N I C A R A G U A

executive summary by darmansjah

Jicaro Island Lodge- Jicaro sits serenely on a tiny islet in the freshwater “ocean” of Lake Nicaragua, a short boat ride from Granada, the oldest colonial city in Central America. Constructed from salvaged hardwoods felled by a hurricane in 2007, the nine casitas cater to romantic escape (sorry, no kids under 12). Couples relish the privacy of large breezy bedrooms, intimate dinners, and easy access to Granada’s cafes and cobblestoned streets. “ SUSTAINABLITY  has been built into Jicaro from the ground up,” says Hans Pfister, one of the founders of the Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality collection of small eco-hotels that includes Jicaro. More active guests set out on hikes along the flanks of Mombacho Volcano and kayak among the other 300 islets. 9 casitas; from $390, including full board and round-trip boat transportation from Granada.