kidney-shaped pool and gardens, is a friendly, family-run affair that welcomes kids. Rooms are spacious with air conditioning, and those with upper balconies offer views over red-tile rooftops to the cathedral and Mombacho volcano. The Nica and international breakfasts are generous, and staff are helpful when booking tours and transfers. Spa treatments include massages, facials and pedicures.