Po Popoyo - a dream villa in Nicaragua with children

Five days at Po Popoyo – and from the moment we arrived, we had the feeling we'd discovered a truly special place. Nestor, the heart and soul of the house, explained everything to us and, above all, told us about the property's sustainable concept. Because Po Popoyo is completely self-sufficient and solar-powered.

No big hotel complex, no hustle and bustle, just 2 villas plus the one belonging to the host, Rani, in the middle of a farm where papayas, bananas, lettuce and all kinds of vegetables grow.

Po Popoyo is on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua and is known above all for its beaches and great surf conditions. At the same time, it's also a place that works incredibly well for families, especially if you're deliberately looking for something quiet and authentic.

Arrive and unwind straight away

Even the drive there makes it clear that you're far away from the typical tourist routes. When we arrived at Po Popoyo, we were immediately struck by this special mix of design, nature and openness – like a very stylish home in the middle of the countryside. On the road there's a gate that one of the staff will always open for you when you honk. Because someone keeps watch over the grounds day and night.

Within minutes, our kids were running around barefoot, somewhere between the pool, the garden and the terrace, searching the trees for howler monkeys. 

The villas and why Po Popoyo works so well for families

What won me over from the very beginning was Rani, the host, who even organised a driver from the airport for us, including the border crossing. He also had great tips for restaurants, rental cars and activities with kids.

A deciding factor for us was the accommodation itself. The villas at Po Popoyo aren't classic hotel rooms but self-contained houses with an open design that connects indoor and outdoor living.

For families, these are the key points:

• plenty of space with 2 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom

• a fully equipped kitchen + water dispenser

• a private pool you can use at any time

• open living areas where everything happens at once

• air conditioning and fans
• free fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden every day

Especially with kids, that makes a huge difference. You're not forced to fit in with hotel routines – you plan your day entirely yourself.

On top of that, many of the materials are natural and everything blends in very harmoniously with the surroundings. Sustainability is also a focus throughout, with solar energy and local products. Living in harmony with nature, just as it should be!

What you can do in Po Popoyo with kids

Po Popoyo isn't a place where you rush from one of a thousand to-dos to the next – it's more about going with the flow and enjoying the simple life. Still, there are lots of ways to spend your time actively.

Surfing – for kids too

The region is one of the best-known surf spots in Central America. There are also calmer stretches and days that are well suited to beginners. The area around Magnific Rock in particular is great for beginners and has a fantastic vibe! Surfboards are available from just 10 USD.

Beach days, tide pools and endless space

The beach feels almost untouched. At low tide, small natural pools form where kids can play and discover animals. Hours of searching, building and watching – no entertainment programme needed.

Little everyday adventures

What makes Po Popoyo special is not so much individual highlights as the sum of all the little experiences:

• sunsets that become a ritual every evening

• spontaneous walks on the beach

• encounters with the local surroundings and nature

• horse riding – right across the road there's a paddock with horses and also a farmer with cows.

Why we'd recommend Po Popoyo to families

Enough comfort to travel relaxed with kids, and at the same time enough authenticity to feel like you're really somewhere else, discovering a new country. After five days we felt like we could have stayed forever. Saying goodbye to this special house was really hard for us. 

Our verdict

For us, it was one of those stops on a trip that you'll never forget. The design of the house is simply a dream. I would have loved to pack all the furnishings into my suitcase! That's exactly why we'd come back any time.

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