4-Star Retreat near Gorgeous Central American Bay

Pelican Eyes Resort & Spa is located higher than almost every other hotel in Nicaragua, perched on a steep hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean at San Juan del Sur bay. The views from here are well worth making the trip to the top of the hill—from the four-star resort’s open-air restaurants and private verandas, you can take in sensational views of the tropical surroundings and the ocean. But the best vantage point might be at the upper infinity pool, where guests can sip watermelon margaritas while looking out onto the sailboat-dotted harbors and peninsular bluffs. Due in part to these scenic views, Travel + Leisure says the resort has "become something of a landmark in this tiny Nicaraguan fishing village.”

The hotel can set up a handful of outdoor adventures ranging from sailing excursions to zipline tours to rappelling sessions. Take a day trip to nearby Granada, Central America’s oldest colonial town, or take surfing lessons along the beach.

After a day out, relax at the spa with an optional body cocoon. These one-hour treatments are designed to nourish the skin with botanicals farmed locally; the healing cool-aloe-and-neem cocoon, for example, features aloe picked from the resort’s onsite garden.

The resort's scenic dining venues include La Cascada Bar & Restaurant, a breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot with a candlelit dining room overlooking the bay. The prix fixe dinner menu changes frequently, but it consists of an amuse-bouche and appetizers such as watermelon gazpacho or mediterranean bruschetta. Fresh fillets with sautéed veggies, beef-tenderloin fondue, and other upscale entrees are served for dinner.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua: Undisturbed Tropical Wildlife and Popular Surf Spots

Situated on Nicaragua's Pacific coast, San Juan del Sur is a laid-back town lined with white, sandy beaches. The town has developed in recent years—now there are waterfront restaurants as well as a new public transportation system—but it's still somewhat off the beaten tourist track.

In-the-know surfers have been coming to San Juan del Sur for years for the year-round warm waters and massive overhead barrels. Many head straight to Playa Maderas, located 15 minutes from the hotel. Surf shops dot the streets closest to the beach, offering lessons and boards for beginners and veterans alike. Farther offshore, the waters are calmer and filled with marlin, yellowfin tuna, and snapper, ideal spots for deep-sea fishing and snorkeling excursions.

Though most activities take place along San Juan del Sur's crescent-shaped bay, adventurous travelers can also explore the gorgeous scenery inland. On a hike through the surrounding volcanic hilltops, you can see all the way to Costa Rica. On a zipline ride through tropical forest canopy, you can hear the resident howler monkeys’ calls.

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