Jicaro Island Lodge is a 9-casita ecolodge on a private islet in Lake Nicaragua, about 15 minutes by boat from Granada. It suits couples and small groups who want a quiet, sustainable island base with morning yoga, lake views of Mombacho Volcano and easy trips into colonial Granada.
What it's like
Jicaro is a tiny private island in Las Isletas, the cluster of small islands off Granada in Lake Nicaragua. The lodge has just 9 two-story casitas set under big trees, each with a bedroom upstairs, a living area downstairs and a waterfront deck with an oversized hammock. Look across the water and you'll see Mombacho Volcano.
The old website at jicarolodge.com no longer works. The lodge now runs from jicaroisland.com and is part of the Cayuga Collection of sustainable hotels in Central America.
Sustainability isn't an add-on here. The buildings and furniture were made from tropical hardwood reclaimed after Hurricane Felix in 2007, and the builders worked around big trees and boulders instead of clearing them. There's no air conditioning; cross-breezes and ceiling fans do the job. Solar panels heat the water, drinking water is filtered on the island, wastewater is treated on site, and the pool is chlorine-free.
The programs
Jicaro isn't a structured retreat center with fixed schedules. Think of it as a calm island base where wellness is woven into the day:
- Daily morning yoga on a deck overlooking the lake, with mats, blocks and straps provided (private classes cost extra)
- A small wellness center with two treatment rooms offering Swedish, shiatsu and hot stone massage (not included in the rate)
- A pool with a swim-up bar
- Unlimited kayaks and paddleboards
- A resident nature guide, plus complimentary artisanal fishing and Granada city tours
Your stay includes three multi-course à la carte meals a day, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. There's also a free behind-the-scenes sustainability tour if you're curious how the island runs.
The lodge also supports nearby communities. Guest donations funded solar power at the local Padre Nello school, and the island works with local families on a chicken coop, an edible garden and a biodigester project.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
Jicaro is a good pick for couples, honeymooners and anyone who wants a few slow days of yoga, swimming and reading in a hammock, with Granada's colonial streets close by. With only 9 casitas, it rarely feels busy.
It's less suited to anyone who wants a full retreat program with workshops and teachers, or who can't sleep without air conditioning. Island life also means you're on boat time for every trip off the island.
Getting there
Fly into Managua International Airport. A private driver takes you about 60 minutes to Asese Port in Granada, and from there it's roughly 15 minutes by boat to the island. The lodge also mentions Liberia airport in Costa Rica as an alternative, with a longer drive.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jicaro Island Lodge still open?
Yes. It's taking bookings through its current website, jicaroisland.com, and is listed by the Cayuga Collection.
Does Jicaro offer yoga?
Yes. There's daily morning yoga on a lakeside deck, with equipment provided. Private classes are extra.
Are meals included?
Yes. Three multi-course meals a day, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Massages and spa treatments are not.
How do I get to Jicaro Island?
Fly to Managua, drive about an hour to Asese Port near Granada, then take a 15-minute boat ride.
Do the casitas have air conditioning?
No. They're designed for natural cross-ventilation, with ceiling fans.
