Curated by Katy

Seven waterfront casitas sit tucked amidst lush vegetation on a private islet in Lake Nicaragua. Jicaro Island Lodge is a refreshingly intimate property with views of the impressive Mombacho Volcano and only a short boat ride away from one of Nicaragua's most charming cities.

The all-inclusive island resort offers an intimate escape in total symbiosis with nature, around which the resort was dreamed up. Raised and roomy accommodations made of recycled wood are the perfect temporary home for fueling up on Nicaragua's beauty, delicious cuisine, and kind people. Guests come for the combination of relaxation and adventurous excursions, including hiking volcanoes in the morning, yoga and massages in between hammock naps for the afternoon, and romantic lakeside dinners in the eve, making for perfect Central American days.


At a glance

Location: Jicaro Island, Nicaragua

Price: from $4500

Rooms: 7

Suitable for: Families

 

Nearest Airport(s): Managua International Airport (MGA): 1 hour 15 minutes by car

Arrive by: Car, bus or shuttle to a boat transfer

Open: Year Round

Check in: 2pm Check out: 11am


The Hotel

Envisioned by architect Matthew Falkner, the property was designed to respect the existing character of the island. The property consists of seven casitas, a seawater pool, a spa below the canopies, and a yoga deck. 

The structures were built almost entirely of timber from trees blown down during Hurricane Felix. Those remaining were preserved, and none of the boulders were moved from their original locations. What results is an organic, free-flowing design that incorporates Jicaro into the island's natural terrain. Their philosophy around design, nature, and social impact has earned them recognition on multiple occasions by National Geographic as one of the world's best eco-lodges.

 

Rooms

The two-story casitas have an airy upstairs bedroom and a spacious downstairs living area. Just outside, private waterfront decks are perfect for taking in the lake views over morning coffee and banana bread or for reading a book in the hammock. Most casitas are exposed to the views, while some are more blanketed by the tropical vegetation for more privacy. All are sublime.

 

Food and drink

At the center of Jicaro's island experience is lakeside dining alongside their open kitchen. Working exclusively with locally-sourced artisan products and fresh ingredients, Jicaro's restaurant serves up three multi-course meals daily as well as snacks and beverages. The meals included with each guest's stay showcase Nicaragua's flavors and are also available for vegetarians and vegans alike. Gastronomic bliss is served up with breathtaking views over the lake and terrain beyond.

 

The area

Jicaro is surrounded by natural beauty. A beautiful example of Central America's colonial past, the UNESCO city of Granada is rich with historical vitality. Red tile roofs, stone streets, and courtyard gardens tell the story of a faded grandeur of years past, and its lakeside location makes it all the more charming. Nearby, abundant natural wonders await more adventurous travelers, from active volcanoes to the hundreds of islets on Lake Nicaragua. The region's rich culture and natural wonders will be great for your visit year-round with its frequent sunny, warm weather.

 

The visionary

Owner Karen fell in love with the gently lapping waters of Lake Nicaragua on a visit to the area in 2007. After seeing an "Island for Sale" sign in a Granada restaurant, she was on a boat to visit the islet. The dream of an eco-retreat began forming in her mind. A few weeks later, she wired over a deposit for what would become the future site of Jicaro. Today, her dream has become a reality, and promises that guests will leave just as enamored with the island as she was.

Good to know

There are several inclusions that come with your stay including 3 meals, snacks, and beverages daily; boat transfers from Granada; and recreation equipment.

You won’t find any AC on the property. Because of its clever design, cross-ventilation, canopy shade, and ceiling fans keep the casitas cool, with no need for air conditioning on the property. 

Children of all ages are welcome. 

Jicaro is also available for exclusive rental for up to 21 guests.

Good Trips perks

Welcome drink

Flexible Check-in & Check-out upon availability

Complementary Granada City Tour or Fishing Tour

Promo code: GOODTRIPS


 

Sustainability in practice

Sustainability is at Jicaro’s core. A member of The Cayuga Collection of Sustainable Luxury Hotels, the property is part of various environmental awareness efforts and sustainability programs. They represent a new generation of hoteliers leading the way for intelligent luxury travel. Jicaro believes strongly in sustainable travel and hospitality practices that look after the environment while simultaneously benefiting the local community. The hotel was built with minimum impact on the island and carefully considered water supply, wastewater treatment, and electricity usage. They are dedicated to hiring local staff (most of whom have been with the hotel for more than ten years) and buying goods and foods from artisan suppliers, which is essential to the health of the local economy. 

Good for the Economy

  • Greater economic opportunities generated for locals, and fair wages paid

  • Supporting community outreach programs

  • Championing local businesses

Good for the Culture

  • Provide meaningful and respectful connections between locals and travellers

  • Conserve built and living cultural heritage and values

  • Foster tolerance, inclusivity, and intercultural understanding in within the workplace and in the community

  • Involve locals in decisions that may directly affect them

Good for the Environment

  • Off-grid

  • Low-to-no plastic use

  • Conscious waste and water management

  • Runs on renewable energy resources

Good for Wellbeing

  • Food is 0KM, local, seasonal, humane, and organic

  • Locally made, organic toiletries

  • Enhances the wellbeing of local

  • No chemical swimming pool

  • Yoga and Toxin-free massages are available

Good Design

  • Nature preservation is central

  • Construction materials are local and low impact

  • Locally designed/made furniture and/or secondhand

  • Designed with the local surroundings in mind

 
 

Book with promo code GOODTRIPS for special incentives.

 

 

Katy Hoogerwerf

Katy is a New Orleans native who grew up shaped by the art, design, music, and famously good food her hometown is known for. Her passion and expertise lie in finding design-led conscious businesses and sharing them with you.

 

 

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