Nicaragua
Calala Island
When looking to escape from reality, there is quite simply nothing better than a private island. When that private island has just four beachfront suites and staff that outnumber guests more than twice over? All the better. Calala Island is the first resort of its kind in this undiscovered paradise, lying just off of the Nicaraguan Coast in the Caribbean Sea. It is a step back in time to how the Caribbean used to be, but without foregoing any of the five-star luxuries that we’ve come to expect from the likes of Mustique and St Lucia. A whole new breed of luxury, welcome to the NiCaribbean.
Location
A remote paradise, Calala Island is tucked away in an undiscovered part of the Caribbean. Getting here is a case of planes, boats – and helicopters. Your friendly Calala-lalas (also known as staff in the rest of the world) will organise for you to board a 50-minute domestic flight from Nicaragua’s main airport in Managua to Bluefields, from where it’s a 90-minute scenic boat ride through lagoons and mangroves, out to sea and Calala Island. But if you fancy taking a quicker (and altogether swisher) route? Simply let your Calala-lala know and they will gladly arrange a helicopter to whisk you to this island paradise.
Your Room
There are just four suites on the island, which means that privacy comes as standard. But so does waking up to birds tweeting and ending the days with breathtaking sunsets. Exuding barefoot-luxe style, each one of the beautiful suites has been furnished with the finest handcrafted Nicaraguan furniture whilst doors open up directly onto the beach meaning you can wake up and, quite literally, dive right in. Tranquil spaces that make you feel at one with your surroundings, you’ll feel relaxed in no time.
Why We Like It
Privacy is at the heart of all they do at Calala, but if you want to take it up a notch? Book the entire island and invite along your nearest and dearest for a holiday to remember. Done that and looking for still more privacy? Pick up a paddle and a few hundred metres offshore, you’ll find Little Calala Island. A tiny jewel of an islet with just one umbrella, it’s the ultimate hideaway. Pack a picnic and spend a day snorkelling the surrounding reefs – and forgetting that anyone else exists.