The Offbeat Goat Collection

Jicaro Island Lodge

Granada & Surroundings, Nicaragua

Nicaragua / Granada & Surroundings / Jicaro Island Lodge

Rustic-luxe palapa-thatched casitas perched on a jungled on a secluded island in Lake Nicaragua

Smack dab in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, this eco-friendly island retreat is conscious luxury at its best. Designed by British architect Matthew Falkiner and built entirely with trees felled by Hurricane Felix, this eco-forward hotel has sustainability in its DNA. Just a short boat ride from Granada, yet utterly secluded and surrounded by pristine nature, this tiny lodge is worth the splurge.

And we love the "island for sale" backstory of Jicaro Island's British owner, Karen Emanuel, who took the plunge, bought an island, and never returned to the UK. Pricey? Yes. But luxury, hand in hand with sustainability, is worth every penny.

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“Harmony with nature and the local community was a key consideration in the development and sustainability of Jicaro…When translated into our daily work, sustainability means that we always try to minimize the environmental impact of our daily operations while actively contributing to the local community. Through our sustainability activities, we aim to improve the lives of our neighbors and help them realize a more vibrant future. In order to ensure the sustainability of our initiatives.”

—Jicaro Island Lodge

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the look.

Perched on a jungled hillside overlooking the lake, the stilted 2-story tree houses offer that quintessential jungle vibe. Airy rooms with soothing interiors are tastefully designed with local materials and salvaged wood.

Low-lying king-sized beds decked out in crisp white sheets and draped in mosquito nets look out through large floor-to-ceiling windows framing the tropical foliage. Expansive wooden decks brimming with oversized hammocks and comfy chairs offer tip-top birds-eye views over the lake.

the experience.

sustainability tours

Join the lodge’s sustainability tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at its sustainability practices, or visit its innovative projects providing sustainable solutions to development challenges for the neighboring communities.

access to pristine nature

Explore the well-regarded Ometepe Biosphere Reserve (considered the largest island in the world with the most conservation value). Plenty of hiking and biking trails traverse this unique island.

lakeside adventures

Explore the 400 small islands (Las Isletas) on a boat tour —Monkey Island is not to be missed. Some tours also offer insights into the art of traditional artisanal fishing methods. Be sure not to miss a sunrise or sunset kayaking, topped off with a romantic dinner for two on a floating deck in the lake.

explore the sites

Snowboard down the black sands of the Cerro Negro Volcano or spend a day hiking at the Mombacho Natural Reserve and climbing “La Roca” — a lookout over Granada’s beautiful islands, the volcanoes, and Lake Nicaragua. For thrill-seekers, ziplining is available at Mombacho Volcano and Canopy Zip Line. Or venture out on horseback through pasturelands and cacao farms (horses start out at Hacienda La Puerta, situated in the foothills of the majestic Mombacho Volcano).

the impact.

The Lodge is recognized as Nicaragua’s top nature resort and is a member of the exclusive National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World and the Cayuga Collection of Sustainable Luxury Hotels.

Eco-design

The buildings were constructed to minimize the impact on the natural surroundings, utilizing timber reclaimed from trees felled during Hurricane Felix. All tropical hardwoods were FSC Rainforest Alliance certified.

Conservation-focused

95% of its workforce is local, and the hotel is committed to incorporating local artwork and fixtures in its interior design.

Community-centric

Committed to local hires, subcontracting services locally, and buying and producing locally. A percentage of profits also supports projects that provide food to the local people in a sustainable way. For example, the lodge introduced a biodigester to a neighboring pig farm to turn pig waste into clean energy instead of relying on trees as biomass for cooking.

Culinary sustainability

Committed to sourcing local ingredients and produce where possible. The lodge started an edible garden growing herbs and vegetables where 50% of the garden’s output is shared with the families maintaining the garden.

Waste, water, and energy management

Energy is generated through solar panels. Cross ventilation only (no air-con). The lodge uses a water filtration system, and all wastewater is treated on the island with a treatment plant. The lodge strictly follows its “Reduce, Reuse, Re-cycle” mantra encouraging minimal trash and a robust recycling program.

at a glance.

$$$

good to know

9 two-story casitas, all a short walk from the hotel pool and restaurant. Children over 12 are welcome. Rates include meals, roundtrip transportation, tours (including a sustainability tour), and activities.