The Best Beachfront at Apoyo (10% Discount for IL Readers)

International Living Postcards--Saturday Edition

Saturday, Aug. 12, 2006

Lake Apoyo in Nicaragua, a 15-minute drive from Granada, and 45 minutes from the international airport at Managua, is the cleanest lake in all Central America, filled with mineral-rich water fed by a series of underground springs. The lake is so clear, you can see more than 100 feet down. Norome has everything a great vacation resort should have: waterfront…beaches…warm, healing waters…a restaurant, room service, a lakeside bar, a secluded Jacuzzi next to a manmade waterfall, one of the best massage therapists in the country, sailing, diving, fishing, some of the best bird watching in the world…privacy, safety, and security.

This region is considered the "heartland" of Nicaragua, with rolling green hills, deep lakes, coffee plantations, and the greatest concentration of towns and villages in the entire country. It is the most interesting and the richest spot in Nicaragua, both in terms of wealth and natural resources.

Many of you have inquired about purchasing a villa at Norome, but unfortunately the villas here have long since sold out. However we have recently created an exceptional opportunity with International Living's lots here.

Norome sits on the sunrise side of Lake Apoyo. The sun peeps above the crater rim early each morning and sparkles on Apoyo's waters, as parrots and oropendulas fly overhead. It's pretty amazing. But the most spectacular sight on the lake is one of Norome's famous sunsets.

Brilliant orange and red light combine with shades of purple on the edge of the crater. The shape of Mombacho Volcano in the distance is outlined against the setting sun.

The best way to see this sunset is from the other side--across the lake from Norome. We have released ten lots for sale…about an acre each…which front a sandy beach on what is called the sunset side of the lake. These sunset lots are the best way to own a piece of this view.

Plus, these beachfront lots come with a bonus: access to all facilities and activities at the Norome Resort.

As this resort becomes more popular--and every indication is that it will--the facilities will be closed to the public, available only to registered guests of the resort and the owners of these lots. So, if a tour bus full of people wants to drop in and have dinner in the restaurant and swim in Lake Apoyo's clear waters, they will not be allowed that privilege. But as an owner of a sunset lot, you will.

Each of the 10 lots costs $99,000. But with an IL discount of 10%, you'll pay but $89,000. There isn't much beachfront left on the shores of Lake Apoyo. According to real estate agents here, the cost per square meter of other beachfront property--if you can even find it--is higher than the cost of these lots.

For more information on IL's available "sunset" lots, go to http://www.il-ireland.com/il/questionnaire/noromesunset and Joe Rosko from the IL office in Nicaragua will send you price lists, plot maps, and more information.

Lief Simon
Real Estate Editor, International Living

P.S. The IL office in Nicaragua can put you in touch with contacts in the architectural and construction field, too. This will help when it comes time for you to build your home on this beautiful spot.