Land of soft rolling surf, wild ponies, and volcanic peaks rising out of the foliage, there are a thousand and one reasons to fall in love with Nicaragua. While Costa Rica earns its accolades for being the epicenter of eco-tourism, neighboring Nicaragua completely captures the Central America of yesterday – pure, untouched, and with a beautiful innocence that has remained unchanged for centuries. In short, it’s a wonderful destination for those looking to realign their souls.

A Colorful Seaside Town

While the north of the country boasts black volcanic peaks and colonial grandeur, it's down in the south where you will find the laid-back beach vibes of the pretty Pacific. In the small beach town of San Juan del Sur with its horseshoe bay and bright colors, you will also find Eden on the Chocolata. If the name doesn’t pique your interest, the lush hillside eco-lodge will very much ignite all your fantasies.

Paradise Found

Eden on the Chocolata is a healthy and harmonious hideaway, purpose-built as a rare refuge for those looking to connect, live consciously, be close to nature, and to take a little time to commit to health and wellness. Kickstarted by Remy and Kelly from the Netherlands, these two glorious individuals dreamed of building a space where they could share their passion for good food, tennis, surfing and yoga. And at the end of a lane called La Chocolata, paradise was found.

An Active Approach to Wellness

Overlooking Nacascolo Bay where Mother Nature is waiting, Eden takes a gentle and free approach to the art of wellness. There’s a shimmering pool for morning plunging, a warm wooden yoga deck for perfecting your downward dog, and an outdoor fitness trail for getting the blood flowing. Those guests on a glorious yoga retreat can enjoy in-depth daily sessions of yoga sculpting blended with bespoke hands-on massages, and surf classes down on Playa Hermosa. Flexible yoga retreats weave in both vinyasa and yin with glorious views down to the ocean. These are classes that go beyond your basic stretch with teachers weaving in elements of philosophy, spiritual readings, reiki, and a fully restorative approach throughout.

Sustainable Style and Sundowners

Accommodation at Eden is all centered around sustainable style and a commitment to place. Tucked away in the lush tropical foliage, your wooden thatched home away from home awaits. Super comfy oversized beds invite long lingering sleeps, a personal bathroom comes complete with rainfall shower and lashings of hot water. Warm fluffy towels bring beautiful boutique bliss, and private decks for sundowners and dreaming offers a quiet space for restful contemplation.

Homegrown Plant-Based Perfection

Diet plays a huge role in heavenly wellness and Eden ensures that every morsel to pass your lips is magic. Food is approached with a huge amount of love. The retreat has its own glorious green garden for homegrown goodies, and with a local, seasonal approach to their menu, you can be sure that the environment is always under consideration in the kitchen. In-keeping with their beautiful balance and be-kind theme, all food is fabulously plant-based. Breakfast brings a bounty of bright fruits and smoothie bowls, lunch is goddess light goodness, and their three-course suppers invite you to connect with other guests and be inspired by creative global cuisine.

Beyond the Boundaries

While many wellness retreats are tucked far from the madding crowds, Eden strikes a great balance by being nestled on the edge of town. A complimentary daily transfer means you get to go out and explore this hip little beach town brimming with gorgeous bookshops, cafes, and lazy surf vibes. For those wanting to embrace Nicaragua’s experiences, the retreat can arrange horse-riding, sunset sails onboard a catamaran, soothing spa treatments, and surf lessons for those who want to walk on water.

Weaving together wellness, responsible tourism, eco-pleasures and plenty of play, Eden on the Chocolata has totally ensnared our hearts.