Intimacy and joy come naturally in this wilderness setting. A stone’s throw from Laguna de Apoyo, Casita Café offers a peaceful retreat for two, with birdsong, a private patio, an outdoor kitchen, and the most inviting nature all around.
PRIVATE
Your private space
Queen bedSleeps 2 guests
Private bathroomPrivate bathroom with cold-water shower
Private outdoor kitchen
Private patio
Ceiling fan
Air conditioning
In-room Wi-Fi
Lakefront settingSteps from Laguna de Apoyo
Pet friendlyUp to two pets; fee applies
Included in your stay
Drinking water includedWater is included for all units. Do not drink water from the tap.
Coffee includedCoffee is included for all units.
Cookware and utensils
Available to add
Optional breakfast$ · Paid add-on
Laundry load$ · Paid add-on
Early check-in$ · Paid add-on
Late checkout$ · Paid add-on
Pet can stay$ · Paid add-on
Prices and availability are shown in Your stay when selected.
Laguna life
Casa Única is a private lakeside home for guests who value tropical gardens, birds, wildlife, the shoreline, and the changing light over Laguna de Apoyo.
SHARED
Shared at Casa Única
Ranchito and hammocksCovered shared area with hammocks, seating, a kids game, beach chairs, an electrical outlet, lights, a ceiling fan, and Wi-Fi.
Outdoor showerRinse off after your time at the beach.
Barbecue and picnic areaBring your own charcoal. Cooking tools are included.
Lake equipmentKayak, life vests, and floaters are available for registered guests.
Tropical gardensFruit trees, bougainvillea, wild flowers, and a still-water fountain.
Fire pitShared fire pit for Casa Única guests.
Sun & moon deckOpen views over the Laguna, relaxing chairs, and a great place to observe the full moon.
Secured parkingSecured in-property parking for Casa Única guests.
Shared terraceExterior dining table for breakfast or nighttime conversations, with an electrical outlet and light.
PUBLIC
Public around the lagoon
Public Beach of San Juan de OrienteDirect access through the bottom gate to the public beach of San Juan de Oriente. The beach is natural and easy to swim from. Please leave no trash, do not leave belongings on the beach, and return Casa Única kayaks and beach chairs after use.
Thermal SourcesWalk about 200 m south along the shore to a wild beach area where thermal water emerges at about 60°C. The appearance changes through the year; this is a natural place, not an organized municipal activity.
El Caballito mountain hiking trailThe trail entrance is about 100 m north of the property on the road. Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to climb toward Mirador de San Juan de Oriente. Monkeys and birds may be seen, and modern-era petroglyphs are carved on natural stones along the trail. Bring good walking shoes or hiking boots. Bring a walking stick if possible.
Easy forest walk toward DiriáFollow the quiet dirt road toward Diriá for an easy nature walk that can be done in flip-flops. Birds and sometimes monkeys may be seen. About 2 km away are the Diriá beach area and an access upward toward Mirador El Boquete.
Tropical gardens and wildlife
The tropical gardens, trees, plants, birds, and other animals are part of the Casa Única experience. Observe wildlife without disturbing it, and leave the gardens and natural areas as you found them.
The Laguna's busiest days
Easter, New Year's Eve, Independence Day, and long weekends are the Laguna's busiest days.
Bed layout
Queen bedSleeps 2 guests5 photos
Guest reviews
★ 5.00 (57)
★ 5.0
This small house next to Apoya Lagoon is a little slice of paradise. This is an amazing spot for birdwatching & observing all of the other wildlife. Benjamin is a fantastic host and was readily available to give us a tour of the grounds and showed us some of the best places to watch from. An amazing getaway!
★ 5.0
Everything was clean and comfortable, kind people and dogs. Benjamin shared lots of knowledge and experience on the area in respects of things to do and knowledge of nature in the area. We had a super restful and enjoyable stay. Don’t overthink it, go!
★ 5.0
Great place to stay, very relaxing! Highly recommend.
★ 5.0
You can’t go wrong with this hidden gem. We spent 3 days and nights at Benjamin‘s place and could not stop taking photos of this beautiful location. The place comes with everything you could dream of. Location, beautiful birds, great coffee, drinkable water, great breakfast offered, an almost private beach with thermal hot springs and crystal clear water. We hiked up the mountain to the outlook ( mirador San Juan de Oriente) and saw many monkeys and amazing plants.
Good to know before booking
Public beach access
Casa Única guests have direct access through the property to the public beach. The beach is not exclusive to Casa Única guests and is usually busier on weekends.
Noise from outside the property
Music and noise from outside the property may affect your stay, especially on weekends and holidays.
Our dogs live on the property
Our dogs live freely on the premises. They are well behaved and may bark to protect the property.
Casa Única is a home, not a hotel
Casa Única is a private home, not a hotel. There is no on-site restaurant, bar, swimming pool, or credit-card payment service.
House rules
No smoking
Smoking is not allowed inside the units. Dispose of cigarette butts and matches only in an ashtray or a personal cigarette-disposal pouch. Never put them in the trash or throw them on the ground.
No events
Events, parties, and additional people in the rooms are not allowed. Day visitors require advance approval.
Quiet hours
Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. No speakers or amplified music.
Toilet and sanitary waste
Please do not flush toilet paper, sanitary towel, or tampon down the toilet. Use the garbage can instead.
During your stay
A few simple habits help protect the home, tropical gardens, wildlife, shoreline, and surrounding environment.
Turn everything off when leaving
Before leaving Casita Café, turn off the air conditioner, ceiling fans, and lights.
This helps reduce energy use and our environmental impact.
Use the correct towels
Use the colorful towels for the public beach and the white towels for your shower. Keep white shower towels inside the unit. Hang wet towels on the bathroom hooks or designated hanging wires to dry.
Drinking water
Drinking water is provided. Do not drink water directly from the tap.
Store food safely
Use the refrigerator and cupboards. Do not leave food outside.
Using the BBQ
Bring charcoal and lighting fuel if you plan to use the BBQ. Cooking tools are provided.
Separate organic food waste
Place organic food waste in the designated kitchen bin.
Why sanitary waste must go in the garbage can
Casa Única is not connected to a municipal wastewater-treatment system. To protect the property and surrounding environment, do not flush toilet paper, sanitary towels, tampons, wipes, or other sanitary products. Use the bathroom garbage can instead.
Respect the natural environment
Respect the trees, plants, birds, animals, shoreline, and other natural areas around Casa Única. Observe wildlife without disturbing it and leave the gardens and shoreline as you found them.
Stay details
Stay details
Minimum stay
2 nights
Plan your arrival
The final kilometer is an unpaved road. Plan transportation in advance and, where possible, arrive before dark. The exact address and detailed arrival instructions are shared after confirmation.
Prepare food and drinks before arriving
Casita Mango and Casita Café have kitchens. Bring groceries and drinks before arrival because there is no nearby food market and local restaurants and delivery services may close early. Food delivery may be available until 7:00 PM at the latest; ask us for current options.
Food delivery
Food delivery may be available until 7:00 PM at the latest. Ask us for current options.
Guests & capacity
Maximum guests
2
Maximum pets
2
Day visitors
Visitors require advance approval, pay C$200 per person, may visit from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and may not stay overnight or enter the rooms as additional guests.
Payments & cancellation
Deposit
50% of accommodation · At confirmation
Balance
Remaining accommodation balance + stay fees · At check-in
Payment methods
Local bank transfer, US ACH, EUR ACH, Cash, Wise
Cancellation and refunds
Payments are refundable when cancellation is requested at least 14 days before check-in, less payment or transfer fees.
“
The garden is green and full of color, and the wood is beautiful. River stones and sugarcane come together to create a sense of calm, comfort, and the full power of nature.
Drinking water included
Included Water is included for all units. Do not drink water from the tap.
PRIVATE
Lake and beach
Colorful beach towels
Included Use the colorful towels for the public beach. Do not take the white shower towels to the beach. Hang wet towels on the bathroom hooks or designated hanging wires to dry.
PRIVATE
Bathroom
Shower
Included
White shower towels
Included Use the white towels for your shower. Keep them inside the unit and hang them on the bathroom hooks or designated hanging wires to dry.
PRIVATE
Outdoor
Patio
Included
Outdoor seating
Included
Hammock
Included
PRIVATE
Food and drink
Coffee included
Included Coffee is included for all units.
Breakfast
$ · Paid add-on C$280 per person, per breakfast. Normally served around 9:00 AM.
SHARED
Ranchito and hammocks
Ranchito
Included
Hammock
Included
Outdoor seating
Included
Kids game
Included
Wi-Fi
Included
Ceiling fan
Included
Beach lounge chairs
Included
Electrical outlet
Included
Lighting
Included
SHARED
Outdoor shower
Outdoor shower
Included
SHARED
Barbecue and picnic area
Barbecue and picnic table
Included
Cookware and utensils
Included
SHARED
Lake equipment
Kayak
Included
Life vests
Included
Floaters
Included
SHARED
Tropical gardens
Garden
Included
SHARED
Fire pit
Fire pit
Included
SHARED
Sun & moon deck
Sun & moon deck
Included
Outdoor seating
Included
SHARED
Secured parking
Parking
Included
SHARED
Shared terrace
Terrace
Included
Outdoor dining table
Included
Outdoor seating
Included
Electrical outlet
Included
Lighting
Included
PUBLIC
Lake and beach
Public beach access
Included
Casa Única
Guest reviews
★ 5.0
This small house next to Apoya Lagoon is a little slice of paradise. This is an amazing spot for birdwatching & observing all of the other wildlife. Benjamin is a fantastic host and was readily available to give us a tour of the grounds and showed us some of the best places to watch from. An amazing getaway!
★ 5.0
Everything was clean and comfortable, kind people and dogs. Benjamin shared lots of knowledge and experience on the area in respects of things to do and knowledge of nature in the area. We had a super restful and enjoyable stay. Don’t overthink it, go!
★ 5.0
Great place to stay, very relaxing! Highly recommend.
★ 5.0
You can’t go wrong with this hidden gem. We spent 3 days and nights at Benjamin‘s place and could not stop taking photos of this beautiful location. The place comes with everything you could dream of. Location, beautiful birds, great coffee, drinkable water, great breakfast offered, an almost private beach with thermal hot springs and crystal clear water. We hiked up the mountain to the outlook ( mirador San Juan de Oriente) and saw many monkeys and amazing plants.
★ 5.0
Great place, beautiful view, Benjamin is as cool and nice of a host as you can ask for. Actually the kindest host I have come across.
★ 5.0
La estadía fue de lo más genial, Benjamín un super mega anfitrión, nada que pedir si deseas desconectarte del mundo y disfrutar de la belleza natural es lo mejor en la Laguna de Apoyo, un paraíso conectado con la naturaleza y el mundo… solo les digo no se arrepentirán, la hospitalidad de Benjamín, la amabilidad de Martha, el cariño de sus mascotas y el ambiente te hacen querer volver pronto…
Mil Gracias por todo, volveremos pronto.
★ 5.0
Benjamin’s place was a great little stay. And Benjamin was súper helpful and responsive. Really enjoyed the kayaks he had.
★ 5.0
Excelente atención y lugar. Mucha privacidad
★ 5.0
ce fut comme si notre meilleur ami nous recevait. toujours là pour nous aider, nous conseiller. un moment vraiment très agréable.
Soyez confiant, c est un super endroit.
★ 5.0
lieux idyllique et calme, je recommande totalement l'emplacement de Benjamin. Il est très accueillant et a répondu à nos multiples questions. De plus, le déjeuner de Martha est tout simplement délicieux!!
Merci encore 👋
★ 5.0
Where do I start…Benjamin is by far the best host I’ve encountered in all of my years of travel. He is up beat, helpful, responsive and just genuinely a great guy. The property is kept immaculate by Miguel, there are beautiful plants and flowers all over the property. There are multiple places to relax around the property with amazing views of the Laguna. It’s a quick 2 minutes walk to the water. Marta’s breakfast is delicious. She catered to our vegetarian needs. Our bungalow has everything you need to cook, there are lots of privacy and sitting areas around the casita. We did yoga on the deck and had incredible views of the full moon.we met a lot of wonderful people during our 18 day stay. Nothing but good vibes there. You would be foolish not to book Benjamin’s place. I will definitely be returning for another visit, this place is special!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
★ 5.0
Benjamin is a wondful host, super responsive, friendly, and helpful, etc.
His place is like a little garden of Eden at the lake 🙂
★ 5.0
Un gros WoW! Des les premières minutes ils nous a mis à l’aise. Il nous a fais faire le tour du propriétaire. Il est très souriant et attentionné. La chambre et la cuisine extérieur était impeccable et le terrain très bien entretenu. Le point de vue est wow. Tout était parfait nous recommandons à tous!!
★ 5.0
Amazing! Thank you, Benjamin, for your warm welcome and for providing us with a home-away-from-home experience. It is a beautiful home with gracious staff who went above and beyond. Our dogs had a great time in the kayak and exploring everything Laguna de Apoyo has to offer. We had a great time, too :-). We can't wait to come back!
★ 5.0
Super plek en Benjamin is een top host. Zeer aan te bevelen!
★ 5.0
Muchas gracias por todo.
El lugar es precioso y me encantó.
Espero volver pronto.
★ 5.0
¡muy bonito lugar y una bienvenida Cálida por parte del personal!
★ 5.0
excellent
★ 5.0
Ben’s place is even nicer than the photos, the property is insane. We found ourselves wanting to hang around the space as opposed to going out. The breakfast is delicious, definitely worth getting. The water in the laguna is perfect for swimming, super warm. There are 4 lovely dogs on the property and Gilbert the lizard who basks in the front lawn, all of which are the best additions 🙂 Ben our fellow Canadian is a very kind, helpful host and he is a pleasure to talk to! We really loved our stay.
★ 5.0
The photos of this location do not do it justice... absolutely beautiful property. The casita is private and beautiful. The property itself, is very well maintained. It is spread out with many different areas, all private so that you feel alone in this beautiful tropical setting. A peaceful place to relax, or get out and explore.
We took the kayak out one morning and paddled along the shore and saw many beautiful birds and several howler moneys.
Ben took us on a hike to the top of the crater, where we had a drink at a local bar with an amazing view. Everyone should do this hike and try the Chica Bruha at the top!!!
This felt like a special paradise that was made even more special with Ben. What an amazing host. Friendly, with lots of local information. Because of him we stopped at the village at the top, where locals make pottery, and bought directly from the artists. You can stay here and relax, or find many adventures to do... definitely worth coming to!
★ 5.0
Benjamin was a great host and his place is amazing! I hope to return soon!
★ 5.0
Everything was beautiful at this little lakeside paradise. The host was super informative and charming. We will be coming back again soon!
★ 5.0
Tout était parfait. D’abord, pour s’y rendre, aucun problème. Ses instructions étaient claires, mais si vous avez accès à un GPS sur votre cellulaire, ça se rend directement à la bonne place. Ensuite, en ce qui concerne l’arrivée, c’est super flexible, il suffit de le tenir au courant et il y aura quelqu’un pour vous ouvrir (le lieu est sécurisé ce qui est bien). Le logement était propre, ça sentait très bon. Pour ce qui est du site, on s’est senti comme sur un resort d’hôtel avec plusieurs places pour relaxer et observer la vue. L’accès à Laguna de Apoyo est super et c’est très agréable de s’y baigner. Nous recommandons à tous !! Finalement, Benjamin nous a donné plusieurs conseils sur les choses à faire et à voir et est très cultivé donc c’est très plaisant de discuter avec lui. Il est clair que nous y retournerons si nous visitons de nouveau le Nicaragua.
★ 5.0
Benjamin has a wonderful place where you’re greeted as if you are family, yet given all the privacy you could desire.
Beautiful property and place to stay.
★ 5.0
Amazing place at the most peaceful zone of Laguna de Apoyo, Miguel was a great host for the time i stayed at Casita Café, would definitely come back some day.
★ 5.0
Benjamin was a kind, generous and knowledgeable host who went out of his way to help with anything to make our stay a wonderful experience. We loved staying here and couldn't recommend it more highly!
★ 5.0
We had a great stay at Benjamin's place! The photos simply cannot due it justice at how peaceful and tranquil the space is. Amazing outdoor kitchen, and living space, all with great views. We wish we could have stayed longer!!
★ 5.0
The only thing I think needs to get better are the place photos in the Airbnb site, because they don't capture good enough how beautiful and peaceful this place truly is! 100% getting back to enjoy many things we missed out because of the time not being enough to enjoy it all!
★ 5.0
We had the perfect time! The view is stunning and the room
was awesome. Ben was really helpful and organized a taxi for us. The breakfast was amazing as well. Thank you so much!
★ 5.0
If you're looking and wondering if you should book this sweet little piece of serenity, DO IT! Honestly the cabin, the outdoor kitchen, the breakfast ($5 extra and absolutely worth it for the coffee and fruit alone), the privacy, every touch was perfection. I came here looking for somewhere tranquil surrounded by nature and I found it. Every picture looks exactly as it is but no picture can compare to how peaceful it is. Swing leisurely in a hammock, grab a noodle and float along in the lake or simply lay out and feel the breeze. Book it. NOW!
★ 5.0
Muy bonito. Vamos a regresar.
★ 5.0
Can’t say enough good things about this stay. The space is beautiful, lots of places to relax in the shade near the lake. The outdoor kitchen was perfect. It is paradise on lake Apoyo.
Benjamin is such a great host, very efficient and responsive and a very fun and kind person.
We had rented a car and it was a great location between Masaya Volcano, Mombacho Volcano, and Granada City, which we visited all three.
★ 5.0
Este lugar ejemplifica lo mejor de Airbnb. Lugar perfecto, un host que no solo ayuda a tener la mejor experiencia pero también una persona super agradable. La ubicación es de lo mejor con el lago al frente de la casa.
★ 5.0
Casa Unica in Nicaragua was truly an incredible experience. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the stunning beauty of the lagoon and the lush tropical gardens surrounding the property. The casita itself was thoughtfully designed to create a relaxing and comfortable experience.
One of the highlights of our stay was spending lazy afternoons in the hammock, enjoying the gentle breeze and the breathtaking views of the lagoon. We also loved taking long walks along the tranquil shoreline and exploring the nearby restaurants and shops.
But what really set Casa Unica apart was the exceptional hospitality of our host, Ben. He went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable, always available to answer our questions and provide helpful tips on the best local activities and attractions.
Overall, our stay at Casa Unica was truly memorable. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway in Nicaragua, this is the perfect place to be.
★ 5.0
This is the best place on the Laguna, so quiet and private away from all the noise. Benjamin is just the best host in the world, so friendly and knowledgeable about all the awesome places around and also history of Nicaragua. We made friends 🙂 ah and let's not forget the cute dogs too 🙂
★ 5.0
Very nice place, loved the outdoor kitchen ! Just perfect for a trip to the Lagune
★ 5.0
Séjour simplement parfait! Exactement ce qu’on recherchait: intime, convivial, propre, securitaire et chaleureux! On se sentait comme à la maison. Benjamin fût un hôte extraordinaire. Si on avait à revenir au Nicaragua, on reviendrait SANS HÉSITER à la casa unica. Merci infiniment!
★ 5.0
Excellent accueil de la part de Benjamin qui s’est toujours montré très disponible ! Un très bel endroit pour profiter de ce magnifique environnement qu’est la lagune de Apoyo ! Bien situé pour profiter des volcans , visités de Granada et autres villages bien sympathiques !
Merci Ben ! 😉
★ 5.0
One of the most beautiful spots in all of Nicaragua. Highly recommend going here.
★ 5.0
Fully recommended for a get away just for yourself or as couples .
relaxed, swimming and just breath...fully breath.
★ 5.0
Benjamin's place was beautiful and serene, with easy access to the beach! His colleague Miguel greeted us at check in and was very helpful throughout the trip. Keep in mind the outdoor kitchen and take all precautions so fewer bugs find you. 🙂 Highly recommend this stay!!
★ 5.0
Beautiful place to stay in Apollo. It is VERY secluded, but if you stop at a little pulperia and grab breakfast and snacks you are good to go! We loved it!
★ 5.0
We can’t wait to return! The house was perfect for me and my husband, and the access to the lake was great. We didn’t rent a car, but it was easy to use the public bus, and Benjamin was very helpful with getting a taxi. Benjamin is such a great guy, and he has put a lot of love into this property. We couldn’t have asked for a better stay.
★ 5.0
Beautiful location, immaculate and aesthetic design and furnishings.
★ 5.0
Benjamin's little casita is such a nice and unique stay! Located right on the water and Benjamin also provides kayaks for your use. The house, bed, and bathroom were all very clean and so cute! the outdoor kitchen is a great idea and the cabana was amazing to lounge in. Adorable dogs, but they are good guard dogs and will bark! Ben and his dogs were all great company but also provided privacy. I wish we could've stayed longer.
★ 5.0
It's not often that you get to write an entirely positive review. Ben's place is extremely comfortable and has all you could need. The laguna is on your doorstep, less than one minute away.
The casita is very nice, the kitchen is great, including coffee maker, blender, and large fridge with a decent sized freezing compartment.
Ben is very friendly and helpful but also has a lightness of touch which means he leaves you alone to enjoy the place so you feel you have a lot of space to yourself.
If you do not have a car and are staying for a long period, then you need to plan food shopping as there is nothing within walking distance. I had a friend coming to visit me every Saturday from Granada so he arrived with a taxi full of food so it was fine. If I hadn't had that then it could have been tricky to organise.
That apart, it was pretty much the perfect stay for me. Lots of swimming in the morning before it got too hot, then working and studying online for the rest of the day until another swim just before sunset. I hope to go back and do it all again before too long.
★ 5.0
Very clean. Grounds are beautiful. Laguna is a literally few steps from casitas. Quiet at nights which is not found often in Nicaragua .Always very fast response from the owner.
★ 5.0
Ben’s place was even better than we ever expected. The location is incredible - so quiet and peaceful and the little cabin is perfect. It is extremely clean and the attention to detail makes it a very special stay - down to the fresh flowers in the room. We enjoyed sitting on the porch and in the common areas, and wish we could’ve stayed an extra day!
You will not be disappointed with your stay here whether it’s for a night or a week. Beautiful, quiet and clean property in the middle of the rainforest!
★ 5.0
Todo al cien. Everything was just as we expected. We very much enjoyed the nature of the place and had a lovely kayak trip with the double kayak provided. I'd definitely recommend this place. very cozy.
★ 5.0
It was amazing to stay at Benjamin his place! I loved the little house where he just built a outside kitchen. The lake is just footsteps away from the house. I took the kayak that Benjamin has to cruise down the lake! Perfect stay for a relax time!
★ 5.0
awesome place and romantic area to spend with your partner or family with, the laguna water clear and beautiful view from top to bottom of the place, i would go for another acouple more days here to enjoy and relax your mind with my fiance and her 2 kids
★ 5.0
El lugar es tal como se lo oferta e incluso mejor. Una pequeña playa privada, un lugar muy romántico y una excelente atención de Benjamín. Siempre vamos querer regresar. Aprovechen cuando puedan!
★ 5.0
Benjamín y Darling han creado un espacio maravilloso para conectar con la naturaleza y hacernos sentir como en casa. Como viajera local, he visitado muchas veces la Laguna de Apoyo pero es la primera vez que he podido apreciarla en todo su esplendor. Benjamín, Darling y el resto del equipo son personas muy amables, comunicativas y que entienden las necesidades que se pueden tener como huéspedes. Cada detalle en la casita y en la propiedad están cuidadosamente pensados y el desayuno incluido es buenísimo! Gracias por hacer de nuestra estancia una experiencia inolvidable.
★ 5.0
Un lugar sumamente acogedor y hermoso. Perfecto para desconectarse y relajarse. La casita perfecta para una pareja y Benjamin fue un afitrion increible y atento. Definitivamente estaremos de vuelta:).
★ 5.0
Benjamin tiene un lugar bello, privado y tranquilo. Super cómodo para pasar el fin de semana y relajarse.
★ 5.0
Excelente ubicación, el espacio es tal cual esta en las fotos, un ambiente de paz y relajación y la atención de Benjamín es inmejorable. Definitivamente volvería a ir
★ 5.0
Benjamin is a great host and very hospitable. We stayed two nights in the little green house. The place was recently remodeled and very nice. We also enjoyed a day on the water with the kayak that Benjamin allowed us to use. The lake water is very clean and great for swimming.