Calala Island

We’ve left the Island today and I’ve got to admit we’re both very sad to do so, we’ve been lucky enough to travel and visit many Island breaks but nothing quite gives you the Rustic feeling as CALALA does, its an amazing beautiful Island and very unspoilt. There’s a maximum of 6 Cabanas so 12 guests but we never shared our Island with anymore than 4 other people the whole time we were there. There are activities to do if you choose but we only went line fishing and used the Spa as we just decided we wanted to sit back and chill, the therapist Jackie is incredible and worth the visit for sure. The food was great from breakfast, lunch and dinner which is a set menu but we didn’t have a bad meal once. The staff can’t do enough for you and are very friendly and very professional. Claudia & Leon the hosts are so welcoming and you can see all the hard work they’ve put in to make this experience a vacation you will never forget. If you want to switch off and relax this is the place for you, the atmosphere is so relaxing and very grounding. Kick off your shoes and indulge yourself in this paradise. I couldn’t recommend it enough, something my wife and I will never forget ❤️ Thank you CALALA Island ️

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.

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