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 ️

Our private island experience on Calala Island was spectacular. Getting to the island was an adventure and the handoffs from plane to taxi to speedboat went smoothly. We started at 6am in the morning and arrived around 10am. Claudia shares all the details and answers any questions by phone the night before. Claudia and Leon were the most gracious hosts and the service team were always willing to go the extra mile whether it's to make a special cocktail, or turn your freshly caught fish into the catch of the day lunch, or take you island hopping to see the ruins on the islands of "shattered dreams". Time slows down and you'll quickly learn the meaning of island time. Bring your favorite book and be prepared to relax. WiFi was surprisingly good. You can spend your time alone or chat up other couples during lunch or cocktail hour. Everyone was very friendly with most couples either from US or UK. I will miss the morning coffee in bed while looking out at the blue sea and the gorgeous sunsets at the end of every day. Thanks for an incredible time in paradise!

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

What a truly special and unique slice of paradise! We feel so fortunate to have experienced the hospitality of Claudia, Leon (GMs) and the entire staff at this idyllic island. From the time we arrived to our departure, no request is too much of a bother. Barefoot luxury is not everyone's cup of tea, but if you value a place that allows you to truly get away from the worries of the World (and there are many these days), this is a great escape to unwind, focus on each other, and truly decompress.

Fantastic experience. -Mike and Cito were brilliant - and made the whole experience even more special. Everything about the experience was fantastic , including the boat ride to the island . Once on the island it felt very special and we were treated as part of the Calla community - VIP.

Calala Island was simply a dream. I’m not sure you could curate a more beautiful and relaxing experience if you tried. Every single aspect of the island, and our experience, was beyond our extremely high expectations. The staff was incredible as well. They were kind, good-humored, joyful, and ready to take care of any need or want you could possibly think of. Claudia and Leon do an amazing job of running a seemingly flawless operation. We loved talking to Claudia and Leon about their interesting lives and their passion for the island that they care for so well. The food was incredible as well. Every meal was delicious and made with fresh, high quality ingredients. From bread made there on the island, to fish caught from the surrounding turquoise waters, every meal had us thinking about the next great meal to come. Breakfasts were amazing, lunches were delicious, but the dinners were on a whole other level. Each night was a different theme, and each one was stunning. I am running out of superlatives to describe our stay here, but it deserves them all. The only regret we had the entire time was that we don’t book more nights there. We were truly sad to leave the last day, and we still are days later. I don’t want this place to be discovered and overrun with visitors, but Claudia, Leon, and their incredible staff deserve all the praises given and the more people that experience the bliss of this place, the happier the world will be.