A Popoyo Story
Our Story | Pelícano Popoyo Villas – Nicaragua
About Pelícano Popoyo
From the forests of Québec to the Pacific coast of Nicaragua.
Pelícano Popoyo began with a decision to change pace.
I grew up in the Laurentians in Québec, Canada, in a small town called Prévost. Much of my childhood was spent outdoors — hiking through forests, paddle boarding on the lakes, and simply being close to nature. Later I became an osteopath and built a large clinic in the region. Life was full and rewarding, but also fast and structured.
My first trip to Nicaragua was motivated by a simple curiosity: surf.
When I arrived in Popoyo, something about the place stayed with me. The coastline felt open and untouched, far from the large resorts and busy beach towns found in many destinations. There was space, nature, and a slower rhythm of life.
Alex & Daniela — founders of Pelícano Popoyo
Four years later I returned to see if living here might actually be possible. I stayed for three months. When I went back to Québec, the answer was clear — I sold my clinic, my belongings, and eight months later moved to Nicaragua.
Pelícano grew from that decision.
Instead of building a traditional hotel, we chose to develop private villas in Popoyo, offering travelers a more personal and independent way to stay on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. For many travelers, the way we travel evolves — after the first trips in hotels, people often begin looking for something more personal: their own space, a kitchen, a pool, and a place that feels more like a home than a room.
Each villa was designed with that idea in mind. I was personally involved in the design of the homes, from the materials to the colors, working with local artisans to incorporate natural elements and handcrafted details.
Today Pelícano is shaped by both of us.
While I focus on the property and daily operations, Daniela leads much of the strategy and guest experience, helping transform what began as a personal life project into a thoughtful place for travelers to stay and explore Nicaragua.
We remain closely involved in how Pelícano evolves, together with a small local team we are proud of.
Popoyo itself is still the reason we are here. Today Pelícano offers private villa stays in Popoyo, allowing travelers to experience this coastline with space and privacy. Known for its surf, it remains one of the rare places where nature, simplicity, and space still define the experience.
Pelícano is simply our way of sharing this place with others.
— Alex & Daniela
A Few Things We Care About
Space
Popoyo is one of the rare places where space still exists.
Simplicity
Travel doesn't have to be complicated.
Privacy
Each villa offers your own space and rhythm.
Hospitality
When someone travels far to be here, it deserves care.
Curious to experience Pelícano for yourself?