Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge - Private Beach Eco-Luxury in San Juan del Sur

About Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge

Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge is one of Nicaragua's most celebrated eco-luxury properties, a pioneering sustainable resort that proves environmental responsibility and luxurious comfort can coexist beautifully. Perched on a dramatic Pacific coastline just 20 minutes north of the surf town of San Juan del Sur, the lodge occupies a stunning 4,000-acre private nature reserve that includes tropical dry forest, a working hacienda farm, and a pristine crescent-shaped private beach.

The vision behind Morgan's Rock was to create a world-class accommodation that actively restores the natural environment. Over two million trees have been planted on the property as part of an ongoing reforestation program, transforming what was once cattle pasture into thriving tropical forest. The result is a property that teems with wildlife — howler monkeys, toucans, sea turtles, and hundreds of bird species call the reserve home.

The lodge has earned accolades from Travel + Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, and numerous sustainable tourism organizations. It is widely considered one of the top eco-lodges in all of Central America.

Location

Morgan's Rock is located on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, approximately 20 minutes north of San Juan del Sur in the Rivas department.

Getting There:

• From Managua Airport (Augusto C. Sandino International): Approximately 2.5 hours by car heading south. The lodge can arrange private transfers.
• From San Juan del Sur: About 20 minutes north by car along the coastal road.
• From Granada: Approximately 2 hours by car.
• From the Costa Rican border (Peñas Blancas): About 1 hour north.

The lodge provides detailed driving directions upon booking and can arrange private transportation from any location in Nicaragua.

Rooms

Morgan's Rock offers 15 private bungalows connected by a spectacular 100-meter suspension bridge that spans a forested ravine above the treetops. Each bungalow is a masterpiece of sustainable architecture, built from locally sourced wood and designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest.

Bungalow Categories

• Hacienda Bungalows: Elevated wooden bungalows nestled in the forest canopy, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies with hammocks, outdoor showers, and panoramic ocean views. The sound of howler monkeys and tropical birds is your morning alarm.
• Beach Bungalows: Closer to the shoreline, these bungalows offer easier beach access while maintaining the same level of eco-luxury, with private terraces and stunning sunset views.
• Family Bungalows: Larger units with separate sleeping areas for children, ideal for families who want to share the Morgan's Rock experience together.

All bungalows include organic toiletries, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, complimentary minibar, and handcrafted furnishings made by local artisans. There is no air conditioning by design — the bungalows are engineered for natural ventilation.

Dining

Morgan's Rock's culinary philosophy is rooted in the hacienda's own organic farm, where much of the produce, dairy, and protein is grown and raised on-site.

• Main Restaurant: An open-air dining room with sweeping ocean views, serving a daily changing menu that highlights farm-to-table Nicaraguan cuisine. Ingredients travel mere meters from the garden to your plate.
• Beach Bar: A casual palapa-style bar on the private beach serving fresh seafood, grilled catch of the day, tropical cocktails, and freshly squeezed juices.
• Hacienda Farm Dinner: A special experience where guests dine at the working farm, learning about sustainable agriculture while enjoying dishes prepared from ingredients harvested that same day.
• Chocolate Experience: The hacienda grows its own cacao, and guests can participate in a bean-to-bar chocolate-making workshop followed by a chocolate-themed tasting.

Things to Do

Morgan's Rock's 4,000-acre reserve and Pacific coastline provide an extraordinary playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

• Private beach: Swim, sunbathe, and bodysurf on the lodge's own pristine crescent beach — no crowds, ever
• Sea turtle conservation: During nesting season (July to January), join the lodge's conservation team to watch olive ridley turtles lay eggs and release hatchlings into the Pacific
• Hacienda farm tour: Visit the working organic farm to see sustainable agriculture in action, including cacao, sugar cane, dairy, and vegetable production
• Hiking the nature reserve: Explore miles of forest trails through the reforested reserve, spotting howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, iguanas, and hundreds of bird species
• Surfing in San Juan del Sur: Head to nearby San Juan del Sur surf lodges for world-class Pacific breaks
• Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding: Explore the coastline by sea with equipment provided by the lodge
• Yoga and wellness: Daily yoga sessions in an open-air platform overlooking the ocean
• Explore Granada: Take a day trip to the colonial city of Granada — see our Granada colonial hotels guide

Why Stay Here

Morgan's Rock is for travelers who believe that luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. The lodge demonstrates that a hospitality property can be genuinely regenerative — replanting forests, protecting endangered sea turtles, supporting local communities, and producing its own food — while still providing an exceptional guest experience.

The private beach alone would make Morgan's Rock special, but it is the totality of the experience that makes it extraordinary. Crossing the suspension bridge through the treetops to reach your bungalow. Watching sea turtle hatchlings scramble toward the ocean at dawn. Tasting chocolate made from cacao grown steps from your table. These are the moments that define a Morgan's Rock stay.

For those building a Nicaragua itinerary, Morgan's Rock pairs beautifully with a stay at Hotel Plaza Colón in Granada for colonial culture, or with a visit to the top hotels in Nicaragua for more beach and volcano experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Morgan's Rock suitable for families with children?

Absolutely. Morgan's Rock is one of the best family eco-lodges in Central America. Children love the farm tours, chocolate-making workshops, beach activities, and the thrill of crossing the suspension bridge. Family bungalows accommodate parents and children comfortably.

Is there air conditioning in the bungalows?

No, by design. The bungalows are engineered for natural cross-ventilation with ceiling fans and screened windows. The ocean breeze and forest canopy keep temperatures comfortable. This is part of the lodge's commitment to minimizing energy consumption.

What is the best time to visit Morgan's Rock?

The dry season (November to April) offers the best beach weather. For sea turtle nesting, visit between July and January. The green season (May to October) brings lusher landscapes and fewer guests.

How remote is Morgan's Rock?

The lodge is about 20 minutes from San Juan del Sur and 2.5 hours from Managua. While it feels wonderfully secluded, it is accessible by paved roads. The lodge can arrange all transfers.

Can I visit for a day trip?

Morgan's Rock is primarily an overnight destination. Day visits may be arranged by contacting the lodge directly, subject to availability.