La Officina at Finca Malinche

Just below Alejandro’s Nest is La Officina, a spacious, air-conditioned studio room with a king bed OR 2 king singles, office area and separate entrance. There’s also a private reading nook, an en-suite bathroom with hot water supply and a desk area. Originally, La Officina was architect Etienne Dusart’s study & studio so the prime location makes sense, it’s about mid-property and overlooks Mark’s Studio, the Rancho, the Hummingbird Garden and ultimately, the Laguna. There’s plenty of closet and storage space, all with cool stone floors – it’s the perfect private hangout for relaxing and soaking up the tropical ambiance. Finca Malinche, a serene getaway on the shores of Laguna de Apoyo, was the brain-child of Etienne Dusart, a Harvard-trained, award winning organic architect who designed and built Finca Malinche as his home. Acutely environmentally aware, his goal was blending the structure into the inner side of the Apoyo volcanic caldera as it sloped down to the edge of the Laguna. Instead of one large, sprawling building, he laid out a meandering series of casas built of local volcanic rock that nestle under the tropical forest canopy and comingle with the rock-strewn slope. Today, with Etienne’s philosophy as a guide, these casas have been updated to private, self-contained guest accommodation with a large gathering place, the Rancho, down at the Laguna shore. At Finca Malinche you have shared access to all the retreat’s facilities. These include free wifi, on-site secure parking, the landscaped pool with 6m (20’) waterfall, the 13.5 square (35 square km) mile Laguna with direct beach access, one or two-person kayaks and the Rancho. This spacious, two-level, thatch-roofed gathering area features hammocks; deck chairs, lounges; 16-seat, coyote-wood dining table and cooking facilities (fridge, cooktop, toaster oven, tea & coffee-making facilities, drinking water, BBQ). The property has maximum capacity of 10 guests in 5 separate buildings. You will be left in peace to enjoy the property but if you need him Donaldo is available to answer your questions and take care of any problems. He can help with tourist advice etc. On arrival you will be met at the property and shown the facilities. Laguna de Apoyo is a caldera lake. The property is beach front. The neighborhood is lightly populated with a mix of Nicaraguan and foreign home owners, small hotels, hostels and eateries along the waters edge. There are numerous options to travel to Granada, Managua International Airport (1 hour) and all points north and south. Ask Donaldo who is an experienced local guide and driver for help with travel arrangements and advice. Pickup and transfer to and from Managua International Airport can be arranged 24/7 There is a caretaker and night time security guard so the property is attended and secure at all times.