Sustainable Highlights: Jicaro Island Ecolodge Resort, Nicaragua

In the past, we’ve looked in depth at what makes a sustainable hotel: community outreach, green construction practices, and energy efficiency.

Now we thought we’d highlight a great sustainable hotel. The Jicaro Island Ecolodge has made strides in all of the areas of sustainability—it is a true paragon for ecolodges everywhere.

The Jicaro Island Ecolodge is located in beautiful Granada, Nicaragua on a small island in Lake Nicaragua. With only nine casitas on the resort’s property, there is plenty of room on the island for relaxation, adventure, and living green.

Community Outreach

The Jicaro Island Ecolodge is dedicated to everything local: employees are local, subcontracting is local, and buying is local so that every penny goes back to the local community.

Construction Practices

Although it received very little attention from the international community, September 2007’s hurricane Felix swept through Nicaragua, destroying thousands of acres of rainforest. All of Jicaro Island Ecolodge’s wood is from reclaimed fallen trees, which would have otherwise created a waste overload at the landfill. The wood can be found in the architecture, the furniture, and even the decorative wall art.

Energy Efficiency and Responsibility

Solar panels heat 100% of the water used by guests and in the kitchens. Air conditioning also doesn’t exist on the island—fans and cross-ventilated rooms cool you down. In an effort to not disturb surrounding wildlife, the electricity system was built underground. A chlorine-free system cleans the pool, preventing harmful chemicals from entering the ecosystem. Also, only organic and biodegradable soaps, detergents, and spa products are used on the island, to avoid dangerous waste products.

Kudos to the Jicaro Island Ecolodge Resort for its strides in sustainable accommodation!

Both photo credits go to Martin van Doorn on Flickr

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