It’s not every day you come across a lodge that has customers raving about its service, along with global recognition in a short span of time. Yet, Jicaro Island Lodge has managed to do just that. It is known for being an eco-friendly luxury resort in Nicaragua. This five-star hotel located in nature’s lap is a private island that is easily accessible. While its facilities are all within walking distance from your room or ‘casitas’, there are many additional reasons why guests hold them in high regard. We give you a background of the lodge and its amenities to help you plan your next Nicaraguan adventure.

Of course, before booking, you'll want to know all the details about your destination and what to expect. For this reason, we've broken down all of the pertinent information to give you an overview of the lodge and why you should stay here.

Jicaro Island Lodge is an ecotel luxury lodge on the Granada Isletas of Lake Nicaragua. Karen Emanuel, a British entrepreneur, bought the island in 2007. At once, she fell in love with the natural habitat location. Thus, Jicaro Island Lodge was an active business idea for those people looking for distant holidays in a quiet and well-serviced place. Karen set the hotel up with the help of locals. The Jicaro Lodge was also an effort to educate, empower, and train the locals to support their children’s education and create a better environment.

Besides the endorsement by National Geographic, there are many reasons to have a nice vacation at Jicaro Island. Easy accessibility, private time, Wi-Fi in the lodge, and locally sourced but globally inspired cuisines are some of the reasons you will feel special yet connected to nature.

With a fantastic assortment of cocktails, lunch, dinner, and breakfast, there’s every possibility you might take time to explore the tours, wellness activities and yoga retreats in the vicinity. Also, you get to enjoy these services by friendly locals who are warm and forthcoming on preferences. 

As a traveler, the best way to enjoy the hotel stay is to have a spacious and comfortable room, amenities, fine dining, and excellent room service. Jicaro Island has these features but do they live up to the hype? Lets’ take a look.

The casitas are raised high up above the ground. In fact, they appear as tree houses made of eco-friendly material without harming the trees. The rooms have been built around the trees so that you feel one with nature and feature a ceiling fan with cross-ventilation for a calm and serene stay.

A private terrace overlooks the beautiful and calm lake. The first-floor living room opens to the private terrace where you can enjoy some quiet and peaceful time sipping coffee with your loved ones.

The first-floor living room has a staircase which takes you up to the second-floor bedroom. The rooms have a king-sized bed and fresh towels. Even though you are in a forest, you are safe from mosquitoes thanks to themosquito net above the bed. The bathroom has all the necessary supplies for a comfortable stay.

The dining has the theme of local ingredients and a global menu.  To enumerate, each of the meals has been designed with international flavors while also using the local produce. Experience gourmet and a la carte meals as a part of the room service. Non-alcoholic beverages also form a part of the room rates.  Fish is fresh and is directly caught and cooked for guests. Therefore, this gives the best quality food to the guests even as they enjoy the nature around them.

Upon request, the morning beverage is given in the room. The service staff is courteous and ready to extend any support you need. Since the locals are familiar with the place, they can also guide you on the best way to spend your time outside Jicaro Island.

The evening beverage and snack is given if requested as room service. The interiors are regularly kept clean with fresh towels and supplies. Of course, adequate care is taken of any outside insects like mosquitoes by providing a clean and well-maintained mosquito net over the king-sized bed.

Jicaro Lodge has a restaurant and bar that serves cocktails and food. While their menu is a mix of local produce and flavors, fresh items make your eating time worthwhile. Some of the favorites are pancakes, granola, avocado toast, fresh fish, chicken sandwich, garlic shrimp tacos, and passion fruit tart. While there are many other items to choose from for your perfect lunch or dinner date, you must give the homemade recipes a try for some lip-smacking flavors and beautiful memories.

If you are outdoors and would like to try some other delicacies, then there are two places in the vicinity of Jicaro Island Lodge. Pizzeria Don Luca and La Bella del Mar.

Pizzeria Don Luca is moderately priced, and their pizzas are great. The Italian menu is lovely along with the service. The ambiance of the place is welcoming, and you can also enjoy the pasta and Italian offerings. Furthermore, the staff is friendly, and it is only 7.2 km from Jicaro Lodge.

La Bella del Mar is a short 3.3km from Jicaro Island. If you want to go on an adventure, this is the perfect place to be. Guests are happy with the delicious food served in the waters and also enjoy a dive in the water.

Besides some quiet time with nature, Jicaro also offers facilities to relax and unwind with your loved ones. There are a pool, spa and water activities to soak in the place.

Jicaro Island Lodge is a secluded destination perfect for couples and honeymooners. It offers a complete package of relaxing indoors and equally enjoying the outdoors. The Lodge also provides venues for weddings and special events with all the necessary preparations for it.

Jicaro Island Lodge has a wellness center that host guests for a refreshing spa experience. The spa has two rooms with open ventilation and private showers. And, you also get to enjoy the different spas from Swedish and Hot Stone to Shiatsu. Best of all, the resort is free every day.

You can enjoy the Lake Nicaragua waters by indulging in the fishing activities or by taking a boat ride on the Islets. The boat ride on the islets is a three-hour ride where you can also take a swim if you like. Towels are there in this case.

However, if you wish to take part in the fishing on Lake Nicaragua, it will be a two-hour trip. Do ensure you carry additional gear like right clothing, sunscreen and a plastic bag for your camera.

Many guests have loved the service as well as the ambiance and would like to revisit Jicaro Island Lodge in their online reviews. The beauty of the land is as mesmerizing as the modern facilities. A few of the most prevalent pros and cons are as follows: 

As you contemplate on the disadvantages of staying at Jicaro Island, remember that you might not mind considering the quiet and serene environment with limited television. You get to stay in far away from the hustle bustle of your daily life.

Perhaps Jicaro Lodge is not what you had in mind for your luxury getaway to Nicaragua. If this is the case, there are a variety of other options sure to please. These three hotels are situated in the vicinity of Jicaro Island Lodge on Lake Nicaragua.

Isleta El Espino Ecolodge is a relatively new lodge that is 1.3km from Jicaro Island Lodge. While it only started in 2015, it has made sure of its guests' priorities with modern amenities with a blend of nature’s company. Free breakfast comes as part of the package. Additionally, you get to avail of free wi-fi, a swimming pool, yoga center, delicious dining, and spa. And, for a relaxed day, kayaks and bar services. There are other activities to keep you busy, including: shopping, horse-riding, boating, and hiking.

As a guest, you get to stay in one of the five guest rooms featuring a private deck with lake view. Like a tree house, the house is above the ground. The rooms provide windows, ceiling fan, mosquito net, safe, and a private bathroom with hot water. Like Jicaro Island Lodge you'll need to book for a minimum of three days. 

Hotel El Reith Lake is approximately 2.3 km away from Jarico Island Lodge. Once you book your package, you will avail of the air-conditioning, restaurant, and non-smoking rooms. Also, the location, cleanliness, and service are highly rated by guests. The staff is friendly and warm.

A stay at Hotel El Reith Lake gets you some of the best lobsters, meat, wine, and fruits sourced fresh and locally. With 12 rooms, the intimate place still provides a spacious accommodation. It’s ideal for couples and families alike. You get to experience the tours and canoeing around. Amenities include a shared lounge, fitness center, family rooms, non-smoking rooms, and vending machines.

Situated 6.5km from Jicaro Island Lodge, Hotel El Maltese has 10 spacious furnished rooms.  It is situated close to town. It’s affordable with excellent staff who are forthcoming and make you comfortable. Each room has private bathrooms. And, family rooms are available with two big rooms. The amenities include air conditioning, non-smoking restaurant, free parking, smoke-free zones and includes breakfast in your package.

We hope you enjoyed the Jicaro island review and will plan your next trip to Nicaragua soon. If you enjoyed our list make sure to share it with your family and friends before your next trip.

What were the best things about Jicaro Island Lodge that will make you take a trip this year? Let us know in the comments!

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