Jicaro Lodge.com

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.

Upcoming Yoga and Oriental Medicine Retreat

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:52:00 +0000

From December 5 - 11, 2011, Jicaro will be hosting two vibrant women who invite you to pamper yourself with the healing arts of Vinyasa & Restorative yoga married with the wellness principles of Oriental Medicine; all while being immersed in the natural splendor of one of the world’s best kept secrets - Our Ecolodge on the Granada Isletas of Nicaragua. Learn more about the retreat and it's teachers in the interview below.

What first brought you to the mat?

Juliana: As a tiny girl, my version of playing was making up movements under the cherry tree in our yard or voraciously reading books, which frankly made me an odd little girl all alone dancing or reading under a tree! Then when I was 6, I saw the gymnast Nadia Commaneci do a routine on tv and I was in total awe. Deciding to practice every day until I could do splits and backbends like her, I concocted some intuitive way of teaching myself. Unwittingly, I had begun my practice. Then when I was about 10, my Mom found Yoga and practiced for a time under Gurudev (aka Amrit Desai). She and I are extremely close, so witnessing the way Yoga brought her joy and balance was impactful. Mom taught me poses, such as Down Dog and Shoulder Stand and I was introduced to the concepts of non-duality and non-attachment, as well as exposed to the practices of meditation and chanting. I finally began an earnest practice of my own in my late twenties and it was like the whole world began to crack open in a delicious way. In 2001, I was practicing Sun Salutations under a tree by myself and in an instance there was a distinct shift like a crack of lightning: This. This path. This path of Yoga. My life has been consciously committed to this path ever since. Looking back though, I see the seeds of this path have been in me all along.

What first brought you to Oriental Medicine?

Leah: I grew up with oriental medicine. To our family if you got sick, you decided if you needed to go to the western medicine doctor or eastern medicine doctor.

Oriental medicine’s view of health is based on harmony in your thoughts, emotions and lifestyle. It is very much ingrained into the culture I was raised in.

What lead me to becoming an acupuncturist, was personal- I felt that my life was not in harmony with my desires and it lead to illness and distractions. Oriental medicine helped me find discipline, acceptance and compassion.

Have you had other career paths in the past (if yes, briefly explain and then describe your transition to becoming a yoga teacher/healer).

Juliana: I went to college for acting and to an acting conservatory and then acted in plays for years. I consider my years in the theatre as my scenic route toward becoming a Yoga teacher. Studying theatre, I learned to connect to my breath and to deeply trust my body’s intuitive wisdom. Performing in front of audiences taught me to be very comfortable speaking in front of people. At some point a fellow actress asked me to teach her some Yoga, which I’d never done before. Teaching her, well wow! All time stood still. I performed in only one more play after that.

So I needed a job to pay my bills and to help save for Yoga Teacher Training. I was fortunate to get a temp position at Bear Stearns in their Derivatives Confirmation Department, despite a total lack of experience in finance or law. There, I committed myself to what I call the “Zen Experiment”.Can I strive to remain connected to breath and at ease in body, despite the stressful and conservative atmosphere? Can I commit myself as fully to this work, for whatever time I’m here, as I would to an endeavor closer to my heart? All totaled I was there for 7 years. By the time I left to give my full attention to my teaching, I was certified in and actively teaching Vinyasa, Restorative & Prenatal Yoga. And, in that time, I’d also become a Vice President at Bear Stearns. Life’s funny. Leah: I was in fashion, as a textile designer for many years. I realized I that an affinity to patterns and figuring out to how put them together or take them apart. Oriental medicine is about recognizing patterns in the person.

I really love design but realized that I didn’t find it challenging and wouldn’t find deep personal growth from it. When I found oriental medicine- I realized with much excitement here was a path that I would learn and be challenged for the rest of my life.

What is your style of yoga?

Juliana: My teaching style is both precise and playful. Employing rich, evocative language as a teaching tool, I blend an encouragement to connect to the inner wisdom with detailed explorations of anatomy & kinesiology. Paying homage to the breath one moment at a time, my classroom is a non-competitive, non-judgmental arena. My Vinyasa classes build strength, suppleness, balance and power, yet I always prioritize awareness over sweat. Above all, each class is an adventure, a journey back toward that part of us which is already and always has been whole.

Leah: My yoga practice is mainly vinyasa, I enjoy the Iyengar lineage.

My wonderful retreat partner is my yoga teacher! Thru her modifications, I have found ways to personalize my practice to give me the deepest understanding of my body connections.

Juliana, why did you choose to focus your practice and teaching in the Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga style?

Juliana: I took my first Vinyasa Yoga class in my twenties. And I walked out of that class high as a kite and totally in the moment. No other experience up until that point had ever done that for me. The Vinyasa practice challenges the body, the mind and the breath to be present, throughout a continuum of transitions. So Vinyasa Yoga teaches us to be able to do that in life too; to be anchored within our Selves as life rocks us with changes and regardless of what comes at us. The word Vinyasa is often translated as ‘to move with breath’. ‘To move with breath’ IS life. Vinyasa = Life Lived & Practiced As An Art Form. Vinyasa is exquisite! On the straight up practical side, I credit Vinyasa with the fact that I don’t have a limp despite historic and sincere ankle injuries, Vinyasa has greatly ameliorated some of my dyslexia-like challenges and due to the grace of Vinyasa, I am as fit, if not more fit, in my body in my forties then I was in my twenties and as content in my soul as I have ever been in my life. I see and hear of similar-such, life impacting benefits in my students all the time. Jai!

Restorative Yoga delivers us into the arms of a felt, deep and profound ease. That sense of ease is our true nature and it is the most delicious experience. When we return into that oasis of ease, then physical and emotional healings can unfurl organically. Restorative Yoga is a remarkably powerful practice and it is literally for everybody (every body). It effortlessly peels away the nonsense, like an exfoliation for the heart and mind, leaving the healthy, silky layers beneath to shine forth. Restorative Yoga is so yummy. Restorative Yoga changes lives.

What is your Oriental Medicine Wellness philosophy?

Leah: I believe, wellness in any practiced medicine is a state in which the person can recognize he/she is in constant flux that is neither to disruptive or too static. Wellness for a person is to be flexible an yielding to many challenges without “breaking”.

Oriental medicine’s philosophy is based in the principles of Yin& Yang. Two opposing and complementing forces find in all manifestations of life. Wellness is perceived when a person can understand and mindfully flow with the many manifestations of Yin & Yang that govern their lives.

Why did you select Jicaro Island Ecolodge and Nicaragua as the location for this retreat?

Juliana: I have heard many people speak of the stunning beauty of Nicaragua and of the extraordinary friendliness of the people there. It seemed an ideal place for a vacation or for a retreat. And then I learned about Jicaro Island Ecolodge, which sits on a mile-wide, lush, private island, right on the second largest lake in Latin America. The dock on which we’ll practice our Yoga faces the Mombacho Volcano and the sun sets right behind that volcano. The lodge itself is built sustainably with reverence for Mother Earth and at the same time has such handsome, gorgeous design. Everyone’s casita has a water view. There are hammocks to loll in. The greenery is lush. There is a stunning infinity pool, which also faces the setting sun. Its reputation for tasty fresh food and warm hospitality is touted in magazines like ‘Travel & Leisure’ and ‘Conde Nast’. Jicaro Island Ecolodge offers an unparalleled opportunity to practice Yoga in paradise.

Leah: Jules and I slected Jicaro and Nicaragua because of the lush beauty.

To be so close to water ( yoga deck) has such an elemental resonance to the purpose of our retreat. We come from water, water is the “element” that hold us in deep contemplation nestled in between fear, quiet surrender, profound acceptance and knowing. Water is the element we learn to pass thru.

What experiences can your retreatants expect from your retreat at Jicaro?

Juliana: They may expect an unforgettable experience of beauty, ease, balance and joy – from the views our eyes drink up, to the wonderful community experience, to their wellness sessions with the remarkable Leah Kim all the way through to their daily celebrations of Yoga with me. They’ll return home having enjoyed good food and good conversation, having rested well and played well, and in a state of delight and glowing vibrancy.

Leah: The experiences that we can offer, are described in our brochure and on the website. The experiences the retreatants can expect, are ones that they themselves are willing to be open and accept.

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

Juliana: To get to share Yoga and hikes and swims and sunsets and meals and laughter with a group of beautiful beings, who join me in the lap of mother nature to explore the path of healing, integration and vibrancy…AMAZING!

Leah: Meeting our retreatants!

Visit BigWorldSmallPlanet for information on other upcoming retreats at Jicaro.

Breakfast on the Floating Deck

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:18:00 +0000

Enjoy your vacation at Jicaro while creating new experiences. Jasho and Sonya from England enjoyed a delicious breakfast surrounded by the fresh breeze off the waters of Lake Nicaragua and bathed by the sun's rays . This will probably be one of the experiences they will not forget. They not only enjoyed a peaceful breakfast but also danced to the rhythm of the waves and the singing of birds.

We'll post more photos on our Facebook page later this week!

Supporting Our Community

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:07:00 +0000

One of our main objectives at Jicaro Island Ecolodge is to support the community of Las Isletas. One of these priorities is education, which is essential for the development of any society, as well as the formation of the human being. Primary and secondary students attend schools daily that are located in the community of Las Isletas. Children and young people travel daily in small boats to their school to continue preparing for a better future that will help them develop intellectually and continue their education to become professionals and help with the development of their community. There are three schools, which are located in the isletas and which have been working with programs such as: environmental education, supplies/donations and infrastructure support.

We are fortunate for the support of our guests, who have seen the need and desire to learn in children. This has helped keep the students excited to learn new skills, as well as care for and protect our natural world, allowing a better environment for meaningful learning.

Recently Diana, Alana, Wendy, Kaitlin, Lauren and Samantha were visiting the Cedric Martin school and shared with children a very cheerful morning. They also joined in the ongoing education of the children in this community. Both teachers and students appreciated the visit of the six young women, as well as the staff of Jicaro, for their time and valuable support provided to these children.

To learn more about our Giving Back school program, please click here.

Your Age is Your Discount!

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:31:00 +0000

Start packing your parent's, aunts, uncles and grandparents bags because Your Age is Your Discount program is back and available this fall season at Jicaro Island Ecolodge.

The discount rate is based on the age of the oldest person in each room: the oldest person in the room will equal the percentage off the hotel room rate. For example, bring 100-year-old Aunt Ethel to stay with us and her stay is 100 percent free!

Valid for stays between Aug. 28 and Nov. 15, 2011. The Your Age is Your Discount promo can be applied to room rates at all Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality resorts and hotels in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Email us at info@jicarolodge.com for more information!

* some restrictions apply: this cannot be combined with any other promotion and does not apply to existing reservations.

Yoga on Our Floating Deck

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:52:00 +0000

Why not live an unforgettable experience? If you love yoga, there is nothing better than to do it in the evening in a unique and special place in the open air. At Jicaro Island Ecolodge, you will find we take this to another level. Get ready to step onto our floating deck in the fresh waters of the great Lake of Nicaragua, alongside our hotel, and start your session of yoga in a place that you will not forget.

Enter a world of meditation where peace and quiet reign, bathed by the fresh breeze of the Lake and the sound of the waves. Also enjoy a spectacular sunset that makes your experience even more tranquil. The young people in the picture would not let this opportunity pass.

Breakfast at Jicaro

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:43:00 +0000

Jicaro Island Ecolodge offers different types of traditional Nicaraguan cuisine. Local, fresh and healthy food is served, not to mention delicious! You can also be a part of the preparation of your own food, sharing with our chef this unique experience, who will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to create an exquisite dish. Enjoy a good breakfast, prepared by your own hands. Become the new chef, surprise and delight your partner to prepare a wonderful breakfast early in the morning. In the image we see one of our guests preparing his breakfast.

Jicaro Island Ecolodge is a place where you can not only enjoy the natural beauty and peace of mind but also live a beautiful experience learning about the preparation of food.

Yoga at Jicaro

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:49:00 +0000

Jicaro Island Ecolodge offers the ideal location for yoga! Surrounded by an atmosphere of tranquillity we regularly have yoga sessions and retreats here. The singing of the birds and the gentle sound of the waves are your company. It is a site that makes you feel in touch with nature, being able to interact with this climate of peace and positive energy that surrounds the Hotel.

Start your new day here at Jicaro with a yoga practice, just as these young people in the picture are enjoying a session of yoga on a very warm morning on the shores of the great Lake of Nicaragua. Live a unique experience of relaxation and meditation that you will not forget.

Traditional Cuisine

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:24:00 +0000

Nicaraguan food has a richness that delights many, both foreign and local people. There are a variety of very rich and flavourful dishes. It is ideal for a great feast of a good and delicious Nicaraguan cuisine culture. One of these dishes is the Caballo Bayo.

This dish is a significant part of the Nicaraguan gastronomic culture. It is a typical food consisting of different dishes such as: shredded beef, chicken, fried pork chicharrón (fried pork skin), moronga, beef wrapped in fried tortilla, tortilla, ground beans, cheese, indio viejo, among others. Each of these foods is put in a separate container served in earthenware dishes. Some of them are located on mud pieces called diablitos which has coal in its interior to keep hot food. The Caballo Bayo is a buffet of food aroma, texture and delicious flavours.

Chicha de maiz and linaza accompany this dish, which are served in glasses of gourd.

During your visit to Jicaro, you must try the delicious Nicaraguan cuisine, which will delight your senses!

Kayaking to the Hot Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Jicaro Island Ecolodge) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:20:00 +0000

Exploring the hot spring water in a kayak on the shore of Mombacho Volcano is one of the experiences that you should not miss during your stay at Jicaro Island Ecolodge. Brandon and Cori from Chicago enjoyed this beautiful experience during their recent stay with us.

To start our journey, our boat led us to the shore of the great lake of Nicaragua near the slope of the volcano. During the ride, we observed monkeys, iguanas and many different species of birds.

After having enjoyed our tour by kayak in the fresh waters of the Lake, we gradually came to a small canal to reach the hot springs. These waters are loaded with minerals that help our body feel more relaxed. Brandon and Cori were enticed by this and plunged into the warm waters to take a relaxing swim.

Be sure to add this activity to your list of "things to do" during your next visit to Jicaro!