📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
I had a couple of comments like this on some of my I had a couple of comments like this on some of my TikToks a few months back when I said I was going on a long trip without my BF. 

🧡One thing I’m super grateful for is my supportive boyfriend no matter how ludacris my ideas.

✈️He loves to travel and explore new places but it’s definitely not on the same scale as me! 

💻 He also doesn’t have a job that gives him the same freedoms as mine does 

🌎we were meant to be apart for 6 weeks but I told him I was extending by a week and it was absolutely fine 

❤️Despite the fact we miss each other he’ll always support my travels whether he can come with me or not.

🍉 If your partner doesn’t support or trust you are they really the one?
Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 📍@c Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 

📍@carrie.ahangama
🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night 🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night @pelicanbayahangama  above the @pickledpelican restaurant where you can get very decent burgers🍔

📍Ahangama, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
A little insta VS reality. Exploring days look v A little insta VS reality. 

Exploring days look very different from travel days. And you best believe I spend 99% of my days in my frizzy bun 😅

Anyone else like this?
📍Udawalawe National Park Can never have to muc 📍Udawalawe National Park

Can never have to much elephant content right? ✌🏽🍃🐘
Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cu Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cute insta girl 😂✌🏽

FYI the train was stationary in the second pic of me 😂

Also think I need to say that the first few pics are not mine… but I think that’s pretty obvious right? ©️
🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are call 🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are calling… are you going to answer? 🏄🏽‍♀️

🌊Whilst I didn’t get to surf in Sri Lanka due to a broken toe, I absolutely love watching surfers as a pastime. I think it’s such a cool and impressive sport.🌊

🏄🏼Here are the best places to surf (or surf watch👀)

South Coast (November to April) 

🏄🏽‍♀️Hiriketiya 
🏄🏽‍♀️Matara
🏄🏽‍♀️Ahangama 
🏄🏽‍♀️Midigama
🏄🏽‍♀️Thalpe
🏄🏽‍♀️Mirissa 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hikkadawa
🏄🏽‍♀️Unwatuna 

There are also some smaller beach towns in between the above 

East Coast (May-October) 

🏄🏽‍♀️Arugam Bay 
🏄🏽‍♀️Pottuvil Point 
🏄🏽‍♀️Panama 

Do you fancy trying the surf in Sri Lanka?
🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂🍃

🇱🇰🚂Tips for the Ella-Kandy/Kandy-Ella train ride in Sri Lanka 

🎟️First Class Ticket = 3000lkr (£7.90)
🎟️2nd Class Ticket = 900lkr (£2.40)

🚂You can buy your tickets from the station the night before but the pre book shuts at a certain time, however you don’t need to worry you can easily buy or tickets on the day just make sure to come at least 30 mins before departure 

🚂I would highly recommend booking 2nd class over 1st 

🚂In 1st the doors should open but all the windows will be shut 

🚂In 2nd the windows will be open and the doors will be shut HOWEVER all you need to do is politely ask the ticket collector and they should open these up for you. (We had such a nice guy on our train who was opening up all the doors for us). 

🚂2nd is WAYYY more fun you can hang your head out the window, everyone is super friendly and you end up getting chatting with all the other passengers on the train. I don’t think we sat down once on this train because of all the socialising 

📸PS A lot of my pics turned out blurry because of how much this train moves. I honestly don’t know how some people have the guts to hang right out of it whilst its moving
🔉Sound On 🔉 The only time is Brits can trus 🔉Sound On 🔉

The only time is Brits can trust the governments advice 😅😅
This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I head This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I headed to the airport and what a nice little goodbye it was 🧡🍑🍊🦁🌅🌇 @lighthouse_ahangama
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰

🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃

Some of these include

🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park

🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘

🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.

🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘

🐾It felt more natural 🍃

🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 

🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫

 🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 

TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️

🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 

🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 

🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 

☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are fo The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are for Boujee’s ✌🏽

I occasionally will try and share budget tips on here but just know I’m bad at it 😅 the important thing is trying though right?
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
Instagram post 17972116637147209 Instagram post 17972116637147209
🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 7 years aft 🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

7 years after my first visit and Sri Lanka still remains one of my favourite places. The beautiful landscapes, nature, wildlife and the people make it one magical Island 🇱🇰🌴

I can’t wait to share with you all my Sri Lanka recommendations but for today here are a collection of my favourite shots 📸
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Adventure around a 9-5

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Central America, Hotel Reviews, Nicaragua, Uncategorized · April 19, 2023

Best Hostels In Nicaragua: Paradiso Hostel

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Situated on the banks of Nicaragua’s tranquil Laguna De Apoyo lies the beautiful Paradiso Hostel. With incredible panoramic views of Laguna De Apoyo, Paradiso hostel is the perfect place to press pause and reconnect with nature. 

With a location that is just a short drive from both Managua and Granada, Paradiso Hostel provides a serene and calming escape from hustle and bustle of city life. Here you have the perfect opportunity to get stuck into some soul-soothing activities such as kayaking, swimming, reading and even giving back to the local community.. 

Staying here is a truly magical experience. If you want to chance to switch off, restore and reset then a stay at Paradiso Hostel is the one for you. And as someone who spends their days looking for unique and chilled out places to stay, I can say that Paradiso Hostel ticks every box. 

So what’s it like to stay at Paradiso Hostel? Read on below to find out!

Paradiso Hostel, Laguna De Apoyo

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post I will earn a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you. Thank you 

Contents show
1 Where is Paradiso Hostel Located?
2 How to get to Paradiso Hostel?
2.1 Taxi
2.2 Shuttle
2.3 Public Bus
3 What is the Accommodation like at Paradiso Hostel?
4 What Facilities and activities do they have at Paradiso Hostel?
4.1 Swimming
4.2 Kayaking and Paddle-boarding
4.3 Hammocks
4.4 Spa
4.5 Learning Spanish
4.6 Community Activity
4.7 Games
4.8 Salsa night
4.9 Laguna Beats
4.10 Trips and tours
4.11 Shuttle buses
4.12 Laundry service
4.13 Are there onsite restaurants at Paradiso Hostel?
5 What are the pros and cons of staying at Paradiso Hostel?
5.1 Pros
5.2 Cons
6 Would I stay here again?

Where is Paradiso Hostel Located?

Paradiso is just a short 40-minute drive from Managua and a 25-minute drive from Granada.

How to get to Paradiso Hostel?

Taxi

A taxi from Managua will cost you around $40 and from Granada around $12.

Shuttle

Paradiso Hostel has a daily shuttle that leaves from Granada (outside Hostel Oasis) at 10am. There is a return daily shuttle at 5 pm. The shuttle costs $3 for a single trip and $5 for a return.

Paradiso Hostel, Laguna De Apoyo
Public Bus

There are no public buses that will drop you to Paradiso, however, Paradiso Hostel state that “you can take any Masaya (and most Managua) bound bus from Granada and ask to be dropped off at Laguna de Apoyo, or “la entrada de la laguna” / Puentecito”. As the bus will drop you off at the entrance of the Lake, you will need to catch a taxi to drop you outside Paradiso.

What is the Accommodation like at Paradiso Hostel?

Paradiso has a HUGE range of accommodations to suit all types of travellers, from the solo backpacker to families of 6.

Accommodation options are as follows:

  • Double Room | Shared Bathroom
  • Double Room | Private Bathroom
  • Double Superior Room | Private Bathroom
  • Triple Superior Room | Private Bathroom
  • Quadruple Deluxe Room | Private Bathroom
  • Sextuple Family Room | Lake View
  • Quintuple Family Room | Lake View
  • Dorm room with Garden View

Dorm rooms start at $15 per night whilst Private rooms start from around $35 per night up to $100. 

Please note prices may vary between seasons.

Paradiso Hostel, Laguna De Apoyo

What Facilities and activities do they have at Paradiso Hostel?

Swimming 

The water in this lake is SO warm which makes it perfect for a little swim. They have rubber rings for those who want to have a little float, as well as a small pontoon out in the water, perfect for a spot of sunbathing. 
I only found this out recently, but Laguna De Apoyo is the cleanest lake in all of Central America! Pretty cool eh?

Kayaking and Paddle-boarding

On the banks of the lakes there are kayaks, paddleboards and life jackets waiting for you to use (free of charge). You can use these pretty much all day, however you may occasionally not be able to go out if the wind is too strong. This makes the lake extremely bumpy!

Hammocks

Spend your day chilling out in a hammock reading a good book!

Spa

If you are interested in taking your relaxation to the next step you can take a visit to the onsite spa and treat yourself to a massage. Prices are below: 

  • Massage: 1/2 hour 10$, 1 hour 20$
  • Manicure: 10$
  • Pedicure: 10$
Paradiso Hostel, Laguna De Apoyo
Learning Spanish

Fancy brushing up on your Spanish skills? Why not learn Spanish at Paradiso Hostel? They have a handful of highly qualified teachers who can teach the basics to the super advanced. This would best suit those who are planning to stay at Paradiso for a while!

Community Activity 

If you are passionate about giving back to local communities on your travels then you will get the chance to do so at Paradiso. You’ll get the option to spend your morning with local children from Laguna De Apoyo where you can educate them on how to look after the planet as well as just to spend some time having fun with them.

After the community morning, you will also get the chance to opt-in for quiz night at the bar. All proceeds will go to helping the children of Laguna De Apoyo.

Games 

Fancy a game of volleyball, ping pong, billiards, or bocci ball? Well, you are in luck, you can find them all at Paradiso Hostel.

Paradiso Hostel, Laguna De Apoyo
Salsa night

Whether you’re as stiff as an ironing board, or you have smooth liquid hips… you’ll be invited you join an evening of Salsa at Paradiso Hostel. The salsa lessons are completely free, however, Paradiso Hostel will accept donations. All donations will go towards community projects within Laguna De Apoyo.

Laguna Beats 

Every Monday, Paradiso Hostel invites local DJs over to play an afternoon of music for its guests. You can enjoy electronic and house music whilst in a hammock or sun lounger whilst you have a drink in hand and are watching the sunset behind the lake. PERFECT!

Paradiso Hostel, Laguna De Apoyo
Trips and tours

Whilst staying at Paradiso Hostel you can book a handful of amazing tours. At just $25 one of the most popular tours to book is a trip to Masaya Volcano. This is just a short journey from Paradiso and you get to watch epic lava flows, so definitely not one to miss! 

Other tours include Catarina: The Mirador & Birdwatching and the islets of Granada Tour.

Booking.com
Shuttle buses

As well as daily shuttle buses to and from Granada, Paradiso Hostel also offer transport to other hot spots in Nicaragua such as Managua, Leon and San Juan Del Sur. All you need to do is ask at reception to see what is running that day or week.

Laundry service

Paradiso Hostel offers an onsite laundry service. You will be charged by the kilo and can expect you to get your laundry back in 24 hours!

Are there onsite restaurants at Paradiso Hostel?

There is an onsite restaurant at Paradiso Hostel and the food here is so delicious. They have a mix of traditional Nicaraguan/ Central American food as well as a few Western options too.

I highly recommend getting the guacamole and the ceviche!  

The restaurant works on a tab system, so you show your room key and will be billed at the end of your stay. The same applies if you are visiting for the day (you will be given a visitor number). 

If you are staying here you can also enjoy a fabulous complimentary breakfast. You can have a sneak peek at their menu here. 

Paradiso Hostel, Laguna De Apoyo

What are the pros and cons of staying at Paradiso Hostel?

Pros 
  • Calming 
  • Friendly staff 
  • Great Food 
  • Reasonable prices 
  • Lots of activities to do
Cons 
  • You won’t want to leave
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Would I stay here again?

100% We actually changed our plans so that we could stay at Paradiso Hostel an extra night. There is something about the atmosphere and energy here that leaves you feeling so chilled out and relaxed (who knows maybe the lake has magic powers). If you have been travelling Central America for a while (or like myself, on a jam-packed trip through Nicaragua) it’s the perfect place to catch some downtime, and maybe catch up on a book! My favourite thing about staying here was being able to watch the sunrise over the lake every morning whilst everyone else was sleeping!

Paradiso Hostel, Laguna De Apoyo

Looking for more hotel inspiration? Why don’t you check out my hotel reviews here? OR looking for more Nicaragua inspiration? Check out my other Nicaragua Guides. 

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I'm Christina a part-time traveller who is exploring the world around my 9-5. From canyons to coasts, I love all kinds of adventures. I've created this space to provide you with all the travel inspiration and my top tips for seeing more of the world in less time.

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📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
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