Jicaro Island Resort
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