Testimonials on the hotel experience, Granada, the Isletas and Nicaragua travel.
“We had the most WONDERFUL time! Jicaro was terrific. We met very interesting people and were lucky that tour operators and representatives from the Rain Forest Alliance came in the day before we left and we were treated to a presentation of the sustainability program at Jicaro by Fabian.”
Charleen Heidt
“I had an amazing time at Jicaro!! I am still gushing. It is truly a special magical place. I have traveled all around the world and visited some fantastic properties but Jicaro really blew me away. I actually told my husband that it's the place where I'd love for us to have our honeymoon that we never had. (more)
The casitas are gorgeous, the food was delicious, the staff wonderfully warm and friendly. I love the school project, by the way, and really hope that will take off in terms of donations. In fact, I just wrote a blog post in which I mention it.”
Anja Mutic
“Jicaro is rather a boutique luxury retreat, complete with cool welcome drinks under sweeping palm fronds, fresh locally-grown coffee served on private decks, designer dinners, and a decadent Zen-like spa overlooking the still waters. Yet, it is guilt -free, with water heated by solar panels, the two-story casitas made from Rainforest Alliance certified wood (salvaged from Hurricane Felix, no less), and organic and biodegradable soaps, cleaning detergents and spa products throughout. Even the straws, bowls, placemats, and other utensils pulse with nature, made as they are from the local jicaro wood.”
Richard Bangs
Author of the Lost River
Producer of Adventures with a Purpose
After a long flight and drive to the boat dock, I was greeted with a big smile from Carolina who showed me to the boat which would take me to Jicaro Island Ecolodge. Upon arrival at the Ecolodge, Claudia provided me with a refreshing iced tea made from a local grass. In the mid-afternoon sun, it was a pleasant and much needed surprise. (more)
Chef Callie, Alex and Elben prepared and served modern meals based on traditional Nicaraguan food. In the open air kitchen, I learned how the meals are created and that the food chosen for the Ecolodge is sourced from local farmers which improves the local economy.
On my first night there, Matt taught me about sustainability efforts at the Lodge. It was interesting to learn how Jicaro was built – the salvaged wood, the attempts to bring in solar energy but due to the number of trees (and not wanting to remove them), it just wasn’t possible, as well as hiring local staff and educating them on the importance of sustainability.
Fabian took me on guided tours of Granada, Mombacho volcano and the artisan town of Catarina. He provided me with a detailed history of Nicaragua and I was impressed with his knowledge and ability to answer all of my questions – of which I had many! We also shared a delicious typical meal while in Catarina.
The entire staff of Jicaro welcomed me like a member of the family. It is apparent that teamwork is a priority amongst the staff as well as caring for their guests; ensuring a positive, relaxing and enlightening experience for anyone who stays there.
I look forward to returning to Jicaro and seeing how the Ecolodge develops but from what I can tell, their first steps have been positive for the guest experience, the staff and the local community and environment.
Want to explore a new Spanish speaking country with amazing people, minimal capitalism, low crime, amazing fresh fruits, and a variety of activities? Then plan your next destination to be in the beautiful country of Nicaragua.
If you are planning a trip to Nicaragua, a minimum of a 3 night stay at the tail end of your trip at Jicaro Island Eco Lodge in Granada is a “must do”. The only downside of doing this is that you will never want to leave. Seriously. Obviously, I am not alone in my findings.
I’d say that the top three things that are most amazing about Jicaro are: (more).
1. Amazing attention to customer service:
The staff was remarkably friendly, actively seeking how to assist you without needing to be asked (i.e. every time I stepped back onto the island I was greet with an iced tea and a cold face towel), and most of the service was “invisible” (which is how 5-star service should be – i.e. nightly turn down service). Anything that I wanted and needed, they were able to accommodate (i.e. I asked if I could use the yoga deck at 6am for my practice, and when I arrived it was swept, mopped, yoga mats rolled out, and an extension cord was there for my iPod) . It is clear that the management is aware on how to train their staff, and manage a high end resort…. Jicaro had a very comfortable feeling, almost leading me to believe that “Hey, this is MY island” . Incredible!
2. Beautiful Wood Handcrafted Structures and Landscape Design Work:
The tropical hardwoods of Nicaragua are breathtaking, and the solid craftsmanship and attention to detail on the fabrication to the open air structures is brilliant. The casitas are so solid and interesting – I selt like I had my own two story boat! The entire island is landscaped in a way where is sustainable and lush, and hardly any “maintenance” is needed (or I don’t hear/see anyone working – again, hats off to Jicaro for this one!). When the built the structures, they did not displace any of the large trees. No “earthmovers” were used to displace the land. The land created the resort. On the island, I felt like I was one with the land.
3. Creative and Refreshing Cuisine:
Hats off to the chef and the culinary team for some of the most simple, creative and fresh tasting food that I’ve had …and, no, I do not mean just in Central America! The uncompromising culinary team uses only local, organic and fresh ingredients (all of the herbs are grown right on the island) is clearly the winning formula. While there is some traditional fare on the menu, many of the chef’s dishes are so creative mixing various savory and sweet ingredients together which blend so surprisingly well. How they get these ingredients all out to the island on a daily basis to feed the guests baffles me. I found myself wanting to try everything on the menu at all meals, and, to my pleasant surprise, when I was watching the chef work as I sat the counter in the open kitchen , she gave me a few “sample plates” – pure gastronomic bliss.
Note: The website and photos for Jicaro Eco Lodge does not do this island resort fair justice – it is much more gorgeous in person, and the service and food – you need to also experience this for yourself! But hey, maybe, they are trying to keep customers away…. To keep it “exclusive”??? Fine by me! I don’t want this to get too “discovered”
"I have traveled to many amazing, four and five star properties abound the world and the Jicaro Hotel Ecolodge is among the more amazing. The setting is beautiful and serene, overlooking other islands, Mombacho Volcano, and the lake. The hotel is had a modern look, lots of beautiful hard woods from around Nicaragua, with picture postcard views everywhere you look. The temperature in that part of the world is always near perfect, so that weather is seldom a concern. The masseur I had was wonderful and also very inexpensive. The food from the imported San Francisc o chief very good. It was an excellent value."
Antonio, New York
"We are staying at the newly opened jicaro ecolodge, an absolute gem of a hotel anywhere but especially here, in nicaragua and shouldn't be missed. It has these cabanas, two floor high, with these delicious big beds that face the screens that open on the water, absolutely beautiful. it is so relaxing, calming and a find..."
Ana, New York
"What a great feeling of getting away from it all without having to give up comfort. I would return just to go up on the 'mirador' again to take more pictures of the spectacular views. It was so peaceful and quiet and the staff so friendly and accommodating. Great healthy local food. "
Maria Laura, San Jose
How was your experience at Jicaro? Write to us at info@jicarolodge.com
Winner of the 2010 Global Vision Award for Environmental Leadership
Winner of Conde Nast World Saver Award 2010