Hotel Spotlight: Verdad Nicaragua

Surf, Wellness, and Off-Grid Living on the Emerald Coast

February 20, 2026 Updated: February 20, 2026

A scenic view of a tropical villa with wooden cabins, surrounded by lush greenery and a pool with ocean views.

Perched on a hillside above Playa Escameca on Nicaragua's Emerald Coast, Verdad Nicaragua is a boutique surf and wellness hotel where off-grid living meets genuine hospitality. Designed and built by owners Marc Schultz and Dayna Winter, Verdad has earned its place as the top-rated hotel in the region. We spoke with Dayna, along with Wesley Bermudez, Head Coach and Owner of SandBar Surf Academy at Verdad, about the property's evolution, their approach to wellness, and what guests can expect when they arrive.

What was the vision behind Verdad Nicaragua?

Dayna: Verdad is nestled on a hillside overlooking Playa Escameca on Nicaragua's Emerald Coast — an untouched and secluded coastline that offers both serenity and adventure. We started designing and building in 2016 and opened in January 2018. Throughout the whole process, our goal was to create spaces that allow guests to take in the stunning beauty that surrounds us in relaxed comfort. Each of our six casitas and two poolside rooms is thoughtfully appointed with furniture and lighting crafted by local artisans, fine linens, and of course, striking ocean views. We've always wanted the experience to feel personal — not a resort, but a home away from home.

A group of people practices yoga indoors, surrounded by nature and large windows, creating a serene atmosphere.

How have the wellness offerings grown since you opened?

Dayna: From the beginning, we knew we wanted yoga and fitness to be part of what we offered. Soon after opening, we seized the opportunity to buy adjacent land and completed construction of our 1,000 sq ft open-air yoga and fitness studio overlooking the ocean in 2019. Soon after, we built a massage studio where guests can book Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone treatments. SandBar Surf Academy moved into their current home next to the outdoor poolside bar in 2024, and we installed the cold plunge pool right alongside it in 2025.

We've grown slowly, and that's been intentional. We've kept our footprint small so we can exist off-the-grid — running on a solar field installed above the casita walkways — but also so we can provide everyone who stays with us a unique and personal experience, working with guests and retreat groups to create an itinerary tailored to what they love and what they want to explore.

A rustic outdoor space with a thatched roof featuring three people engaged in conversation and exercise, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.

Tell us more about SandBar Surf Academy and how surf and movement work together at Verdad.

Wesley: I created SandBar because I wanted to teach a surf program that truly helps people see real progress. I've been surfing these local breaks for over twenty years, and teaching for nearly fifteen. The coaching is serious: we use video review and a surfboard simulator so students can really see what their body is doing. But I've also come to recognize, being a little older and wiser now, that stretching before hitting the waves makes a big difference in how you execute moves on the water. Mobility classes are now an integral part of every SandBar lesson. The result is a blend of serious coaching and soulful living by the sea — rooted in the community that shaped my own surfing journey.

What does a typical stay at Verdad look like, and what makes the guest experience unique?

Dayna: For some guests that might mean a super chill week spent taking beach walks, reading, practicing yoga, and eating fresh, locally sourced food. For others it's a super active trip: surfing, hikes, boating, horseback riding. Whatever it is that visitors seek, we take the time to bring their vision to life. That's what keeps people coming back, and it's what our team genuinely loves doing.

We get 5-star reviews and are rated the number one hotel in the area — and we know that's because our staff puts their heart and soul into making Verdad the special home away from home that it is. They show up to work with smiles on their faces ready to make sure each and every guest comes away having connected not just with us and our surfside community, but having had the opportunity to immerse in the true Nicaragua – its culture, its food, its warmth, its beauty, and so much more.

A serene yoga studio with wooden floors, mats, and gray blocks, surrounded by lush greenery and a large open window.

Finally, why did you choose to partner with Manduka?

Dayna: We knew Manduka gear was the only yoga gear we'd have in house. There is simply no comparison, especially in the mat department. Our studio is stocked with Manduka mats, straps, and blocks.

Before You Paddle Out: Surf Mobility with Wesley

Prep your body with this short mobility class from Wesley before you hit the waves. Designed specifically with surfers in mind and great for anyone warming up for an active day, this session zeroes in on the hip flexibility needed to pop up into a relaxed, confident stance on the board. Suitable for all levels.