Isleta El Espino

A small piece of paradise on earth. We arrived in late afternoon with a storm blowing from the lake and it was like arriving in a fairytale setting. The staff were welcoming, our accommodation in the trees was beautifully simple with natural touches. The setting for dinner was truly magical, silence only interrupted by the birds flying over the lake and with a wonderful view of the volcano Mombacho, The menu is fixed but there is enough choice, the breakfast is delicious and plentiful. Fresh juices are made with fresh ingredients. We had a great massage too. We went kayaking on both days and loved it, you can explore so much of the lake and the other islands and be surrounded by silence. Paradise!

We enjoyed our stay at El Espino and appreciated the wide menu choice, the attentive staff and welcome drink. We had opted for the package which was three meals plus an hour massage. On reflection we shouldn’t have done this as we really didn’t get through the food they gave us. Because there is nothing to do on the island other than sit and relax (nowhere to walk) you simply don’t want three meals a day. I unfortunately got a very upset stomach from something I ate there. The bar seems to be extensive though the three cocktails we ordered were disappointing and tasted more like ‘mock tails’ so we ended up sticking to beer. Our stay was three nights, I think two would have been plenty

Best hotel I’ve ever stayed at in my life!! If you are even considering coming NEAR Granada, you need to book a room here. Food, service, location, room, activities, all PERFECT. The two bartenders / boat drivers were probably the nicest Nicaraguans I’ve ever met. Don’t think twice about staying here.

Wish we could give 6 stars. This place was the most amazing and pleasant accommodation in the more than 2 weeks travelling in Nicaragua. Everything was just perfect. The location (one of the small islands -Isletas- on a 15 min boat trip away from Granada with only 4 other huts), the design (beautiful colors and functionality), the staff (during the afternoon/evening good English and very kind/helpful), delicious and super tasteful food, free kayaks, internet was sometimes weak and sometimes ok (less in the rooms). We only missed the yoga teacher (the deck is there) and a water cooker/fridge in the room (but the staff was willing to store goods for us!). This is definitely the place to go back for 2 or 3 days when you want to relax, read and swim around this very small island ;-)

Everything! From the beautiful private boat ride to the islet, to being warmly greeted w the staff and welcome drink, to the incredible architecture and immaculate details of every corner- this stay was exceptional. The treehouse was utterly charming- comfortable bed, open concept so you hear the nature while still having privacy. The food was the best I’ve had in Nicaragua - all locally sourced ingredients and very well presented. And everyone who worked there was so kind and passionate. I wish I had more time to stay longer. I will be back and will recommend to everyone. You’ll not only get the best experience, you’ll also capture the most beautiful photos.

Espino is truly a hidden Gem in Lake Nicaragua! From the boat ride to the Isleta, to the welcome glass of lemongrass iced tea (which is from lemongrass grown on the premise), to the bungalows, cocktails, food, amenities (kayaking is a must!) and more importantly, the service, everything was A++++! We were there for only one night, but, I cannot praise Espino enough. The service was over the top! If you are visiting Granada, do yourself a favor and stay at the Espino EcoLodge…it will not disappoint and is a great way to unplug and truly enjoy being one with nature.