Jicaro Lodge.com

Ziplining and Hiking Mombacho

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Thu, 31 May 2012 17:25:00 +0000

Today was fantastic. It was the perfect day to do the Mombacho tour. We hopped into an air conditioned safari jeep (zebra print on the side) and were on our way. I got the pleasure of going with a couple who was actually on their honeymoon. They were so much fun. (HAPPY HONEYMOON) We started out zip lining. This was premium. I say that because it was one line to the next, across the hanging bridge, and to the next. It was so much fun! I zip lined like ‘Super Girl!’ and upside down! It really was a great experience. The guides were great sports and in good spirits the whole time.

Then we went hiking. We drove to the national park, and then up some very, very steep hills. It was really crazy but super interesting. Once we got to the mid-point, there was a little coffee place that we decided to stop at after the hiking. At the top it was beautiful. A little cooler and it felt good! The trail was so nice. It was easy to get around and our guide was very knowledgeable. He has been working with this same company since he was 13 I believe. So he knew a lot of information and had the eye to point out some cool animals to us as well. It was a really relaxing tour. You could smell the sulfur from the volcano which was interesting, and hear the thunder (not that it rained) but it was so cool because it gave the hike more depth. The craters that we got to see were not what you would imagine for the normal volcano. They were lush with green trees! Seriously, it was beautiful I can’t even tell you for it is something you truly need to experience.

After the hike, we had lunch that was prepared for us by the hotel, and then came back. Overall it was a wonderful day for what we did. Warm, but a little overcast to keep it a little cooler. I would definitely go again.

Located on a private island on Lake Nicaragua near Granada, Jicaro Lodge is a boutique hotel offering a variety of tours and activities.

Arriving at Jicaro: An Island Oasis on Lake Nicaragua

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:48:00 +0000

Jicaro's management company, Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, has an intern helping out for a few weeks in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Here is her story of arriving at our island paradise...

The plane ride from Costa Rica was… an experience to say the least. One experience everyone should get the opportunity to try. Driving from the airport to the ferry stop, as I like to call it, in Granada, you can see all walks of life. You start in the country area of Nicaragua, animals are everywhere. Then you get to Granada, a relatively short ride, and the bright colored house fronts will remind you of the tropics. Throughout the city are 3 different churches (one being a cathedral).

Getting on the boat, I am looking around at volcanos, jungle, and lake. If I know anything, it’s a good lake when I see it (being from North Dakota/Minnesota area). This lake is gorgeous. I have never seen anything like it. Birds fly past you; you fly past others’ homes. Each home is different. Some have grass tops, some look like those I’ve seen in the city (of metal), all heavily sharing their land with trees.

Then you come upon Jicaro Island Ecolodge. Mouth dropped. Just the most beautiful place you can imagine. Literally, an island oasis, the paths are so strategically placed in between each tree and bush it is seamlessly created without harming the beauty surrounding it. You’re greeted with traditional Grama tea, which grows naturally here, and a cool, moist towel. Walking to your private casita, you cannot even count the wildlife here that you pass on the way. I can’t wait to explore more.

Located on a private island on Lake Nicaragua near Granada, Jicaro Lodge is a boutique hotel offering a variety of tours and activities.

Jicaro: A Paradisiacal Place

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:30:00 +0000

“It is a paradisiacal place, fabulous, wonderful" are some of the expressions of our guests who enjoy an atmosphere full of peace and tranquillity at Jicaro Island. Sitting and watching the sunset, listening to the soft waves of the great Lake, watching a variety of birds, and returning to peacefully sleep on the island are some of the experiences that make a very pleasant stay at the hotel. Come visit our beautiful island and feel the peace that resides in this place.

Located on a private island on Lake Nicaragua near Granada, Jicaro Lodge is a boutique hotel offering a variety of tours and activities.

Earth Day at Jicaro

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:41:00 +0000

The team at Jicaro Island Ecolodge took native plants found in our gardens and gave them to the children of Cedric Martin School as a contribution to help our Mother Earth on her day.

We helped plant the seedlings and the children will continue to protect the trees through irrigation, monitoring and cleaning.

Located on a private island on Lake Nicaragua near Granada, Jicaro Lodge is a boutique hotel offering a variety of tours and activities.

Kayaking at Jicaro

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:30:00 +0000

Our hotel is surrounded by nature. Most of the small islands are covered with a great natural beauty, which makes it a perfect place to explore this beautiful landscape on a kayaking tour that can be done in the morning or in the afternoon. You will not only enjoy the flora and local fauna, but also the beautiful sunrise and a fantastic sunset.

The tranquillity surrounding these small islands make you feel so alive, offering a very pleasant time in connection with nature.

In view of the majestic Mombacho Volcano near the Granada Isletas, Jicaro caters to honeymooners with exceptional food and relaxing spa services.

Cocktail Classes at Jicaro

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:30:00 +0000

Our guests who visit Jicaro Island Ecolodge have different experiences with the members of our staff. One of these are the cocktail classes. This is an experience where we share with our guests part of our culture. They learn how to prepare fresh and delicious cocktails to then be tasted at the bar. The preparation of cocktails at the Hotel has been one of the most fun experiences for some of our guests!

Located on a private island on Lake Nicaragua near Granada, Jicaro Lodge is a boutique hotel offering a variety of tours and activities.

Our sister hotels, Part 2!

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:40:00 +0000

We're giving away another EcoSalsa CD to the first person who comments and correctly names Jicaro's sister hotel that we're featuring below! Here are a few hints:

This hotel is located in Costa Rica, just a short distance from its capital and the International Airport.
It has a coffee plantation onsite as well as a spa and offers other activities like the cultural highlands tour and birdwatching.
Poas Volcano is just a short distance away.
It has five green leaves from the CST and is the only hotel to receive a perfect score of 100%
It is a place you will want to spend a few days at in order to fully enjoy all of its amenities.

In view of the majestic Mombacho Volcano near the Granada Isletas, Jicaro caters to honeymooners with exceptional food and relaxing spa services.

Our sister hotels!

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:37:00 +0000

Jicaro and our sister hotels, managed by Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, are having a contest this week! All you have to do is be the first person to comment and correctly name the hotel we're featuring below and you'll win an EcoSalsa CD! Here are a few clues and photos:

This hotel opened about 4 1/2 years ago
It is located in Costa Rica, near one of the country's most beautiful national parks
It is the only hotel in the area with direct access to two beaches
It is set in the rainforest
It was awarded both 5 leaves of sustainability as well as 5 stars

Located on a private island on Lake Nicaragua near Granada, Jicaro Lodge is a boutique hotel offering a variety of tours and activities.

Green Season Values at Jicaro

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 19:05:00 +0000

Planning your honeymoon or just want to get away this upcoming summer season? Jicaro is pleased to offer these two special promotions to allow you to rest and rejuvenate on our private island. Email us at info@jicarolodge.com for details and to make your reservation!

Honeymoon and Romantic Escape
March 1 through December 14^th, 2012

Green Season Special
March 1 through December 14^th, 2012

Located on a private island on Lake Nicaragua, Jicaro is a boutique hotel offering a variety of tours and activities.

Yoga with the kids from Cedric Martin School

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Once again, our guests shared a morning full of happiness with the children of the Cedric Martin School. This school is located within the community of Las Isletas of Granada. The students, accompanied by their teachers, visited the Jicaro Island Ecolodge to have a recreational morning with the yoga instructors Juliana, Leah and Adrienne. Adrienne is a founding member of KarmaNica, an organization that supports these children.

After sharing a yoga session with the children of the Cedric Martin School, the women from the yoga retreat visited the school to experience some very special moments with the children.

We hope you'll visit the school during your next visit to Jicaro and consider making a donation. Your tax deductible donation will put a huge smile on their faces, that’s guaranteed.

Check out more photos on our Facebook page!

Jicaro's New Herb & Fruit Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:44:00 +0000

Our sustainability team at Jicaro Island Ecolodge initiated the establishment of an herb garden that includes a variety of herbs and fruits such as basil, mint, oregano, coriander, lemon, banana, etc., that are carefully cultivated on Jicaro Island.

Fresh spices and fruits are harvested from our garden and are then added to the dishes to give it that special flavor our guests love to taste. To know more about our garden, you can participate in our short sustainability tour around the island, during which we will share with you our sustainable experiences and latest developments at Jicaro.

Birthday Celebrations at Jicaro!

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:35:00 +0000

In our lives we always have very special moments. One of these events is the day of our birthday. And there is nothing better than to spend it on Jicaro Island Ecolodge – a paradise-like place of peace and tranquility. Recently, it was Daniela’s birthday and she decided to spend this special day of celebrating another year of life surrounded by an atmosphere full of beauty, nature and good friends.

In the picture we see Danielle next to the hotel staff of Jicaro who were singing happy birthday and the Nicaraguan version “mañanitas”, which was accompanied by a lot of clapping and happy laughter.

New School Uniforms!

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:59:00 +0000

In Nicaragua, the school year starts in February and finishes in December. So, right now the children of the Cedric Martin school have enjoyed their break and are returning. Only this time they will not come back with empty hands, because thanks to the school project run by Jicaro Island Ecolodge it was possible to supply them with uniforms, shoes and school supplies which will come in very handy as these impoverished children begin school again.

Full of happiness, parents and children came to the school to participate in the event of receiving this small donation given at the end of November 2011. The project’s purpose is to improve the education of the schools of the “Isletas community” day by day in order for the children to have a better education and future.

During your next visit to Jicaro Island Ecolodge, you can have the chance to share with these children and help them build their dream.

Birdwatching at Jicaro

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:45:00 +0000

The summer season in Nicaragua starts in the month of November until April, and is one of the best seasons for the observation of birds. Many species of birds migrate from North America, looking for better weather and food in tropical countries.

This wonderful experience of enjoying the birds can be easily found in the environment around Jicaro Island Ecolodge. You can take walks, take a boat tour or kayaking tour in the vicinity of the hotel and find different species of resident and migratory birds who have found a paradise in the area of the islets of Granada. In the vicinity of Jicaro, you can observe: Herons, osprey, cormorants, kingfishers, whistling - ducks, parakeet, among others that you can hear every morning or in the afternoon singing happily on our little island.

Jicaro's Pig Project

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:42:00 +0000

Jicaro Island Ecolodge is committed to the support of the community of Las Isletas de Granada. For this reason we started a pig farm project on one of the neighboring islands. The long-term goal of this project is to produce bio-gas for the family living on the island, so that they will be able to use this gas for cooking. Once this project has been carried out successfully it will be introduced on other Isletas as well, so that ultimately the firewood consumption in the community will gradually decrease. So far our sustainability team helps the family by bringing over the food leftovers from the restaurant to feed the pigs, so that no extra costs for food will have to be spent.

Next time you visit Jicaro Island Ecolodge you can learn and experience more about this project by visiting our enchanting community.

Jicaro Culinary Highlights!

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Food at Jicaro can be described as a Gastronomical Journey of its freshest ingredients and its traditional creations. Nicaragua, like most Latin American countries, has a mixture of African/European/Caribbean-Creole and even a little bit of Asian flavors. We´re a melting pot of flavors and preparations. Fruits and vegetables will be featured, from the moment the sun sends its very first ray of sunlight, in the form of a refreshing juice, or a colorful fruit plate, or let us surprise you with our seasonal fruit cocktails (mandarin mojitos, cactus fruit daiquiris, passion fruit margaritas, to name a few).

Salads will entice our guests during lunch with a variety of lightly-seasoned creations, utilizing a mixture of fruits/ legumes/beans such as chayote and pipian (squash families), chilote (baby corn), grapefruit, papaya, beets, seasoned with herbs grown on the premises and topped with local farmers cheeses. Delicacies from our lakes and oceans feature Shrimp Tacos, baked Guapote (also known as Jaguar Capote), and succulent “mojarras”, a small but flavorful fresh water fish (ciclid familly).

Sit back and enjoy the afternoon breeze and views of Mount Mombacho Volcano, while we prepare Hors d´oeuvres and wine in anticipation for a quiet candlelight dinner, an excellent opportunity to try the revered Nicaraguan beef (tasty and succulent), pelibuey (local lamb), or a made-to-order ceviche/carpaccio freshly caught. We offer an open kitchen, and guests are welcome to experience our traditional preparations with our chef.

You will be able to taste Vigorón (baked pork with yucca and a spicy-tangy fruit sauce), quesillo (soft cheese with homemade tortillas), Sopa de Punche (Crab Soup) and the famous “Cabayo Bayo” on Saturday, another opportunity to taste many preparations served in traditional pottery, including meat and vegetable hashes, and experience our gastronomy , drinks, garments, and musical traditions. At Jícaro Lodge you will definitely experience Nicaragua´s freshest fare and traditional tastes!

Cedric Martin School Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

JicaroIsland Ecolodge has, as one of its main objectives, to support the community of Las Isletas. One of these priorities is education, which is essential for the development of any society. Primary students attend school daily and the children commute in small boats to their school to continue preparing for a better future that will help them develop and become professionals, helping in the development of their community.

There are three schools, which are located in the Isletas which Jicaro has been working directly with on programs such as environmental education, donated supplies and infrastructure support. This has been due to the support of our guests, who have seen the need and desire to learn in these children.

Karen Emmanuel was visiting the Cedric Martin School and shared with the children a very cheerful morning. Both teachers and students appreciated the visit of the owner of Jicaro Island Ecolodge, as well as for her valuable support provided to these children.

Granada Market

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

The Market in the city of Granada is located in one of the colonial style buildings, built in the late nineteenth century. It is the main site to find fruits and vegetables grown in the area. Very early in the morning, you will find many people visiting this site to do their shopping. It is a very busy place, but there are always enough products for everyone. Oranges, papayas, melons, avocados, pineapple, cucumbers etc., are some of the products purchased by the Jicaro Island Ecolodge that are used in the preparation of dishes and delicious juices.

Karen Emmanuel, owner of Jicaro, recently visited this market to meet one of our local suppliers of fruit and vegetables and spent some time walking through the market to talk to buyers and sellers, learning more about local life. In the future, Jicaro plans to plant orchards with families located on the Isletas to help them improve their quality of life.

Cocktails and Coffee at Jicaro!

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Our guests often tell us that not only are our cocktails delicious and refreshing but they're so pleased to see how reasonably priced they are, as well! With three pages of drinks to choose from, there are sure to be a few that you'd like to try during your stay with us! Here are a few of our guests favorites...

The Macua...made with Rum Extra Lite, sugar syrup, guava juice, orange and lime...

The Jicaro Sunset...made with Jicaro Liquor, passion fruit juice, banana and coconut milk...

For a light beverage to enjoy with your lunch, we recommend Toña beer, a local Nicaraguan favorite...

And for those of you who need a little pick-me-up in the morning, we offer early morning coffee delivery service to your room as well as coffee drinks, like cappuccinos, throughout the day!

And of course, we also offer coffee liqueur drinks as well! Now your only decision is where to enjoy your drink...at the swimup bar, the bar/lounge area, poolside or on the deck by the Lake!

Sunset Tour of the Islands

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:00:00 +0000

The tour of the Isletas of Granada is one of the best experiences you can have during your stay at Jicaro Island Ecolodge. Not only will you enjoy the beautiful paradise landscape that surrounds the Asese Peninsula, but you can also enjoy beers and Nicaraguan rum during the ride! In addition, our guests have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the great Lake of Nicaragua.

In the pictures, we see our guests enjoying this beautiful tour and since we have begun the summer season, our tour began at 4:30 pm to see the sunset from the boat between the small islands. Bathed in the cool breeze of the lake we continued the trip and our guests enjoyed the moment: talking, dancing, enjoying foreign and local drinks and finally to swim a bit as the moon was rising on the waters of the great lake.

Prepare your luggage and come enjoy with us this wonderful experience!

Jicaro's Water Purification System

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:29:00 +0000

The Jicaro Island Ecolodge has its own water purification system. Water filter comes from the Lake of Nicaragua (the body of water surrounding Jicaro). Water is not taken directly off the mass, but through an artisanal well with walls covered with clay brick built on the shores of the Lake. This brick serves as a natural filter.

The water in the well (from the Lake) is sucked through an electric pump. This water is sent to the room where we begin the process of purification. Later, after the purification process, it is distributed to the different areas of the hotel. On your next visit to Jicaro Island Ecolodge, you will know much more about our sustainability program and share with us how together we can use our different resources effectively to protect our planet.

Plantations, Dry Forest and Hot Springs!

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:09:00 +0000

Jicaro Island Ecolodge is a place surrounded by very beautiful and varied landscapes. It is the ideal place to disconnect from the everyday life and perform different activities in contact with nature. Many of these activities take place very near this beautiful island! One of the activities you can do is take a walk through the dry forest of the Mombacho Volcano and venture into the cocoa crops. It is an experience where you enjoy not only the beauty of the tropical dry forest but also learn the cultivation of the cocoa and you connect to the activity of the indigenous people who inhabited these lands in the pre-Columbian era.

Learn about the history of this precious fruit which at one time was considered the Aboriginal currency. In the picture at the top, we see some of our guests tasting the fruit of the cacao in its natural state. But that is not all, after hiking...enjoy a relaxing swim in the hot spring, on the shore of Lake Nicaragua.

We are very happy to have such rich volcanic soils for the establishment of different crops in the vicinity of Jicaro Island Ecolodge.

Plantains!

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:19:00 +0000

At Jicaro Island Ecolodge, we are lucky to grow different types of fruits in the area. The Plantain, which grows in tropical countries, is indispensable on our paradise island. Vegetarian lasagne is prepared by our chef with fresh slices of plantains that are cultivated in the gardens of the hotel. In addition, you can enjoy these fruits in the preparation of other snacks. This is a fruit which is part of the Nicaraguan cuisine and has 75% water, carbohydrates, fiber and is high in calories.

Upcoming Retreat with Jennifer Galardi

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:02:00 +0000

Jennifer Galardi will be holding a yoga retreat at Jicaro Island Ecolodge from December 26 , 2011 - January 2, 2012. Nationally recognized star of six best-selling dance/fitness DVD's, Jennifer is a popular figure among top media, held in high esteem throughout the fitness industry, and adored by fans. Her goal is to help others experience the freedom she has found. She invites everyone to join her in creating habits and routines to live a balanced life in a beautiful, healthy and exuberant body!

What first brought you to the mat?

At the time of my first yoga class, I was really into fitness and dance with a curious eye towards anything new and exiting. I was living in LA and yoga was all around me. So I decided to try a class at CRUNCH with a woman named Randi. I’ll never forget that class because it was my first introduction to the practice. And while yoga may not always have been the driving force that it currently is in my life, it has always been a steady, present flame. Now, it just shines more brightly.

Have you had other career paths in the past?

Oh boy, have I ever. I’ve done it all . . . waitress, hostess, marketing, sales, promotion management, casting assistant… you name it, I’ve tried it. It took me a while to transition fully into a career of health and wellness, but as I educated myself, gained experience, and became more confident in my skills, the Universe has seemed to support me in my decision. Until I am guided in a different direction, this is my calling.

What is your style of yoga instruction?

Whether I am teaching a fitness class or yoga, I’m very particular about awareness and being present. Be aware of where your feet, arms, body, etc. are positioned. And be present enough to listen to your body, and give it what it needs. Once that awareness and attention to alignment is present, the student can become stronger and then flow with strength as opposed to just letting gravity fling the body around.

Why did you choose to focus your practice and teaching in this style?

Growing up with a dance background, I’ve always had a keen sense of body awareness. Once I began practicing yoga, I noticed how I could relieve muscle tension, correct imbalances, or find relief through adjusting asanas. I love that. It’s like a constant experiment! And as a dancer, the way I expressed myself best is through my body. Yoga allows me another outlet to fully express myself. I really see it as a beautiful, graceful dance between the physical, mental and spiritual.

This is your second retreat at Jicaro…what is bringing you back to our Ecolodge and Nicaragua?

I don’t think anyone who has visited Jicaro and the island will deny that there is something very special about that place. The energy, the people, the environment. It’s all just so perfect for a retreat. Oh, and the food. The food is amazing! J

This is a special retreat…returning to light being held over New Year’s. What experiences can your retreatants expect this time?

While I think people coming to the retreat will definitely learn things about yoga, health and overall wellness, I want there to be a focus on FUN! It’s a celebratory time of year. We will be celebrating our practice, a time for renewal, good food, new friends, and life!

What are you most looking forward to during your retreat at Jicaro?

I always love meeting and connecting with new people that bring a completely new experience. I learn so much from my students and enjoy working with new people. It often challenges me to think or communicate in a different way. And of course, I can’t wait to visit the children of the Costa Sur community. These children were the inspiration for our new charity, karmaNICA (http://www.karmanica.org). Nicaragua will always have a special place in my heart and this organization offers me the opportunity to give back to a community and population that has given me so much!

Visit BigWorldSmallPlanet to register and for information on other upcoming retreats at Jicaro.

Guests Supporting Our Local Community

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:29:00 +0000

The Tiessenn family recently visited Jicaro Island Ecolodge. With much love and interest in supporting the Nicaraguans, they made an economic contribution to the community of ¨Las Isletas de Granada¨. The donation will be used for the project of Bio-gas currently running through a pig farm (similar to the program at our sister hotel in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios), established with one of the families located close to the hotel. This project is being executed by the sustainability program and aims to help people improve their living conditions. It will also gradually decrease firewood consumption in the community.

You can also help our local community, as the Tiessenn family did, and aid in the conservation of our planet. For more information, please click here.