DETOURS
HOT LIST Worth the Trek By Emma Gregg
Five fabulous, eco-friendly island destinations you’ve probably never heard of.
W
here land and sea meet, natural wonders occur. Thanks to their imaginative approaches to sustainability, these remote islands are leading the way to a greener future.
12 • Vacations ® • Spring 2022
ISLETAS DE GRANADA, NICARAGUA: BIRDS, MONKEYS AND VOLCANO VIEWS How many of us have dreamt of creating our own island hideaway, tucked among the trees? That’s exactly what drew an eclectic assortment of settlers to the islets scattered around Lake Nicaragua’s Asese Peninsula at the foot of Mombacho Volcano. There are said to be 365 in all – one for each day of the year – including Castillo San Pablo, whose 18thcentury fortress was built to defend the lakeside city of Granada
against Caribbean pirates, and Jicaro, a low-key-luxe haven for birdwatchers and other nature lovers. Rich in vegetation, around threequarters of the islets are occupied – some by private homes, others by restaurants or ecolodges. The most alluring spots are totally off-the-grid with solar panels and natural ventilation. Day trips by boat from the beach southeast of Granada zip you from islet to islet, landing here and there.
