Calala Island Review

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by 10x Travel. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through 10xtravel.com.

Overview of Calala Island

Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Nicaragua, Calala Island is a hidden gem that redefines luxury and exclusivity. As part of the Pearl Cays archipelago, this private island resort offers an intimate escape that seamlessly blends natural beauty with world-class hospitality. With a maximum capacity of just 10 guests, Calala Island provides an unparalleled level of privacy and personalized service.

My four-night stay at Calala Island was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite my high expectations, the reality of the experience surpassed even my wildest dreams. From the moment I arrived, greeted by the staff’s welcoming song and fresh coconut, to the final glimpse of the island’s pristine shores as I departed at dawn, every aspect of my stay was meticulously crafted to ensure an unforgettable experience. The journey to reach this paradise, involving a short flight and a boat ride from Managua, only added to the sense of anticipation and exclusivity.

How I Booked Calala Island

I had the fortune of booking my stay at Calala Island using Hyatt points for 150,000 points for the stay. Unfortunately, this option is no longer available due to the recent shift in Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s (SLH) partnership from Hyatt to Hilton.

This change, while closing one door, has opened another for luxury travelers. Now, Hilton Honors members can book this extraordinary property, with the added benefit of being able to use the free night certificate offered by the Hilton Aspire card for a stay at Calala Island.

In my opinion, the rates when booking through Hyatt were more favorable compared to the current Hilton offerings. However, given the exceptionally high cash rates for this exclusive property, the ability to book using points or certificates remains an incredible option for those seeking a taste of ultra-luxury without the accompanying price tag. Any ability to redeem points for a stay significantly enhances the value proposition of Calala Island, making what might otherwise be an unattainable experience accessible. Due to the exclusivity of this property and limited number of guests, anyone interested in booking should plan well in advance and be flexible with dates to increase the likelihood of securing a reservation.

It’s possible to earn Hilton Honors points through the following cards:

• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

In addition to the ability to earn points, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers an annual free night certificate that is valid at participating properties with no points cap.

Hilton is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards as well.

Calala Island Location

Calala Island is situated within the Pearl Cays archipelago off the Nicaraguan coast. Part of the South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region, this private island paradise lies approximately 2.5 miles from the mainland and 16 miles from Pearl Lagoon (a small town that you can visit by boat from Calala Island).

The island’s location offers the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and lush tropical vegetation, Calala Island provides an immersive natural experience while maintaining a sense of exclusivity and tranquility that’s hard to find in more mainstream Caribbean destinations.

Best Parts of the Calala Island

Calala Island was pretty incredible all around, but here are some of the absolute standout highlights.

Unparalleled Exclusivity

With a maximum capacity of just 12 guests, Calala Island offers an intimate experience that feels like having your own private island.

Exquisite Dining

The all-inclusive dining experience surpassed expectations, featuring daily fresh lobster and a rotating menu of gourmet dishes that rivaled fine dining establishments.

Natural Beauty

The pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscape create a breathtaking spot for relaxation and exploration.

Water Activities

From kayaking around the island to snorkeling in the coral reefs, the range of water activities provides endless opportunities for adventure, all at no extra charge.

Personalized Service

The attentive staff and customized experiences ensure that every aspect of your stay is tailored to your preferences.

Calala Island Drawbacks

The stay was incredible and I would gladly go back, but there are a few drawbacks you should be aware of.

Lack of Air Conditioning

Due to the island’s off-grid status and reliance on solar power, there is no air conditioning in the rooms, which can lead to some warm moments.

Biting Insects

The presence of “no-see-um” flies, particularly active during mornings and evenings, can be a nuisance, leaving itchy bites. Calala Island provides insect spray in each room and at the pool, but I got quite a few bites during my stay.

Limited Stay Duration

With so much to experience, a four-night stay felt too short, leaving me wishing for a longer visit to fully appreciate all the island has to offer. If I could go back in time and re-plan, I would have tried to get a whole week to fully experience the dinner menus, but I definitely would have at least tacked on a fifth night. Keep in mind that a three-night minimum stay is required.

Getting to Calala Island

To reach Calala Island, we first flew to Managua, Nicaragua, spending a night at the Hyatt Place Managua. The following day, we met a representative from the hotel at the Managua Airport who got us sorted for our flight to Bluefields, where other staff were waiting to take us to a boat that would transport us directly to the island. Both the flight to Bluefields and the boat transfer were included in my booking and expertly organized by the Calala Island staff, ensuring a seamless journey.

Check-In

The check-in experience at Calala Island set the tone for the exceptional service that would define the stay. Upon arriving by boat, we were warmly greeted by the staff with a welcoming song and presented with fresh coconuts—a refreshing touch after the journey.

We were then escorted to the dining area for a comprehensive briefing about the island, its facilities and the experiences available to us. This informal yet informative introduction helped us quickly acclimate to island life. Following the briefing, we were personally shown to our room, marking the beginning of our island retreat.

The Room at Calala Island

Our room at Calala Island was the perfect embodiment of tropical luxury. Upon entering, we were greeted by a spacious bedroom area dominated by a large, comfortable bed encircled by a romantic mosquito net—both a practical and aesthetically pleasing feature that added to the island ambiance.

The room’s decor was thoughtfully curated to reflect the island’s natural beauty, with local shells artfully incorporated into the design. This attention to detail created a seamless connection between the interior space and the stunning surroundings.

To the side of the bed, there was a comfortable couch and a bathroom area. The design and amenities continued the theme of island-inspired luxury with high-quality fixtures and toiletries.

The absence of air conditioning, due to the island’s eco-friendly, off-grid power system, was noticeable at times. However, the natural ventilation and the room’s design helped mitigate the warmth, ensuring our comfort throughout our stay.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the room was its ability to capture the essence of island living. The “island vibe” permeated every aspect of the space, from the shell decorations to the overall layout, creating a serene retreat that perfectly complements the natural beauty of Calala Island.

Outside of the room, we had a large patio with a table that was perfect to watch the sunset from and a hammock under a canopy, perfect for hot afternoons. There were also two chaise lounges, but I preferred the hammock or the pool.

Food and Drink

The culinary experience at Calala Island was a highlight of our stay, elevating the all-inclusive concept to new heights.

Breakfast and lunch offered a la carte menus, allowing us to customize our dining experience to our preferences. The ability to enjoy fresh lobster daily was a particular treat, showcasing the island’s access to exceptional seafood.

Dinner at Calala Island was an event in itself, featuring a fixed menu that changed nightly. With seven different dinner options rotating throughout the week, even guests staying for a full week would enjoy a diverse culinary journey. These multi-course affairs ranged from seafood feasts to gourmet meat dishes, BBQ nights and even a fine-dining experience that would rival fancy restaurants with much easier access to supplies.

Adding to the indulgence, all alcoholic drinks were included in our stay. This comprehensive approach to food and beverage not only enhanced the luxury feel of the resort but also allowed us to fully relax and enjoy every aspect of island life without concern for additional costs.

Calala Island offers a range of amenities that perfectly complement its idyllic setting. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the shoreline infinity pool with a swim-up bar, providing breathtaking views of the turquoise Caribbean waters whether you’re swimming laps, reading a book or having a refreshing afternoon drink.

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the Mangrove Spa provides a serene retreat nestled within the island’s natural landscape. Here, guests can indulge in a variety of treatments designed to soothe and revitalize. I heard positive things from other guests during my stay but did not visit the spa myself. This is one aspect of Calala Island that does have an additional charge.

Water enthusiasts will appreciate the complimentary access to kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear, allowing for exploration of the vibrant marine life surrounding the island. During our stay, we particularly enjoyed kayaking around the island and seeing a unique perspective of our small tropical haven.

Calala Island offers a handful of other half- and full-day activities, including visiting nearby islands, fishing and visiting the nearby town of Pearl Lagoon. I was intrigued by these activities, but with a relatively short stay, I didn’t want to leave the island. In retrospect, I wish I had made time to go fishing (or stayed a few nights longer so I would have had more time!).

Calala Island Family Friendliness

While Calala Island officially welcomes children of all ages, it’s important to note that the resort’s intimate atmosphere and focus on tranquility may be more suitable for older children and adults. With a maximum occupancy of just 12 guests and no dedicated children’s facilities like a kids’ club or pool, opportunities for younger children to socialize with peers may be limited. The island’s emphasis on relaxation and exclusive experiences suggests that it’s best suited for families with older children who can appreciate the unique settings and activities offered. No children were present on the island during our stay.

Final Thoughts on Calala Island

My stay at Calala Island was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that exceeded all expectations. The combination of breathtaking natural beauty, exceptional service, gourmet dining and exclusive amenities created an unparalleled luxury retreat—that cost me $0 out-of-pocket thanks to my travel rewards. While the journey to reach the island may be long, the reward is a secluded paradise that offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

The ability to book this extraordinary property using loyalty points or certificates makes it an even more attractive option for travelers seeking the ultimate luxury experience. Despite minor drawbacks like the lack of air conditioning and the presence of biting insects, these inconveniences pale in comparison to the overall magnificence of Calala Island.

For those seeking an intimate, all-inclusive Caribbean getaway that redefines luxury and exclusivity, Calala Island stands in a league of its own. My only regret is not staying longer to fully immerse myself in all that this remarkable destination has to offer. Calala Island will linger in your memories long after you’ve returned to the mainland.