We spent 3 days at the Hide and Seek Resort in Popoyo at the start of our Nicaragua trip, and it really couldn't have begun better: It's one of those rare places where truly everyone gets their money's worth. No compromise between parental relaxation and children's entertainment, but a place that achieves both simultaneously.

Location: Quiet, safe, and perfect for unwinding

Even upon arrival, we noticed how different Popoyo is. No hustle and bustle, no hotel complexes, instead nature, tranquility, and that relaxed surf vibe.

The Hide and Seek Resort is located just a few minutes from Playa Santana, a beautiful, quiet beach. Thanks to jetlag, we walked to the beach for sunrise every morning, a 5-minute stroll. For us as a family, this was ideal:

• short walk to the beach (easily manageable even with children)

• NO traffic

• plenty of space to play and explore

• Especially with two kids, this calm, manageable environment was invaluable.

Why the Hide and Seek Hotel worked so well for us as a family

1. Small, personal, and relaxed

What we immediately noticed: The resort is deliberately kept small. No strict schedules, the restaurant is open all day, no stress. It felt more like a home than a hotel.

2. Perfect balance between kid time and parent time

One of the biggest advantages: Here, you don't have to choose between a vacation for the kids or a vacation for us. Both work simultaneously.

While we were doing yoga or getting a massage, for example, the kids were in the pool or in the garden. And all without complicated planning.

3. Activities that are truly designed for families

The hotel is happy to organize all sorts of excursions in the area for you, and with local organizations too. We particularly enjoyed the trip to the Chacocente Wildlife Refuge, a state-protected sea turtle sanctuary where supervised releases are part of scientifically monitored conservation programs. Together with a ranger, we were able to release about 20 baby turtles that had just hatched that morning.

4. Accommodation: Practical and stylish at the same time

We had a large suite with a double bed and a sofa bed, which worked perfectly for the four of us:

• enough space for everyone

• comfortable beds

• terrace for unwinding in the evening

The design is minimalistic and uncluttered, offering plenty of space for your family to spread out.

🏨 What the resort offers (and we actually used)

A few things that made our stay special:

• Pool area – a daily item on the kids' agenda. The super shallow entry area is also ideal for babies.

• Restaurant – relaxed, delicious, and also kid-friendly

• Yoga & Wellness – really good for unwinding. There's even a sauna and an ice bath.

• On-site organization – everything is easily planned for you if you wish. You can be super active – or simply do nothing at all.

🌊 What you can experience around Popoyo with children

The surroundings are a huge adventure playground – without any artificial attractions.

Surfing for all levels

Popoyo is a surf spot, but also absolutely suitable for beginners.

Discover beaches

Every beach feels a little different. Sometimes calm, sometimes with waves.

Small adventures and family-friendly activities in Popoyo

• Horses are part of people's lives in Nicaragua, which means horseback riding is a particularly popular activity there. Ideal for sunset, of course.

• You can discover the colonial city of Granada wonderfully as a day trip from there. We really liked the colorful & lively city!

• Laguna de Apoyo is also a very nice day trip and can be combined well with Granada. Around the crater lake there are many restaurants and "beach clubs". Also very beautiful at sunset.

• Masaya Volcano: The active volcano is one of the few where you can drive all the way to the top of the crater. This means it's a great activity, especially with small children who can't hike for miles. It's best to visit Masaya Volcano at dusk or dark. After a landslide, you can no longer see the lava lake directly, but you can see the glow of the volcano and experience the smoke. Therefore, you are only allowed to stay at the crater rim for a few minutes.

Conclusion: Would we come back?

Clearly: Yes. The Hide and Seek Resort is perfect for families who:

• want to spend time together

• are looking for nature instead of mass tourism

• want to combine relaxation AND activity

To Hide and Seek Hotel