we couldn't expect better. Well located in a quiet place in the middle of the forest. The room was was very pleasant and the deck very peaceful. We really enjoyed the overall atmosphere. But what was the best point in this hotel are the services that it offers to the guests: free bike (very useful to visit the island), delicious breakfast made with local product from the farm, possibility to order meals in the restaurant that belongs to the hotels (and free delivery directly in your room), free transportation from Balgue to the hotel. No need to think to another place to stay for our next visit.

I really recommend this place for people interested in the Island of Ometepe in Nicaragua. Casa del Bosque is ideal for people interested in supporting community based tourism and local 'farm to fork' value chains. If this sort of thing is of interest to you, this house is a really bargain and leave feeling that you're a part of a much larger, positive effort.

The house has three rooms at the moment and will have four. The rooms have a mosquito net and a lovely veranda overseeing a working farm. The veranda is full of hammocks and chairs to read and have some privacy while overlooking the forest and farm. The floors are made of beautiful wood and there are lovely wooden beams exposed on the wall and in the ceiling. The bathrooms are beautiful and the toilets are self contained compost toilets that are cleaned out every day or so. The showers are with cold water. This house and farm is a labor of love.

Once the sun rises, the sounds of birds woke me up but it was lovely but if you're looking for complete quiet this might not be for you. Also, the light can wake you up if you don't have a sleeping mask.

The morning breakfast is lovely and is served family-style with any other guests staying in the house. If you want a variety or a diet with a bit more fibre I recommend bringing your own oatmeal. The breakfast is usually platano, stir-fried tomatoes and eggs. Sometimes there's bread or hashbrowns and local coffee is always served. The staff is very friendly and tend to clean the rooms and the house while you eat.

This place is particularly great for people who don't mind walking about a kilometer and a half from the central Balgue to the farm. There's a bit of a climb and at night you'll need a head lamp. That being said, Ben is super helping and often you can get a ride (sometimes for a modest fee) from the house to the Cafe Campestre!

I also recommend you have plenty of deet (above 40% or so) to help ward off the insects. The rooms themselves seem not to have many insects but using the net provide is a good idea. If you have stomach issues, you might consider bringing your own water but all in all the filter water provided for free at the house seems to be very good and filters out 99% of most parasites and bacteria.

Ben is wonderful with helping you set up local hikes. Make sure to read the book in the house with his recommendations. He's incredible friendly and approachable and willing to tell you all about his farm, house and his general work in the area. He really walks the talk as he employs 47 local people and supplies the island with his sustainable, organic farm produce and meat.

He offers bikes for you to borrow and can set up with motor rentals.

Ben has a restaurant called Cafe Campestre in Balgue and is the best place nearby to eat - we had all our other meals there!

All in all, this place is a really special find and you'll have an off-the-beaten path, memorable experience if you stay here!