An Honest Report of the Remote Ultra All-Inclusive Calala Island, in Nicaragua

GETTING HERE

Located in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Nicaragua, the journey to this private island is an adventure. Most travelers will do what I did and fly to Managua International Airport. From Managua you will be greeted by your Calala host and escorted to the domestic airport terminal to check into your flight for Bluefields Airport (approximately a 55 minute flight). On arrival into Bluefields, you will once again be greeted by your Calala host and driven (approximately 10 minutes) to the port where you will board your private boat and be transferred to the island (approximately 90 minutes). While the journey is long, you are treated like a VIP the entire way. They turn an unavoidable transfer into a seamless experience. Once you arrive to the private island and are escorted to your beachfront villa, you will forget all about your journey.

Alternatively, you can take a helicopter from Managua International Airport directly to the island.

ACCOMMODATION

To say that we were blown away by our accommodation is an understatement. We couldn't believe such beautifully large structures could be built on a secluded island.

The island is home to four beachfront suites that were all carefully designed with you in mind. Lying directly alongside the beach, each suite perfectly marries you with your surroundings. Complete privacy is standard. Each beachfront suite has its own private verandah and secluded beachfront palapa.

ULTRA-ALL INCLUSIVE

At approximately $3,800 per night, this island is not cheap. However, once you are here you won't have to open your wallet once (except for tipping). Food at all hours of the day, active experiences and more is included during your stay.

Calala Island describes Ultra-All inclusive as "virtually everything is included ... From a morning mimosa (or three) through to an evening digestif before bed (our bar only closes when the last guest is asleep!). From casual, pool-side dining to formal evening tasting menus (our Executive Chef will cater to your tastes and you choose where to dine). And not to mention all the boring things like internal transfers and taxes. And the fun stuff from fishing to snorkeling.

....and almost everything you can think of in between!"

CONSERVATION EFFORTS - THE CALALA FOUNDATION

Nicaragua is a developing country and aside from the amazing staff, incredible food and high end experience, one thing that really stuck out to me about Calala Island was their efforts to help their home. They passionately believe in helping the land and citizens of the NiCaribbean.

The owners, Tim and Sarah Wickham, have created several well paying jobs for the people of Nicaragua and they help the sloths and wildlife. Calala Island is home to at least two resident sloths, who were dropped off at the island when their home was destroyed. "Promoting conservation, uplifting local communities and protecting the environment are at the very heart of the Foundation." You can read more about The Calala Foundation on their website.

If you are looking for a remote, romantic, off the beaten path vacation, then I couldn't recommend Calala Island more. While a part of me wants to keep this private Caribbean island off the coast of Nicaragua a secret, I am not worried about it becoming too commercialized as there are only four beachfront villas. It’s exclusive, unique and run by an extremely friendly staff. If you can stomach the journey to get here, then reach out to me and I will help you discover this beautiful private island in all its glory.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Nicaragua. In need of further inspiration? Check out Alicen Holmes’s trip report, Nicaragua Unveiled: A Visit to Rancho Santana.