Outdoor Adventure Within Secluded Coastal Resort

Each year between June and December, olive ridley turtles flock to the beaches just south of San Juan del Sur to lay their eggs. It's one of a handful of sites in the entire world where the rare sea turtles nest, and spectators can take nighttime tours from San Juan del Sur to catch a glimpse of the hatchlings. From moonlit turtle tours to volcano hikes and shoulder-high surf breaks, the area surrounding San Juan del Sur offers all manner of outdoor diversions, all of which are easily accessible from the 600-acre, hillside grounds of Villas de Palermo Hotel & Resort.

The two-bedroom villas complement the local culture and landscape with hand-finished ceramic tiles, custom-made cabinetry, and rustic décor crafted from native hardwood. Views from the upstairs terrace extend from the lush hillside, down to the bay, and the glittering Pacific beyond. Chefs at the resort's poolside restaurant, Terraza de Palermo, craft inventive dishes using fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen. The eclectic menu also features fresh fruit and organic vegetables sourced from a nearby farm and prepared in entrees ranging from vegetable crêpes ($8) to mahi mahi in creole sauce ($9).

At Palermo Farms, skilled equestrians guide horseback tours along trails marked by ancient petroglyphs that indicate the speed limit. Visitors on foot can tromp about the property with a guide or solo, observing dozens of species ranging from monkeys and iguanas to rare tropical birds. After an afternoon exploring the balmy jungles of the Palermo preserve, the sounds of chirping parrots give way to clinking cocktail shakers by the pool.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua: Description of Area

San Juan del Sur hugs a crescent-shaped bay on Nicaragua's southwest coast, fed by waters that draw sailors, scuba divers, fishermen, and surfers. Villas de Palermo sits on the edge of the tiny village that supports outdoor markets with fresh fruit, vegetables, and handmade crafts. The resort's activity coordinators can arrange day trips for guests to visit area attractions such as a wind farm, zipline canopy tour, and a cloud forest on a dormant volcano. Come nightfall, San Juan del Sur comes to life with music and dancing at beachside bars and cafés.