The buzz is growing about Nicaragua. The Central America nation is experiencing a tourism renaissance, with resorts and activities that appeal to travelers searching for something that is still easy to reach.   We found a number of treasures on a recent scouting trip, but among my favorite is Jicaro Island Ecolodge, a romantic eco resort that is the ideal addition for a Nicaragua honeymoon, either alone or paired with other stops there or at neighboring Costa Rica.

Set just outside the historic capital of Granada on Lake Nicaragua, Jicaro is a component of one my my boutique resort companies Cayuga Hotels, which conducts an assortment of eco-minded hotels in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The experience is luxe and low-key, although what’s sustainable and eco-minded; you forget about the ecofriendly.

The only way to get to Jicaro is a 15-minute ride from the port of Granada, by boat. Walking up the stone path feels a little like entering the chemical of Swiss Family Robinson, at the greatest possible way. The setting makes this eco resort feel particularly romantic and distant, regardless of the accessibility that is easy.

There are only 9 two-story  casitas, set around the island’s perimeter. There is no A/C but chambers (all constructed from local materials) are intended to capture the breeze — and the view — out of every corner. The bedrooms are at the top level, where the breeze is most powerful; you will find a ceiling fan, but we never wanted them to sleep.

Down the stairs is the location. They ask you use shampoo, all designed in keeping with the surroundings and the supplied soaps.

So you can feel the breeze I loved the shower, vented with displays but still feel perfectly personal.

This leads down to a little sitting area with couch that leads out to the porch, equipped with a hammock — the perfect place to read or nap (or both) before or after a morning of exploring.

The hotel’s prime attraction is Lake Nicaragua. The very first thing we did was swim out this platform to soak up sunlight.

Additionally, there are kayaks and paddleboards at the ready if you want to explore further, and the hotel can organize boat tour through a few home shacks the islands and many others mansions. You go horseback riding can even hike or zip-line onto a nearby volcano or learn more about the colonial towns of Granada or Leon.

However, you need to build in a day to sit by their pool that is exquisite. Between the sun, cool water and sounds of bird calls, itfeels like an oasis apart from the world and ‘s utterly relaxing.

Come night, guests gather in the bar for drinks, then move in the dinner that is secondhand. (Meals are included in the pricing; drinks are a la carte.)

The kitchen makes the most of components: fish in the lake and produce from local farms. The hotel is quite involved with the local community, establishing gardens and farms with  sustainable techniques that farmers can subsequently use to cultivate their own businesses. It is fantastic for your soul, but even if you don’t care abut that, you get the results: The meals we had here were hands down the best we had in Nicaragua, and we wanted to remain another day just so we could try more stuff by the menu! And do not even get me started on the banana bread.

Want to encounter Jicaro for yourselves? We can help you design an amazing trip. But a contest is also running where you could win a stay at Jicaro and five of their  hotels in Costa Rica. The circumstance expires on April 22.