About Us

At the heart of Nicaragua lies a story of compassion, transformation, and the extraordinary journey of Bryan Michalsky, the visionary owner of El Respiro Ecolodge. His story begins after visiting Nicaragua in 2015 as part of a missionary team in the company of his wife Melysa, his father-in-law Ford and his wife Patsy with the aim of repairing water wells in rural communities. This experience left an indelible mark on all of his hearts, weaving the first threads of connection with the country’s vibrant rural communities.

As the years passed, the memories of that impactful trip endured as did a deep desire to contribute more to the beautiful land of Nicaragua and its people that they had known in previous years. In 2022, the family made a decision that changed their lives and they decided to return to Nicaragua and in an incredible twist of fate, they bought the El Respiro Ecolodge hotel. This beautiful, serene retreat in the middle of nature became not only a business venture but a platform for transformative change.

With a deep commitment to making a positive impact in the community, Bryan and his family set out on a mission with the hope that El Respiro will become a beacon of hope, not only providing respite to travelers seeking serenity, but also a source of of support for families in the surrounding areas. Through various community initiatives, El Respiro has begun to improve the lives of those who call these verdant landscapes home.

El Respiro is not simply a place to stay; It has become a center of empowerment, creating job opportunities for the local community. From the warm smiles that welcome guests to the skilled hands that tend the beautiful green landscape, every aspect of the hotel reflects the spirit of community and care.

As El Respiro began to prosper, so did the surrounding communities. El Respiro’s goal with the community is to create sustainable livelihoods for neighboring families. The broken water wells that fueled the initial journey are now a symbol of the transformative impact that a single act of kindness can have on an entire region.

Within the folds of El Respiro’s story is a testament to the ripple effect of compassion. Bryan and his family, drawn by the desire to make a difference, not only created a nest of tranquility, but are also sowing seeds of change, hope and opportunity in Nicaragua.

And so, against the backdrop of stunning landscapes, El Respiro Ecolodge will continue to work and be a testament to the power of compassion, the beauty of community and the enduring legacy of a family that dares to dream beyond borders.