Calala Island

Everything you imagine being on a private island and more. What an amazing experience we had with Leon and the staff who went above and beyond our needs on the island. There were plenty of stuff to keep us occupied when we were not chilling by the pool or beach, activities include, line fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding and also there are games aswell on the island such as boules and bat and ball games too these you can do at anytime of the day. Evening's were also a spectacle, every night was different and the little activities such as rum tasting and crab racing were a great bonus too. 5 STAR experience and would definitely recommend to stay here. Once again thank you Leon and staff for making our stay which was also our honeymoon a great experience!

Beautiful Island but this was not five star luxury. The island is in need of maintenance. The staff were all wonderful, the food good but not outstanding. The room was beautiful, spacious and comfortable. The boat trip to get to the island was absolutely terrifying as the sea was extremely rough, our experience was not a good one and I feared for our safety. Luckily our return trip was a lot smoother. It was certainly an adventure. Please be aware there really is absolutely nothing to do on the island other than relax by the pool. Most of the activities on the dated activity list are not available. The sloths were nowhere to be seen. We met some wonderful people on the Island and it was an experience I will forever be grateful for.

Calala Island SLH is an incredibly unique destination and experience! The island is beautifully pristine, with endless views, dramatic sunrise and sunsets. Perfect for a romantic getaway or special celebration. The Guesthouse accommodation is luxe and well appointed in every way. The staff is friendly, attentive and helpful - can’t rave enough over them! Claudia’s passion for maintaining very high standards and her organization of all details is evident and greatly appreciated. The cuisine is world class and delicious, using locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the Rondon! We celebrated a wedding anniversary and birthday during our stay. Claudia, Leon and staff pulled out all the stops to make both celebrations special and memorable - we were touched and thankful for their efforts! This relaxing resort didn’t disappoint and we’re checking our travel schedule to try to book again! Highly recommend! Do note and don’t let this stop you visiting: Guesthouses have no AC and it is a delightful trek from Managua to Calala Island.

Our private island experience on Calala Island was spectacular. Getting to the island was an adventure and the handoffs from plane to taxi to speedboat went smoothly. We started at 6am in the morning and arrived around 10am. Claudia shares all the details and answers any questions by phone the night before. Claudia and Leon were the most gracious hosts and the service team were always willing to go the extra mile whether it's to make a special cocktail, or turn your freshly caught fish into the catch of the day lunch, or take you island hopping to see the ruins on the islands of "shattered dreams". Time slows down and you'll quickly learn the meaning of island time. Bring your favorite book and be prepared to relax. WiFi was surprisingly good. You can spend your time alone or chat up other couples during lunch or cocktail hour. Everyone was very friendly with most couples either from US or UK. I will miss the morning coffee in bed while looking out at the blue sea and the gorgeous sunsets at the end of every day. Thanks for an incredible time in paradise!

Stunning island but the experience did not live up to the luxury, ultra all inclusive description. The Brits will come after buying a week at a charity auction (beware, every bidder will bid the price up and all who placed any bid above reserve will win! There is not one winning prize only! about £6,000) The younger US guests use Hyatt/Hilton points. Made up prices on their website? Makes you think you have a great deal? You will receive a 45 minute phone call from resort manager Claudia late the night before (about the journey early the next morning), when you are tired after arriving in Nicaragua. (Tip the greeter, Nestor, at Nicaragua airport, he showed us the cash machine.). A horrible snack was finally provided after the flight experience during the last section - the boat trip journey to the island - Luke warm instant coffee and a soggy wrap - mind your tummies. When you finally arrive you have to listen to an in-depth one hour presentation about the island by Claudia after you have your photo with your coconut. Main issues in a nutshell: no locks on outside toilets, tissue to be placed in the bin, v temperamental shower, no air con (noisy fans provided), no choice at dinner and set dinner time, be at the bar at 6:15 pm, no after dinner entertainment at all (you will not dance), room not private (paddle boards and kayaks can pass so shut your drapes but there will be gaps), not Michelin standard food at all, you cannot leave your phone in your room as everything is done on WhatsApp, champagne, fine wine and massages are extra, no spa - it is a beauty couch in a cabana for massages, dinner will be finished in 45 minutes and you will be at the bar again (probably alone), if you are the last to leave the bar say at 8:30 pm, the bar will shut and there is no service at all for any one after that. Or you can sit there till 12 when they will turn the lights off. Limited sea swimming as v shallow & grassy and you are terrified of stingrays after the welcome monologue, there are no staff to assist if you swim/snorkel or on boat/snorkelling trips, they will not enter the water, no beach service, the staff play cards at the bar or they are on their phones, not asking if you'd like a refill - no mini bar, no fridge, no tea/coffee facilities, no fresh juice (they are cartons), have to decide on what to have for lunch by 11 am but no idea what the fixed dinner menu will be that eve, the room info says snorkelling trips for all levels but then told you have to be confident, strong swimmers as crew unable to help, they expect a $100 per day minimum tip at the end, you settle your bill near other guests (awkward), they will ask you to leave a written review in their book of glowing reviews - leaving day be up at 4:30 am (although there is a later flight, they don't offer it), one eve they offered a T bone steak to share but then found it a problem to cook one half rare and one medium, food often luke warm, lobster was served but dry & chewy. The

I was on the island for a week in Feb 25 and it was brilliant. Claudia called me the night before (as i was too busy the day before that) and she went through in detail the trip plans. Whilst its a lot of detail i found it better to know the information than not. Then Nestor and the team organised the plane and boat transfer to the island. Everything (except the waves!) went smoothly and it was great just being told where to be given its quite an adventure by plane and boat to the island. Once on the island it is like a slice of natural paradise. I am so glad that it was built in a more ecological way rather than the mass market Maldives (which is also great in its own way), but this felt different. It is far far more personal, calm and peaceful on the island. The team made any food and drink we wanted and nothing was too much trouble. I had no issues with insects as the repellant was provided and easy to use (not like the stuff we get in a pharmacy which smells bad). The villa was brilliant and with the nightime coolness i didnt miss any AC, and the sound of the waves outside was quite soothing! I get very hot at night so not having to need the AC was a bonus. If you want to go somewhere and just unwind and relax with a book and the beach, you cant go wrong here. I would go back in the future at some point. The other people staying on the island were really nice and i actually was messaging a US couple today as we got on so well! The team make it into a very friendly communal atmosphere in the evening so its great to also meet new people and have interesting conversations. We all left our doors unlocked the whole time and the island was very safe in tat regard. Never needed to lock anything in the safe. Thank you team for the wonderful experience!