Wellness Adventure
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
The Xalteva Wellness Adventure will offer you a multi-faceted experience providing wellness as an umbrella theme, but with cultural immersion (dinner with a local Nica family), lots of activity (exploring an active volcano) and Granada’s nearby natural beauty rounding out the vacation.
Click here to download a copy of this program in PDF format
Day 1/ Sunday Granada In Touch
The day kicks off with a healthful pool side breakfast, using local artisan food products, and an orientation from program director, Donna Shields. You’ll get all the necessary details needed for a smooth, fun-filled week.What better way to get in touch with a city than to explore on foot. Spend the morning walking to key historic sites including the San Francisco museum, which provides a great background on Granada history, the El Merced with its tower view of the entire city and the grand Cathedral, an architectural delight. Take a sneak peek behind the magnificent doors of Granada with an insider’s visit to a renovated colonial home. Spend time people watching at the Central Park, the hub of Granada activity, where you’ll board a horse drawn carriage for a leisurely ride along the shores of Lake Nicaragua.
Arriving at a lake side restaurant, lunch offers a chance to rest and regroup. You’ll then board a launch for a water tour of Las Isletas, the remnant islands of a volcanic explosion some 20,000 years ago.
Back at the condo hotel, take time to unwind from your first day of exploration and consider getting your Zen on at a candlelight yoga class, on the Xalteva veranda, overlooking Volcano Mombacho. The evening meal provides local color at one of Granada’s favorite seafood restaurants providing your first chance to savor what Lake Nicaragua has to offer.
Day 2/ Monday Mombacho Discovery
A slightly earlier start today because there’s plenty of fun packed into the day’s plan. But not before a brief culinary demo showing you how to create detox smoothies which serve as breakfast accompanied by local baked goods.
You’ll be immersed in Volcano Mombacho Natural Reserve today on several levels. First, there’s an option of two different hikes depending on your fitness level. The El Crater loop is the easier of the two while the El Tigrillo trail is slightly more challenging. But either of these approximately 2 hour excursions will take you through cloud forests with breathtaking views, exotic plant and wild life and a chance to hear the howling monkeys.
The group reconnects at Hacienda El Progreso, the home base for Café Las Flores coffee plantation, for a drink and relaxation before strolling down to a yoga platform specifically designed for our group. A meditative Mombacho yoga class will be unlike anything you’ve experienced as you commune with nature in the midst of a coffee plantation. Definitely something to write home about!
A freshly prepared lunch, by Café Las Flores cooks, is enjoyed on the hacienda porch with a vista of Granada below. A coffee plantation tour follows and then the action begins. Harness up for an exhilarating canopy zip line tour, on the slopes of Volcano Mombacho, which includes 16 stations, 6 zip lines and some extra special maneuvers, if you like. The guides know what they’re doing so just relax and enjoy the ride.
A busy day concludes with a free evening on your own to enjoy Granada’s dining and nightlife.
Day 3 / Tuesday Lake Nicaragua
Today starts off with yet another unique breakfast showcasing local ingredients from regional purveyors. So fortify yourself for a one-of-a-kind island trip that provides the legend and lore of the indigenous peoples of Lake Nicaragua.
The day begins with a bicycle ride, on flat terrain, through Granada and along the lake shoreline to the marina where you’ll launch single or double kayaks. A relaxing paddle, while enjoying the lake tranquility, brings you to the privately-owned Zopango Island. This rustic-elegant retreat was fashioned out of volcanic boulders by the host owners who will provide an insightful history of the area from pirates to present day. An island style yoga class is followed by a French-Nica lunch giving new meaning to fusion cooking. The rainbow trout, served from the open kitchen and prepared over the traditional wood fire, was in the lake just moments before lunch begins. The rest of the afternoon is for swimming, sunning or swinging in a hammock. There’s really nothing else quite like Zopango Island.
An electric boat makes the return trip, to shore, a breeze so there’s still late afternoon for lounging at the Xalteva pool or shopping the streets of Granada.Knowing a city means getting to know the locals and no better way to do that than joining a Nicaraguense family in their home for dinner. Enjoy a meal while a translator describes family life and you get the taste and feel for the culture and its people.
Back at the Xalteva pool, cap off the evening with an outdoor movie focusing on agricultural sustainability and the need for moving to a plant-based, whole foods diet as a means to reducing disease and improving health. A real eye opener documentary!
Day 4/ Wednesday Masaya Volcano
Start the day with a cup of Nicaraguan coffee or Nica chocolate tea and a nourishing breakfast while the parrot chatters in the background. A brief overview of Condo/Hotel Xalteva’s past and future will be presented before the day gets underway.
Just a short ride away is one of the most amazing geological sights you will ever behold..Masaya Volcano. Standing on the edge of the rim peering down into an active, sulphur-spewing volcano, you can only imagine what occurred here 500 years ago. This volcanic complex was a crucial part of worship for the ancient people of Nicaragua as well as for the Spaniards who conquered the region. A slightly challenging path is available for those who desire, but views are incredible no matter where you turn.
An overlook at nearby Masaya Crater Lake is the location for our inspirational yoga session followed by a traditional lunch with an equally stunning lake view.
The neighboring “White Town” of San Juan de Oriente is known for its signature style pottery still produced in the traditional low-tech way. A visit to a local workshop as tenth generation workers demonstrate the skill and labor that go into producing the pottery is nothing less than impressive. Finished pieces are available for take-home sale.
Following on the theme of all things ancient, a late afternoon culinary demo will feature cooking with ancient grains. You’ll learn how to prepare gluten-free alternatives, such as millet, amaranth and quinoa, for meals to make at home.
Taking a detour from Nicaraguan cuisine, you’ll dine at the charming Mediterraneo Restaurant where the group will enjoy a traditional Spanish paella meal.
Day 5/ Thursday Laguna de Apoyo
A more leisurely start to the day provides some free time this morning, after a luscious breakfast, to stroll the streets or get some shopping done. A late morning departure is the start of a beautiful day at one of the world’s few accessible volcano lakes.
With an astounding, elevated view of Laguna de Apoyo (created by a volcanic implosion some 20,000 years ago) you’ll trek downward, for an hour or so, on a heavily forested path arriving at the shores of the volcano lake just in time for lunch.
A barbecue grill lunch awaits you on the patio of San Simian, a hide-away resort nestled at the water’s edge. The afternoon is yours for swimming in the tranquil lake (no motored vessels allowed), kayaking or dreaming in a hammock. As the sun starts to dip, a late afternoon yoga practice, overlooking the lake, is a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Returning to Xalteva late afternoon, dinner is on your own to enjoy and explore.
Day 6 / Friday Relaxation & Rejuvenation
Friday your final day in Granada is all about you. Following a tropical breakfast, the agenda for the day includes a assorted spa services and a variety of other fun things to do. A total of two selections are included in your vacation price, but additional services and/or activities can be booked at an added expense. Lunch is on your own but a special farewell dinner at Xalteva pool side concludes a great week.
Spa Services
Enjoy your treatment at Balance Spa located in a drop-dead gorgeous renovated mansion, Hotel La Bocona. The spa area has a Zen like environment with rich Indian fabrics, a small courtyard and trickling fountain. After your treatment, you’re invited to relax at the hotel pool. The high quality services are provided by trained professionals in their respective areas of expertise.
List A (choose only 1 from this list)
- Therapeutic Massage
- Hot Stone Therapy Massage
- Shiatsu Massage
- Chinese Cupping
If a choice has been made from List A, make your second choice for either List B or C
List B
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Facial
- Reflexology
List C Other Fun Things To Do…Art & Cigars
Artist for a Day
Whether you have artistic talent or just think you do, this is a fun afternoon providing as little or as much direction as you want. The Centro de Arte holds open style classes, in English, in watercolor or acrylic painting as well as mosaics. Paints, pencils, tiles and forms are included but canvases are sold, for a nominal cost, if you choose the painting class. So bring home your own personalized Nicaraguan souvenir.
• Painting class 1:00-4:00PM
• Mosaic class 1:30-4:00PM
Cigar Rolling 101
Ever rolled an organic cigar? Now’s your chance. Spend some time at Dona Elba Cigars, a family owned business, where you’ll learn the process from tobacco farm to humidor to the finished product. The expert staff will let you “roll your own” using locally grown organic tobacco for a truly one of a kind take home gift. 2:00PM
Tonight’s meal is Caballo Bayo, Granada’s version of a dinner party with traditional fare served in festive clay vessels buffet style. Enjoy your last evening in Granada chilling out, with the new friends you’ve made, at Xalteva’s very own pool party.
Day 6 / Saturday Departure 
Ground transportation to Managua airport for your departure will be provided. But you’ll be so captivated by the charm of Granada and the surrounding area, it will be only a matter of time until you return.Extended vacation stays are optional and available.The People Behind The Program
Donna Shields, MS, RD, LD
Program Director
Donna has been a pioneer in translating the science of nutrition into delicious-tasting food and drink. As an integrative nutritionist and former faculty member of the Culinary Institute of America (the premier culinary school in the U.S.), Donna’s passion is to educate and entertain consumers on lifestyle changes that bring real world results; weight loss, improved energy and fending off health problems before they start. She has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies to develop healthy food products, authored cookbooks (you’ll receive a copy of her Caribbean Light cookbook in the complementary gift package), written for many women’s magazines, writes an ongoing blog about tropical produce, hosts a weekly radio show, Natural Living, and operates wellness retreats in her hometown of Key West, FL. She has done cooking demonstrations for broad audiences, from cruise ships to DisneyLand, and has appeared on national television and radio programs promoting a healthful lifestyle. Donna has designed every detail of the Xalteva wellness program for the traveler seeking a unique and eco-active vacation combining natural beauty, healthy lifestyle education, cultural immersion and, of course, fabulous natural food.
To learn more about Donna, please visit http://www.donnashields.com
Condo Hotel Xalteva
Your home base for the week, Condo Hotel Xalteva (pronounced halteva and referring to the original indigenous Indians who were in Granada before the Spanish conquest) is the only condominium-style lodging in the historic, colonial city of Granada. Built just 4 years ago by Jay Snyder, a former Vermont inn-keeper, this property is an oasis just minutes walking distance to the center of town which includes the vibrant Central Park, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. With views of Mombacho volcano, Xalteva offers high quality comforts beautifully integrated with its residential neighborhood. Xalteva’s Spanish colonial architecture blends in seamlessly with its surroundings while providing the creature comforts of a refreshing pool, grape-covered pergola for swinging in a hammock, and a pool side palapa bar where a healthful breakfast will greet you each morning. The interior of each condominium unit will also delight you with its 2 bedroom arrangement, full kitchen, dining and living areas providing privacy for each guest but with an option for mixing and mingling. With just eight units on the property, this cozy environment with a caring staff provides personalized service unlike anything else available in Granada.
To learn more about the property, please visit http://www.hotelxalteva.com
Café Las Flores & Mombotour
After three generations of coffee farming on the slopes of Mombacho’s lush habitats, Don Sandro Palazio probably never imagined his work would now be Nicaragua’s best cup of coffee. Café Las Flores (Coffee of the Flowers, of the coffee bean’s bloom) is a “soil to sip” business, managing every aspect of coffee production from cultivation to roasting to finely extracted espresso, available throughout Nicaragua and in select U.S. markets. The exemplary coffee plantation of Nicaragua’s south Pacific, Hacienda El Progreso, is Rainforest Alliance Certified because of its outstanding commitment to agricultural sustainability. But the company’s social responsibility extends beyond the land to include improving the standard of living for the Mombacho community. Such programs include ‘Bacho’, an educational bilingual coloring book program for local children, and healthcare services for farm families. Additionally they spearhead an innovative solid waste cleanup and awareness program on Nicaragua’s most famous beach, San Juan del Sur. The company also shares Nicaragua’s history and natural beauty with visitors through its tourism company, Mombotour. Mombotour, a Café Las Flores company, will provide insightful and fluent English speaking guides to lead you through the discovery of Nicaragua with one-of-kind itineraries containing off the beaten path elements and allowing you to experience those memorable experiences we all travel for.
To learn more about the company, please visit http://www.cafelasflores.com/mombotour
The when, where and how:
Calender: The Xalteva Wellness Adventure will be offered the following dates
| 2011 |
2012 |
| October 29-November 5 |
March 23-30 |
| December 3-10 |
April 21-28 |
| May 19-26 |
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| June 16-23 |
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| July 14-21 |
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| August 18-25 |
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| September 15-22 |
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| October 20-27 |
- Scheduled programs require a minimum of 8 participants and a maximum of 14.
- Alternate dates may be available for pre-arranged groups with an 8-person minimum
Program Costs: US $1785.00
- Package price includes lodging, daily activities, meals, airport transfers, as described in itinerary. Staff gratuity is at your discretion.
- Each condo unit consists of 2 bedrooms, each with a full private bath. The shared common space includes a full kitchen, dining and living area. There is a television in the living area and in one of the bedrooms.
- If you are booking with other friends and want to share the same unit, please be sure to let us know.
Payment Terms
A $500 deposit is needed to hold your reservation. Payment is required, in full, 30 days prior to arrival. If cancelling prior to 30 days of program, you will receive a full deposit refund. If less than 30 days, the deposit is held for one year and applied toward a future reservation. Payment with check or electronic transfer will result in a 2% discount to total program costs.Other Important Things to Know
- Airfare is not included.
- We do not have a bar on the property nor are alcoholic beverages included in the package price but you are welcome to stock your kitchen with drinks of your choice. Any alcoholic beverages ordered at restaurants are at your own expense.
- If you have special dietary needs, we’ll do our best to accommodate them but please tell us prior to arrival.
- If there are non program participants in your party, please inquire for accommodation rates.
- Once you have confirmed with full payment, our program director will be in contact with more specific details.
- Because we are catering to a small, personalized group, our programs must be booked 60 days prior to the start date.
- If you have any questions about this program, please contact Donna Shields, proram, please contact Donna Shields, program director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Click here to download a copy of this program in PDF format